Transcend StoreJet 25C3N Review - The Extra Slim Portable HDD

Transcend, a brand well known for curating high-quality storage devices has a new portable HDD, the slim StoreJet 25C3N with USB 3.0 ports for faster file transfers. It aims to be the only HDD you'll need on-the-go with large 1 TB capacity on a slim 9.95 mm metal frame.

Transcend StoreJet 25C3N review!

We have the HDD with us for a month as our main portable HDD, so here's the rest of our findings!

Transcend StoreJet 25C3N Specs

Storage: 1 TB 2.5 Inch SATA HDD

Connection: USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0)

Operating Voltage: DC 5V
Certification: CE, FCC, BSMI

Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows 8, Microsoft Windows 10,Mac OS 10.7 or later

Warranty: Three-year Limited Warranty

Dimensions: 114.5 x 78.5 x 9.95

Weight: 136 g

Price: PHP 3,750

Disclaimer: This HDD was borrowed from Transcend for our honest and constructive review.

Unboxing / Accessories

Inside the box

The packaging is simple. You'll get the standard USB 3.0 data cable, quick start guide, and warranty card. I would have loved it better if it had a carrying pouch to protect the HDD against dust and damages.

Build Quality / Design

Slick and minimalist!

The Transcend StoreJet 25C3N comes in a compact full metal aluminum build that feels sturdy in your hand and has chamfered edges. The matte-like paint finish (polished, sandblasted, and anodize) is decent too and isn't that prone to fingerprint smudges.

Materials used is premium, slim, and lightweight!

However, the chamfered edges just feels a little too sharp to hold, the paint finish might be prone to scratches, and it isn't as rugged as other rubber coated portable HDDs. But, overall this should be a durable enough with proper care.

The port for your USB 3.0 connector

Design-wise, its minimalist and super slim! The other word that we could use for it is "sexy". Why? Like what we stated earlier, it is compact and impressively slim. Unlike other chuky portable drives, this one is pocket-able.

Performance

Using the device is plain, simple, and easy. Plug and play as a matter of fact. In short, you won't need to install any additional drivers to make it work. For Mac, just format the default NTFS file system to OS X systems.

Once plugged to your PC (either Windows or Mac, yes Mac is a PC), you'll find the useful REcoveRx. It's a useful software that can be used for file back up and deleted file recovery.

Note: Other features of the REcoveRx is it can be used for formatting memory cards, password unlocking tool for other Transcend cards.

Decent speed, stable performance!

Anyway, in real life scenario, this device really has fast read / write / copy speed when plugged to a USB 3.0 slot (the blue one). In our actual test, it had identical speed when copying from the HDD to PC or PC to HDD is consistent between 25 MB/s to 31 MB/s.

Copying a 140 GB files using USB 3.0 would only require around 1 hour and 30 mins to complete!

For USB 2.0 file transfers, it'll be a little slower. But, the performance is still consistent and acceptable. We registered 8 - 10 MB/s transfer speed in our test. Again, this portable storage device delivered a very consistent performance. 

Pros - Slim and pocketable design, USB 3.0 grade read / write speed, consistent performance, FREE REcoveRx software. 3-year limited warranty

Cons - Prone to scratches and sharp edges, a little pricier than regular portable hard drives

Verdict

The Transcend StoreJet 25C3N is a high-performing portable hard drive for people who has sleekness in mind. The performance is consistent and its even bundled with FREE useful software recovery tool for your peace of mind.

At PHP 3,750, the SRP of this machine is pretty steep against other competing portable hard drives. However, if you don't mind paying extra cash for the looks, stable performance, and the good file recovery tool, then this would still be a decent buy.

Accessories: 3

Build / Design: 4

Software: 4

Performance: 4.5

Average: 3.875 / 5