Lexar Armor 700 review

The Lexar Armor 700 is a portable SSD drive equipped with a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 connection, enabling ultra-fast transfer rates of up to 2000MB/s. This makes it an ideal option for videographers and photographers who need a high-performance storage solution for working both in the field and at home in the studio.

This compact drive is available in multiple iterations: 1TB, 2TB (the version reviewed here), and 4 TB. Each drive is housed in a rubberised case, which provides additional protection against knocks and drops and gives it more durability compared to standard compact SSDs like the SL500.

Similar to the SL500, the Lexar Armor 700 supports Apple ProRes recording, allowing it to connect to devices like the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. Additionally, it can be used as direct storage for compatible cameras such as the Blackmagic 6K, enhancing its versatility for various professional applications.

This SSD’s combination of high-speed performance, rugged design, and versatile compatibility makes it an excellent choice for professionals who need reliable and fast storage on the go.

The Lexar Armor 700 Portable SSD is a strikingly designed compact storage drive. Its subtly curved top and bottom edges give it a sleek and aesthetically pleasing look. The slightly rubberised enclosure is a standout feature, providing a non-slip surface that ensures the drive stays put, even when placed on less stable surfaces—a significant advantage when working in the field where a table might not always be available.

The drive’s sole connection to your computer is via a USB Type-C connector, specifically USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which enables ultra-fast transfer rates.

Adjacent to the USB Type-C port is a small status indicator. This indicator is extremely small and can be easily missed, but it serves a crucial function by showing that the drive is working and connected. It flashes during data transfers, providing a clear visual indication of activity.

Connecting the Armor 700 to a computer is straightforward: simply plug it in, and it’s ready to go. The drive comes preformatted with the universal ExFat format and includes software on the drive to set it up for both Mac and PC. Reformatting the drive to your preferred file system is recommended for optimal performance. Additionally, the included Lexar DataShield software provides 256-bit AES encryption, offering software security to prevent unauthorised access to your data.

One of the main features of the Lexar Armor 700 is its rugged build, making it more robust than your average SSD. This ruggedness, highlighted by the rubberised surround, means it can withstand more wear and tear, making it perfect for use with a variety of devices. Whether connected to a computer, camera, or smartphone, as long as these devices have a USB Type-C connector, the SSD can be recognised and used as expanded storage. This versatility is especially useful for shooting high-resolution video on devices like the iPhone 15 Pro or Android phones that support external SSDs.

The drive’s robustness is reinforced by its IP66 certification. While this doesn’t mean the drive is waterproof, it does ensure that it is dustproof and can withstand small amounts of water being sprayed on it—though it shouldn’t be submerged.

The Armor 700’s small size is extremely handy in practical use, whether connected to a computer, camera, or smartphone. Coupled with its large capacity and ultra-fast transfer speeds, these features make it one of the most compact, high-capacity, fast storage devices available. Its rugged build ensures it is durable and easy to use, providing a decent storage solution in various scenarios, from studio work to field shoots.

Outwardly, the Lexar Armor 700 is relatively simple and stylish, featuring a hard rubberised outer shell that provides extra protection compared to standard SSDs. This protective casing not only enhances its durability but also gives it a sleek look. The single port enables USB Type-C connection with computers and other devices, enabling the ultra-fast data transfers that are offered by the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connection. The status light is another nice feature on the exterior, indicating drive activity. When it comes to size and weight, it’s very compact, essentially palm-sized, measuring approximately 86 x 54 x 13 mm, and weighing 80g without the data cable, all of which makes it highly portable.

In terms of capacity, the Armor 700 comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options. Each of these drives can achieve maximum transfer rates of up to 2000MB/s for both read and write operations, making it one of the fastest SSDs on the market. This high speed is enabled by the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, which provides both data transfer and power through a single cable. It’s essential to use the high-capacity cable supplied with the drive and ensure your computer supports the Gen 2×2 protocol to take full advantage of these speeds.

The Armor 700 is designed to be rugged, as highlighted by its rubberised exterior. It’s dust, water, and drop-proof, with an IP66 rating. This means it can withstand dust and brief water exposure, although it shouldn’t be submerged. Thanks to its armoured construction, the drive can also endure drops from heights of up to 3 meters.

One of the increasing trends in SSDs is their compatibility with devices beyond just computers. The Armor 700 supports this trend, being fully compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as many Android phones that support USB Type-C connections. For instance, when connected to the iPhone 15 Pro, you can access Apple ProRes recording and capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. Similarly, the drive can be used with compatible cameras that support external storage, provided the correct settings are selected in the camera’s menu system.

A significant feature when using the drive with a computer is the inclusion of Lexar DataShield, a 256-bit AES encryption security solution. This can be installed when you first run the drive using the software included or downloaded directly from Lexar’s website. This security feature is particularly useful for protecting images or videos stored on the SSD, especially when working in the field, where the risk of losing the drive or theft is higher.

