Several differences you can find between the Photo Stick and the flash drive. Functionality or how they work, type of files they can store, compatibility, and price are some features that make subtle differences between the two devices.
In this comparison guide on Photostick vs Flash Drive, we will break down each of them. As a result, you can easily decide what storage device will be best for you.
Article Summary:
- Photo Stick and Flash Drive are two go-to storage devices to store photos, videos, audio, and other documents.
- Photo Stick has a built-in program that detects every media file only like photos and videos automatically and stores them to its storage.
- Compared to a Flash Drive, it’s a bit pricey but handles the media files better than its counterpart.
- Photo Stick also detects duplicate files.
- Flash Drive is cheaper than Photo Stick.
- Unlike Photo Sticks, it can store every type of file including, photos, videos, zip, and other documents.
- Photo Stick is compatible with every device from computer to mobile, while a flash drive works with only computers.
Photostick Vs Flash Drive: Comparison Chart
The following chart will give you a quick comparison between the Photo Stick and the flash drive.
Photostick Vs Flash Drive: An Overview
In this chapter, we will provide an overview of the Photo Stick and the Flash Drive, how they work, and other things you should know.
Photostick
Photo Stick is a smart backup device that scans and sorts out every media file, including photos and videos, and stores them in its storage drive. It's similar to the USB drive, but its ability to handle photos and videos surpasses the traditional- even the high-end USB flash drive.
Unlike a regular flash drive, it features a built-in program. As a result, you don't need to navigate through menus or folder by folder to find videos or pictures. It automatically scans your computer, finds the media files, and stores them like a pro.
In short, the Photo Stick is a life-saving storage device that saves you a lot of time and makes it a breeze to store photos & videos. You don't need to do anything. Just plug the Photo Stick into your computer, click the green Go button, and walk away. It does the rest for you by sorting out and storing the media files.
How To Use Photostick
Using and backing up files from a device with Photo Stick is simple. Below, we break down how to use Photo Stick on a computer, Android, iPhone, or a Mac.
On Computer:
- Insert the Photo Stick into an empty USB port on your computer or Mac.
- Your computer will take a few seconds to recognise this backup storage device.
- A pop up box will come on the screen.
- Click on the icon twice to start or launch the software.
- If the pop up window doesn’t come, go to This PC and open the Photostick file and install the software by double-clicking on the ‘Photostick.exe.’.
- Now, click on the Go button and walk away. It does all the work for you by selecting and storing all the photos & videos.
On Android:
- Download the Photo Stick app on your device from Google Play Store
- Install it on your phone.
- Plug the Photo Stick into your Android device.
- It will give three prompt up options- Backup files now, Backup all, and Select to back up.
- We recommend you choose the ‘Backup all’ option to back up all the photos and videos from your phone.
On iPhone:
- Go to the Apple App Store and download the Photo Stick application.
- Install and open the app.
- Plug your Photo Stick into your iPhone.
- You will see a prompt option and select Backup All to start backing up files from your iPhone.
Price
The average price of Photo Sticks is ranging from $40-$60. It actually depends on the storage options and the brand of Photo Sticks you will pick. And remember; you pay the price for the software power.
Flash Drive
A flash drive is a small and super-portable storage device to store every type of file, including audio, video, pictures, zip, and other. This storage device is also known as pen drive, jump drive, or thumb drive. Due to its portability and no moving parts, you can carry it wherever you want and the device even fits your pocket.
Generally, it is compatible with computers like desktops, laptops, or tablets. You need to insert it into the USB ports of your computers to store or transfer files.
How To Use A Flash Drive
Using a flash drive is super simple. Just plug it into an empty USB port on your computer or MAC. Your computer will notify you when it recognizes the storage device. Then, you can see it by going to This PC. If you want to transfer your files from the computer to the flash drive, just manually select the files and copy them. Finally, paste it into your flash drive.
Price
You will get flash drives comparatively at cheap prices. It is more affordable than the Photo Sticks.
Photostick Vs Flash Drive: The Differences
Though the appearance of a Photo Stick and a flash drive are the same, there are a lot of differences between them in terms of functionality, compatibility, and more. And this chapter will reveal those distinctions between the Photo Stick and the flash drive.
Purpose of Design
The main difference between Photostick and the flash drive is purpose related. Photostick is specially designed to store media files. In other words, you can store only photos and videos. Other files like PDF, zip, and documents can’t be transferred or stored in Photostick. In comparison, a flash drive can read, store, and transfer any type of files, including pictures, videos, mp3, documents, or whatever it will be.
User-friendliness
When it comes to ease of use, Photostick is superior to Flash Drive. It is integrated with built-in software that can scan and store all the photos and videos from a device. Just hit the Go button and walk away. The Photostick will do the rest for you to select and store the files. Above all, it can also detect duplicate files and delete them for you.
On the other hand, a flash drive won’t select files and store them automatically. You need to plug it into the USB port and choose the files manually you want to transfer from the computer to the flash drive. And you know how time-taking the task is.
Device Compatibility
In terms of compatibility, Photostick takes the lead as it’s compatible with almost every device from computer to laptop or even mobile devices. So, backing up media files from your phone is now a matter of seconds.
On the other hand, a flash drive only supports computers like desktops, laptops, or tablets. It’s compatible with every operating system like Windows, Linux, or Mac. However, you can’t use a flash drive to store or send files from a mobile device.
Note: Not every Photo Stick works with every operating system. So, check the product description before making a purchase.
Data Storing Speed or Performance
Compared to a flash drive, Photostick is more speedy and quick in terms of data storing or transferring speed. The following video will show you faster the Photostick than the flash drive.
Note: How quickly the Photostick can store or send photos will mostly depend on the file type. You can transfer jpg or png files in a matter of seconds. But it will take comparatively more time to store RAW pictures. However, the Photostick has a faster data transfer rate than the flash drive.
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of options both for Photostick and Flash Drive are versatile. Photostick comes in capacities ranging from 8GB to 1TB. However, most flash drives in the market come with 8GB to 128 GB. Fortunately, you can find some USB flash drives in the market that come with more storage capacity, ranging up to 1TB.
Price
Photo Stick is pricier than a flash drive. It costs you between $40 to $60 to get a Photo Stick. On the other hand, you will get a flash drive spending a few bucks.
Conclusion
After comparing both storage devices, we end up our decision by recommending the Photo Stick over a flash drive. You should definitely give it a shot as it automatically scans and backups your media files. And the best part is- it also erases the duplicate photos and videos.