Samsung DeX CAN replace a laptop, but it needs your help...

TEAM SGG PATREON / somegadgetguy DeX rocks. A desktop mode on a phone is a crown jewel feature. It's a disruptive way to use a smartphone. We CAN replace the need for other computers and tablets. However, these features WON'T get better if we don't use them. The conversation matters, and sharing these experiences might help save someone a LOT of money they don't need to spend.
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[@battmarn]

the idea of just having one powerful-enough device and using it on whatever screen is available is, in my view, a true vision of the future that i wish more companies were aiming for

[@user-lp5wb2rb3v]

I want laptop motherboards to be smaller, say a lattepanda sigma in size (basically a 3.5" hdd) with soodim ram/ m.2 storage, all in one package, then you just connect that to a 20" folding screen, and voila you have a portable workstation. or you could have something like the razer linda project

[@darkwingduck47]

yes, this is what it should be and will be at some point, however this requires an OS which is equally good in mobile, tablet and desktop versions and we simply don't have one

[@daboxer181]

I barely use my laptop so when it's time to replace I'm just getting a monitor and using Dex.

[@wilsont1010]

Dex is broken, it can't even have a portrait mode. No screen rotation.

[@AP-jm4gt]

A KZbin tech reviewer who actually wants to help educate "average consumers" on how to get the most out of their overpowered glowing rectangles? Egads! Lol. Love ya, Juan. Your work is necessary. We as techies MUST help our non-tech enthusiast family and friends get more out of their gadgets.

[@paulanonuevo5678]

This 👆🏆💯

[@RahulSharma-re8jg]

@Paule that! 👆

[@rambot670]

+100

[@thefamily730]

Yes, and us not so techy appreciate the Dickens out of all the valuable advice!

[@Tarrabyte]

I do this too but no one ever pay attention to me.

[@peterteigland3700]

I regularly use the desktop mode on my V60. It's pretty crazy how much I can get done on it. I just LOVE the idea of a proper "pocket computer". That 6 year old me who so badly wanted a calculator watch would have been blown away by what these little pocket sized rectangles can do.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'm exactly the same. I geeked out hard on little pocket organizers and graphing calculators. Stuff like Dex wouldve broken my brain.

[@owenbevans6062]

I remember my Casio calculator watch! I replaced that with the Casio CMD 10 with the built in TV remote, the bar I hung out in hated that watch! I was an early Palm user followed up by the Samsung Intellegent Terminal phone with Windows CE along with several Compaq handheld's. Being on the road 18 hours a day I craved a mobile platform that kept me connected back in the 90s and early 2000's. However all that pales in comparision too todays Smartphones. While I have several I7 desktop and laptop PC's I find I almost never use them anymore. My S22 Ultra runs my smart home, takes calls, turns on the AC, the lights and streams TV and movie apps to my 70 inch Samsung TV and I never even need to do anything but talk to it. Life is getting better all the time!

[@thedachmo]

Dex is such a great feature. On a recent trip I could leave behind my surface pro and iPad, and just take my phone and a USB-C to HDMI cable. Plug it in to the TV wherever I go, and I have a productivity and media consumption beast. I could totally see this replacing either of my tablets completely, and I think you're dead right this could be a better solution than sometime like a Chromebook, or a cheap Win laptop

[@farishanafiah8461]

Agree with you. Modern smartphone of today are so powerful, even in the midrange circle, that it can easily replace any sub-$500 Windows and Chromebook laptop.

[@Saphman4]

@@farishanafiah8461 especially Chromebooks.

[@Shan_Shah]

In order for it to be a laptop alternative, they need to bring windows multitasking features, windows taskbar of utilizing the space and indicating what tabs and how much tabs are running in the background and which apps are open, giving us upper mid range windows licensed software and certain windows games like CS GO which mobile device can handle with slight struggle, adding thunderbolt usb c, better keyboard with improving the hinge of the keyboard case, better trackpad, better typing, auto correct and spell check features. It's pretty much samsungs dumb version of windows launcher and 3ʳᵈ party windows launcher their are in play store which can do more and with zfold 4 besides built screen dex which I mentioned doesn't add much versatility it can do everything these huge tablets can do they need to do much more with samsung dex. Other than adding wireless dex, 1440p to 1440p display but still no 4k and PC and TV support, besides thay they haven't made changes to samsing dex every since it came out. Please samsung with Android 13L make significant upgrades to samsung dex and make it more desktop lime and make it unique from standrd mode mobile software.

[@choboutube]

@@Shan_Shah The Dex experience is far superior to the iOS with laptop/ external monitor experience. I have a 12.9 Ipad Pro that i bought for a drawing project (procreate) and have done my best to use it as a 'computer' but the OS is just not good enough (for what I want) particularly with regards to file access from external drives.

[@Shan_Shah]

@choboutube rightnow it is but iPads are slowly catching up and Samsung is allowing them to catch up they aren't making many software implementations dex from galaxy s8 to s23 96% the same besides making it more accessible going from a doc, to hdmi, to just usb c to completely wireless to integrating it in one ui for tablets the funtionality of dex is pretty much the same with incremental tweeks, they need to get alot of apps to behave like desktop, like I'd like it to become close enough to windows to a point were people won't need to buy a laptop ofcourse for computer savvy it can't ever be a laptop replacement but make it a laptop replace for 95% of the users. I'd like samsung to bring Samsung dex menu to galaxy store and give us some pro level desktop apps to compete with iPad like they are getting devenci resolve its dumbed down but still far ahead of any android tablet, allow us to lock upto 4 apps in split screen windows like a windows laptop can they have better split screen, in fact android 12 one ui 4.1 on tablets made dex obsolete because that can do split screen Samsung dex can't I mean kinda u can't lock apps into split screen, I'd say dex is basically 1% of what a true laptop is if they can make it 20-30% of a laptop replacement than I'd be like well this is great it's not a full pheleged computer but it's somewhat of a 2 in 1 or like even put windows on top on android ui which would create better ecosystem as well. The reason why Apple is making monopoly in terms of ecosystem is because all their devices are running similar software with different integration, like ios vs Mac os not the same software but your getting similar ui and the apps like imessage or facetime on any apple devices, android vs windows are similar but 2 very different software ios vs Mac os better ecosystem android vs windows not. I'm all about android but I feel like if Samsung dex can be more than just giving us a desktop interface and 1-2% of desktop funtionality to claim its giving us desktop experience replacing it with windows like when u hit fn dex on tablet its windows running one ui that would create a better ecosystem because now u got your android ecosystem outside dex mode and u got Microsoft ecosystem. Samsung dex is a missed opportunity like they can use samsung dex and become the gangster of ecosystem.

