Samsung DeX docking station review: turning the Galaxy S8 and Note8 into a desktop computer. Smartphones
The dream of turning a smartphone into a full-fledged computer arose a long time ago, but something always stood in the way of its realization. Motorola can rightfully be considered a pioneer in this direction; the engineers of this company tried to turn a smartphone into a computer back in the 90s, but every time something prevented them from creating a product that would be approved by marketers. In 2010, when the ATRIX model was created, they released a docking station for connecting to an external monitor via an HDMI connector, as well as a laptop dock, a kind of brainless laptop in which the memory and brains were in the phone itself.
Marketers won once again, since these devices were in demand only among geeks; the mass consumer did not understand why he needed to buy these accessories if the resulting “computer” was quite weak and did not support the usual programs. Over the past five years, almost a dozen companies have explored the possibility of creating such accessories and each time they came across the fact that customers could not understand what it was and why. The most successful attempt was the introduction of a docking station from Microsoft, with its help a Windows smartphone was connected to a monitor and allowed to work with documents. The success was relative, as a percentage of Windows smartphones sold, of which there were always few, and therefore this experience passed by the mass market and was simply not noticed.
At the same time, the stars aligned so that Microsoft stopped actively supporting its platform for smartphones and other mobile devices, but felt that they needed a presence on the Android platform with core programs, for example, MS Office, OneDrive, Skype. Samsung became a key partner for the promotion of these programs; these applications appeared on almost all of the company’s devices. Somehow it turns out that Microsoft wants to turn smartphones into full-fledged computers; Samsung has a similar project, but it is stalling because marketers are defeating engineers, as was the case at Motorola before. According to marketers, the market is not ready yet; there are many restrictions for such devices. But Microsoft believes that the time has come and is ready to adapt MS Office for Android running in computer mode. And Samsung thought that this was enough to give the project the green light and create an accessory that would turn the company’s flagship into a full-fledged computer, albeit with a number of reservations. This is how the DeX docking station was born, which can already be called the most successful product in this category, since it sells like hot cakes and the company simply does not have time to produce them.
The idea of a DeX dock is simple and straightforward: you connect peripherals to the station and can use a large monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, external drive, and more with your phone. Let's figure out together how it works.
Connecting the DeX station to the phone, first setup
The small box contains the docking station and nothing else, and to connect to a monitor or TV you will need a regular HDMI cable, which you will need to buy separately. There will be no problem with this; such cables are sold in most stores.
The docking station is quite large, it has a sliding lid, under which a USB Type C connector is hidden, we install a smartphone here, at the moment only the Galaxy S8/S8+ is supported, a new Note will be added later.
The station is powered through a regular charger that comes with your phone, a USB Type C connector on the case. The docking station has its own cooling, a built-in fan, it’s impossible to call it noisy, even with the most active mode of using the phone you can’t hear it at all . The presence of cooling is important, since in some modes the phone can heat up, but here overheating is excluded.
The case has two full USB connectors (USB 2.0), you can connect any peripherals to them, for example, a keyboard, mouse or flash drive, as well as a hard drive. As a rule, there is enough power for any portable device, which usually works with a laptop or similar equipment. The HDMI connector is needed to connect the docking station to a monitor or TV, and there is no need for any special settings; the phone automatically detects the type of monitor. Unfortunately, there is one problem here - old monitors with 4:3 geometry will work, but the picture is optimized for widescreen displays and TV, as a result, it does not look very good on older devices.
When you connect for the first time, a picture is displayed on the screen that shows the angles of the image; you can adjust them yourself. On all my TVs and monitors, the picture was initially displayed correctly.
When you place the phone in the docking station, it automatically starts charging, but the picture on the screen turns off and DeX mode starts working. You can also select the operating mode for mirroring the image from the smartphone screen, then the DeX mode, accordingly, will not be available. This is an old, well-known mode, so I will not dwell on it in detail, especially since all Samsung smart TVs support this connection of smartphones via Wi-Fi.
Unfortunately, the connectors on the docking station are arranged in a semicircle, which is convenient for connecting peripherals, but the wires take up a lot of space on the desk.
In practice, you can connect a wireless keyboard to the docking station (you need to install a USB dongle from the keyboard into one of the connectors) or connect the keyboard directly to your phone via Bluetooth. I like the second option much better, since no wires are required and everything works exactly the same.
