Turn Your OLD Samsung Galaxy Into A Desktop PC, Game/EMU Console! S8,S9,S10,S20,S21

[@snowmcsnow4732]

Tried this set up last trip, worked great! all I needed was an HDMI TV at the hotel.

[@protivationsrtcartel2360]

my go-to cloud gaming set up on vacay

[@angelsilveren8782]

I’m still using this kind of setup, I love it; I use an old Galaxy S10e, a portable 1080p Lepow monitor, a 15in1 type C adapter and a cheap keyboard with trackpad 😊. For gaming a GameSir T4pro.

[@KyloB]

I'm using an s10e as well but with the keyboard/mouse etc plugged into the usbc/hdmi port, the battery drains extremely quickly and when it's charging the phone gets really hot. I usually have to get a fan and let it blow on the phone while I use it How do you keep the phone cool?

[@angelsilveren8782]

@@KyloB tbh my phone also get hot but not that hot to get a fan 🤔 I wonder what kind of games you’re playing on? I emulate games using : PPSSPP Dolphin Suyu Vita3k Redream Lime3ds AetherSX2 33DDSS DucKStation and Drastic

[@KyloB]

@@angelsilveren8782 honestly just oldschool runescape with youtube on the side

[@schrodingersmechanic7622]

While we're on the topic of repurposing old phones, a dash cam is a great use for one. They usually have pretty good cameras, load a free app and snag a cheap windshield mount.

[@FAKEAXIS]

That phone will disappear instantly in my area 😭, can't have shit in my car.

[@baoquoc3710]

@@FAKEAXIS LMG, Detroit?

[@ItsFreakinJesus]

@@baoquoc3710 Can't think of any major city/metro area where a phone won't come up missing if someone decided to set it up as their dash cam.

[@schrodingersmechanic7622]

@@ItsFreakinJesus so you grab it from the mount and put it in your pocket when you leave the car

[@ItsFreakinJesus]

@@schrodingersmechanic7622 People have dash cams running while they're not in the car for vandalisms sake too.

[@Potsogold]

Hey ETA! Awesome video. Id also like to see an ultra portable version of this setup, maybe in a lapdock, or old laptop repurposed for dex.

[@RenatoG1848]

This man out here at 1am making quality content. BTW this feature is underrated, I was using it about an hour ago.

[@firstletterg]

I'm currently using my Galaxy S8+ for this purpose , I got PPSSPP running , Dolphin Emulator and some android titles like Call Of Duty and GRID with a Xbox wireless controller working flawlessly.

[@red_ashcroft]

I have the Tab S7 and still works, it's kinda sad that support ends this year. I really want to keep using it because it is still powerful enough to do its job.

[@thebaldconvict]

So keep using it, it isn't going to stop working, weve still got a Tab S2 in use here!

[@ij6708]

Lol it doesn't die when support ends. Just keep using as long as it keeps going

[@ij6708]

​@@thebaldconvictStill have a 2015 Tab A 8.0, being used as a book reader. People are too eager to replace tech nowadays

[@quinting10]

Why would that ever stop you from using it? I'm still rockin the s9+

[@omarfatman]

I did this with my note 10+ but instead of pc gaming I turned into a mobile with steam link, ps5 remote play and emulation. For the controller I use Gamesir g8 Galileo. Great experience especially steam link.

[@dicebeatsofficial2525]

Samsung should prioritize this feature more than that Ai Google features

[@y4lnux]

Lot of people complaining about having to purchase a monitor... Come on just connect it to a tv or use a cheap Hdmi/usb Splitter ($7) , fill the phone storage with movies and games and voila

[@MilfxHunter782]

They either don’t have a tv 😂

[@DigitalIP]

Repurposed my S21 Ultra into a Dash Cam, been doing that since my S10. Does surprisingly well when using a decent app. In 2-3 years when i upgrade to the S26 or whatever is out at the time my S23 Ultra will take its place. Sure, its annoying carrying 2 large phones around on a belt clip, but it works so whatever.

[@LinoBarraza]

What app do you use as a dash cam?