[@brandonminiman]

I was in the camp that thought this was a novelty until you consider this: your phone is likely your primary computer, not your laptop. Your phone has your notifications, your most important apps and workflows, so using it with dex etc with a laptop dock makes so much sense. Again, if your phone is your primary computer which it probably is for most if we are being honest

[@farishanafiah8461]

That is a good point. If you can only rely on Android apps all the time, something like DeX is super brilliant.

[@beezrow]

Been using my phone as my PC since 2017 for light work. Then switched to using DeX as my main PC since Jan 2021, with my Note 20, a TV or Monitor/keyboard/mouse after switching jobs. Then I ordered and been using the NexDock 360 with DeX since Jan 2022, for work. Agreed everything hasn't been fleshed out by app developers for DeX, by I still enjoy using it. And surprizingly data speeds on my phone are faster than my WiFi by a factor of ten, go figure

[@Saphman4]

I'm a huge DeX user with my S7+. It has completely warped my perception about the Android v Apple thing for tablets. It does need more work, like an app drawer that looks more like a start menu, palm rejection, and better optimization, but even without all of that, it's still trumps anything an iPad does.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

"Look... The iPad can split-screen now... With an M1 processor in it... Cool..."

[@Saphman4]

@@SomeGadgetGuy I actually have an iPad pro, but I don't plan on getting the m1 version. There's literally no reason to have a computer chip that's more powerful than most Intel chips on similarly priced Windows computers, on software that can't even take advantage of it.

[@farishanafiah8461]

Oh yes, so true. Apple can put M1 chip on iPad, but there's no way iPadOS can be a real desktop/laptop replacement.

[@litazo6574]

@@SomeGadgetGuy ipad split screen is the most useless thing ive ever seen . We want floating multiple screens not taking whole screen space

[@cheeeeezewizzz]

@@litazo6574 It's not that bad. It serves its use fine for the most part. I'm pissed about the iPadOS features that they left off the previous pro. m1 only features are bullshit, my 14z powered iPad pro has more than enough power to handle that. Hell I was cutting 6k video from my gh6 earlier using my freaking iPad so why can't I get full screen out over hdmi? Assholes at Apple. Once android gets lumafusion and a photo editing app on the level of affinity photo I don't see why I'd use my iPad anymore.

[@boardride]

I've been using my old Galaxy S9+ with a Nexdock 2 for ages now, and it's been outstanding. It single handidly kept me from buying a new laptop that I hardly ever use. Hands down, function like Dex is the future of we get behind it.

[@paikj100]

Great video! I would also love to see Dex continue to be developed--it is the primary reason that I bought my S21. I am one of those people for whom it makes sense to use connected to my laptop. My company laptop does not allow access to personal email or cloud storage, so it was a major pain on business trips. With Dex, my work laptop basically transforms into a personal laptop (with cellular connectivity, no less!). It's brilliant!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'm glad to hear that. I totally understand those use cases, even though I get a bit cheeky about my personal preferences. 😊

[@PicNickPhoto]

I've replaced my personal laptop with Galaxy Fold 2 since it came out. It is truly amazing how well it works. I plug it into my LG Widescreen and have a full desktop, that's fast, and has the phone functions, like txting built in as well. Then with X-Box GamePass, It turns into a full gaming machine, that is also better than you'd think!

[@JunkheadAlice]

I remember 20 years ago in the Winmo days when this was the techie dream. The fact that most techies aren't even aware of this, much less understanding it, using it, etc is mind blowing to me. It's been my dream ever since my first pocket pc (Dell Axim). I'm now using this type of setup 100% of the time. In reality the way I try and describe it like how you would hook up an external monitor and maybe even a keyboard and mouse to your laptop. It's exactly the same concept at it's core.

[@miguelojera2356]

DeX pretty much fits my needs when it comes to doing light work like emails, word documents, etc. Also I find the optimization better than most dedicated PCs that I rarely encounter lags or crashes after all these years. I currently use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus.

[@owenbevans6062]

I upgraded to the S22 ultra from my note 10, the Note 10 does everything the Ultra does for now. Unless you need a better camera or more storage there really isnt a reason to upgrade. The screen is better on the S22 Ultra but when hooked up to the tv you wont see the huge difference.

[@MRPtech]

You touched a lot of important points about DeX. Thank you for getting this video out!

[@tri3pleagent]

Dex is an absolute game changer. I've only begun to explore it and it's phenomenal for productivity.

[@b13nx2k]

Hey Juan... I cancelled my home internet and use DeX on my big screen TV for all my TV entertainment. This is a good reason to try DeX. If you are in a financial pinch, you don't need to pay for home internet. Please do a review on the best DeX laptop docks. Thanks!

[@JoleneAliciaElias]

that is actually very smart. Do you ever miss having "normal" internet? I feel like the only issue for me would be using my gaming pc, i think i would still need wifi for that.

[@OMA2k]

But do you have an unmetered mobile connection to replace your home Internet? It's usually harder to find reasonably priced unmetered Internet connections for mobile phones than for home fiber connections.