In terms of accessories that are supported, I will say that this is almost all mice, keyboards, hard drives and the like. You can connect the printer directly to the station, but why? It’s easier to set up printing through Android drivers, most modern models support this option, I have everything configured this way.
There is also an Ethernet connector on the case, that is, you can connect the docking station to the network directly, this will be valuable for corporate clients, this option is important for them, but less interesting for home use.
Let's start working with the DeX station - familiar programs on the monitor
The interface design on the monitor or TV in front of you is very reminiscent of Windows, you have a status bar at the bottom, which contains application shortcuts, on the right side there are status icons, for example, battery charge, icon for screenshots, network signal, and more. On the desktop you can create your own icons, which is extremely convenient.
It is necessary to understand that the interface has been redesigned for a computer, but we still have the same well-known Android. For example, you can have an unlimited number of open windows, but only those located on the screen remain active, the rest are recalled from memory, they “freeze” in the state in which they were. So don't be surprised by these multitasking capabilities.
On the screen, you can open multiple applications at the same time and work on them at the same time. It is important that you can drag a file into your mail from the file manager or vice versa; many standard applications support this feature.
This makes the DeX mode very similar to a regular computer; there is no addiction as such, you will instantly know what to do and how.
In the menu you can see applications that work in DeX mode, these are almost all Android programs, but there are exceptions. So, you can launch toys, but most likely you won’t be able to play, for example, Clash of Clans didn’t work for me with a mouse, but Infinitode works great. But playing games with a mouse is somehow completely inconvenient, although there was a time when we had no other options and this seemed to be the only option.
All your files are stored in the phone’s memory; for insurance, you can also enable their storage in the cloud. Considering that this is an Android smartphone, and even a flagship, it can do almost everything that ordinary computers are trained to do. Want to watch the video? No question - you can run any file and enjoy it on the big screen. I had the same experience - I played the Expanse series for my children on a TV with a connected DeX station, and I listened to a podcast from the same phone on wireless headphones (outputting two audio streams simultaneously is a great thing in the S8/S8+). Moreover, during a call, the phone understands that it needs to be sent to the headset, and not to the TV, and this is very captivating.
Oddly enough, what attracts me to DeX is the ability to quickly search through SMS, instant messenger messages, mail and other sections that I consider originally telephone, the same list of calls. Everything is in front of you in a convenient form, any information can be copied, by the way, all keyboard combinations work perfectly in this mode (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V and others).
You can use MS Office to work if you are committed to this program, but you need a subscription to Ms Office 365. The entire package is adapted for this mode of operation, these are full-fledged programs, they are better than the regular Android version. I couldn’t find any difference from a Windows laptop, everything is exactly the same. The same files are opened, saved in the cloud from MS, in a word, work - I don’t want to. And this is not only reading, but also editing, for example, presentations.
For those who do not want to buy a subscription to MS Office, you can print texts in the native application from Samsung, it has text formatting and minimal text editor capabilities. It is convenient for small texts, but it is unlikely to be suitable for the same work of creating a book. It is quite suitable for writing this text, there is no problem here.
I put off getting acquainted with the DeX station for a long time, since at the presentation everything worked leisurely, if not slowly. I don’t know what was the reason for this, but in real life everything happens very, very quickly. Moreover, you will not notice any slowdowns even when working with heavy, large documents. And this is surprising if you remember that document processing is done by the phone, not the computer.
And another surprising discovery for me was that the first two hours with DeX were spent trying different applications in the hope that they would not work at all. But this did not happen.
You can set your own wallpaper for the desktop (specifically for DeX mode). There aren't many phone settings, it's the mouse speed, that's all.
Use scenarios – who needs a DeX station
The fact that a modern flagship can run most programs and adapts them to a large screen is not surprising. It is important to think about what previously unavailable scenarios such a combination can implement. For me, this is the scenario of a workplace in a second apartment, where I don’t want to drag a computer with me. I came, connected my phone, and everything is ready - you start working with your files, especially since most of my work files are in the cloud. I am sure that for some this scenario will look attractive, and here the DeX station is fighting with Chromebooks, which can be bought for $100-300 in the USA. Why with Chromebooks? Yes, because they are quite weak, have little memory, but they work with the cloud and have a large screen. They have a comfortable keyboard and there is no need to buy an external monitor. But for DeX you need such a monitor; another thing is that your TV can become it.
