Transcend has been in the forefront of external hard disks for quite some time now. They have been using the same concept of external hard disk protection for more than 5 years now – and they’re only getting better as time goes by. Transcend just introduced the brand new StoreJet 25M3S and StoreJet 25M3G – which are identical, just different in color.

That aside, there’s a naming scheme issue going on here. Transcend named this newer external hard disk to have the name as its previous one – the StoreJet 25M3. Even the packaging writes the same name. However, the differences are noticed when you take a look at Transcend’s own website. The new versions of the StoreJet 25M3 is named 25M3S and 25M3G. Confusing, yes.

The one we have with us here is the StoreJet 25M3S and it’s in Transcend’s signature grey color with green accent color scheme. Let’s take a look at what’s new and what’s not.

Unboxing

Transcend StoreJet 25M3S

The Transcend StoreJet 25M3S comes in their typical packaging design, where it still has a white/red design at the front with a cutout for potential customers to look at the drive first before making the purchase. However, there’s a plastic shell covering the hard disk so you can’t touch it directly. There are also some other feature highlights at the front.

Transcend StoreJet 25M3S

At the back, we get to see the specs list that the StoreJet 25M3S has. Take a look at the sticker at the bottom right – it says TS1TSJ25M3S, which means [T]ran[S]cend [1T]B [S]tore[J]et [25M3S]. The last bit is important, as the “S” indicates that this is the new thinner and lighter version.

Transcend StoreJet 25M3S

Opening up the box reveals the same old packaging contents that Transcend always includes. Comes with 3 different brochures from 3 different categories of products that Transcend offers, a USB 3.0 Type-A to USB 3.0 Micro-B cable, and the StoreJet 25M3S itself.

Transcend StoreJet 25M3S

From the top, the StoreJet 25M3S looks the same as any other Transcend external hard disks with their signature protective enclosure. It still has the same overall design and shape. Even the button and port placements are the same.

Transcend StoreJet 25M3S
Left – the StoreJet 25MC
Right – the StoreJet 25M3S

However, looking from the top, the difference is clear – the brand new StoreJet 25M3S is a noticeably thinner.

Transcend StoreJet 25M3S
Left – the StoreJet 25MC
Right – the StoreJet 25M3S

In terms of weight, the StoreJet 25M3S is 10 grams lighter than the StoreJet 25MC that we have here.

Transcend StoreJet 25M3S
Weighing in at only 189 grams.

It’s an amazing feat by Transcend as they can make the new StoreJet 25M3S and 25M3G to be thinner and yet meet the MIL-STD-810G 516.6 U.S military drop-test standards.

Software

Transcend still includes the same suite of software as before. Both the Transcend Elite and RecoveRX are still free, and this two software are bundled together when you purchase any of Transcend’s external hard disk – including the StoreJet 25M3S that we are reviewing here. The Elite and RecoveRX software installers are loaded in the hard disk already, by the way.

Transcend Elite

Review - Transcend StoreJet 25M3S 1

The Elite data management software is highly recommended for the end users who really wanted to make use of all the available features to the fullest. Backing up and restoring assigned files and folders can be done easily with just a few simple steps on the initial configuration, encrypting and decrypting data on the drive for privacy and extra security measures, syncing data between the selected folders or cloud services i.e Dropbox for extra copy of backup.

RecoveRX

Review - Transcend StoreJet 25M3S 3

The bundled software, RecoveRx is a very handy utility to have. As its name suggests, the main feature of the RecoveRx is to allow users to retrieve important photos that has been deleted by accident, without any additional cost.Other features of the utility includes a formatting tool for SD , MMC and CF memory cards and a password locking tool to add an extra layer of security to a SD and CF card. These features of course, aren’t meant for the StoreJet 25MC, but Transcend’s smart readers which will take more advantage of these 2 functions.

Performance Test

Synthetic test

We tested the Transcend StoreJet 25M3S with CrystalDiskMark to see its true potential. The performance is pretty much similar to the recently-announced Transcend external hard disks.

File transfer

We used the entire install folder of Far Cry Primal as our test subject here. Copying the entire install directory in and out our SSD to the StoreJet 25M3S yields an okay result of 120MB/s for both writing and reading. Nothing spectacular here as the speed isn’t mind-blowingly fast or slow. It’s just average.

Transcend StoreJet 25M3S File Transfer Out
Copying a mix of compressible and incompressible data from the Transcend StoreJet 25M3S
Transcend StoreJet 25M3S File Transfer In
Copying a mix of compressible and incompressible data into the Transcend StoreJet 25M3S

Wrapping up the Transcend StoreJet 25M3S review

The brand new Transcend StoreJet 25M3 – which in terms of naming scheme should be the StoreJet 25M3S or StoreJet 25M3G as it comes in two different colors – is an upgrade from the previous generation. The new ones come with a much thinner and lighter enclosure. In terms of performance, there is little to no difference.

The true value of the new StoreJet 25M3 is in its protection and form factor. Even with its lighter and thinner body, the Transcend StoreJet 25M3S and 25M3G manages to meet the MIL-STD-810G 516.6 U.S military drop-test standards.

Pros

  • Slimmer and thinner body
  • Better protection from its predecessor

Cons

  • No real speed improvement
  • Should have migrated to USB-C
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