[@b13nx2k]

@@OMA2k I used this method for one month with my limited mobile plan. I didn't hit the limit. I'm with Verizon on their highest data plan. It was just an experiment to see it was doable and in a pinch, it's very doable.

[@OMA2k]

@@b13nx2k Thanks for your reply.

[@thatdude7170]

DeX was the product of an age when Samsung Mobile (and other companies really, none of this is limited to Samsung alone) spent most of its time thinking of the new features they could add to their new phones. These days, it feels as though Samsung (copying apple) is more busy thinking of the features they can get away with removing. I mean, if anything, new features like DeX are much more essential these days than they were four or five years ago, because the SoCs have become so powerful that the new phones need such new features to actually utilize the power of the new SoCs in a meaningful way. Otherwise, more powerful SoCs are just a way to increase the phones' battery usage with little actual gain beside swiping to the next page of your home screen 0.001 seconds faster.

[@forestforce2951]

You can't add more than 4 window in early DeX era (2017) because the chipset limitation from S8 series That's why my chipset on Tab S6 Lite (exy 9611) which identical to S8 chipset (exy 8895) is terrible when running DeX, i must limit how many window that i want to keep, of course i can reducing the problem with fan cooling but it isn't enough

[@BarryJohnson]

Ok Juan, it may be time for me to get the nexDock. I have been using a portable monitor but I think it's time to go to the next level. Great video as always.

[@aoescool]

nah bro nexdock is what makes dex 100000 times better.. get it asap

[@BarryJohnson]

@@aoescool Will do, thanks.

[@axonasif]

Dex had experimental Linux container support. That would've been a rather game changer it its development wasn't discontinued.

[@jared_per]

I'm really glad to find a channel covering Dex seriously. I've loved the concept since the S8. I haven't yet tried it, but I'm almost certainly going to get one of the NexDocks to try it. I think it would help me, and my mom when I'm not using it. I like that the case can be used by multiple people with their own devices.

[@AdamRiccinto]

You make a very valid point about the dock following your phone upgrade.

[@JohnScigulinsky]

Man, this video was such a perfect palate cleanser after MrMobile's Dex "overview"... I've been using Dex (and then switched to Motorola's ReadyFor) for 2 years now and I'm so happy with it! Whether it's on my lapdock (Nexdock Touch) or my main PC screen (which Motorola allows me to use in it's full UWQHD glory, unlike Samsung with their ridiculous software block - seriously, Samsung, locking resolutions upward of 1080p is ridiculous, and making me unlock it with a special Samsung-made cable or a dock THAT YOU DON'T EVEN SELL ANYMORE is just stupid), I've been using it all the time unless I need to run Visual Studio and work. And even then, through an app like Parsec, I can just go mobile with the lapdock and connect to my hope PC remotely, eliminating the need for a "true" laptop entirely... (and letting me own a PC that I can fix or upgrade when needed rather than just buying a new laptop every few years). Also, you are definitely right that Dex should be a feature on lower-end phones and I'm so glad Motorola puts it on their mid-rangers / flagship killers such as the G100. I've been hoping Xiaomi could make a breakthrough on that front as they sell so many low-to-mid rangers... It's so freaking weird how the shitty trackpad is always the focal point of all the nay-sayers when MOST PEOPLE WHO HAVE A LAPTOP also just carry a BT mouse anyway! And most lapdocks feature a touchscreen so... yeah. Techies have been dropping the ball a lot recently. You and Thao Huynh are the 2 people I know who talk about Dex regularly and more in-depth than just the regular summary of: "wireless Dex has lag, the PC/Mac Dex app makes no sense and Dex itself? Well, *gasp* how could anyone POSSIBLY live without all the crucial x86 apps!!!" And funnily enough, they all say this as they tout each new iPad as the computer killer (now with magic keyboard, stand and pen for only a low additional payment of an arm and a leg!) Sorry for the rant. 10/10, great video!

[@scottrixon5312]

Well said! People rant about Chrome Extensions, how many users don't even know what they are? That there is no photoshop, most people have never used photoshop. If most 'average' users can use a Chrome book, then Dex is perfect. Also, the continuation from apps doesn't get enough praise. I love the fact that I can start something on the phone, hook up to an external display and keep going without worry of sync, passwords, duplicated notifications etc.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I was about to say "You shouldn't HAVE to carry a mouse if you have access to a track pad" and then realized that even when I use a "real laptop" i still carry a mouse or trackball... 😅

[@MarcoPokorskiStefani]

I had a g100, the ready for (android 11) interface is better than dex, is more like a really desktop mode. Unfortunately the ready for on Android 12, gave a step back, for me, and the main menu become equal the dex/unity. I bought a S22 and for my surprise, "was locked" the uwfhd, why, to sell the "original " dex base? The dex is a bit poor then ready for, and have a high end phone "loosing" in this requirement is bizarre.

[@Spearra]

Honestly, I wish that NexDocks would just add and use trackpoints instead. Physical mouse buttons as well just like the Lenovo Thinkpads.

[@hindesite]

WTF? S7+ does a whole 1440! It should be capable of 4k though.

[@christopherspellman9163]

Thanks for covering this. I love DEX and hope Samsung keeps working on it. I have a Nexdock 360 (partially due to your coverage) and it's the perfect use case. I'd love to see an option to turn off the screen on the phone while it's running.

[@farishanafiah8461]

Iirc, you can always do that with Samsung.

[@rootlinuxproductions8397]

Beautiful points made Juan. We need more people highlighting these amazing features.

[@WakitWo]

I personally forgot about this function until today !!! and searched on youtube and found ur video!! very intuitive, at 2022 this function should be at its peak if it was recognised !!!

[@Highlandr9]

This was a VERY good, well thought out video! I've always loved the concept of Dex, but yeah it doesn't get the focus it needs to become truly great.