[@JS-fm3xg]

What app

[@DigitalIP]

@@LinoBarraza Its called Droid Dashcam, i use the paid version to remove ads, which is worth it as its cheap to do so. If anyone tries it, be sure to adjust the settings to your liking (there is A LOT to adjust), its also useful to use a phone with an SD Card as depending on the bitrate/resolution you choose the videos can get pretty big, or at the very least make sure the internal has a decent amount of free space.

[@LinoBarraza]

@@DigitalIP awesome. Thank you. I have a dash cam already but wanted something a bit more easier to extract videos if I had to. The one I have, I have to connect via wifi then grab whatever video. If I use an old phone, I can just plug it in the computer.

[@DigitalIP]

@@LinoBarraza No problem. Just be sure to get a windshield mount or something to hold the phone securely. Also, it'll be helpful if the phones battery is still in good condition as recording can drain it quickly depending on the settings. One last thing, while the app can use GPS and provides coordinates, in order for it to provide street names and the like while recording the phone has to have internet, i personally dont care for that so i use it in offline mode. For a time i did use my main phone as a hotspot for it to have internet but that got annoying after a while so i stopped bothering with it.

[@R3AL-AIM]

This is why I keep my S10 around and use it now and again to keep the battery from expanding. Everyone once in awhile, there is something on Android I want to blow up and use at the setup. It just works in most cases.

[@herodionsutardi2111]

8:31 finally ETA's face was revealed!!!

[@SaadSuleman]

hahaha! good catch!

[@honeythelowpoly]

hey i'm watching this on my s20 fe right now! i got the 6+128 model and so far it didn't disappoint me. i got a wired controller+otg adapter and i've been gaming ever since. i don't have a monitor though :(

[@rauljimenez414]

But I bet you have an HDMI TV! You just need a usb c to hdmi adapter or straight-up a type c to HDMI cable and you are set. I'm using an old ps4 controller and it works flawlessly with my s20 FE. Good times

[@AshtonCoolman]

Same here!

[@user-28qhfk65]

What controller did you get if you dont mind sharing. I also have an s20 fe

[@honeythelowpoly]

​@@rauljimenez414right now i can't say i have, thanks for the recommendation though

[@kilosera]

@@user-28qhfk65 Not him, but I can recommend BSP-D8 if you want bluetooth or T4 Kaleid for wired, no lag premium option. I have and use both.

[@swiftysmithy6766]

Funny how i came across a video of yours made over a year ago talking about using the samsung Galaxy s20 fe as a handheld console and now this going into much more detail about dex

[@grandmachines]

So cool. DEX is prolly the most underrated benefit. Most of the people don’t even know about this. Great video!

[@Bobenhaus]

No break for the weary is ETA PRIME's motto

[@SuzukuNaki]

Very informative video, I recently know about Samsung Dex and end up loving that feature.

[@SaulTPokit]

I've been using dex on my old Note 10 plus to play Gamepass games over the cloud on my projector in the bedroom. Works well. Tried PS remote play too, which works better, but the series x remote play in the xbox app stutters a lot. I've got super fast WiFi, the xbox just doesn't do things as well as the PS5.

[@FerretySatzuma]

I repurposed a S10 into an Spotify machine and xCloud with a Razer Kishi v2. Works great! To squeeze more battery from it I permanently in airplane mode, only WiFi and Bluetooth are on.

[@ltBanshiro]

You can use it with the screen turned off, will heat less and prevent from burn-in, and also you can do 4K with multistar app from samsung. I recommend using the native web browser, far ahead of chrome using desktop mode

[@ypesh]

This is Fantastic!!! I can envisage a simple laptop style encasing. Just need something that can start KZbin as fast as a phone, and a standard cheap windows laptop isn't fast enuff. So this is awesome thanks for sharing!! 🎉🎉

[@ltBanshiro]

There are laptop docks made to work with dex, they have built-in battery to power the screen and keyboard, and you can connect the Dex wired or wirelessly to it and have a laptop powered by Dex

[@migsjashensofia]

I love dex, specialy when used on Samsung Smart TV's ❤️

[@faidzfahmy5588]

I'm not familiar with Samsung Dex and currently dabbling with it. What makes it better to use with Samsung Smart TV vs. regular monitor?