For corporate users, a DeX station is simply a godsend, especially in companies where they buy Samsung flagships for their employees. You can create a workspace anywhere, and given that a virtual desktop for Windows is supported, you can also work with all the usual documents in another place (you can also run all your Windows programs from the desktop that are on your regular PC, you only need a connection to the network). In Europe, several large companies have already appreciated this accessory, as it saves them money and time that is spent on maintaining conventional networks. But here we must understand that these are still pioneers, and it is too early to talk about the mass implementation of such solutions.
My experience using a DeX station suggests that it has a couple of disadvantages. For example, if at some point you forget that you have a phone in front of you, and you are guaranteed to forget, then you start keeping a movie player, large documents and 30-40 bookmarks in Chrome open in your memory. There is no slowdown in the operation of the interface, but the battery does not have time to charge, the charge freezes at the same point. Therefore, if you want the phone to charge, minimize all applications from the desktop, then their system “freezes”, they do not waste energy.
Unfortunately, it’s inconvenient to take such a station with you on trips, because in addition to DeX, you will need an HDMI cable, keyboard, mouse, and this all takes up a lot of space; it’s easier to take a laptop with you.
For example, with the S8+ I use a wireless keyboard from Samsung when traveling, but it’s a compromise for me because it’s inconvenient due to its size. And with DeX you want something big, the right size. This leads to the conclusion: DeX is inconvenient when traveling; it is, after all, a stationary solution.
Issue price and conclusions
A dozen similar docking stations have passed through my hands, but it was always a compromise, it is also present here, after all, this is not a full-fledged computer, and the same 1C can only be run on a virtual desktop, and not in a regular program (although the client quite working for Android). Unlike other devices, this has an undoubted advantage: the interface is fast, responsive, and the adaptation of a number of programs, including MS Office, makes DeX unique in many ways, there are no analogues (not counting Microsoft’s own docking station and the de facto dead Windows platform Phone).
The price of DeX in Russia is 9,990 rubles (in the US $150 plus taxes, in Europe it can be found for 125 euros). Expensive? Perhaps. But for those who need exactly this functionality and have already come up with a use case for the docking station, there are simply no analogues. What sincerely surprised me is that many people buy DeX simply as a docking station for charging a smartphone, they say it’s beautiful and they’ve been waiting for one for a long time. Why not buy wireless charging and save money? The appearance is similar, the charging issue has been resolved.
I am sure that such devices are the future, the only question is when this future will become widespread. Sales of DeX prove that it is just around the corner. They are producing much more of this accessory than planned, the plant is at 100% capacity, and this is amazing. Can someone explain why Europeans liked this accessory so much?
Samsung had an idea: what if, instead of constantly switching between a smartphone and a computer, you turned your smartphone into a computer and worked on it? To do this, you need to use a docking station in which you can install your smartphone and connect it to the monitor.
It cannot be said that Samsung came up with this, since other companies, including Microsoft, had similar projects before it. This idea has not yet become popular for a number of reasons, but now Samsung is trying to change that.
It's easy to see why this offer is tempting. Even the weakest computers are quite expensive, so it will be much cheaper to turn your existing smartphone into a computer.
The idea is this: you buy a small plastic Samsung DeX dock into which you can install a Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ smartphone. This docking station can then be connected to a monitor, keyboard and mouse and you get a traditional desktop personal computer.
Hardware
There are no complaints about the quality of the docking station. It's compact and unobtrusive, and sits comfortably on your desk if you can hide all the wires in the back. It is heavy, but not very heavy, so it is advisable not to drop it on the floor. It is preferable to keep DeX out of reach of your hands so as not to accidentally break it along with your smartphone.
Setting up the docking station is simple: connect the HDMI cable to the monitor, connect the charging cable, which is not included in the package, and a mouse and keyboard via USB or Bluetooth. Next, click under the Samsung logo to expand DeX and insert your Galaxy S8 smartphone into the USB Type C connector hidden inside.
Special mention must be made of the opening mechanism, which under normal circumstances would be unremarkable, but here it operates extremely smoothly. You can call it DeX's greatest strength.
At the back there is a small USB connector for charging, HDMI, Ethernet and two large USB connectors. There is no analog 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Software
Samsung software products are usually perceived with mixed feelings. Fortunately, in this case everything turned out better than expected. The software used here can be called the best implementation of a smartphone in the form of a personal computer to date. Despite this, shortcomings exist in a number of key aspects.
