Use cloud backup if you want photos available on signed-in devices; use a computer and external drive if you want an offline copy that is separate from your phone account. A direct phone-to-phone transfer moves files but is not, by itself, a separate archive. Before clearing the old phone, check capacity and compatibility, complete the transfer, and confirm that your photos and videos open from another copy.
If your files exceed the cloud space available to your account, compare the capacity you need with that of an external drive. Apple and Google describe different account-storage arrangements, while Samsung UK lists multi-terabyte portable SSD options.
If the old phone still works, a supported setup transfer may move your files to the new one. Apple Support and Google Android Help describe transfer routes that depend on the devices, account access and, where used, a suitable cable.
If you do not want the phone or a cloud account to hold your only copy, you can copy files through a compatible computer to an external drive. Keep the drive accessible for future updates and check that the copied files open.
Check how much you need to retain and which connections your devices support. Then choose a transfer method and decide where a separate copy will live.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the library size and expected additions with the space available on the new phone, cloud account or formatted drive. | If my videos fill the available space, I need a destination with room for the whole library before I move anything. Roughly 29% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Device compatibility | Check both phones’ operating systems and connectors. For a cable or direct-drive route, confirm data transfer, drive format and any power requirements. | I want the cable or drive to work with my actual devices, not just have the right-looking plug. Compatibility is the primary concern for roughly 29% of consumers. |
| Account access and upkeep | Confirm you can sign in, that enough cloud space is available and whether a storage subscription renews; for local copies, plan how you will update them. | Easy access from my signed-in devices matters, but I also need a way to keep the chosen backup current. Around 24% of consumers primarily weigh that day-to-day arrangement. |
| Transfer and offline copy | Allow time and power for migration; if using an SSD, check the host port and cable rather than relying on its rated maximum speed. | For a large collection, I want files I can open offline and a copy that remains after the phone move. That is the main priority for around 18% of consumers. |
Seeing photos on the new phone confirms a transfer, not that you have another retained copy if the new phone or its account becomes inaccessible.
Before clearing the old phone, open files on the new one and confirm that a separate cloud or local copy is accessible.
Google Android Help notes that not every USB cable transfers files. For direct iPhone storage, Apple Support specifies supported formats and a single data partition; the connection and power requirements also matter.
Check the phone connector, cable, adapter, drive format and power needs for the way you intend to copy files.
Direct connection may require an additional adapter, powered hub or data-capable cable.
Samsung UK says its T7 maximum transfer figures require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP. Crucial likewise qualifies its X10 speed by host capability and test setup.
Choose enough capacity and a workable connection first; check the computer port and cable before treating a rated speed as relevant to your transfer.
An enabled backup setting does not tell you whether every file has finished uploading or fits within the account’s available space. Google Photos also specifies limits for individual uploads.
Check backup completion and open a selection of older photos and videos from another signed-in device before deleting the originals.
These product lines illustrate different local-storage choices; check the exact model and your intended connection before using a drive with a phone.
The portable T7 line offers a compact drive for a computer-based archive or use with a compatible phone.
The X10 line is an option to examine if you need a high-capacity portable local archive.
The Extreme PRO Portable SSD line is another portable-drive option for a local copy on suitably equipped hardware.
These portable SSDs are choices for keeping a local file copy when moving phones. A computer can provide the copying route; direct phone-to-drive use depends on the phone, connection, power and drive format. An SSD does not replace a supported phone migration process.
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A local-storage option if you want to copy files from a compatible phone or computer. The listing specifies 2TB and USB 3.2 Gen 2, and describes magnetic attachment for iPhone 15/16 with the included case or a magnetic ring. Check the file format and your exact phone connection; MagSafe wireless charging is not supported while the drive is attached.
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Consider this capacity if your photo and video library needs a large local destination. The listing specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2 and describes PC, Mac and Android use, with USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables. Samsung says its maximum T7 speeds require a compatible host and connection; check your phone and drive format before attempting direct use.
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This variant offers a 2TB local destination for files copied through a computer or compatible device. The listing specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2, describes PC, Mac and Android use, and includes USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables. Samsung’s rated maximum speeds depend on the host and connection; verify your phone’s direct-drive compatibility and file format separately.
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A 1TB local-copy option for use through a computer or a compatible Android device. The listing specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 and describes PC, Mac and Android compatibility. Check the exact phone, connection and file format before direct use; maximum interface speeds depend on the host and cable.
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This 2TB portable drive can serve as a local destination for copied files. The listing gives a rated read speed of up to 800MB/s; that figure does not establish a phone-transfer speed. Before planning to plug it into a phone, check the phone connector, drive compatibility and required file format.
Yes, if you want a retained copy beyond the transfer itself: make or confirm that copy before clearing or handing over the old phone. Apple Support describes iCloud and computer-backup routes for iPhone moves, while Google Android Help advises preparing a backup for an Android switch. After migration, check that the files open where you expect them.
You can use compatible external storage with an iPhone, subject to the connector, adapter, format and power requirements. Apple Support specifies a supported file system and one data partition; some connections need an adapter, and some external drives need additional power. Check those requirements for your iPhone and drive before choosing a direct-copy route.
A charging connection does not necessarily mean the cable carries data. Google Android Help advises unlocking the phone and selecting File Transfer from its USB notification; if files still do not appear, check that the cable supports data transfer.
That depends on your library and the space already used by the account. Google One Help says a standard Google Account includes up to 15GB shared across Gmail, Drive and Google Photos. Check your account’s available capacity and backup completion before relying on it for the phone move.