Help with NAS for ease of automatic iPhone photo backup

[Enquiries]

I need a NAS that has the best/simplest iPhone app for automatically backing up the camera roll for my spouse who must have it be easy and automatic.

I have tried to evaluate the Synology DS-423, DS-423+, and the Terramaster F4-423. It's easy to compare the hardware differences, but I have no way of evaluating the use of the mobile apps that connect to them.

I have watched the NASCompares video between the Synology 423 and Terramaster. It concludes software/Synology, hardware/Terramaster. I'm nervous about the Syn DS-423's locked in specs vs the Syn DS-423+ expandability, but don't know if I need more than the soldered 2GB RAM.
I am new to NAS and barely can keep up with all the "apps" that can be used. I "think" I know what a Docker is? If the primary need is for simple, automated iPhone camera roll backup, will I ever want to use all the other "stuff"? I am an email administrator at work. Maybe set up my own mail server?
Advice?

[ed]

Based on your needs—simple and automatic iPhone photo backup for your spouse with potential for light expansion—here’s my breakdown of options and recommendations:

1. iPhone Photo Backup Apps
Synology:

DS File & Synology Photos Apps: Synology’s apps are polished, easy to use, and reliable for automatic photo backup. Synology Photos has options for one-way or two-way sync and is user-friendly, making it great for non-tech-savvy users.
Synology’s ecosystem is known for its seamless integration and consistent updates, which ensure long-term usability.
Terramaster:

TNAS Mobile App: It supports automatic photo backup but isn’t as polished or intuitive as Synology Photos. Users often report occasional bugs or connectivity issues.
For ease of use and spouse-friendly simplicity, Synology is the clear winner here.

2. Synology DS423 vs. DS423+
DS423: Limited to 2GB of soldered RAM, which is enough for basic tasks like photo backup, media streaming, and file sharing. However, the lack of expandability might become a limitation if you explore advanced features like Docker or additional apps later.
DS423+: Offers 2GB RAM upgradeable to 10GB and includes an AMD CPU, which is more versatile and better suited for resource-intensive tasks like running Docker containers or a mail server. It’s more future-proof.
Since you're considering future potential (e.g., Docker, mail server), the DS423+ is a better fit, even if you don’t use those features immediately.

3. Terramaster F4-423
Terramaster offers excellent hardware for the price, with 4GB of RAM (expandable to 32GB) and Intel CPUs. However:

The software ecosystem is less refined than Synology’s, especially for iPhone photo backups.
If you prioritize simplicity and reliability for your spouse, this might not be the best choice.
4. Budget and Drive Recommendations
Your $1200 budget should comfortably cover:

NAS: Synology DS423+ (~$499).
Drives: 4 x 6TB drives (e.g., Seagate IronWolf or WD Red Plus, ~$125 each). This gives you ~18TB usable capacity in RAID 5.
Final Recommendation
Go for the Synology DS423+ with Synology Photos for its simplicity, ease of use, and expandability. It’s an excellent fit for your primary need and provides room to explore additional features later.