AGI Mag EDM38 Review: Magnetic Speed Demon or Just Clingy Storage?

Running out of storage space mid-shoot on an iPhone 15 Pro? Waiting seemingly endless minutes for massive video files to transfer? Juggling bulky external hard drives that feel like relics from another era? These are common frustrations in today’s data-intensive world, where high-resolution photos, 4K (and even 8K) videos, and complex projects demand fast, reliable, and convenient storage solutions.

Enter the AGI Mag EDM38 portable SSD. This compact drive arrives promising a potent combination: the blistering speed of the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface and the unique convenience of a magnetic attachment system. It specifically targets users, particularly iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max owners recording in the storage-hungry ProRes format, who need external storage that keeps pace with their creative flow.

But does it deliver on these promises? This review dives deep into the AGI Mag EDM38, examining its design, specifications, real-world performance benchmarks, the practicality of its magnetic feature, and how it stacks up against the competition. Based on manufacturer specifications, independent tests, and expert analysis, this article aims to provide an honest, comprehensive assessment to help readers determine if the EDM38 is the right storage solution for their needs, aligning with the informative approach readers expect from prowell-tech.com.

Unboxing the Hype: Design, Build Quality, and First Feel

First impressions matter, and the AGI Mag EDM38 presents a distinct profile. It’s notably compact and lightweight, measuring just 62 x 62 x 11.5mm and weighing a mere 56 grams. This square, pocketable form factor is certainly less cumbersome than many traditional portable SSDs, making it easy to handle and carry.

The drive’s main body features a “High gloss texture (Plastic)” construction, available in both Black and White color options. While plastic is the primary material, one review noted the presence of “metal side trim” and described the plastic as “high-quality,” suggesting an attempt to blend aesthetics with practicality. A small lanyard loop on one corner adds a minor convenience. However, the reliance on plastic contrasts with several competitors in the premium portable SSD space that opt for more robust-feeling aluminum casings, such as the Lexar SL500, MSI DATAMAG, or SanDisk Pro-G40. While the EDM38’s plastic might be durable enough for everyday use, potential buyers prioritizing a premium feel or maximum ruggedness might perceive this material choice as a compromise, especially considering the drive’s performance tier and associated cost.

The standout design element is undoubtedly the magnetic attachment system. It’s explicitly designed for compatibility with Apple’s MagSafe standard, allowing it to snap directly onto the back of iPhone 15 series devices (and presumably later models). For users with Android phones or non-MagSafe cases, AGI thoughtfully includes a “sticky-back magnetic ring” accessory that adheres to the phone or case, enabling magnetic attachment. Reports suggest the magnetic connection is effective, described as having a “good magnetic hold”, being able “adhere firmly”, attaching “securely”, and even possessing “super strong adsorption power” according to some listings. It’s important to note, however, that this system is purely for attachment; MagSafe wireless charging is not supported through the drive.

Connectivity is handled via a single USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port. The drive ships with a necessary USB Type-C to Type-C cable, specified in some descriptions as being 135mm long and potentially a flat “ribbon cable” style. While functional, the cable design has drawn specific criticism. One detailed review pointed out that the standard, straight connector on the cable protrudes directly from the phone when the drive is magnetically attached. This arrangement can make the phone awkward and uncomfortable to hold, particularly during handheld video recording – one of the primary use cases promoted for the drive’s magnetic feature. A right-angle connector on the phone end of the cable would have been a more ergonomic choice. This seemingly small detail presents a practical usability challenge, potentially undermining the convenience the magnetic system aims to provide, especially for mobile videographers who rely on stable, comfortable handling.

Specs Decoded: What Makes the EDM38 Tick?

Beyond the physical design, the internal specifications define the drive’s capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key technical details:

Table 1: AGI Mag EDM38 Key Specifications

The headline feature driving the EDM38’s performance claims is its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface. This standard doubles the potential data lanes compared to the more common USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), offering a theoretical maximum throughput of 20 Gigabits per second (Gbps). This translates to the impressive claimed speeds of up to 2050 MB/s read and 1800 MB/s write.

However, accessing this level of performance is entirely dependent on the host device. The connected computer or laptop must possess a native USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port to unlock the drive’s full potential. These ports are not yet standard across all devices, particularly laptops and Macs. While desktop users can potentially add compatibility via a PCIe expansion card (requiring specific chipsets like the ASM3242 and additional power), laptop and mobile users are generally limited by their device’s built-in ports.