[@jr_Linux]

As someone who hasnt had alot of phones had s4 back in the day and a few prepaids. Im getting a s22 ultra and a s7 fe tablet with w5 watch. Pretty good deal. So im trying to learn these new features. I dont really have a pc right now so these are gonna be awesome

[@Andrewski8506]

every time I stumble onto one of these videos, I'm like... dang, this guy gets it. Bringing thoughtfulness to an otherwise oversaturated tech review landscape. Thanks for being more than a tech review guy and a champ of one of the little people.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

There are a few of us out there. Thanks for tuning in.

[@Mufti199]

Love the content! I'm sure your channel will grow super fast and I hope that you're able start a trend amongst techies for reducing their devices and demanding better support for existing potential that's being wasted.

[@sp0el]

I am really glad that you continue to cover this topic, Juan. I love the idea. This should be an average consumer feature by now. Yet, I still don't see it becoming popular anytime in the near future. Smartphones assimilated a lot of electronic devices over the years - cameras, organizers, translators, calculators, pagers, you name it. But they only did so because it is much cheaper to get a basic smartphone with all these features, than to get them separately. They all are a basic, cheap feature by now. Desktop mode isn't. This needs to change. A "lapdock" with a flagship desktop mode smartphone combo is still way more expensive than an entry level ultrabook and an average smartphone - and less convenient as well, as you need to connect both devices with a cable, without a good way of mounting your phone to the lapdock most of the time. Not the most comfy way of using a computer without a table - unlike 'true' laptops. That lapdock needs to cost below 200$ to make any sense when compared to an entry level/second hand ultrabook - and cheap ultrabooks got so much better in the last few years, with all metal builds and AMD pushing industry forward with their multicore APUs. That phone OS needs to have desktop-class SW as well, and it means introducing e.g. keyboard shortcuts, better window manager, etc. Right now, despite being much less powerful than an average smartphone APU, Raspberry Pi with Linux is way more flexible than any of smartphone desktop modes. I own Moto G100 with ReadyFor - it ain't ready for anything but very basic tasks - there is no webbrowser with extensions support, or desktop websites as default setting, UI is annoying and covers browser tabs when you want to click on them, there is no snapping apps to screen edges, etc. Maybe DEX is a little more mature, but at this point I am pretty sure nobody really wants to make it a true desktop replacement. Which is a real shame.

[@mb19842002]

I've been using Dex as my only personal computing device for 2 years.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Doin it right 👍

[@leemanwrong]

Dex is awesome for the average user, my galaxy s20 plugged into an external monitor was my only computer for over a year and did everything i needed.

[@techtalkwithbill2010]

Watching this video with Dex on my phone while I do my college work in zoom!

[@ezekoren]

I never use Dex on my phone, but I do use it on my tablet as I don't need any other device to access this mode, and it's quite useful, although missing some things

[@blakejackson4714]

While I've always been intrigued by the concept, the reality of pricing still makes this hard to do myself or recommend to others. The NexDock (for example) is $370. A nice chromebook like the Lenovo Flex 5i is only $10 more at $380 on Amazon. For that 10 dollars, you additionally get a CPU (i3), RAM (8GB), storage (64 GB), and the other niceties that come along with a standalone laptop. Of course, you may lose out on performance for certain tasks, but the redundancy and no need for a physical tether make the chromebook a winner in my mind. Plus the kind of user who would be ok with consolidating compute devices (generally non-techies) are just the kind of people who likely wouldn't notice the performance boost that accompanied each phone upgrade, if they went the Dex route. Not to mention the fact that consumers (at least currently) would be highly restricted in which brands and models of phone they could purchase or upgrade to if they wanted to obtain a usable desktop mode. Maybe what we should be pushing is for laptop manufacturers to start including video-in via USB-C. Then we can just buy a lower-spec laptop to use for basic tasks and then plug in our phones when we have some heavy lifting work that needs to be done.

[@elfedorausado]

I'd get an old, not too powerful ultrabook, install the DeX app, and connect the Phone via the USB-C to USB A cable... done deal. You are guaranteed to have at least a decent screen and all the computing power is provided by the phone. Getting such an ultrabook should be cheaper, I'd guess

[@hotrodhunk7389]

4:58 that's my biggest reason. Truly unlimited data on a phone+ docking it could mean not having to get home Internet. Stream to your TV or a lapdock.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It is kinda shocking how often we see companies and carriers try to duplicate the same performance and connectivity. There will certainly be people who want a connected PC, but I think A LOT of people would do well with a phone that could also take over their laptop duties.

[@TheBassetlover]

I still use my DexPad with my S22 Ultra. It charges my phone while I'm working, has a fan that keeps my device cool, and has a built-in trackpad. I also have a dex cable, which makes a big difference in connectivity. I never thought about a Chromebook until I saw this video. Keep these informative videos coming. I wish Samsung would talk about Dex at their Unpacked presentations. So much power in our devices. I also like the Otterbox Defender case.

[@LihyG]

Dex is really great. It's the only reason I choose Samsung over other phones. I definitely agree with you that manufacturers (like apple) are purposely? not utilising the hardware to the fullest while there is so much potential. It's such a shame that there is almost no interest in big influencers to properly push the industry in that direction. Props for you Juan for keeping that narration for years!

[@davidburns8113]

I genuinely use Dex everyday and it's something that would keep me on a s+ if it had more of the "Android premium" features I miss

[@stultuses]

I saw a brief about Dex a few months ago after I got my S22 Ultra Today I decided to give Dex a whirl - OMG, this thing is really well done WTF Samsung, how come you are not shouting from the rooftops the Dex experience? I have an old Surface Pro 2 that needs replacing and I was looking at laptops today but after giving Dex a go, I'll hold off on that decision for a while I think Come on Samsung, promote Dex will you!!!!

