If the name Samsung DeX is ringing a bell that is because this has been around for a while. The idea here is that you can use your phone like you would a desktop PC! You just need to connect a mouse and keyboard and you are good to go. Whereas before you needed an extra peripheral to do this, now, DeX is all done via software and can be used with most modern Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets.
How to Download Samsung DeX
To download the program for your Windows or macOS machine, click on the Download button at the end of this review. Check out also our review of Huawei’s dedicated software – HiSuite.
The Program Review
The way that Samsung DeX works is that you just simply download the DeX app. More modern devices such as the latest Samsung Tabs and Galaxy Phones have the app already pre-installed on them. On the Samsung website, they do have a full list of all the devices that are compatible and I was impressed with how even older devices like a Galaxy S8 can use this.
All you need to get going with this is your phone or tablet of course. However, you will also need an HDMI lead to connect to a monitor or TV as well as a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse that you can connect to your phone. As of writing, the latest Samsung phone the S20 series can connect wirelessly to a compatible TV so you may not even need the HDMI cable!
Once you have all of your equipment connected to your phone and you open up DeX, you will have a real sense of familiarity. The reason I say this is that it looks just like the average desktop screen that you have seen a million times before on your computer or laptop.
You may have to go into your settings on your phone to adjust the screen display if things are not displaying correctly. This may be an extra step, but it is pretty easy to figure out. There are some pretty neat features such as being able to use the phone as a touchpad which can come in handy if you forget a mouse or if you want to look like some kind of tech wizard during a presentation.
While I think that what Samsung DeX offers is really cool, I am not sure who exactly it is for. If you are on the road and for some strange reason forgot your computer, but somehow remembered a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, and a compatible HDMI cord then it could be handy, but what are the chances of that?
The time I spent with this (using a standard S20) I had no problems at all and it honestly did function just like my laptop. However, I would never use this over my laptop and if I was on the road for “business” I would rather just take my laptop. I mean, if you are going to be taking a keyboard and mouse anyway, why not just take the laptop?
