A backup drive is worth it for phone data when photos, documents and messages cannot be replaced and cloud capacity or upload speed is limited. The drive should become one copy in a broader recovery plan, not the only destination beside the phone.
Copy, verify and restore
Measure the current phone library and monthly growth. Use the manufacturer-supported transfer path to copy a dated set to the computer or drive, then compare file counts and open random photos, videos and documents. Restore selected items to a spare folder before deleting anything from the phone. Record account recovery details separately.
Verified portable references include the Hiksemi Pocket 1TB SSD at R900, Seagate Expansion 2TB at R1,399 and LaCie Rugged 2TB at R1,920. Confirm phone or computer interface, required adapter, file-system support, included cable, warranty, encryption needs and backup-software compatibility.
Keep a second copy at another safe location and protect the recovery key. Disconnect the drive when not in use, eject it correctly and never erase the phone until restoration is proven. Sync can copy deletions and should not be mistaken for versioned backup.
Buy enough capacity for several dated copies and growth. A modest drive plus an approved off-site copy protects more than a single oversized device.
Document the folder naming scheme so later phone backups do not overwrite earlier copies.
Protecting mobile memories? > Compare Evetech external drives by capacity and verified price.