[@luukverhoek4243]

Brand doesn't matter

[@staher841]

You can also run older pc games in low res and low settings using termux box. I have seen games like tomb raider 2013 and gta 5 run on termux box with reasonable frame rates.

[@erichart2756]

I bought a refurbished s20 ultra for 250 and a gamesir X2 for 60... Paired it with my Xbox series x and put game pass on it, I can run some old emus on it... If I didn't have an Xbox it could still be solid for game pass and emus yuzu could prolly be run better if you really wanted to play around further or even running lower end games... Runs game cube Wii PS2 PSP games no problem... Thought about trying ps3 emu... Definitely worth the price so far

[@salan3]

I cannot see the dock you talk about on the link you have given. Could you say the model no or give a link to that one please? I am wanting one with the m2 in it.

[@Trazer350]

i use my galaxy tab s9 ultra with dex at work with 1tb for work or home things this is really awesome ^^ i can play do things on a very easy solution and with winlator u can play PC games as well iam only searching a good keymapper for dex the most are not working

[@nikytamayo]

The only thing similar is Huawei's Desktop, which I use, but I must admit, Dex is much more polished, and this is a great use for an old S-series Samsung with a smashed up screen. (lot of people selling them with cracked screens because the repairs are incredibly expensive). An external USB-C monitor costs a fraction of what a new screen does. BTW: Watching this on a 40" TV using Huawei Desktop on my Huawei Mate 40 Pro. Use this set-up for Google Docs, Google Meet, Adobe Lightroom and even Lumafusion. Don't game that much, anymore, but it's giggle-inducing playing mobile games on a screen this big.

[@localblackman427]

The new samsung creator studio is my go to editor for mobile video editing. Especially on my fold 4

[@mojaal]

It makes sense if you have an unused monitor, keyboard, and mouse lying around. But most people will have a better experience with a cheap Windows laptop rather than buying a monitor and other accessories just to use Dex on an old phone.

[@expertpilotfrom911]

No dude you just connect it to your tv you don't need the monitor and you can easily get a 10$ keyboard+mouse combo

[@expertpilotfrom911]

Buying a crappy laptop wil just add to the e-waste you have lying around meanwhile doing this with an old or unused phone is repurposing the phone this saving a lot of money

[@madgodzilla12465]

Or you could use a front end and just use a spare Xbox controller then connect to a TV.

[@shrub9677]

eh, a cheap monitor from like facebook marketplace and a 20 dollar keyboard/trackpad from amazon would work fine

[@herranton]

You're making an argument that people will have a good experience on a _cheap and old_ windows laptop? You might want to rethink that.

[@rudehero7237]

I am really intrigued by samsung dex, I seen the s20fe for a good price, is 6gb ram enough? What would be the next step up from s20fe (not ott above the price) that could get into switch emulation more? Its a pity that a lot of phones got rid of the sd card slot... hence why im considering s20fe

[@Aquayunyun]

Never get 6gb ram, go for the Fe 5g which has Snapdragon and not exynos. Get the 8gb ram version

[@tonycollazorappo]

This is freaking amazing! Wow! just Wow. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@fairplayer916]

Seems like a fantastic alternative to an Android box. Comparatively speaking, way higher specs. And you aren't limited the way you are with Android TV. Do you know if this can comfortably use an air mouse with on-screen keyboard?

[@cw48494]

Desktop mode on these Android devices is underrated! I love Motorola's take with gaming mode too. I personally have been forcing desktop mode and using Taskbar with my OnePlus12, although it's not polished like Dex or Ready For (far from it), it gets me by and saved me $600 by not going with the new Galaxy Ultra or a last-gen chip had I gone with Motorola.

[@baruchisrael9715]

This is really good content. Thanks.

[@luisB_OG]

I'm thinking of using Dex as an animation computer with touch screen, I've seen it work but will it be enough to animate on? 🤔

[@mymultimedia303]

Remote play box for Steam or Ps5. As well as a emulating retro gaming pc. And even iptv streaming and you could use as a home security camera as well. Better than most android boxes and probably more current OS support than even the shield has.