A crucial feature highlighted in the marketing is the drive’s support for Apple ProRes recording. It’s specifically advertised as capable of handling ProRes 4K at 60 frames per second (fps), with some product listings even mentioning 4K 120fps capability. Apple’s official requirements for external ProRes recording (up to 4K 60fps) mandate a drive with a USB-C connection capable of sustained write speeds of at least 220 MB/s. The EDM38 comfortably exceeds this minimum requirement, even when connected to slower 10Gbps ports, making it a viable option for this demanding workflow.

Speed Test Showdown: Benchmarks vs. Reality

Manufacturer claims are one thing; real-world performance is another. Fortunately, independent benchmark results provide valuable insights into the AGI Mag EDM38’s actual capabilities.

Testing conducted by TechRadar using various benchmark utilities on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 system yielded impressive numbers:

• ATTO Disk Benchmark: Read: 1930 MB/s, Write: 1739 MB/s
• AS SSD Benchmark: Read: 1897 MB/s, Write: 1665 MB/s
• AJA System Test Lite: Read: 1897 MB/s, Write: 1644 MB/s
• CrystalDiskMark: Read: 1944 MB/s, Write: 1818 MB/s

These results largely corroborate AGI’s advertised speeds (up to 2050 MB/s read, 1800 MB/s write). While slightly below the absolute maximum claims, the tested figures demonstrate that the drive can indeed deliver performance near the ceiling of the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface when connected to a compatible port.

The critical caveat, however, remains port compatibility. The same TechRadar review highlighted a significant performance bottleneck when connecting the EDM38 to a MacBook Pro’s Thunderbolt 4 port. Despite Thunderbolt 4 offering higher overall bandwidth (40Gbps), its USB compatibility mode in this scenario limited the drive to USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds (10Gbps). This effectively cuts the drive’s potential transfer rates in half, bringing performance down to around 1000 MB/s – similar to standard 10Gbps portable SSDs.

This limitation has significant implications for the drive’s value proposition. Many potential users, especially those attracted by the MagSafe compatibility for Macs or iPhones, may not have access to a native USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port. For these users, the EDM38 will perform comparably to less expensive 10Gbps drives like the Samsung T7 or Crucial X9 Pro. Paying a premium for the EDM38’s 20Gbps capability only makes financial sense if the user has the necessary port and requires that level of speed. Otherwise, the justification for its cost rests heavily on the perceived value of the magnetic feature or potentially superior sustained write performance necessary for specific tasks like uninterrupted high-bitrate ProRes recording, even if capped at 10Gbps speeds.

Regarding heat management, high-speed SSDs inevitably generate heat, which can impact performance and longevity. Despite its plastic casing, which is typically less effective at dissipating heat than the aluminum used in many competing drives, the EDM38 appears to handle thermals reasonably well. TechRadar’s testing involved a demanding 73-minute continuous 4K 60fps ProRes recording session, during which the drive became “warm” but crucially did not overheat. Furthermore, during hour-long stress tests using benchmarking tools on both mobile and desktop platforms, the drive remained “relatively cool”.

Minor thermal throttling (a protective mechanism where speeds are slightly reduced to manage heat) was observed during prolonged, intensive use, but it was characterized as “not unexpected or disruptive”. This suggests effective internal thermal design, allowing the drive to maintain consistent performance even under demanding workloads like video editing directly from the drive, a key use case for creative professionals. This reliable thermal performance, despite the plastic build, is a positive indicator for users planning to push the drive hard.

The Magnetic Pull: Is It a Useful Innovation?

The EDM38’s magnetic feature is its most obvious differentiator in a crowded market. But does this novelty translate into genuine practical benefit?

Based on available descriptions and reviews, the magnet itself seems effective. It provides a “good magnetic hold”, “attaches securely”, and “adheres firmly”, especially with MagSafe-compatible iPhones. The inclusion of the adhesive magnetic ring extends this convenience to Android users or those with non-MagSafe cases, though it does require sticking an accessory to the device.

The primary use case envisioned for this magnetic system is mobile content creation, particularly recording ProRes video directly from an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. Attaching the drive eliminates the need for complex cages or mounts just to hold the storage, simplifying the setup for run-and-gun shooting. It also offers general convenience for keeping the drive handy for quick backups or file transfers while on the move.