Like all Lexar SSDs, the Armor 700 comes with a five-year limited warranty. If there are any issues due to manufacturer defects, Lexar offers replacement services.

When testing the Lexar Armor 700 SSD, I looked at several different scenarios to assess its real-world performance. The first test was to edit video and images on a MacBook Pro M1 Max, followed by using the SSD with an iPhone 15 to check its ProRes recording capabilities and finally connecting it to a Blackmagic 4K camera as an external recorder.

Starting with the MacBook Pro, the connection was straightforward. Initially, I kept the drive’s universal format, ExFat, given the need to use it with various devices. The MacBook Pro recognised the drive instantly, allowing me to begin work. The first test involved editing a 4K video captured on a Canon EOS R5 C in DaVinci Resolve. The 2TB storage capacity was more than adequate for the video files for this small project, and there were no issues with transfer speeds. Editing in DaVinci Resolve was smooth, with the drive maintaining consistent performance without overheating. Similarly, in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, the drive handled high-resolution images effortlessly, showing no slowdown in workflow.

When testing the drive’s speed using Blackmagic Disk Speed Test and AJA System Test Lite, the performance was slightly below expectations due to the MacBook Pro’s Thunderbolt 4 connection. Despite Thunderbolt 4 being faster, the drive’s speed was throttled to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 compatibility, resulting in lower transfer speeds.

Switching to a Windows 11 Intel NUC 9 Ghost Canyon with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, the drive’s performance aligned more closely with Lexar’s quoted speeds. The drive excelled in editing tasks in both DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro, handling large files with ease and maintaining fast transfer rates. The 2TB storage was ample for video editing and general data storage, proving adequate for a 15-minute video edit.

The next test involved connecting the SSD to an iPhone 15 Pro. This was also straightforward, with the cable connecting to the phone’s base and the SSD port. Opening the camera app and selecting Apple ProRes as the recording format was seamless. However, the drive needed to be secured to the phone due to its loose connection. A strip of securing tape was kept in place during testing. The drive’s curved base meant it didn’t sit flush against the phone, causing occasional disconnection. Flattening the base would improve its stability when attached to the phone.

Due to its shape, mounting the SSD onto a camera was slightly tricky. While it could sit on a cage, a quarter-inch clamping system from Lexar or another manufacturer would simplify attachment. Using existing clamps, I managed to attach the drive securely but ended up using tried and tested zip ties to hold it in place; its slimline nature and compact size made it a great addition to the Blackmagic 4K camera. The 2TB capacity was ideal for capturing ample footage, and the drive’s speed kept up with the camera’s demands.

Performance tests : Intel PC

AJA Read: 1864MB/s Write: 1678MB/s
Crystal Disk Mark: Read: 2022.88MB/s Write: 1335.83MB/s
AS SSD: 1890MB/s Write: 1653MB/s
ATTO Disk test: 1930MB/s Write: 1750MB/s

In all three scenarios, the Lexar Armor 700 performed excellently, meeting the demands of storing and recording video and images. Its small size and lightweight design were beneficial, allowing easy positioning when working with a computer, smartphone, or camera cage. The additional protection from the rubberised exterior provided confidence when using the drive in the field.

Overall, the Lexar Armor 700 is a superb choice for those looking for a portable SSD with robustness and protection from the elements. It offers large capacity options, ultra-fast speeds with the right protocol, and durability. While this drive is expensive, it’s actually excellent value for money.

The first thing you notice about the Lexar Armor 700 is its compact size and stylish design. The curved form factor, combined with a rubberised exterior, offers a smooth and tactile finish. An additional design element is the slight texture along the edges, which provides an excellent grip. This feature is particularly handy when attaching and positioning the drive, as it provides additional purchase when clamping it to the side of a camera.

With 2TB of storage, the Armor 700 offers substantial capacity, though high-resolution footage from a Blackmagic 4K can quickly fill it up. However, for use with an iPhone 15 Pro or storing footage from a Canon EOS R5 C, there’s plenty of space and speed to transfer files at speed. The design helps avoid throttling issues caused by overheating, allowing for smooth editing.

One minor design issue is the curved base, which can make mounting the drive with a smartphone or camera a bit tricky. While not impossible, it requires a bit of innovation to secure the drive flush against the device. This doesn’t affect the performance, but ensuring the drive is firmly and securely attached is something to consider before heading out for an extensive shoot.

Ultimately, the Lexar Armor 700 is a superb choice for field use. It offers large capacity options, and with the correct protocol, it delivers ultra-fast speeds. Its robustness, combined with the price point, makes it an excellent value for money. This SSD is ideal for photographers and videographers looking for a durable, high-capacity, and fast storage solution.

Ultimately, if you want an SSD with a large capacity and fast transfer speeds to use in the field, then the Lexar Armor 700 is a superb choice.