Placing your smartphone in the dock opens up two options: work with your smartphone inside DeX or use screen sharing mode. The second option simply shows the smartphone interface on the monitor, but we will consider the first.
DeX mode takes about 10 seconds to load, after which you're presented with a familiar interface. Most of the desktop is reserved for pinned application icons, at the bottom there is a list of open applications, a notification panel and a small panel with Home and Back buttons, as well as a list of installed applications. As on the desktop of regular computers, each application runs in a separate window, where there are Minimize, Maximize and Close buttons. In the upper left part there is a Back button for navigation within applications.
This sounds promising, but having lots of windows on your screen doesn't mean you'll get true multitasking. For example, if you lose focus, the Facebook Messenger application stops updating the interface, although the window is visible on the screen. Even if you receive a message, it will not appear in the application until you highlight the window. Samsung tries to reassure users that you can run multiple apps side by side, but that's not entirely true. You need to remember that Android's built-in split-screen mode allows you to display two programs on the screen at the same time and does not experience similar problems with updating data in them.
Another small problem is that it is not possible to run two videos at the same time. This means that a YouTube video playing may suddenly stop if you're scrolling through your Twitter feed and come across an autoplay video. While this is a minor point, it shows that Android isn't designed to work with personal computers, and Samsung hasn't been able to fix this flaw on its own.
In most cases, light tasks such as browsing websites, videos or taking notes are completed without problems and without lag. If you do more complex work, the speed drops noticeably. Simultaneously opening more than 8-10 tabs leads to the fact that some of them are cleared from memory, so you will have to wait for them to load again.
Some experienced users will be unhappy with the inability to remember state between transitions from one mode to another. If you like the location of the window of a certain application, you will have to put it there manually every time you launch DeX; the system does not remember the size of the window and its location. Some Android apps simply don't work in DEX mode, so they will automatically close when you dock your smartphone, which can result in the loss of unsaved data.
Applications
All the problems described above can be solved; in 2017, this is done with the help of software updates, so we would like to hope that they will be quickly fixed in Samsung patches. Samsung will not be able to solve the main problem on its own. This is the lack of support from third party applications.
Here's how apps work in DEX mode: Most of Samsung's own programs and many of Google's programs have no problem, and may have a dedicated desktop interface or a scalable mobile version. The same applies to some third-party programs, especially those from Microsoft, which sells its version of the Galaxy S8. Many popular applications such as Skype, Office and others support a desktop interface.
Most other programs cannot boast of this; launching them usually results in a notification appearing that some functions are not supported in Samsung DeX mode. For example, Facebook is one of the most popular services in the world, but does not allow you to easily resize the interface and is only shown in a small window. The popular Spotify application simply refuses to launch, the same applies to the Firefox browser, most applications take the example of Facebook and launch in a small window.
The most ironic thing is that you can't run Samsung's Bixby virtual assistant in DX mode. This is especially frustrating because most Assistant features don't rely on voice input.
Of course, this interface has many advantages, applications from Samsung itself work perfectly in it, they provide the same functionality as on smartphones, but at the same time they use the strengths of a large monitor, keyboard and mouse. This allows you to comfortably browse websites in a browser, type text, write emails, make calls, etc.
Since this product has only recently been released, the lack of applications is natural. Samsung has done its part and laid a strong foundation, now it's up to the support of third-party app developers. The South Korean manufacturer will have to convince them that supporting DeX is beneficial for them.
Conclusion
In such devices, every little detail is important, and in this case Samsung did many of the little things wrong. The docking station can perform basic everyday tasks, but that's about where its benefits end. If you try to do something more complex, the inconvenience becomes especially noticeable.
The question is, who would want to buy this device? Those users who do not need a personal computer every day and for simple tasks, such as browsing websites. On the other hand, what is the likelihood that such users will buy the Galaxy S8 at a price of 55,000 rubles? Other smartphones do not support the docking station.
As a result, it is not recommended to buy a DeX dock yet; you should at least wait for support from more applications to appear. The $150 price tag is too high for the basic functionality of such a simple device, such as a plastic box, cable, and limited software.
pros
- Familiar user interface;
- High-quality desktop versions of Samsung applications, especially the web browser;
- The device is well suited for surfing the Internet, email, typing, communicating on social networks and other simple tasks.
Minuses
- Lack of full multitasking;
- Weak support for third-party applications;
- Cannot replace computers in highly specialized tasks such as image editing.