[@mannyponce2230]

I'm writing this commen on my Samsung Dex on a second monitor as we speak. But this is why I love this video; DEX is notlike using a brand new laptop, but srsly it's such an amazing device! We are so spoiled that we can't stop to appreciate how much technology has advanced. I was just thinking a couple days ago how tech reviews are full of negative click baits about all these amazing creations. Thank you for the realness!! :)

[@korndud]

great video! i forgot about dex. no one ever talks about it. probably because the tech community are mostly well off financially and don't see the massive benefits it has for lower income people.

[@farishanafiah8461]

One problem with DeX is that it's only available for flagship models. Samsung could have easily put DeX on top-end Galaxy A series model like the latest A73 and A53, but they couldn't be bothered to do so.

[@ZeroML]

So i own a nexdock as well, but as of recently i got the tab s7 fe. It's just a better experience. I just bought it as a dex source as well. Even as just a monitor(streaming to it dex wireless) it has way better battery life than my nexdock. I think we no longer should look at the nexdock type monitors. We should look at older samsung tablets that support wirelesss screen sharing... because their screens are way better!! Anyway. If you really love dex make sure to download multi star on the good lock app. This will enable bigger res displays, and allow you to open more than 5 apps in dex mode. Another thing you should try is andronix. Andronix will let you load full blast ubuntu or other linux distros on your phone like a virtual pc. You will have to do some adb stuff because the new battery manager closes the vpc after 10 mins, so u gotta adb disable that lmao. Also in terms of the future... android 13 will be able to natively support the arm version of windows 11. So we just have to wait a bit. Unless you dont want to wait and you NEED windows specifically, there are cloud pc things from Microsoft, but i think those are $30/mo so imo not worth. Especially since android has wine atm.

[@Gabilleta]

DeX currently serves as a computer to a few of my family members and as my own travel/on the go laptop. It still needs polish in a few areas. If you've been using mobile apps and web services to get work done in the past few years, this solution would increase your productivity. It's not for everyone, but for the majority of consumers who already treat their phones as their ONLY computer, this solution can extend the life of that device and get the most out of that purchase.

[@farishanafiah8461]

I agree with you. I still keep my Windows machine since Android can't run desktop software and I don't rely on cloud-based virtualization solution since not all places have stable internet connection in the first place, but DeX is super great when I only need to use Android apps on the go.

[@kimoosaw]

I totally agree with you i was sceptical about dex before and when i had to use it on my laptop at work i knew how much i was missing and how dex is an awesome feature of the premium samsung devices. Now i am looking into keychain usb c cables so i can be dexing on the fly if i had to and there is no laptop around.

[@toneyniko99]

People who are not snobbish tech bubble reviewers... but actually travel for business for nearly 50 weeks a year will never understand why DeX was such a game changer. A single Galaxy S series phone + a basic tablet, with minimal apps, and little tethering... allow for mind boggling contract negotiations. All done from any Microtel to Crowne Plaza to McDonald's in the middle of nowhere. Keep beating this drum, and maybe someday the industry will start listening (and maybe your colleagues)! Thanks for doing this!

[@toneyniko99]

Also... Samsung, if you're listening... FREE DeX!!! Put it on everything you make, and I guarantee it will see exponential adoption!!! Seriously, I hate the idea of giving up my S20... because I want that expandable storage!!! A Series phones with DeX would literally give kids in school a powerful learning and productivity tool... all that needs to happen is for Samsung to FREE DeX!!!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Screen+ ran (still runs) GREAT on the Velvet. Damn shame no one supported that mid-ranger.

[@farishanafiah8461]

+1. I use DeX or Android Desktop Mode when travelling light and it's a great feature to have when I leave my Windows machine at home.

[@toneyniko99]

@@SomeGadgetGuy Absolutely!!! We run a LG V60 Thinq 5G with Dual Screen as our "Home Phone", thanks in large part to your coverage of the phone. It literally runs the whole house. All media and work from our TV, to our workshop, to lighting, and managment of vital files and documents. It too has been a game changer!

[@Gkitchens1]

I use dex so much it is literally my number 1 requirement when buying a new device. I wont buy one without it. I use it on my laptop and my tv and I have a stand alone dock for it. My tab s6 has on device dex. It's invaluable to me and is the primary desktop experience I use now. Of course I still have windows for gaming and for 3d print slicing but that's all I use it for now. Dex is amazing.

[@AliKhan-ns5nr]

Thank you so much for covering this important topic 😊

[@farishanafiah8461]

For me, it never replace my Windows machine since I play desktop games and use desktop software for video editing work most of the time. However, I do use DeX, or Android Desktop Mode in general, when travelling light and it's a great feature to have. The fact that I can simply connect the phone to the hotel TV and have a legit PC environment is a solid win.

[@MlvnJournal]

The way you say ii (about upgrading by upgrading the phone vs Chromebooks), I never thought of that. And so it makes a lot of sense to me to buy a Samsung Fold 5 (bc I think from the Fold 5 and on it's when it's going to be worth it to get a Fold, maybe the 6 and on).

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

It is easier to justify really expensive phone if you know it's going to save you money on an extra laptop or something as well.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'm happy to spend over $1000 on a phone if it's legit capable of replacing my $2000 laptop and $3000 worth of camera gear when I'm shooting on the road.

[@LaczPro]

Because of you, my previous LG G8X was like this super powerful phone that was also completely unassuming... Until I showed off what it can do. Editing videos? No problem. Being a Plex Server? Really cool! Hooking it to a display and converting it to a computer? That was the only thing I could try. Now I'm looking for a V60... Or maybe a very used Galaxy S or Note that can do it, just like how my $90 G8X was able to laugh in the face of all my friends' Xiaomis

[@farishanafiah8461]

Man, that feeling is so great. Even the overrated Mi 11 Ultra still use USB-C 2.0 when pretty much everyone else has already been using USB-C 3.1. Really, Xiaomi? 😂🤣

[@TimelyAdventure]

I love this and love the idea of one device to do it all. It's minimalist and feels like the future

[@Lee.S321]

I'm currently watching this on Dex, my S22 is connected to my AOC gaming monitor, with keyboard & mouse connected. I usually use Dex to open a worksheet, scienticic calculator app, & video, while i'm studying, then on my HP 2 in 1 laptop I have OneNote open for taking notes & working solutions. I bl00dy love Dex!

