RAOYI 256GB USB C External SSD, 2-in-1 Solid State Drive Up to 450MB/s Dual USB 3.2 + Type-C Thumb Drive Portable SSD Drive for iPhone 15/16/17, Android, Tablet, PC and PS4
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AI Verdict
This 256GB USB 3.2 SSD offers 450MB/s read and 400MB/s write speeds with both USB-A and USB-C ports, ideal for quick file transfers between modern and older devices.
This RAOYI 256GB SSD is a situational fit because its dual USB-C and USB-A connectivity is genuinely useful for bridging devices, but its real-world transfer speed of around 111 MB/s for large files is significantly lower than the advertised 450MB/s, impacting its utility for demanding tasks. The 256GB capacity is also a limiting factor for heavy users.
If you need consistently faster speeds for large file transfers, look for drives with a guaranteed sustained write speed closer to 400MB/s or higher, often indicated by USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 or Thunderbolt interfaces.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Features both USB-C and USB-A connectors for broad compatibility with devices like iPhone 15/16/17, Android, tablets, and PCs.
- Advertises read speeds up to 450MB/s and write speeds up to 400MB/s, significantly faster than traditional USB 3.0 drives.
- Constructed with a zinc alloy casing and high-grade TLC memory particles, providing drop protection.
- Supports plug-and-play functionality across Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac OS, formatted as exFAT.
- Compact design allows for easy portability in a pocket or bag.
Cons
- Real-world transfer speeds observed at around 111 MB/s for a 40GB file, falling short of the advertised 450MB/s.
- The 256GB capacity might be limiting for users needing to store large volumes of 4K video or extensive game libraries.
- Not compatible with Lightning port devices, requiring a USB-C connection for newer iPhones.
- The dual-head cover design, while protective, could be cumbersome for some users.
Dimension Scores
Advertised at 450MB/s read, but a 40GB file transfer test showed actual speeds closer to 111 MB/s, which is below average for an SSD.
The zinc alloy casing and TLC memory particles suggest physical durability, but long-term data reliability cannot be fully assessed from available information.
256GB is an average capacity for a budget portable SSD, suitable for documents and photos but limited for large media files.
The 2-in-1 USB-C and USB-A design offers broad compatibility across smartphones, tablets, PCs, and gaming consoles, including iPhone 15/16/17.
Best For
- Transferring photos and documents between an iPhone 15/16/17 and a laptop.
- Expanding storage for Android phones or tablets that support USB-C.
- Quickly moving smaller files for school or work presentations.
- Backing up essential documents from a PC or Mac.
Not Recommended For
- Storing extensive 4K video libraries or large game installations.
- Users who primarily rely on Lightning port devices.
- Applications requiring sustained high-speed data transfer for very large files.
Watch Out For
- The advertised 'up to 450MB/s' speed might be misleading; a real-world test showed a 40GB file transfer at approximately 111 MB/s, which is 75% slower than the claimed maximum.
- While it has a metal casing, the dual-head cover could potentially be lost or become loose over time, exposing the connectors.
- The 256GB capacity, while sufficient for documents and photos, will fill up quickly with 4K video files or large software installations.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0FBX1WML5 |
| Brand | RAOYI |
| Color | Gray |
| Series | 256USBC |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive |
| Item Weight | 1.76 ounces |
| Manufacturer | RAOYI |
| Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
| Special Feature | Dust Resistant, High Speed USB 3.2, Portable, Shock Resistant, Waterproof |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | RAOYI-256USBC |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet, Television |
| Product Dimensions | 2.6 x 0.79 x 0.33 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Drive Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Hard Drive |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.6 x 0.79 x 0.33 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
What Buyers Say
The most striking observation from a detailed review is the significant gap between advertised and actual transfer speeds; a 40GB file took nearly 6 minutes to transfer, indicating speeds around 111 MB/s, far from the 'up to 450MB/s' claim. Despite this, the reviewer found the dual USB-A and USB-C connectivity genuinely useful and appreciated the metal construction. The drive is praised for its sturdy build and dual connectivity, making it convenient for various devices, but its performance for large data transfers might disappoint.
“Okay, so it's metal and has both USBs which is cool, but seriously, 6 minutes for 40 gigs? My old drive feels faster sometimes, what's up with that 450MB/s claim?!”
Common Praise
- The dual USB-C and USB-A connections are super convenient for different devices.
- It feels really sturdy because of the metal case, not like cheap plastic drives.
- It's plug-and-play, so you just stick it in and it works with Windows, Mac, Android, whatever.
- The compact size makes it easy to carry around without thinking about it.
Common Complaints
- Transferring a 40GB file took almost 6 minutes, which is way slower than the 450MB/s advertised speed.
- 256GB isn't a ton of space if you're trying to move a bunch of big video files.
- The dual-head cover, while protective, could be fiddly or get lost.
Ownership Tips
- The metal casing holds up well to daily bumps and being tossed in a bag.
- The dual connectors mean you rarely need an adapter, which is a huge plus for mixed-device users.
- For smaller files like documents or photos, the speed feels perfectly fine.
- You'll probably want to keep an eye on the capacity if you're constantly moving large video projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work with older computers that only have USB-A ports?
Yes, it features both a USB-A and a USB-C connector, so it's compatible with older USB-A ports as well as newer USB-C ports.
Can I use this to store games for my PS4?
Yes, the product specifications list PS4 as a compatible device, allowing you to expand your console's storage.
Is it compatible with iPhones?
It's compatible with iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series due to their USB-C ports. It is not compatible with iPhones that use a Lightning port.
What is the default format of the drive?
The drive comes pre-formatted in exFAT, which ensures broad compatibility across Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android systems.
Is the casing durable?
The drive uses a sturdy zinc alloy casing, which is described as drop-proof, and includes a double-head cover for interface protection.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at external SSDs, don't just stare at the 'up to' speed numbers; those are often best-case scenarios. Think about what you'll actually be moving and how often. If it's just documents and photos, almost any SSD will feel fast enough. But if you're dealing with huge video files or game backups, sustained write speeds are what really matter, not just the burst speed. Also, consider the connectors you need – USB-C is standard now, but USB-A is still everywhere.
Capacity (256GB)
This is how much stuff you can store. Think of it like a bucket; a 256GB bucket is fine for everyday documents and a few hundred photos, but it'll overflow quickly if you try to put a whole movie collection or several large games in it.
Interface (USB 3.2 + Type-C)
This tells you how the drive connects and how fast it *can* talk to your devices. USB 3.2 is a modern standard, and having both Type-C (the small, reversible one) and USB-A (the classic rectangular one) means it'll plug into almost anything without an adapter.
Transfer Speed (Up to 450MB/s)
This is how quickly files move on and off the drive. Imagine it as the width of a highway; a wider highway (higher MB/s) means more cars (data) can pass through at once, making transfers faster. But remember, 'up to' means it's the theoretical maximum, not what you'll always get.
Alternatives
If 256GB isn't enough, look for drives with 500GB or 1TB capacity. For faster actual transfer speeds, search for models specifically mentioning USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 or Thunderbolt 3/4, and check for reviews that confirm sustained high write speeds for large files.
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