Not long ago, Microsoft introduced two new models of its flagship smartphones - Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. A special bonus of this presentation was a specialized docking station designed to make working with these devices easier. The developers of the competing company Samsung really liked this idea. The result of this interest was the presentation of its version of the docking station called Samsung DeX. This South Korean creation was shown to people at the Unpacked 2017 exhibition. Its main purpose is to transform the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus smartphone models into full-fledged computers running on the Android operating system. What is the result of the efforts of Asian engineers? A detailed review of the Samsung DeX smartphone dock will help answer this question.
Samsung DeX Design
The design of this docking station consists of two main elements. Let's look at them in detail.
- Horizontal round module- the main functional component of the described gadget. This is where all the technical stuff is located. The upper part of the horizontal module contains an adapter on which the smartphone is mounted, and it is connected to the device. On the sides there are functional ports and connectors, which we will talk about in more detail a little later. The surface of the horizontal module is made of smooth black plastic. Its width is only slightly greater than those smartphone models for which the device is intended.
- Vertical round module. Calling this element purely horizontal is not entirely correct, since it is capable of acquiring different angles of inclination. However, the second structural component is located on the first, and the contact occurs through the lower part of the circle. Therefore it can be called vertical. The main purpose of the component in question is to create a support for the phone. Adjusting the tilt angles allows you to put your smartphone in the most comfortable position, in which the entire display will be perfectly visible. The second purpose of the upper part of the docking station is to remove hot air during operation. To accomplish this mission, engineers equipped the rear wall of the module with a grille. The front part does not contain any functional or other additions. The only decoration is the Samsung inscription emblazoned in the center. The vertical round module is also made of black plastic, so the entire structure looks uniform.
Ports, connectors and networking capabilities of Samsung DeX
Manufacturers have equipped this docking station model with the most important functional sockets. In particular, on the side surface of the device the user will find:
- 2 inputs for USB 2.0;
- HDMI socket for connecting a monitor;
- 1 USB Type C input for charging a smartphone;
- 1 port for connecting wired Internet.
Samsung DeX functionality
The docking station in question was created in order to make it easier for people who work remotely on mobile devices to complete work tasks. Therefore, the first thing the developers thought about was optimization. We can say that they coped with the task well. Samsung DeX supports:
- Microsoft office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point);
- applications from Adobe (for example, Acrobat);
- branded programs from Samsung;
- most popular internet browsers.
As for video playback, everything is quite good here too. Through a monitor with Full HD resolution, the picture will be played at speeds of up to 60 fps. But the pleasant surprises don't end there. The docking station will provide a connection to a screen that produces Ultra Full HD quality. Of course, the smoothness of the picture will drop to 30 fps, but this is still a decent indicator for a device of this kind.
Since remote work is carried out via the Internet, close attention was paid to the quality of the wired connection. The result of the efforts of South Korean developers is that the described docking station model can receive and receive data at speeds of up to 100 MB inclusive.
The creators took into account that performing these functions would place a large load on technical elements, so Samsung DeX is equipped with a compact but effective cooling system. The fans quickly blow hot air out of the docking station through plastic grilles located on the back of the vertical module. Thus, the performance of the device will remain at a high level. Another advantage of the integrated cooling system is its loudness. Even with the maximum load of all the docking station's capabilities, the fans will operate almost silently.
Another important point that has received close attention is the charging speed of smartphones. Of course, the S8 and S8 Plus models have quite powerful batteries that can provide an entire day of Internet surfing, but situations are different, and without a working smartphone a person will not be able to complete the task. Therefore, Samsung DeX supports today's popular Adaptive Fast Charging technology. Thanks to it, the user will be able to replenish the charge of his phone as quickly as possible and continue working. So the owner of such a docking station is definitely not in danger of missing a deadline due to a dead device.
Pros and cons of Samsung DeX
The accessory in question for the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus smartphones has a number of advantages. Let's try to highlight the most important ones.
- Light weight- this allows a person to carry the device even over long distances without much difficulty.
- Ease of use. The model contains the necessary ports and connectors for connecting a monitor and control modules, so that all work will be done quickly and efficiently.
- More freedom for the owner. Having such a device, a person loses attachment to any one workplace. Now he can perform work operations wherever there is a monitor and stable Internet.
- Increased functionality. The docking station makes the phones of these models almost full-fledged computers. Now the creation and editing of various files can take place without having a full-fledged PC. Moreover, the compactness of the device reduces the requirements for workplace space.
