Is Samsung DeX Any Good?
Samsung DeX is a powerful desktop-like experience that feels nearly as good as a dedicated laptop or desktop computer.
In this article, you'll learn what Samsung DeX is, what it can do, and where it makes sense in your tech lineup.
What Is Samsung DeX?
Samsung DeX takes your Samsung smartphone or tablet and converts it into a desktop-like experience. You can also connect a wireless keyboard and mouse for increased productivity.
You'll be able to access all of your apps just like you would on your phone, and some apps like Samsung Browser come with a desktop-like experience baked in.
It feels a lot like a mashup of Linux, macOS, and Android. It's intuitive, and I think you'll feel right at home.
How Does Samsung DeX Work?
Samsung DeX works either wirelessly with your Smart TV, through Windows, or on an external display.
The most common and reliable way to use Samsung DeX is to connect your phone to an HDMI-compatible monitor or TV.
You will a USB-C dongle or hub to get access to HDMI and USB ports for your wireless peripherals. Keyboards and mice are fully supported.
Samsung DeX works in two ways.
You can switch between both modes at any time with the press of a button.
Can Samsung DeX Replace A Traditional Laptop?
In many ways, Samsung DeX is capable enough to perform just as well as or better than many laptops.
Some specific software only runs on Windows, Mac, or Linux computers, however. Examples of this software could be:
On the other hand, Samsung DeX is great for any of the following:
It's as fast and responsive as any modern laptop when it comes to the above apps. If you have a Chromebook, the experience might be very similar to Samsung DeX.
If you do not need Windows, Linux, or Mac-specific programs as outlined above, you will rarely, if ever, notice a difference between Samsung DeX and a traditional laptop.
What Is The Purpose Of Samsung DeX?
A great example of when Samsung DeX is a great option is if you are away from your regular laptop, but need access to a desktop experience.
If you don't need any apps that are specific to Mac, Windows, or Linux, Samsung DeX can virtually do anything a normal computer can.
It offers you the flexibility to have one device that can do much more than just a phone can do by itself. You can experience increased productivity when writing and typing, and utilize a much bigger screen to get more work done.
Samsung DeX is simply another option and a new way of using your mobile phone.
For example, my own personal laptop recently went in for repairs at the local shop. I am grateful to have Samsung DeX to see me through until I can get my Mac back!
It's allowed me to get the work done that I needed to get done for two days. It can't run Photoshop, but it does everything else I need.
Is Samsung DeX Free?
Samsung DeX comes with your phone. The software you need to use Samsung DeX is preinstalled and activates automatically when you connect to a device.
Any external components like mice, keyboards, screens, and gamepads are purchased separately, however.
Which Samsung Phones And Devices Have DeX?
Many of your Samsung devices might support Samsung DeX. Samsung DeX is available on:
What Apps Work With Samsung Dex?
Any Android apps will work with Samsung Dex.?
Gaming, internet browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, social media, video streaming, Spotify, email, and many more types of apps will work.
Your banking apps will also be fully functional along with the phone and messaging apps. Call or message anyone right from within Samsung DeX on any of your favorite messaging or calling platforms.
If you have app compatibility concerns, check with the app developer and Samsung DeX to find out if it's supported.
At The End Of The Day, Is Samsung DeX Worth It For You?
If you simply need access to basic productivity, streaming, and gaming apps, then Samsung DeX can certainly be worth it to you.
If, on the other hand, you find yourself regularly requiring software only available on Mac, Linux, or Windows, Samsung DeX might not be your full-time companion.
Samsung DeX is even better when you use it together with your regular computer. It's simple enough to use on the fly and powerful enough if you ever forget your laptop.
Global Product Owner Smart Mobility for Industry chez Thales
3 年We're replacing pc's ! 1st step : front line workers
Design & implements secure Intune/MDM/BYOD, secure smartphones/tablets, lower the carbon footprint of your end user device estates, re-purposing laptops/PC services. Cornwall Ambassador. ??
3 年And even Windows 11 on a virtual machine!
Design & implements secure Intune/MDM/BYOD, secure smartphones/tablets, lower the carbon footprint of your end user device estates, re-purposing laptops/PC services. Cornwall Ambassador. ??
3 年Hi Mike - with the advent of affordable Cloud PCs from Microsoft (Windows 365) and 3rd parties such as UKFast (FastDesk) and peripherals to transform DeX enabled devices into laptops (even wirelessly), then Samsung Electronics DeX does allow you to replace your Windows laptop..... Z Fold3 using a laptop dock (no CPU/RAM etc., just display, keyboard, touchpad and battery in a laptop chassis) to access Windows 365 but this could be any DeX enabled smartphone.