[@danielhacker5666]

Is there a reasonably priced usb c dock out there with a usb c video out port(not hdmi)? I have a s20fe 5g connected to a portable touchscreen monitor for an auto entertainment system. I’d like to add a CarPlay/Android Auto dongle but if I use a dock with an hdmi video out it loses the touch function.

[@Toothpick2k]

Can we do geforce now and using this samsung dex? And is it run well

[@burgessw.9064]

@ETA Prime for how many hours can one use this continuously? Like use it as a legit desktop for work throughout the day? Does battery get worn out?

[@zodiacfml]

as long as it is plugged in. however, batteries don't like being at 100% full. it will get swollen bulged in a few months.

[@raMmpage18]

​@@zodiacfmlThese phones have features to stop charging at 85% to protect battery.

[@zodiacfml]

@@raMmpage18 My s8+ doesnt have it. Even having it is not good enough as DEX will just keep draining and charging the battery. Samsung should have bypass charging by now esp. flagships

[@LoganTanner]

I have a portable external monitor with USB-C in, but I can't seem to figure out how to get power in to my dock via USB-C and then video out via USB-C. I'm not sure if i'm stupid, or if it's as confusing as it seems.

[@DarkGT]

I'm my Motorola with a USB C cable and display that support usb c charging and usb hub. It like using an old laptop. Not very snappy, but it does the job.

[@Awrethien]

Been using a lapdock with my phone for a few months and while it's been pretty good as it's good for just webbrowsing or watching videos while on the treadmill. Only annoyance is when web pages try to insist on using the mobile version. Going to have to try emulation on it some time.

[@WebLeoTV]

Try kiwi brower an check the Always Desktop mode. And support extension

[@Nojedx.]

Its better if you use bluetooth keyboard and mouse i noticed using a dock slows down the preformance almost by half, also use a regular HDMI to Type C completly more better

[@stennan]

Suggestion: wouldn't it be interesting to do some latency/quality testing for Steam-link/moonshine across different android devices? Compare older/newer flagship phones VS tablets vs android handhelds (wifi locally vs 5G). Just an idea, I like the steamdeck, but I think battery life +and other apps would be better on android 😊

[@herranton]

This isn't that kind of channel. He focuses more on product promotion and sponsored videos. There is very little in the way of testing done. It's more selling stuff to you.

[@riyanwhyte8365]

Bro what the name of the wallpaper you used for dex?

[@haywirefoxxo4602]

Planning on using a new Galaxy S10 + 1tb as my next daily, would technically be downgrading from my Iphone 12 Pro but its problably the fastest phone with aux and micro sd atm, I tried looking at the A series but all of them that had aux and micro were much slower and had less storage

[@ShaunRoselt]

Minecraft has always worked perfectly for me. I've been playing it on Samsung DeX since 2019.

[@ryukaze20]

I use a Baseus Docking Station for my Samsung S9... If I have a better phone or a phone with a larger internal storage since the S9 I have only has 64GB so Memory is limited. But using Samsung Dex is good for basic Internet things like web browsing and video streaming and just a few games

[@philipperostin]

If you have the original Dex craddle, it still works with most phones, has hdmi, lan, 2 usb and a fan to cool of your phone !!

[@noobgame4311]

this+mobox emulation, and then you can use your phone to play some actual pc older/no-demanting games at a lower graphics and resolution settings on ypur phone while using the external mouse,keyboard and the monitor

[@mikek92]

And here I am, still using my S7 Edge to watch this video...😂

[@danielivanov930]

does the samsung galaxy s8 have samsung dex ? I tought dex starts from s9 and up .

[@ltBanshiro]

Started with the S8, they even launched a specific dock for it with cooling fan and IO

[@Derively]

I use Dex wirelessly with my TV, throw some bluetooth keyboard and mouse in, and it's great.

[@iamjimbodini]

Any chance you can show some streaming service like GeForce Now or GamePass the next time you do one of these? That might really show the true portal the device can be for those that can't afford a rig yet...

[@samrajput2063]

Sir with wired connection can we browse on dex with mobile internet or do we need Wi-Fi to use internet on dex

[@charpkun]

I just remembered i have an old s10e with a bad screen from 2 phones ago. Kicking myself a bit why i am looking around to get an anbernic device, when i can repurpose this to be a more capable device than those I gotta rewatch some etaprime benchmarks for phones of that era

[@BobTurKey]

About a year ago the screen of my Note 10+ got cracked while I was on a rollercoaster, I bought a 23 Ultra to upgrade/replace it and have been using my old phone as a little media device/emulator since.