- Supports 4K resolution. This is an advantage that demonstrates the foresight of the developers. Of course, the Ultra HD format is still poorly distributed, but over time, support for such a high resolution will be a key requirement for portable devices.
- Very limited range of supported mobile devices. So far, only two smartphones can work on this docking station, so the aforementioned luxury will not be available to owners of other Samsung phones.
- Limited optimization. Of course, such a device will open all the main applications without problems, even on a huge screen, but the needs of many people are not limited to office programs. There are still a lot of useful applications on Android that are just waiting to be optimized. Of course, even without adaptation, the docking station will expand programs to the entire monitor, but the picture quality may be so poor that it will be impossible to work.
Price and video review of Samsung DeX
The price of Samsung DeX in Russia is approximately 150 euros. Below is a short video review of this device:
As you can see, the Samsung DeX docking station is a very useful product that can significantly facilitate work on the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus smartphones. Of course, the range of supported phones and programs is quite limited; And the cost of such a device is far from small. But still, this South Korean docking station model has important functional capabilities, so it can be considered a useful technical addition that is worth its price.
The era of smartphones began more than ten years ago, but even then many users realized that they had not just a phone in their pocket, but a full-fledged computer. It is not surprising that manufacturers began to produce various versions of devices for using a smartphone as a desktop PC.
Microsoft can boast of the first truly successful solution, which in 2015 introduced its flagship Lumia 950 with support for the Continuum function. You can read more about this in our . However, it was difficult to call Microsoft's solution ideal. The engineers continued to conjure in their closets. Another proposal on how to turn a smartphone into a full-fledged working tool was made by Samsung, and today we will see what the Korean minds have come up with in our review.
Design and layout of Samsung DeX elements
The first thing worth noting is that not only Samsung engineers, but also designers worked on the creation of DeX. The device itself is round and made of practical black plastic. It will not take up much space on your desk and will not spoil the appearance of your workspace.
All the ports are located on the back of the docking station: two USB 2.0, HDMI, USB Type-C and a full Ethernet connector.
Using regular USB 2.0, you can connect various peripherals to work with DeX. HDMI is needed to connect a monitor, and Ethernet is needed for a wired connection to the Internet (if required). USB Type-C powers DeX and charges your smartphone.
In this case, the question arises: “Where should I connect the smartphone, since all the ports are busy?” And everything is very simple. With a slight movement of the hand"pants turn"... the top cover moves to a vertical position (a slider mechanism is used here) and a platform for a smartphone with a USB Type-C plug opens, through which you connect your phone to DeX.
But there were some problems, and it couldn’t be otherwise. DeX does not have a 3.5mm audio output. Therefore, sound output occurs directly through the speakers of the smartphone itself or through external wireless sound sources - Bluetooth speakers or headphones. I tested DeX in conjunction with and it’s worth noting that the smartphone’s dynamics were sufficient for comfortable use. The volume was enough for both listening to music and watching movies in a noisy company.
DeX: what is it and what is it eaten with?
Even a child can connect Samsung DeX; there’s nothing complicated about it. The speed is also pleasing. From the moment you insert your smartphone into DeX until the system fully boots, it takes about 10 seconds.
Samsung did a great job when adapting the system to work on large displays. Externally, the DeX work environment resembles that of Windows. You have a desktop with shortcuts, a bottom panel where open programs are displayed, an analogue of the “start” button with a list of installed applications. Let me note, in case anyone doesn’t understand, DeX is not a separate operating system, it’s just an add-on to Android. To put it bluntly, this is a launcher. And this is a plus, not a minus. Indeed, in this case, most Android applications installed on your smartphone work with DeX.
But there is a second side to the coin - application developers must adapt them to work in DeX, but there are not very many such applications. And again, Samsung engineers come to the forefront, making it possible to scale applications for convenient work on a large screen. You can stretch application windows to the size you need, as is done in Windows and MacOS.
But not everything is so good - after all, there are applications that cannot be scaled. In them you can only choose in which orientation to run the program: portrait or landscape. But this is a criticism of the developers of specific software, and not a complaint against Samsung.
Although I will also throw a pebble into the Koreans’ garden so that they don’t relax: not all branded applications can even be scaled, not to mention fully functional. In a week of use, I found only one application that flatly refused to launch on DeX - this is the UFC game. But for a game this is forgivable; after all, DeX is not a gaming console.
