Maktar MiniMax portable SSD review: compact power that supercharges your iPhone

The Maktar MiniMax feels like the storage upgrade my iPhone has always needed. It offers serious speed, up to 2TB of space, and connects directly—no adapters, no apps, just plug and go—making it an incredibly compact and powerful way to handle 4K footage, large files, and daily backups without breaking a sweat.

Maktar MiniMax portable SSD in use

If you’ve ever run out of space mid-shoot, struggled to transfer massive files from your iPhone, or wished you had a plug-and-play SSD that didn’t require clunky adapters or tedious apps—yeah, same here. That’s why when I first read about MiniMax, I was instantly intrigued. A sleek, high-speed SSD designed specifically to expand your iPhone’s capabilities? Sign me up.

Now, after digging into what it offers, I can confidently say this: MiniMax is not just a storage upgrade—it’s a game-changer for mobile creators, gamers, and anyone who’s tired of the limits of traditional drives.

Tiny Size, Massive Potential

First impressions matter, and MiniMax nails it. It’s small enough to slide into your pocket or even snap to the back of your iPhone (thanks to the MagSafe-compatible design). But despite its tiny footprint, it’s surprisingly robust—offering up to 2TB of storage with speeds that can rival some full-size SSDs. It’s like carrying a mini-server in your pocket, minus the bulk, noise, or setup fuss.

No external apps, no adapters, no weird compatibility issues. Just plug it in and go.

The iPhone Upgrade I Didn’t Know I Needed

As an iPhone user, I’ve gotten used to certain limitations—especially around storage and file management. Recording 4K ProRes video? That eats through internal storage faster than you can say “insufficient space.” Transferring those files? Often slow and clunky. That’s where MiniMax steps in.

It connects directly to your iPhone’s Lightning or USB-C port with zero friction. You can shoot 4K ProRes footage straight to MiniMax—no dropped frames, no lag, no panicked storage cleanups in the middle of a shoot. And when you’re done, transferring that footage to a MacBook or editing station is instant.

This thing doesn’t just expand your storage—it expands what your iPhone can actually do.

Speed That Keeps Up

MiniMax runs on USB 3.2 Gen 2, offering up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speeds. Translation? You can move huge files—4K videos, game backups, raw photos—in seconds, not minutes.

Where other portable SSDs throttle after extended transfers, MiniMax stays cool and steady thanks to its internal RGB cooling fan. And no, the fan isn’t just for show. It quietly keeps things at optimal temperature (25.6 dB, which is whisper quiet), so you don’t lose speed just when you need it most.

The RGB lighting? A bonus. It adds a nice visual flair without going overboard.

Real-Time Control and Insights

One of my favorite features is the built-in LCD display. It gives you live stats—transfer speeds, power draw, remaining storage. It’s one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have it. No more wondering if a file is still transferring or how much space you’ve got left. It’s all right there, in real time.

This kind of feedback is something you usually only see in much more expensive pro-grade gear, and it’s seriously helpful.

Perfect Fit for Creators, Gamers, and Professionals

If you work in content creation, MiniMax is basically your new best friend. Capture footage. Edit on the fly. Keep every project at your fingertips—without bogging down your phone or laptop’s internal drive.

But it’s not just for creatives. Gamers, listen up: MiniMax supports installation and direct play on next-gen consoles like Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox. Load times are noticeably faster, and with 2TB on board, you can keep more games ready to play—without sacrificing your favorites for space.

Even if your workflow is just regular productivity—moving big files between clients, backing up documents, transferring high-res images—MiniMax handles it all without blinking.

Seamless Versatility Across Devices

One of MiniMax’s biggest selling points is how easy it is to use across different devices. iPhone? Check. iPad? Absolutely. MacBook? Seamless. Android phone? Sure thing. Steam Deck, PS5, even a console or tablet? Yep.

And here’s the kicker: you don’t need an app for any of it.

Just plug in using the included USB-C cables or Lightning adapter, and you’re off to the races. This plug-and-play functionality makes it feel effortless, which—let’s be honest—isn’t always the case with external storage.

Plus, that extra USB-C port on MiniMax? It’s there for accessories. So you can plug in headphones, a mic, or even a USB-C light while recording or editing. That small touch adds a lot of flexibility.

Built for the Real World

MiniMax isn’t just about specs—it’s built to handle real-world use. Whether you’re filming outdoors, editing in a coffee shop, or gaming in bed, it’s light, tough, and easy to carry. It doesn’t feel fragile, and it doesn’t overheat under pressure.

It even includes both short and long connector options, so it works comfortably with different phone sizes and case styles. Add in that magnetic snap-on feature, and you’ve got something that actually feels integrated into your mobile workflow—not just attached to it.

Minor Gripes

Are there any downsides? A few minor ones.

• Price: It’s not the cheapest SSD out there, but considering what you get—speed, reliability, design—it feels justified.
• No onboard battery: It’s powered through your device, which means slightly more power draw from your phone or tablet. For most people, this won’t be an issue, but it’s worth mentioning.

That’s about it. Everything else? Solid.

Final Thoughts: A Storage Upgrade That Actually Matters

MiniMax isn’t just another external drive. It’s the kind of tool that quietly transforms your workflow—especially if you’re working with high-res media or juggling multiple devices daily. It eliminates the friction between your iPhone and your other tools, giving you fast, reliable storage that actually keeps up with your needs.

Whether you’re capturing ProRes footage in the field, loading up games, editing from the road, or just tired of deleting files to make room, MiniMax delivers. Compact. Powerful. Dependable. And yes, cool-looking too.

Would I recommend it? 100%. If your iPhone is your camera, your workstation, your media hub—or all of the above—MiniMax is the perfect partner to make it all easier.