Transitioning my computer to Samsung Dex: The Outcome
Samsung DeX, a desktop-like environment powered by a Samsung phone, offers a viable solution for many users seeking a portable work device. However, it comes with trade-offs compared to traditional laptops.
Effectiveness as a Work Device
Samsung DeX transforms a compatible Samsung phone, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Galaxy Z Flip 7, into a desktop environment when connected to an external display. It supports multiple window management, file handling, and productivity apps with near-laptop functionality [1][3][5]. The system runs smoothly even with demanding tasks like spreadsheet work, video editing, and website building on supported apps, but it may struggle with heavy-duty software like Adobe Premiere Pro or SolidWorks [2]. Microsoft Office and Google Workspace apps, however, are optimized to work effectively in DeX, providing a good productivity workflow [3].
Portability and Battery Life
The phone itself is ultra-portable and pocketable, significantly more so than a laptop. The Galaxy Z Flip 7, for example, is tiny yet capable of full DeX mode even when closed, making it convenient for on-the-go use [1]. However, the need for external peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (or a compatible hub to connect these) reduces the overall portability since these accessories add bulk and setup time [4].
Extended use of DeX, especially with high-performance tasks, can drain the phone’s battery more quickly than usual. Users tend to rely on power connections during desktop use, which can limit true mobile freedom compared to laptops with larger batteries [2].
Required Accessories
To fully replicate a laptop experience, external accessories are necessary: a display (monitor or TV) to run the DeX desktop, a keyboard and mouse or touchpad for comfortable input, and sometimes a USB-C hub to connect these devices, depending on the monitor and peripherals [4]. Without these, productivity can be hampered, and the setup is less practical, especially for professional or extended sessions.
Comparison with Traditional Laptops
| Aspect | Samsung DeX on Phone | Traditional Laptop | |------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Portability | Extremely portable device | Bulkier, less portable | | Battery Life | Shorter during DeX desktop use | Longer, designed for all-day use | | Accessories | Requires external monitor, keyboard, mouse | All-in-one with built-in display and input | | Performance | Good for many office and casual tasks, limited for heavy software | Better for intensive computing tasks | | Setup Convenience| Requires connecting peripherals, some hubs | Instant, all integrated |
Samsung DeX is viable as a primary work device if you prioritize portability and have access to a permanent or semi-permanent workspace with necessary peripherals. For heavy software and longer unplugged usage, traditional laptops remain superior [1][2][3][4][5].
Additional Considerations
A portable monitor like the Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display is necessary when working outside of a fixed location with Samsung Dex. Wireless use of Samsung Dex introduces a noticeable lag. The software Samsung Dex, debuted in 2017, enables a phone to create a desktop experience when connected to a monitor.
A laptop already has everything needed in one compact package, while Samsung Dex requires additional accessories. Samsung Dex could potentially save money over time, especially considering the intended upgrade cycle. Samsung Dex can do most of the things people need for work, including running multiple instances of apps, using the browser to access tools, and running apps like Adobe Lightroom.
External keyboard and mouse are necessary for effective work on Samsung Dex, ideally Bluetooth. To extend battery life, it is necessary to work with the phone plugged in to ensure it doesn't run out of juice while working out or driving home. Samsung Dex setup requires taking out and placing multiple items on a desk.
A USB-C to HDMI cable or a hub and HDMI cable is needed for physical connection of phone to TV when it doesn't have a USB-C input. One downside of using Samsung Dex is that it uses the phone’s battery power, draining 20% of the battery after 90 minutes when used with a 15-inch portable monitor. Two additional devices (keyboard and mouse) need to be kept charged when using Samsung Dex.
Every five years, using Samsung Dex instead of a laptop could save around $1,300. The latest change in Dex is that the DeX Windows app may no longer be supported. To run Samsung Dex, an external monitor is required, which can be a disadvantage compared to laptops and some tablets when working outside of a fixed location.
- The Samsung DeX, when connected to an external display, can transform a compatible Samsung phone into a desktop-like environment, supporting multiple windows, file handling, and productivity apps.
- When using DeX for demanding tasks, such as spreadsheet work, video editing, or website building on supported apps, the system may struggle with heavy-duty software like Adobe Premiere Pro or SolidWorks.
- Microsoft Office and Google Workspace apps, however, are optimized to work effectively in DeX, providing a good productivity workflow.
- The phone itself is ultra-portable and pocketable, but the need for external peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (or a compatible hub to connect these devices) reduces the overall portability since these accessories add bulk and setup time.
- A laptop already has everything needed in one compact package, while Samsung Dex requires additional accessories like a display, keyboard, and mouse.
- An external keyboard and mouse are necessary for effective work on Samsung Dex, ideally Bluetooth. To extend battery life, it is necessary to work with the phone plugged in.
- Samsung Dex setup requires taking out and placing multiple items on a desk, and a USB-C to HDMI cable or a hub and HDMI cable is needed for physical connection of the phone to a TV when it doesn't have a USB-C input.
- Two additional devices (keyboard and mouse) need to be kept charged when using Samsung Dex, and using Samsung Dex instead of a laptop could save around $1,300 every five years.
- The latest change in Dex is that the DeX Windows app may no longer be supported, and working outside of a fixed location with Samsung Dex can be a disadvantage compared to laptops and some tablets due to the requirement of an external monitor.