However, several factors temper the magnetic appeal. The previously mentioned awkwardness caused by the straight cable connector directly impacts handheld usability, creating friction precisely when the magnetic attachment should be most beneficial. While the drive itself is light (56g) and relatively thin (11.5mm), it still adds some bulk when attached to a phone. Furthermore, the magnet’s effectiveness might vary depending on the phone case used, and the adhesive ring solution for non-MagSafe devices might not appeal to all users.

Ultimately, the magnetic feature appears to be a niche convenience. Its strongest appeal lies with MagSafe iPhone users who frequently record video directly to external storage and value a simplified rig. For general-purpose backups or file transfers, the advantage over simply holding or pocketing a similarly sized non-magnetic SSD (like the Crucial X9 Pro or SK Hynix Beetle X31) might be marginal for many users, potentially not justifying any price premium or the ergonomic drawback of the cable design. Its utility seems tailored to a specific subset of mobile creators rather than offering a universally compelling advantage.

A Creator’s Dream? Tackling ProRes Recording

One of the AGI Mag EDM38’s most heavily marketed capabilities is its suitability for recording Apple ProRes video directly from compatible iPhones. Understanding this workflow clarifies the drive’s target audience.

Apple ProRes is a family of high-quality video codecs widely used in professional video production. It offers excellent image quality and is optimized for smooth editing performance, but it generates significantly larger files compared to standard codecs like H.264 or HEVC. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (and later Pro models) introduced the ability to bypass the phone’s internal storage limits by recording ProRes video directly to an external drive connected via USB-C. This is a game-changer for mobile filmmakers, allowing for longer recording times without filling the phone’s storage and potentially streamlining the post-production workflow.

The AGI Mag EDM38 is well-equipped for this task. As established, it meets Apple’s technical requirements, needing only a USB-C connection and sustained write speeds exceeding 220 MB/s. The EDM38’s benchmarked write speeds, even when potentially limited to 10Gbps by the iPhone’s port, are more than sufficient. AGI explicitly promotes support for 4K 60fps ProRes, and independent testing confirmed it could handle a continuous 73-minute recording at this setting without issue.

For mobile videographers embracing the ProRes workflow, the EDM38 offers tangible benefits. It enables extended shooting, preserves precious internal phone storage, and allows for immediate transfer or even direct editing from the SSD on a connected computer. The magnetic attachment, in theory, complements this by providing a simple way to keep the drive connected during shooting. However, the practical execution is hampered by the awkward cable design, which could make stable handheld shooting more challenging than necessary.

Sizing Up the Competition: EDM38 vs. Rivals

The portable SSD market is fiercely competitive. To understand the EDM38’s place, it’s essential to compare it against key rivals offering similar features (magnetism) or performance (high-speed USB).

Notable competitors include:

• Magnetic: MSI DATAMAG 20Gbps, Lexar SL500 with Magnetic Set, TEAMGROUP PD20M, Aiffro P10, and various Orico magnetic models.
• High-Speed (Non-Magnetic): Crucial X10 Pro (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2), Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2), SanDisk Pro-G40 (Thunderbolt 3 / USB 3.2 Gen 2), ADATA Elite SE880 (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2), Corsair EX400U (USB4).

Here’s a snapshot comparing the AGI EDM38 to a few key alternatives:

Table 2: Portable SSD Competitor Snapshot

Analysis: The AGI EDM38 holds its own in terms of potential speed, matching or exceeding competitors like the Lexar SL500 and potentially outperforming the MSI DATAMAG on paper. Its reported thermal management is also a plus.

However, it lags in several areas. Its reliance on the less common USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for peak performance is a significant drawback compared to drives offering broader high-speed compatibility (like Thunderbolt drives, although they have their own compatibility nuances) or those positioned purely as 10Gbps drives. The plastic construction feels less premium than the aluminum bodies offered by MSI, Lexar, and Crucial. The awkward cable design remains a unique usability issue. Furthermore, its 3-year warranty is shorter than the 5-year coverage provided by key competitors like Lexar and Crucial.

This positions the AGI Mag EDM38 within a specific competitive niche. It primarily appeals to users who place a high premium on the MagSafe-compatible magnetic attachment for direct-to-drive recording and either possess the necessary USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port to leverage its full speed or are content with 10Gbps performance but still prefer the magnetic form factor over potentially more robust, better-designed, or longer-warrantied non-magnetic alternatives. Its broader market appeal is constrained by the port requirement and the compromises in build material and cable ergonomics.