What can you do with Samsung DeX? Yes, almost everything is the same as what the average PC and smartphone user does now. Browsing, watching movies, YouTube videos, listening to music, manipulating files and folders, working with text editors, photo processing, communicating on social networks - this is my standard set of tasks when working on a laptop, and DeX handled them easily.
Let's go in order. The Chrome browser is perfectly adapted to work with DeX, and the appearance is practically no different from the regular Chrome browser for Windows or MacOS. You can watch movies either directly from the browser or using your favorite application. Samsung's standard My Files application is great for working with files and folders.
By default, all Samsung smartphones come with Microsoft Office pre-installed. It is perfectly adapted to work with DeX, but not everything is so simple. To run Microsoft applications on DeX, you will need a subscription to Office 365 services. But the light is not on the solution from the “small soft” ones; you can download any text editor convenient for you from Google Play. for example, the Google Docs set completely satisfies my needs.
To edit the photos, I used the Snapseed app, which I use on my smartphone. I had enough of it. If you need higher-quality and professional processing, then applications from Adobe are available on Google Play, the capabilities of which are almost the same as those of the desktop versions.
The most important thing is that by connecting your smartphone to DeX, you do not lose it completely. Messages, calls, notifications - you can continue to interact with all of this while simultaneously working with applications on the big screen.
Koreans have not forgotten about data security. If your smartphone has any authorization method installed when unlocking the screen, then no one will be able to get into Samsung DeX just like that. You can unlock your device using a password, a fingerprint scanner, or an iris scan. The latter is present more for show, since to scan the phone you need to bring it to your face at a distance of 10-15 centimeters, and when it is connected to DeX, this is problematic. But unlocking using a fingerprint scanner is very convenient.
When you start actively working with Samsung DeX, simultaneously opening a bunch of links in the browser, playing a video in the background and working with documents, the smartphone starts to heat up. But even here, smart Koreans have provided for everything - a small cooler is built into the docking station that cools your smartphone.
conclusions
What can we say in the end? Such technologies are the future. Yes, it’s still too early to say that a smartphone combined with DeX can fully replace a desktop PC. The main problem with Samsung's solution is the lack of software and its incomplete adaptation to work on a larger screen. But even in this state, there are already large companies that have purchased Samsung DeX for their employees for office work. Knowing Samsung’s capabilities, I am sure that the company will not abandon this idea and will improve it every year, releasing more and more applications adapted for the DeX platform.
At the beginning of 2017, a unique device called Samsung DeX was born. It popularized it quite a lot. Below we will talk about the features of DeX - a small gadget that turns the South Korean flagship into an analogue of a desktop computer. We will also talk about other docking stations, since their range is now quite large.
Samsung DeX
Price: from 6,900 rub.
Samsung DeX has a modest size and a unique shape. You can easily take this docking station with you anywhere to work. When you need it, you just need to move the top part and place the smartphone in the resulting recess, connecting it to the connector. Unfortunately, only the Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8 are supported by the accessory. This is explained by the fact that the Samsung DeX docking station is designed not only to fill the device with energy. Special software pre-installed on the flagship launches something harmful to the desktop version of the Android operating system.
The accessory is powered by a regular network adapter, and the image is output to the monitor via an HDMI cable. The device also includes two USB ports and one LAN connector. If you follow the creators' plan, then you should connect a mouse, keyboard and wired Internet to these sockets. Or a USB flash drive, if necessary. And don't worry about the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 overheating! The docking station has a fan that almost silently cools the rear panel of the gadget.
The product must be connected to widescreen monitors only - 4:3 aspect ratio is not supported. Initial setup of the dock takes a couple of minutes. The whole process is Russified, so even those who recently bought a flagship will not have any problems. The monitor will display almost all applications pre-installed by Samsung, and even some third-party ones. At the same time, the user has access to full multitasking, similar to that implemented in Windows. For example, the file manager and Gmail windows may be open on the screen. In this case, the user can easily drag and drop an image from one window to another, sending someone an email with the selected image. South Korean flagships can do almost everything that computers can do. There's even dual audio output available - one is sent over the HDMI cable, while the other is sent to the wireless headset. In short, you can discover new opportunities with Samsung DeX literally every day!
The accessory also has disadvantages. The most important of them is related to the minimum weight of the device. The docking station sits very unsteadily on the table. A thick HDMI cable can easily drag it down. And the mass of all kinds of wires on the table does not look very nice.