[@lewiswilliams1893]

Happy Dex user with my S20. The key component for me was finding the right USB hub. Once done it was smooth sailing. But where can I learn more about this Note 22 you mentioned? ;)

[@eyaddc]

What USB hub are you using?

[@TheBassetlover]

I'd also like to know your usb hub.

[@thefamily730]

Hub please?

[@owenbevans6062]

@@TheBassetlover The cheap avalible at Target Ihome hub will do WQHD+ on Samsung 7 series tv. The Ugreen hub aslo works good. I own both. On a Sharp 4k tv neither goes higher than full HD though, its a tv issue. Not all 4k tv's are equal.

[@Saphman4]

The note 22? Oh yeah what he actually means is s22 ultra, basically a note 20 Ultra with less features, no micro SD card slot, the same software launch problems the last S Ultra phone had... Not a true note.

[@TaureanSmoke]

But I do love the fact that you show that video editing can be done on a Android phone and it's not a hassle you can do it easily, and the performance is there for sure!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's SO flipping easy to edit on mobile. Gotta roll my eyes hard at "techies" that only.cut in final cut/premiere, and act like mobile video is just SOOO hard.

[@TaureanSmoke]

@@SomeGadgetGuy Exactly keep up the good work!

[@jasonrouse9749]

Broooo....fantastic insights. One of the best vids I've seen in a long time. All I need is basic word doc and video editing. If this can all be done on my S22 Ultra via the dock you have then you just saved me a bunch on a laptop. I've never even heard of those docks so thanks again for highlighting them.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Hey glad you caught it. If you can, try Dex out first on like a TV or a monitor, and if you dig it, I'm a huge fan of laptop docks.

[@linuxd]

I'm game to mold this into my daily driver setup. I've dabled with dex a bit but I feel now that I have the hardware and the accessories to carry dex to that next level

[@jamesbond9294]

Good review what brand cable are you using

[@lukebrown6913]

Thanks, just cracked my tab 7plus screen, now using with a compputer monitor, blueetooth keyboard n mouse with Dex.....fantastic.

[@arlemoine]

What a great review and overlook of an underestimated advantage that Samsung has in Samsung Dex. While I love using my pixel phones, I also love having my Samsung tablet for productivity, note taking, and multitasking. How amazing the future could be if all of our electronic needs were all met in as few devices as possible. Less shuffling between devices, less money spent, less electronic waste products, and more streamlined productivity. I hope we continue to move in the right direction on this.

[@MichaelLudick]

Great video, thanks. I only use Dex and don't miss my PC at all.

[@Psychetwo]

Been an iPhone user for so long. I recently switched to s22 phone. Really like it. This really opened my eye on the dex usage. completely converted to android now. I really like the way he explain it as a replacement to laptops. The only issue that I see and want to see changed is an option to change batteries. Samsung phones are notorious to have battery issues. At one point the battery actually exploded. Causing all airlines to ban that phone. Then they had the battery bulging issue. I can feel my S22 heating up while using dex. Just worried about battery bulging issue. Not like they make it easy to replace either. I miss the days when we can simply pop out the batter and swap to another battery. I get that companies want to encourage more phone sells, but this is just not the right way to boost sales. You should boost sells by making the next phone more enticing that people feel the need to swap. If it's not enticing enough then spend more time before releasing the next model. They just releasing it every year with only minor improvements. They're depending on the phone's batter to give out so people are forced to switch. It's just feel shady and scammy.

[@mrhow2712]

You make some really amazing points!!

[@ChrisPollard]

I'll admit it. I rarely use DeX on my Note 10+. But I have, and it's pretty cool. The only issue is that everywhere I need to use a computer ... I already have a computer. The incentive to hook up the phone just isn't there. For travel, definitely handy. Compact bluetooth keyboard, USB-C to HDMI cable, bluetooth mouse, the world is your oyster without much weight or bulk. You're spot on. We have excessive compute power sitting in our pockets, vastly under-utilized. Even the pandemic couldn't make people see that though. Keep fighting the good fight!

[@cliffordyuen1156]

It's funny because I use a Lenovo usb port replicator Gen 1 and I can plug into any monitors. I think Samsung has a phone dock that's smaller but haven't tried that yet

[@ChrisPollard]

@@cliffordyuen1156 does that give you power pass through too? I should have tried it with the USB-C hubs I had in my desk at work until yesterday. LOL Always think of things too late. Got some Thunderbolt 4 docks coming this week though. Might try that out. I already have a little Bluetooth keyboard for an iPad and a Bluetooth mouse.

[@Witcherworks]

Shot’s fired to the mystery M&M. I agree with ya Juan. The only time I need to use a full fledge desktop processor is for work. I feel bad because I built a PC and never hardly use it because my work laptop is good enough for things I would have used my desktop for. Except games course. But who has time to play those these days. Oh…. Yeah. Well I don’t so my IPad and phone is all I use. Now if nextdock had a better trackpad….

[@kandimegahan7844]

I came to your channel to learn how to use DEX on my brand new , wrist breaking, Samsung Galaxy s22. So once I find and watch that video I'll be one of those consumers who will utilize it more. Also, ill likely be a patreon person soon. Just living your driver, knowledge, and expertise. Thanks for not speaking like a rabbit on speed drops and stethoscope.

[@siva2k23]

Man after a long time seeing you again, great job!

[@bensneen]

Another great video! I would love to see a video done on best apps to use on Dex. I think the more people that know about Dex more people would probably use it. and if there's a great list of apps to use that would even be more helpful.