[@toni_capo]

Are there any upgrades in Dex or something remarkable for Android 14 Samsung phones? (over this Android 13 based Dex)

[@ROG434]

Can I use a touchscreen monitor and if so,what do you recommend?

[@Sr.D]

Since my beloved nokia n8, i have always looked for smartphone with video output, Nokia n8-galaxy s3-lg g4-oneplus7-redmagic 7 currently.

[@KyloB]

During gaming sessions on my s10e, I notice the phone gets pretty hot even while charging, even playing games that arent super demanding. How do you keep the phone cool?

[@vincwong8498]

10:21 So u mean that the phone is capable to pair more than one console to do multiplayer gaming?

[@22lalen]

I have a s10e. Same as all s10 phones in chip but less ram. I have now my pixel 7a and want to use my s10e as a emulator. Any tips? Dex i know works good.

[@3dprintwiz378]

Is there a way to shut off phone screen and still continue mirroring. My screen has a Ghost Touching problem, that is why I need to somehow disable touch screen while using Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

[@suhara3000]

Okay I have old S20 and I will use it Dex for gaming in my TV, but my S20 battery is dropped, is there any way to bypass the battry use or is it okay if I use it all the time while charging it? Thanks for everyone who answer this

[@Ricelord4]

I guess I know what I'll do with my S22 Ultra when I eventually get a replacement in 5 years lolol. A Samsung DeX computer would be pretty sweet.

[@Deltax5]

can i use another brand phone and fill the screen? redmagic phone seems to have black boarders top and bottom of the screen. because of the resolution.

[@silashaslam1741]

Have you tried Andronix or any other Linux emulators on the latest Samsung phones?

[@nikknocoder9569]

Are there analogues of the desktop mode on other Android devices, or is this a Samsung feature only?

[@ltBanshiro]

Motorola has a desktop mode too on their high-end Edge devices, called Ready-For

[@blunderingfool]

The 'desktop mode' on my Xperia 5 III is one of the things that got me to go ahead and buy a steam-deck.

[@Bilal.Hussain.Shaikh]

No offence, but could you try to make Motorola, OnePlus or Huawei desktop mode setup, because we end up with Exynos version Samsung galaxy phones, using Exynos version heats up like crazy on desktop mode on older galaxy phones

[@Karls_Clips]

ive been using my old samsung s20 fe for my video editing so if i could get this to work i can use it with this because editing on such a small screen is a pain, its doable but ehhhh id love more space.

[@82andymac]

Hi ETA, can you tell me the name of the app that outputs 1440 please, i've got an old s20fe that i use like this but only at 1080. Thanks.

[@knection1986]

Me just buying S20 watching you call it old lmao 😂

[@sukleshrao9426]

For CoD mobile how can we play it on PC with keyboard and mouse controls? I tried it, but it is still relying on touch for the input, how can I change this?

[@KevinGoldLVL]

Did they update the fps or its because of the dock that you can play at 60fps? I tried like 2 years ago on my s21 Ultra and it was stuck at 30fps!

[@DavidStruveDesigns]

Just a note - Samsung Dex doesn't work with their lower-end models, such as the a21s. It only works for their mid and high tier phones. Which was a huge disappointment for me to learn because the lower-end devices are the only ones I can afford, and if they allowed it to work on even lower-end models it would save a fair number (like mine) from ending up as e-waste in the town dump.

[@ltBanshiro]

Dex is a heavy mode to run, the more weak chips of the low-end wouldn't be capable of running it with a good experience, maybe the A34 would be able but it is a new device, unlike the A21s which is old now. The A54 surely would be able because it has the same chip that the Tab S9 FE has, and the tab has Dex

[@shabadabadoo4326]

If you’re going to do an emulation station or something, that’s one thing…. but do not use this for browsing or anything with sensitive data. Anything older than s20, is no longer getting security updates.

[@sushisoup6840]

What controller mapper do you use?

