What is Samsung DeX? (your complete guide)

What is Samsung DeX? (your complete guide)

To stand out from the competition, smartphone brands need to introduce features that give them an edge, rather than taking on things that are already commonplace.

Fortunately, Samsung has had several such features over the past decade, one of which is DeX. If you want to learn more about it, we’ve put together a simplified guide for that, so keep reading!

What is Samsung DeX in 2022?

Samsung DeX is a feature that lets you use your phone or tablet as a computer in 2022. As of now, it only works on flagship Galaxy devices released after 2017. So you’ll need to connect to an external display like a monitor or TV, but if you’re using a larger tablet, you can use it directly.

To learn everything you need to know about Samsung DeX, including how it works, how it compares to traditional computer setups, and more, read on!

How much does Samsung DeX cost?

Samsung DeX is free as long as you have a way to connect your phone or tablet to your TV or monitor.

Additionally, depending on the type of setup you want and the device you have, you may be charged one of the following:

1. Cable – you’ll need an HDMI that connects the USB-C on the phone directly or via a dongle/hub to the monitor
2. DeX Station – Proprietary base for standing with your phone
3. DeX Pad – Proprietary dock for using a lying phone
4. Third-party docking stations that provide functionality similar to proprietary options or additional features such as built-in keyboards and trackpads

Will Samsung DeX charge your phone?

Samsung DeX charges your phone if you connect it using a method designed for power and data power.

For example, if you plug it directly with a USB-C to HDMI cable, the connection will only transfer data, not charge your phone, so you’ll have to power it through a USB hub.

Also, if you use a dock, whether it’s from Samsung or a third party, it will charge because they’re designed for data and power.

What is the purpose of Samsung DeX?

Samsung DeX is designed to provide users with more mobile device features, allowing them to get more use out of the increased power.

For example, the S22 Ultra with 12GB of RAM and 1TB of storage might be overkill for the average phone user, but ideal for moderate desktop users.

This makes them more likely to bear the higher cost, in this case $1,600, because they see it as a better value than the competition in the same price range.

As of now, the company hasn’t revealed long-term goals for the feature.

However, industry experts speculate that it is looking to replace mid-range computing PCs by integrating them into mobile phones, just like cameras, GPS, landlines, etc.

Do I need Samsung DeX?

You don’t need Samsung DeX because you can get most of the functionality out of a Galaxy device without it.

Like most technologies at the same stage, it’s nice to have, but not necessary for most people because they still have (arguably a better version) of what it’s trying to replace.

What applications run on Samsung DeX?

Almost all apps will run on Samsung DeX, but apps that are not optimized for it will be displayed in mobile format, they will be stretched on the screen.

Additionally, some of the features built to work on this platform include:

1. Google Workspace apps such as Docs, Drive, Gmail, Sheets, Calendar, and Slides
2. Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, but only if you have an Office 365 subscription
3. Adobe mobile apps such as Photoshop Express, Premiere Rush, Sketch, and Lightroom
4. Skype
5. soaring

Also, you don’t need to download another version of the app to use them on DeX.

Also, when you use that mode, applications open as windows that you can control, just like in a traditional desktop setup, and you can multitask.

How to use Samsung DeX on your phone?

You can use your Samsung DeX with your phone by simply plugging it into your TV or monitor using a straight-through cable or adapter.

Then, when the phone detects a connection, you’ll be prompted to switch to DeX mode, and when you accept, it’ll show up on the display.

Also, the same procedure still applies when you use a docking station, proprietary or third-party.

Additionally, these enable you to connect a USB keyboard and mouse.

If you have a Miracast-enabled smart TV, you can also use DeX wirelessly as follows:

1. Open your TV’s source menu and activate screen mirroring with your smartphone
2. From the drop-down menu on your phone, tap “DeX”
3. Browse the list of available devices and select the monitor you want
4. Click “Get Started Now”

Regardless of the connection type you use, you can use a wireless keyboard and mouse over Bluetooth for a full desktop experience.

Also, unless you have a dock, you always have the option of using the phone as a touchpad, and a virtual keyboard will appear on the screen if you need to type characters.

Also, keep in mind that older devices require you to use a docking station, while newer models allow you to connect directly from USB-C to HDMI, and the latest options let you connect wirelessly.

Additionally, if you’re using an S Pen-equipped device like the Note series, you can use the stylus for additional input options, such as drawing like a drawing tablet.

Additionally, if you’re using a Galaxy tablet, you can use DeX without connecting to an external monitor by selecting an option from the drop-down quick settings menu.

How to transfer pictures from Samsung DeX to computer?

You can transfer pictures and other files from Samsung DeX to your computer if you first connect the device to a working PC, then drag and drop them between the two locations.

Can Samsung DeX replace my laptop?

If you use Samsung DeX for light tasks like word processing, presentations, social media, video calling, web browsing, and email, it can replace your laptop.

Also, since it exists now, it’s not a replacement for your laptop if you’re using it for more intensive tasks like photo and video editing.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on Samsung Accessory Service, Samsung Allshare, and Samsung Android Dialer.

in conclusion

Samsung DeX is a feature that allows you to use your flagship Galaxy smartphone or tablet as a desktop computer by connecting it to an external monitor. Also, if you have a newer model, you can do this by plugging in your phone via HDMI or wirelessly.

Also, DeX works well with most apps because if they’re not optimized, they’ll still be stretched to fit the screen. Also, if you’re using a connection that supports data transfer and power, such as a docking station or USB hub, you can only charge your phone while you’re using DeX.