[@RickPaquin]

It's not a Dex thing. It's the matter of finding good apps that work well and do what you need them to do. For Office applications, MS Office still leads the pack, but you have to work the applications through a browser to get all of the features. Their apps are pitiful. And, Office pushes some browsers to their limit. The Samsung browser handles even the most complex Office documents with ease. So as I say, it's not a DEX thing. The average user who wants to do some serious Office work shouldn't have to use a browser to get all of their functionality. The apps should have ALL of the features that a PC Office package would have. Samsung should make a powerful Office system for use on their devices, period. Then Dex would REALLY shine.

[@darealdeal8185]

Ive been using Samsung Dex full-time for 3 months now. Overall I have to say its 90% there, but still needs refinement before it can truely replace Windows 11 for casual users. One huge drawback is everything feels a bit less responsive. Theres a 1 second delay on average whenever you click between different tabs and windows. Some windows will randomly minimize or shrink when you switch to another window. And tabs in the background will refresh sometimes when you go back to them, which can get annoying. Im using a Samsung S20 FE which only has 6GB of RAM, so this could be the reason why multi-tasking feels sluggish. Going back to Windows 11, everything just feels instantaneous in comparison I really wish Samsung will continue to improve Dex, because I think its perfect for casual users who just wanna be able to use social media, browse the web, or watch content on a bigger screen when they're home. It beats having to buy a separate laptop/desktop for the sole purpose of having a bigger screen to use the same apps that you already have on your phone

[@xt2561]

Great video, great discussion. Thanks!

[@JZMartinez]

It's hard to swallow that my 3.5yr old ThinkPad P52s, 16G, 256G hard drive, and matte 2K screen can be made obsolete with my S22 Ultra, a mobile screen or smart TV and wireless accessories. If I can operate my CRM well through DeX, I'll have to gift my laptop to my 7yr old or just sell the ThinkPad and buy my 7yr old a used S21 Ultra. The upgrade trade in value on Samsung Devices seems way better than the resale value on laptops and tablets. I had a Note 9 for just short of three years and no idea DeX was a potential mobile workflow solution. Thanks for this video. I do hope we see a continued evolution of DeX and similar solutions.

[@Wilhuf1]

Great vid Juan. I use my S10 exclusively for Dex and for emulation. Full size wireless KB and mouse through a hub to wired Ethernet and HDMI TV. Love it. I bought the S10 as a used model, strictly for Dex. I don’t have phone service on it. I like your idea of using a chrome book as a keyboard touchpad and display.

[@FAT8893]

I realized that I had commented on this video before, so I'm going to write a second one since I just got myself a used Note8 with green screen problem. After my deep exploration on Samsung DeX, I can agree for it being a laptop replacement... but only if Samsung brings back Linux on DeX. I've been using Samsung-modified Xenial GNOME Ubuntu distro in it and I truly love the fact that I have a proper desktop software experience right in my hands. I can use LibreOffice Write in the same manner as I use Microsoft Word on my Windows laptop with little to no difference. If Samsung or Google or anyone else can at least bring native desktop OS virtualization in Android Desktop Mode, the idea of smartphone replacing laptop is truly possible.

[@lany_07gaming]

Nice info and review as always.👍

[@Fuad_]

Thanks for covering this.Most tech reviewers don't even talk about this feature even though this is one of the best features in Samsung phones

[@farishanafiah8461]

Ikr. They always try to be a Samsung knight and yet they never talk about DeX. What a complete irony.

[@meganwodynski3778]

Thank you for this video - very easy to follow and I was able to connect my phone to tv very easily!

[@marcpaters0n]

I cannot believe I didn't know about this. Seriously, I just found out about Dex today and it's been around for years. Why is this not more well known? I can remember owning a desktop PC, with a separate monitor and keyboard. Dex, to me, effectively does the same job, but instead of a huge tower, it's pocket sized. I am very interested in this. I have a Chromebook that is great...some of the time...but this solution seems like a no-brainer. Thanks for this excellent video by the way, very thought provoking.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I keep trying to tell people, but the big channel reviewers all act like it's SUCH A CHORE to use. 🙄

[@dcgo44r]

Well I just learned two days ago! But I never was a fan of Samsung.. a bad experience of the past. Ok, time heals everything"

[@michaelr7506]

I'm watching this on my tv with Dex rn. Hell Dex saved me from having to pay for wifi.

[@axessx]

new to the channel but good stuff you have here. One not for those looking for Windows work space on DEX is to dial is with Parsec to your Windows Computer. i ahve been doing this with my original Nextdock and S21 Ultra. Xbox controller is passed through my phone to PC (or is recognized by phone) but this is not the case with many remote desktop apps. Juan, your logic is really good and i will use the phone as an upgrade example with my friend looking to get a new chromebook. Keep up with the good videos. Tech channels are not easy but you seem to do it well.

[@homfes]

Big N-O !!! Smartphone manufacturers get away with a lot of bad practices that current laptop manufacturers don't fully do yet. Unless Samsung does away with planeed obsolesence, I don't want to see tech influencers pushing the idea of ditching laptops in favor of smartphones. I don't want to have to replace my "laptop" every year or so just to be able to have updated software.

[@DarkDennis1961]

Taking my note 9 from my home monitor and pluging it into my monitor at work since 2018. I like just carrying my phone and folding pocket keyboard. its very convenient. I love DEX

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

No joke. The travel weight is just so good.

[@FAT8893]

Coming back to this video in 2023, I have installed Andronix Modded Ubuntu OS on both my LG V50 and my LG Wing. It may not be as snappy as I first thought, but I love the fact that I can have desktop-grade web browser (Chromium), coding software (OSS Code), and photo editor (GIMP/Darktable) on my phone. If only Microsoft resurrects the Lumia lineup with modern SoC and Windows on ARM or Google integrate ChromeOS on Pixel phones, then I'd be more than happy to leave my laptop behind.