[@mymultimedia303]

Goodlock app on galaxy store does 4k output

[@Th3_Gael]

I like this idea. Is it possible to change the OS on the phone? Kids all use s20fe, I'm on Huawei so no idea.

[@herranton]

Not really. Or rather, you won't be able to add dex functionality to a Huawei phone. I've got a almost 3 year old Xiaomi phone. It's actually been quite good. But my next phone will be a S20fe refurbished from Amazon. Why? The snapdragon 865 is still plenty fast. It has dex, and most importantly, it has expandable storage (sd card slot). Samsung no longer makes a phone that has dex and expandable storage. You can get one or the other. That is why the s20fe is so popular. You can get the same in the s20 and note 20 ultra too, but it's a lot more money and it doesn't add any more power. Just phone features. (The s20 has a higher Rez screen and the note ultra has a stylus (and big ass screen). Both have more ram that won't help much unless you do some serious multitasking or maybe video editing on your phone, but at that point, you might want to look into a different solution. If you're stuck on dex, the s series tablets have SD card slots.

[@chungkingexpress94]

Turned my old S21 into a cyberdeck with a seven inch touch screen and a 60% keyboard. Coolest shit ever

[@matthewrichardson2533]

I remember Geforce now wasn't as well known so I could have an s10 hooked up and be playing Jedi Fallen Order in less than a minute

[@welsh2266]

Is it possible to play pc games from steam using dex? Thanks

[@Emulation_Inflation]

I love dex. I use it almost every day at work.

[@JewMonGee]

this is a great device lol, its great because it prolongs the use of your old devices lol

[@yadspi]

Motorola Flagships have a "dex" that's better than Samsung (very similar but more features) and you can buy say an Edge Plus 2022 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 512gb storage, 144hz screen for less than 300 new and unlocked.

[@rkadi6540]

What if the backplate removed and put some machined aluminum to cool the processor directly

[@JB-ze8py]

I would love to see what this is like running cloud gaming on desktop mode

[@NinjaGorillaFTW]

This is great for people that need it

[@대충2019년지나가는닉]

10:29 I watched this god of war scene at hundreds times but I didn't play the game and don't know what happen next lol

[@muygalan]

After Kratos destroys all the enemies, he resurrects them and they sit in a circle to talk about mental health.

[@mikesmith1550]

If you had used the simplest Samsung phone for this, what difference would it make? I'm interested in an inexpensive phone that will let me use it as an android computer (no games!) and also work on Visible. And help or ideas are appreciated. As always, a very useful video.

[@MajaPren]

Notice that Samsung Dex is supported only by the Samsung S and Note series phones

[@mikesmith1550]

Not my question. If you were to use the least capable Samsung Dex enabled phone, what difference would it make.

[@vaultboy1419]

@@mikesmith1550 If you're not gaming, then there would be no difference.

[@ltBanshiro]

@@mikesmith1550 Gaming is the only difference, my old S9 runs Dex pretty well

[@bisarothub1644]

i could imagine if samsung develops its own IDE or collab with google to run android studio on samsung dex.

[@2Dark03]

I didn't know you could have more than 1 game file location. I can finally have games on my sd card and phone storage

[@thegrapevine10]

I have a 24 ultra, but I'll stick to my ROG Ally for gaming and computing since the ARM architecture is less powerful than the x86.

[@dicebeatsofficial2525]

If samsung can incorporate something like winlator or mobox into samsung dex and polish it up. The could claim to be the first phone to ran AAA classic games

[@anglo-saxonconnor817]

As long as you can get an hdmi out function to work in your phone basically any phone can be turned into a gaming console. Some phones have this function built in while others need accessories to get this to work.

[@Gatitasecsii]

YES keep these devices out of the landfill! Also guys remember you can buy one of these with the screen cracked, smashed or even completely broken, and it will still work with DEX!

[@toxicpaulution]

It's really weird because I use both my s21u(cracked screen) and my tab s8+ but I never really get satisfaction from using it. Trying to use full screen apps just never works and it really just makes it feel like I'm just using a phone on a bigger screen. Doesn't feel intuitive :(

[@LuisPerez-5]

I use it just fine