Is the AGI Mag EDM38 the Right Drive for You?

Choosing the right portable SSD depends heavily on individual needs and priorities. The AGI Mag EDM38 is a capable drive, but it’s not a universal solution.

This drive is likely a good fit if:

• Primary Use Case: Recording significant amounts of Apple ProRes video directly from an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max (or later Pro models) is a top priority.
• Hardware Compatibility: The user’s primary computer has a native USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, allowing access to the drive’s maximum ~2000 MB/s speeds.
• Feature Prioritization: The convenience of magnetic attachment (especially MagSafe) outweighs concerns about the plastic build, awkward cable design, or shorter warranty period.

Summary of Pros:

• Blazing Potential Speed: Delivers excellent read/write performance close to 2000 MB/s with a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port.
• Magnetic Convenience: Offers easy, secure attachment to MagSafe iPhones and includes a ring for other devices.
• ProRes Ready: Proven capability to handle demanding 4K 60fps ProRes recording smoothly and reliably.
• Compact & Lightweight: Extremely portable design makes it easy to carry.
• Good Thermal Management: Stays relatively cool and maintains performance even under sustained load.

Summary of Cons:

• Conditional Speed: Maximum performance is gated behind a specific, relatively uncommon USB port; speeds are halved on standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 4 ports.
• Awkward Cable Design: The straight cable connector can make handling the phone cumbersome when the drive is attached.
• Plastic Construction: May feel less durable or premium compared to metal-bodied competitors in a similar price range.
• Shorter Warranty: The 3-year warranty is less generous than the 5-year coverage offered by several key competitors.

Value Assessment: With pricing around $105 for the 1TB model and $165 for the 2TB model, the EDM38 sits in a competitive segment. Its value proposition hinges heavily on whether the user can exploit its full speed potential and how much they value the magnetic feature. If the user has a Gen 2×2 port and needs both top speed and MagSafe convenience, the price might be justified. However, if the drive will primarily be used with 10Gbps ports (like those on Macs or most current laptops), its speed advantage disappears, making cheaper 10Gbps alternatives (magnetic or non-magnetic) potentially better value. Similarly, users prioritizing build quality, a more ergonomic cable, or a longer warranty might find compelling reasons to look elsewhere. The drive appears to be widely available through online retailers.

The Final Verdict & Join the Conversation

The AGI Mag EDM38 is an interesting and innovative portable SSD that attempts to blend cutting-edge speed with unique magnetic convenience. It successfully delivers near-20Gbps performance under the right conditions and offers a genuinely useful magnetic attachment system for specific workflows, particularly direct ProRes recording on iPhones. Its thermal management also appears solid, ensuring reliability during demanding tasks.

However, its appeal is significantly narrowed by critical caveats. The absolute requirement of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port to achieve maximum speed limits its performance potential for a large portion of the market, including most Mac users. The poorly designed straight cable connector detracts from the magnetic feature’s usability during handheld operation. Additionally, the plastic construction and shorter 3-year warranty may give pause compared to more robust or better-supported competitors.

Recommendation:

The AGI Mag EDM38 is a niche product best suited for a specific user.

• Consider buying if: The user is an iPhone 15/16 Pro/Max owner heavily invested in the direct-to-SSD ProRes workflow, values MagSafe attachment simplicity above all else, and either has a PC with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port or accepts 10Gbps speeds as sufficient for their needs.
• Consider alternatives if: The user primarily uses a Mac or devices without a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port (and thus cannot access full speed), prioritizes premium build materials, requires a longer warranty, or finds the cable design a potential deal-breaker. Competitors like the Lexar SL500 Magnetic, MSI DATAMAG, Crucial X10 Pro, or even standard 10Gbps drives might offer a better balance of features, performance, and value depending on individual priorities.

What are your thoughts on magnetic SSDs? Is the convenience worth potential trade-offs? Do you have a device with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port ready to unleash this drive’s full speed?

Share experiences, mobile storage tips, or ask questions about the AGI Mag EDM38 in the comments below! We’d love to hear from the prowell-tech.com community.

Need help navigating the complex world of storage? Explore our in-depth buyer’s guides on the best SSDs for video editing or choosing the right portable drive for any need.