When we got the Mag-Vault for review we were hoping for a clever on-the-go solution for the iPhone, but after a week of testing it mostly sits in the drawer. Priced at ₹2,999 (MRP ₹3,999), it feels overpriced for what is essentially a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 card reader with a magnetic twist and 100W PD pass-through.
The design is the highlight, it snaps magnetically to MagSafe iPhones (or any phone with the included metal ring) while plugging into the USB-C port. Dual slots handle full-size SD and microSD cards up to 2TB each, with claimed speeds of 160 MB/s read / 120 MB/s write. You can copy between cards, offload ProRes/8K videos, or back up photos directly from the Files app,no extra software needed. But who actually does this, as phone are not really file storage options given limited storage space?!
The PD pass-through is useful: plug a charger into the reader and your phone charges at full speed while transferring. It works plug-and-play on iOS 17+, Android, Windows, and macOS, and the upright stand is stable on a desk.
That said, real-world use is extremely limited. Most people (including me) already run low on phone storage, so importing huge files from a camera card just fills it faster. Offloading from phone to card does free space, but it’s a niche workflow, maybe for vloggers, drone operators, shooting 4K/8K on their iPhone who want cloud-free backups between takes. For everyone else, it’s overkill. On a laptop or tablet I’d rather grab a ₹500 traditional USB-C reader; the MagSafe magnet and pass-through add zero value there.
If you’re a heavy mobile content creator who shoots using a digital camera, who lives in the Files app and hates cloud uploads, the Mag-Vault’s magnetic convenience and simultaneous charging are redeeming features worth the premium. For normal users? It’s just another card reader, functional but expensive and situational. I’d wait for a further price drop or stick with cheaper alternatives.
Price: ₹2,999,https://www.ultraprolink.com/products/mag-vault-mag-safe-magnetic-sd-microsd-card-reader-with-100w-pd-pass-through-um1271
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