Advantages:
- It is possible to output two audio streams;
- Implemented image transfer to the monitor;
- Unique "computer" Android display mode;
- Decent number of connectors;
- Built-in fan;
- High reliability.
Flaws:
- The docking station for the Samsung Galaxy S8 turned out to be unstable;
- Not all Android applications support full-screen mode;
- High price;
- Compatible with flagships only.
Huntkey SCA607
Price: from 1,499 rub.
If you have several smartphones and tablets at your disposal, then you should think about buying the Huntkey SCA607. This is a universal docking station equipped with four seats. At the same time, the accessory cannot be called huge - if such a desire arises, then you can take it with you. In fact, the product only serves as a stand and charger. In total, it produces a current of 8 A, which is then divided among different devices. It turns out that everyone gets 2 A - the process of charging all gadgets will not take much time.
The power supply of this docking station is located somewhere inside. The accessory is connected to the outlet using a regular cord with a plug. There are four USB 2.0 connectors on the product body. But you don’t have to look for a connection cable - two wires with micro-USB connectors are hidden by the creators at the bottom of the docking station.
Overall, the accessory is well worth its low cost. It will be appreciated by every person who no longer has enough sockets to connect another network adapter.
Advantages:
- Optimal price tag;
- Lots of seats;
- High current strength;
- Two built-in cables with micro-USB connectors;
- Four USB sockets;
- It is connected to the outlet using an ordinary plug.
Flaws:
- There are no speakers or additional features;
- The devices are placed sideways, not vertically.
PhoFir Desktop
Price: from 265 rub.
Another universal docking station that acts as a charger. It has a significantly lower price tag, but you will have to order the accessory from China - it is almost impossible to find it in Russian retail stores. The product is designed for installation of only one smartphone. But it is placed vertically, making it possible to work with it quite comfortably.
Please note that the supplied cable is only 90 cm long - the socket should be somewhere very close (although no one forbids the buyer to use an extension cord). The docking station is capable of delivering a maximum current of 2 A, which should make the charging process quite fast. Micro-USB is used as an interface, so owners of the latest Samsung smartphones with USB Type-C should not buy such an accessory.
Advantages:
- Miniature sizes;
- Very low cost;
- Several color options;
- Produces high current.
Flaws:
- Short cable included;
- There are no additional functions;
- There is no warranty of any kind.
Lewei Universal
Price: from 227 rub.
Those who are looking for an accessory with a fairly expensive appearance should consider this docking station. Reviews from those people who decided to buy the product are mostly written in a positive way. They liked the metal body and rubber base, which prevents the dock from sliding on the table. The accessory can be painted silver, gold, copper, black and even blue. In the latter case, however, there is no hint of metal, but this option also costs a little less.
The product includes a special micro-USB connector that can be inserted into the smartphone on either side. This means that there are no cases where the device can only be placed in the docking station with the back panel facing the user. The output current is 1 A, which is somewhat sad - you can’t count on fast charging. Like the previous option, Lewei Universal is a universal docking station; it can be used not only in conjunction with a Samsung smartphone.
Advantages:
- Well-executed versatility;
- The device does not slide on the table;
- Low cost;
- Several color options;
- Not a bad look.
Flaws:
- Low current;
- Short cable for the network adapter.
HOCO Doc-Station
Price: from 605 rub.
At first glance, this accessory performs the same role, but at a higher price. However, in fact, it is slightly more functional than the docking stations discussed above. If you need to charge the device, then you place it vertically, thereby inserting the connector into the micro-USB port. But if you want to watch a movie or some videos, then the reverse side of the accessory has been created for you - you can lean the device against it horizontally! It’s a pity that charging a smartphone in this position is impossible.
The stand looks noticeably nicer than its competitors. It has a round base, at the bottom of which there is a socket for connecting a cable. The maximum possible current transmission is 2.1 A. It should be noted that the product is primarily intended for Samsung smartphones. When using a device from another brand, you will have to buy a docking station only at your own peril and risk.
Advantages:
- Attractive design;
- Several color options;
- High current can be supplied;
- Installing a smartphone in two positions.
Flaws:
- Not the longest cord included;
- The price may seem high.
Conclusion
Of course, the Samsung Dex Station multimedia dock is the best of its kind. It also charges your smartphone and turns it into something like a computer. But if you only need an analogue charger, then you may well consider purchasing the accessories discussed above. Rest assured, none of them will disappoint you!
