The ADATA SC735 is a portable external SSD designed to deliver fast, compact, and cable-free storage for users who need to move large files on the go. The drive’s defining feature is a built-in retractable USB Type-C connector, which eliminates the need to carry a separate cable when transferring data between compatible devices.
It uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and is rated for sequential read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s, making it suitable for tasks such as moving large files, editing media, expanding a game library, and recording Apple ProRes video directly on supported iPhones.
The SC735 is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, and it weighs only 13.6 grams, making it one of the lightest large-capacity portable SSDs on the market. It measures 55 by 28.5 by 12.1 millimetres, roughly the size of a USB thumb drive but wider. Despite its lightweight plastic construction, the drive is rated to withstand drops of up to 1.22 metres and carries MIL-STD-810G 516.6 impact certification, providing a degree of ruggedness that belies its somewhat flimsy feel. In terms of design, the SC735 features a textured plastic enclosure with contrasting black and blue accents, though the blue stripes are purely cosmetic rather than rubberised as on some of ADATA’s other rugged drives. A slider on the back extends and retracts the USB connector, which locks into place when fully extended.
The drive supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and recent iPhones, as well as gaming consoles such as the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. It comes formatted in exFAT but can be reformatted as needed. Performance is where the SC735 justifies its existence. Independent testing has shown that it achieves strong read speeds, coming close to the advertised 1,050 MB/s maximum, though write speeds are notably lower and can slow drastically once the drive’s secondary cache is exhausted. For light-duty use—transferring photos, videos, and documents—the performance is more than adequate, and it is significantly faster than any 5Gbps external drive while being roughly on par with other 10Gbps competitors when reading data.
However, it lacks hardware-based AES encryption and does not include any backup software, which are omissions that some competing drives address. The SC735’s pricing positions it as a value-oriented option in the portable SSD market. Pricing varies by capacity and region, with the 512GB version retailing for around £54 or $50, the 1TB version for roughly £79 or $75, and the 2TB version for approximately £129 or $120. However, the SSD market is currently experiencing price volatility due to a NAND flash shortage driven by AI data centre demand, so prices may rise in the near term. ADATA covers the drive with a five-year limited warranty.
The main criticisms of the SC735 centre on its build quality and feature set. The plastic housing feels cheap and exhibits some flex, which may not inspire confidence for daily professional use, even if the drive is technically rugged. The absence of encryption and bundled software also limits its appeal for users who need to secure sensitive data or manage backups. TechRadar suggests that professionals working in the field should consider spending a little more on a drive like the ADATA SD810, which offers better build quality and additional features. In its final assessment, ThinkComputers frames the SC735 as an ideal portable SSD for creators, gamers, and anyone who needs fast storage on the go, provided they prioritise portability and convenience over premium materials and advanced security features.
The retractable connector and thumb-drive form factor make it exceptionally easy to carry and use without cables, while the USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance is sufficient for most everyday transfer tasks. For buyers who want maximum compactness and decent speeds at a reasonable price, the SC735 is a solid choice, but those who need robust encryption or a more durable enclosure should look at alternatives.
