Lexar D50E 256GB Solid State Dual Drive, USB Flash Drive Up to 400MB/s Read, 360MB/s Write High-Performance, USB-C & USB-A Port, Metal Housing Swivel Design, Compatible with iPhone 17, Android, PC
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AI Verdict
This 256GB dual USB-C and USB-A solid-state drive offers 400MB/s read and 360MB/s write speeds for quick file transfers across devices.
This drive is a situational fit because its dual USB-C and USB-A connectors and advertised speeds of 400MB/s read and 360MB/s write are highly convenient for cross-device transfers. However, its utility is diminished if your devices lack modern USB 3.2 ports, as speeds will drop, and the absence of built-in security features might be a dealbreaker for some.
If you need consistent high-speed transfers across all your devices, ensure they support USB 3.2 Gen 1 or higher; otherwise, consider a drive with lower advertised speeds at a lower price point.
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Pros
- Features both USB-C and USB-A connectors, allowing compatibility with a wide range of devices including iPhone 17, Android, and PC.
- Achieves read speeds up to 400MB/s and write speeds up to 360MB/s, providing file transfers 4X faster than a 100 MB/s USB 3.0 drive.
- Includes a durable metal housing and swivel design to protect the connectors during travel.
- Offers a free Lexar App for Photo Backup on iOS and Android devices, simplifying media management.
Cons
- Actual performance may vary and speeds can be limited by older USB ports.
- The Lexar App Photo Backup function does not support iCloud content backup.
- Lacks built-in software for password protection or secure file deletion, a feature found on some other Lexar drives.
- Default file system formatting might restrict single file sizes, potentially requiring reformatting for large files.
Dimension Scores
The drive offers 400MB/s read and 360MB/s write speeds, which is significantly faster than typical USB 3.0 flash drives.
Lexar products undergo extensive testing for performance, quality, and reliability, and the metal housing adds physical durability.
At 256GB, it's a common mid-range capacity for flash drives, suitable for many users but not for carrying an entire content library.
With both USB-C and USB-A connectors, it offers broad compatibility across iPhone 17, Android, PC, and Mac systems without needing adapters.
Best For
- Quickly transferring large video files between a USB-C smartphone and a USB-A laptop.
- Expanding storage for an iPhone 17 or Android device for media offloading.
- Students or professionals needing to move documents and presentations between various computers and mobile devices.
- Users who frequently switch between USB-C and USB-A ports without needing adapters.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring integrated hardware encryption or password protection for sensitive data.
- Anyone expecting maximum advertised speeds on older USB 2.0 or slower USB 3.0 ports.
- Backing up iCloud content directly via the Lexar app.
Watch Out For
- The drive's high speeds (400MB/s read, 360MB/s write) will be throttled significantly when plugged into older USB ports, such as USB 2.0 or even slower USB 3.0 ports, meaning you won't see the advertised performance.
- The Lexar App Photo Backup specifically states it does not support iCloud content backup, so iPhone users relying on iCloud for photos will need an alternative method.
- Out of the box, many flash drives, including similar Lexar models, come formatted in FAT32, which limits individual file sizes to 4GB; transferring larger files requires reformatting to exFAT or NTFS.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 843367143818 |
| ASIN | B0GFVKMFX1 |
| Brand | Lexar |
| Color | 256GB |
| Model Name | D50E |
| Read Speed | 400 Megabytes Per Second |
| Item Weight | 1 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Lexar Co.,LTD. |
| Special Feature | Dual USB Connector |
| Flash Memory Type | USB |
| Item model number | LJDD50E256G-BNSAU |
| Hardware Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 2.49"D x 0.4"W x 0.63"H |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
What Buyers Say
The most compelling aspect of this drive is its dual USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it genuinely useful for people constantly switching between different devices like phones and laptops. While it boasts 400MB/s read and 360MB/s write speeds, users should be aware that these speeds are dependent on the USB port it's plugged into; older ports will significantly reduce performance. The Lexar App for photo backup is a specific draw for mobile users, though the lack of iCloud support is a limitation. The metal housing and swivel design are practical for daily use, protecting the connectors from wear and tear.
“Needed something for my new iPhone 17 and my old work laptop, this thing actually works on both, but yeah, don't expect it to fly on the old USB port, still faster than my old thumb drive though.”
Common Praise
- The dual USB-C and USB-A connectors eliminate the need for multiple drives or adapters for different devices.
- Advertised speeds of 400MB/s read and 360MB/s write make file transfers noticeably quicker than older USB 3.0 drives.
- The metal housing and swivel design feel sturdy and protect the drive's connectors.
- Compatibility with iPhone 17, Android, and PC means it works with almost any device you own.
- The Lexar App provides a straightforward way to back up photos from mobile devices.
Common Complaints
- Speeds drop considerably when connected to older USB 2.0 or slower USB 3.0 ports, not reaching the advertised maximums.
- The Lexar App does not support iCloud backup, which is a specific limitation for iPhone users.
- No mention of password protection or encryption software, which some users expect for sensitive data.
- Potential need to reformat from FAT32 to exFAT/NTFS to transfer single files larger than 4GB.
Ownership Tips
- The swivel mechanism feels robust after repeated use, not getting loose or flimsy.
- The metal casing can get warm during extended high-speed transfers, but it doesn't seem to affect performance.
- The small size makes it easy to misplace, especially with the swivel design making it less bulky.
- The Lexar app is functional for basic photo backup, but don't expect advanced file management features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this drive work with older USB 2.0 ports?
Yes, it is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports, but the transfer speeds will be much slower than the advertised 400MB/s read and 360MB/s write.
Can I use this to back up my iPhone photos?
Yes, the free Lexar App Photo Backup function is available for iOS devices to back up and manage media. However, it does not support iCloud content backup.
Is the drive durable?
The drive features a durable metal housing and a swivel design, which helps protect the USB-A and USB-C connectors from damage.
What is the maximum file size I can transfer?
While the drive's capacity is 256GB, if it's formatted in FAT32 (common for flash drives), individual files are limited to 4GB. You can reformat it to exFAT or NTFS to transfer larger files.
Does it come with any security features like password protection?
No, the Lexar D50E does not list built-in software for password protection or secure file deletion. Some other Lexar models, like the D400, offer Lexar DataShield, but it's not specified for this model.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a flash drive like this, you're really buying convenience and speed for moving files around. You need to think about what devices you'll plug it into most often. If you have a mix of newer USB-C phones and older USB-A computers, a dual-connector drive saves you from carrying adapters. Also, consider the size of the files you move; if it's mostly documents, speed isn't as critical, but for 4K video, those MB/s numbers start to matter.
Read/Write Speed (400MB/s Read, 360MB/s Write)
This tells you how fast files can be copied to and from the drive. Think of it like a highway: higher numbers mean more lanes and a higher speed limit, so your data gets where it's going quicker. For large files, this means minutes instead of hours.
Dual USB-C & USB-A Port
This is like having a universal key for your digital locks. USB-C is on newer phones and laptops, while USB-A is on older computers. Having both means you can plug into almost anything without needing a separate adapter, which is a huge convenience.
Capacity (256GB)
This is how much data the drive can hold, like the size of a storage box. 256GB is enough for thousands of photos, hundreds of songs, or a few hours of high-definition video. Make sure it's enough for your typical use, but don't overpay for space you won't use.
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't fit, look for models with higher capacities if you need to store more data, or drives with integrated hardware encryption if data security is a top priority.
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