[@omarhatem9575]

God damn, I literally got chills watching this video, first video of yours I watched, but definitely not the last

[@ChrisCarlos64]

Owner of a Tab S7+ here, and I used Dex even on my Note 9 (which I'm still rocking) before that. Dex has improved quite a lot from my Note 9, and while the app support is slow, most of the main apps I used for my work flow, were just fine. Office Apps and either One Drive or Google Cloud support are there. When I took my Masters I bought the S7+. I used the tablet with Dex mode for those 2 years without any problem. I was able to make conference calls with my team on Microsoft Teams, using the built in webcam. Have WebEx conference calls or visit my classroom. I could use Word, PowerPoint, and other office apps with no problem. Finally, in most cases there was a web service of some kind I could use, and Samsung Internet is IMO the best mobile internet app out there. It defaults website to the desktop version, and has extension support for ad blocking/tracking as well. Overall, I haven't found many websites that just didn't run well in their desktop version, so I just use it primarily between my phone and tablet and only use Chrome when there's that one site that doesn't, but more often than not it doesn't even work right. Anyways, I agree, Dex is a great setup. This was the dream I had for Windows phones with Continuum. It's nice to see that live on here though, and it's really great overall. I think for many normal consumers, Dex would actually be the perfect laptop/computer replacement. Not everyone does more than just watch movies, surf the web, or play some games, which Android still has plenty of. I think for the most part, it's perfectly fine. It's edge cases like me, a programmer, who would need certain software for my tasks, but even when I can RDP to my desktop from my living room, and use it on the couch just fine. It's very versatile, and why I'm not even looking for a new laptop (Windows laptop that's over a decade old) because I almost don't see a need nor want for it now.

[@stevewelbert5039]

I am definitely going to get the NextDock Touch! I am also looking to get the DUO2. How limited would the experience be if they were paired together VS using the shell with a Samsung w/ Dex?

[@mackpee]

Amen to this. I've been using Dex since it's inception and absolutely love it. Especially when on holidays and need an actually computer for some work items. Out with he cables, Bluetooth accessories and I'm in business. Letlaone using as a media hub for us in any hotel room with a TV and hdmi Port. I still use my note10+ for Dex and keep my z fold 3 in my pocket. I need a dex laptop dock next.. Keep up the gr8 vids

[@mackpee]

Further to this, I now have a 2nd screen running charts for my trading station thanks to Dex on my note10 plus. It frees up my main computer speed n power for more charts and scalping trading which needs to be glitch free. Dex is a game changer. When away from home, still hook up my note to a tv to chart and use it like a business computer and it meets all my work security measures, and then use my ZFold 3 for entering trades etc. Dex is fantastic in so many ways.

[@siva2k23]

In my family we are all using Dex as a main educational gadget. Hope the Dex will improve. 1. Support other than Samsung Key board. 2. Allow third camera as a monitor webcam for meeting and online class. 3. Able to runn at least 2k resolution. 4. Etc.

[@agunemon]

Damn... true... Ive found that its been way more convenient to bring by ipad instead of my laptop for work especially since Ive been using office aps 95% of the time... but when I need the ports I connect my phone to a typec multi dongle so I can connect it to a projector or whenever I need to print something .

[@michaelbeggs2013]

Dex on a projector on a 10 foot screen with the Samsung dock is the best home theater and computing setup ever !

[@quacktac]

Very interesting conversation. I've just ordered an s23 ultra to replace my broken iphone 12 pro and I'm definitely going to try using Dex for a while to see how useful it is.

[@TheRealJPhillips]

I still got my old Cracked Screened Note8 that lives as a DeX module. I'm diggin it

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

OLD LG lives on as a media player. OLD Samsung lives on as a PC. You love to see that second life for an old gadget.

[@pixelking_871]

Thanks for this usual video

[@boijorzee]

I'm just starting my DEX adventure. I going to pair my tablet S8 with the Samsun M7 monitor and try to see how that goes for me. I'm not planning to do really intensive stuff on it but I'm really ineterested to see how much I can get out of it.

[@MarkKnight-qw7ot]

Hey Juan, I'm just about to start using Dex for the first time and was wondering what's that (Laptop) you are using? Yes I know it's not a Laptop in the sense of windows, I've not seen one before and it makes sense to do it that way. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@ppw350Zunit]

Watching this via Dex on my Nexdock Touch. Been using it everyday since late 2020 and this is with a Samsung S10+. 😎🙈

[@TheEcorristine]

Hi there, what laptop dock due you use and also what phone case have you on your phone..???Cheers

[@nolakillabeast]

Beautiful words !!! Could not have done any better !

[@leonardoromero8]

What app were you using for the video and picture editing? Please and thanks.

[@RoguePlanetStudio]

Can you do a comparison of cheap laptop docks vs the more expensive ones. I want to get one for work where I do a lot of typing on the go and emailing but really like keyboards, I don't always end up in nice areas so if it gets stolen I wont haven to spend a lot to get another one. Not perfect but it works.

[@amandanorth6526]

Great video. My MacBook Air recently died, prompting me to investigate the potential of Dex. I've been super impressed at how easy it is. I use a HDMI switcher for my monitor and a multi-connection Bluetooth keyboard to switch between my work laptop and my phone. I'm so stoked on Dex, in currently investigating a portable monitor for a mobile Dex setup (not necessarily a lapdock as I want the monitor elevated and will connect a mouse). Much cheaper than a new laptop with the benefit of having all my stuff in one place.

[@amandanorth6526]

I can also dock my phone at my firm's interstate office when I travel, meaning I don't actually need to take my work laptop. The drawback is having to use the mobile Office apps, but I'm getting more proficient with those.

[@aplassmeier]

I am using a Uperfect X14pro wireless. Currently the only lapdock, that doesn't need a cable to connect to my smartphone. This lapdock makes a real difference to all the other products available