Transcend JetFlash 890S Review

There’s the demand in speed that never gets satisfied. With each new standard, the world sees a new promise, and we’re going to want to see if it is, indeed, capable of delivering a better performance as compared to what the previous standard offered. In that sense, we’re taking a look at the Transcend JetFlash 890 USB Flash Drive, a compact flash drive that accommodates the new USB Type-C standard on one end, while still making room for general USB Type-A use on the other.

There’s the demand in speed that never gets satisfied. With each new standard, the world sees a new promise, and we’re going to want to see if it is, indeed, capable of delivering a better performance as compared to what the previous generation offered. In that sense, we’re taking a look at the Transcend JetFlash 890 USB Flash Drive, a compact flash drive that accommodates the new USB Type-C standard on one end, while still making room for general USB Type-A use on the other.

Specifications:

Dimensions	28.6mm x 14.3mm x 8.6mm (1.13 x 0.56 x 0.34 inches)
Weight	3g (0.11oz)
Connection Interface	USB Type-C & USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A connectors (backwards compatible with USB 3.0 / 2.0)
Certificates	CE, FCC, BSMI
Price	$18 (32GB) $30 (64GB)
System Requirements	Desktop or Laptops computer with a USB port and one of the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows Vista Microsoft Windows 7 Microsoft Windows 8 Microsoft Windows 8.1 Microsoft Windows 10 MAC OS 9.0 or later Linux Kernel 2.4.2 or later Tablet or mobile phone with a USB Type-C connector and support for USB OTG host function. Device requirements for running the Transcend Elite App: ·  Android device with Android 4.0+

Packaging

The JetFlash 890S arrives in a rather simplistic blister packaging and all. Transcend indicates that it can deliver speeds up to four times faster than USB 2.0, which really isn’t a good comparison to begin with since pretty much the majority has storage devices with the 3.0 interface. You’ll also get a limited lifetime warranty, and that at least gets a load off your mind if you’re worried too much about wear and tear. If there’s one thing to note, however, it’s the lack of inclusions. Transcend doesn’t supply a lanyard or a leather strap, so it would be in your best interest to look for some while you’re at it.

Design

As far as the design is concerned, Transcend is keeping with its tradition of ultra-compact from factors that can attest to the JetFlash 890S’ portability. Its metallic encasing also gives it a more premium touch, as well as resistance to water splashes (not submergence) and dust. However, a couple of plugging in and out and you’ll see some visible lines that doesn’t really affect the performance but the aesthetics just takes the hit.

Performance

On to the performance side, Transcend tags the JetFlash 890S with up to 90 MB/s read speeds and 30 MB/s write speeds. This is pretty much the standard nowadays, and it should be adequate, if not fast enough, for your daily use. In this review, we resorted to using the ASUS X456UQ’s and the Huawei P9’s USB Type-C port. You can check the benchmark test results below:

Usability

As mentioned, the JetFlash 890S comes with both a USB Type-C and a Type-A connector. This means that you’re covered on both the newest USB standard, and you still have room for the general use Type-A ports.

With desktops, laptops, and even smartphones donning USB Type-C, you’ll be hard-pressed to try the standard and see how it fares. This is even more evident with smartphones, especially that it’s the only port that it features. This is where the JetFlash 890S shines – it delivers storage connectivity to the Type-C port, giving you more options when it comes to storage. You can also take advantage of the Transcend Elite app where you can encrypt files while you’re at it.  

Conclusion

While the results do dictate that it isn’t up there when it comes to performance, you’ll have to consider what the JetFlash 890S can provide – expanded storage connectivity options, at a price too appealing to ignore. It’s a must have if you’re already rocking devices with the USB Type-C standard.