Do You Use Samsung Dex or Another Android Desktop Experience?

ihfree on 07/10/2022 - 15:49

Samsung's Dex or Android Desktop is cited as one of the reasons to purchase an Android phone. I have had phones with this mode for a while and have used them out of curiosity, but don't feel they're at a point where they could replace another device.

For users of Dex or another Android Desktop experience:

  • What experience have you had with it?
  • Has it replaced any other devices?
  • What device are you using it with(eg: Nexdock or similar, Dex dock, Keyboard/Monitor, etc)?
  • Any limitations or frustrations?
  • Was this a deciding factor in your purchase?

Poll Options expired

  • 2
    Yes, It has replaced a tablet/laptop
  • 14
    Yes, on occasion
  • 25
    I have tried it out but don't use it
  • 13
    No (I have a phone which supports it)
  • 3
    I don't have a phone which supports a Desktop Experience
Mobile Operating System Samsung

Comments

  • ihfree on 07/10/2022 - 15:59
    +1

    I have had two phones with a Desktop Experience - Huawei P20 Pro, Samsung S20FE.

    With the P20 Pro, I remember using it once to play music through a TV. With my S20FE, I have used it but more to try it out but I don't feel it is close to replacing a device. I have a uPerfect X Portable monitor/keyboard which I bought partially to try out Dex.

    My use has been:

    • Watched a few shows with it configured as a tablet - cable was annoying.
    • Attempted to use it as a laptop for a few evenings of casual use - browsing, email, docs, etc

    The experience isn't bad, but my frustrations are

    • Lack of palm rejection - people get around this by toggling the touchpad on/off
    • Messes with a few web apps which get stuck in desktop mode
    • Certain things don't work like they do on a laptop - eg: copying images
    • Limit to the number of apps that can run
  • brendanm on 07/10/2022 - 16:00
    -7

    Is op obsessed with posting apple/android topics?

    Yes.

  • TaterPropRoss on 07/10/2022 - 16:32
    +2

    I have an S10e that I use Dex on daily. Usually it's to get around the ads on the Youtube client on my TV with Vanced.
    I'll also use it with my monitor and keyboard/mouse as a web browser & Whatsapp client on a bigger screen.
    It's almost a requirement for when I replace my phone.

  • Nugs on 07/10/2022 - 17:28
    +4

    option 6 - no idea what this is
    .

    • ihfree on 07/10/2022 - 17:50
      +1

      S-series Samsung phones have a built in desktop mode with multitasking when connected to a display or through an app.

      There are a few screenshots here:
      https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/dex/

      Other phones such as Huawei, Motorola also have a similar experience, though Samsung's is likely the most mature.

  • p1 ama on 07/10/2022 - 21:05
    +1

    I haven't used it extensively, but I was pleasantly surprised at what a good experience it was after the last time I used it.

    At my office, we have desks with monitors and keyboard/mouse connected to a USB-C dock which we then connect to our laptops. My laptop was in for servicing the other day, so I tried plugging my Samsung S22 Ultra into the dock to use DeX.

    No, it doesn't replace a desktop, but it functioned really well. I read the news, replied to some emails, took some notes on a few documents I was reviewing, and watched some videos.

    The issue is that I can't think of a real ongoing use case for this feature. The closest I got was plugging it into my TV and using a wireless keyboard/mouse to have a "couch computer" experience.

  • bazingaa on 07/10/2022 - 21:25
    +2

    I use Dex (Samsung S10) to watch Fetch Mobi in monitor, it is same as a lightweight Linux distro, once I even installed Python and Jupyter notebooks as well.
    I connect with this hub (https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0B86M8WG1/)

  • mbck on 07/10/2022 - 23:17
    +1

    Use with a monitor and keyboard/mouse. Great for light things (documents, emails, web, youtube/movies)

    But not a full replacement for a laptop. Partly because excel work is a bit slower compared to a laptop. Also limited to one pdf being open.

    It works but slower is the best way i can describe it.

  • jace88 on 08/10/2022 - 00:55
    +1

    I use it on my Galaxy Z Fold 2 and found Dex to be surprisingly capable in 2022 compared to when I last tried it on my S7 Edge more than 5 years ago.

    The thing which makes it great is my Fold 2 is connected to my work stuff so when I don't have my laptop with me, I can plug into my USB C or TB4 dock at home (or in the office) which is connected to KB/M/monitor, and use Outlook, Teams, Workspace Chat, Sharepoint, Office, OneDrive, etc… and whilst it's a bit slower/clunkier than real Windows, it's great if I need to quickly review/mark up a document for example. It's genuinely surprisingly useful.

  • payless69 on 08/10/2022 - 08:55
    +1

    Tried it and it somehow feels like odd, just like Microsoft surface to be a bit different.
    Too many limitations but sure got future potential.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 08/10/2022 - 09:28
    +1

    No longer supports Macos. :(

    • jace88 on 09/10/2022 - 18:50
      +1

      That actually made me sad too as I would love to have it as a window inside my Mac setup. Closest equivalent on apple ecosystem is to use an iPad with universal control but not as useful as Dex.

  • Motek Benzona on 08/10/2022 - 09:30
    +1

    I use Dex on my Tab s7+ with a keyboard. In fact i hardly ever switch it to tablet mode even when the keyboard is detached. I like the ability to have a real desktop on an android device. I have no problems with it at all apart from the odd app that does not work occasionaly, but its hardly any and then i switch it to normal android mode which TBH looks odd now on this giant tablet

    I do not use it connected to other screens, only the actual tablet and for everyday use I use it more than my surface now, not a windows PC replacement, they both do different things for me but i certainly do not use the surface as much as i used too

  • Gekov on 08/10/2022 - 14:47
    +1

    I have a Samsung Galaxy tab S8 ULTRA WiFi tablet and just love the second screen feature on the 14.6" screen to complement my 24" SMBX2440 Samsung monitor.

    I use it every week day for my share trading as well as for monitoring my ultra sharp 3MP (2304 × 1296) High Definition security cameras.

    After this, I would consider any security camera with ONLY 1080p full HD resolution as being inadequate.

    I also have an Apple iPhone 13 for phone calls which piggy backs onto my PC via WiFi, so I only need to spend about $15 per annum on a 365 day plan for the odd phone usage outside my landlline usage, it would also come in handy for backup share trading during blackouts, even though my PC has a UPS, which I am currently upgrading for 6 hour backup.

    I'm aware of the Dex feature but see no need fot it currently.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join