Samsung DeX has been around for a few years now, but like most people, I’ve struggled to find a good reason to use it. That pitch of “turning your phone into a PC” never really clicked for me.
But that doesn’t mean Samsung DeX is a pure gimmick. I recently started using it regularly with my 55-inch TV, and it has opened up a few clever DeX use cases I hadn’t thought about before.
Using Samsung DeX with a TV makes more sense than anything
The setup nobody talks about but everyone should try
Samsung DeX isn’t a bad idea, but thinking about it as a laptop replacement is a stretch. That’s because you still need an external keyboard and mouse for a proper PC-like feel. And if you use a USB-C to HDMI dongle, you’ll have to keep your phone plugged in the whole time. Sure, all of this can still work, but at that point, you’re better off with an actual laptop.
I’ve had DeX on my Galaxy phones for years but never found a use case that made sense. That changed when I started using it with the TV in my room. I have TCL Google TV, which is decent but leaves a lot to desire. The interface is clunky, app selection is limited, and there’s only so much I can do with it. To be fair, that’s a common theme with most smart TV operating systems.
That’s why DeX on a TV feels like a clear upgrade. For instance, I can open Brave to resume my browsing session on a large screen — and my phone acts as a touchpad and a keyboard. It feels less like “desktop mode” and more like giving my phone a giant 55-inch screen. Even with the wireless mode, there’s barely any noticeable lag. And this is far better than screen mirroring, since you don’t get those giant black bars on either side.
My TV is now a second screen for my apps
It’s like giving your phone a second display
The best thing about DeX is that your phone stays completely free while the TV runs the desktop. So I can have something playing on the TV while using other apps on my phone. That’s a better multitasking setup than anything Samsung offers. Sure, split screen exists, but on a 6-inch display, you’re always fighting for real estate and neither window ever feels big enough to be useful. With DeX on the TV, that’s not a problem.
The way I use it most — I’ll have a video playing from Google Photos or Instagram on the TV while scrolling through X or LinkedIn on my phone. Sometimes I’ll attend a team call on the big screen while taking notes on my phone. The use cases stack up quickly. You can have a recipe open in your browser while ordering groceries on Amazon, or keep a monthly budget spreadsheet open on the TV while paying bills on your phone.
To make it even smoother, I usually pair a Bluetooth mouse with my phone. The mouse controls DeX on the TV, so I can have the phone screen free for other apps. The only real limitation is that you can only get audio from one app at a time. So, if something’s playing on the TV, the audio on your phone apps cut out, and vice versa. In practice, that means you have to choose which screen owns the sound at a given moment. Still, for what it is — a free second screen that lives in your pocket — it’s hard to complain too much.
DeX has become a travel essential
Hotel TVs are no longer a problem
Now that I’m used to DeX at home, I’ve found another use case I didn’t see coming. I now also prefer using it on hotel TVs too. This solves two major issues. First, I don’t have to learn whatever smart TV OS that’s running on the hotel TV or even use the remote. Secondly, I don’t need to sign into any of my streaming apps, be it Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, or any other.
All I really have to do is connect my phone to the hotel Wi-Fi and start DeX. And if I know I might need to do some light work but don’t want to carry a laptop, I can just throw in a foldable Bluetooth keyboard and a mouse in my bag.
- Brand
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Samsers
- Wireless
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Yes
- Backlight
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No
- Battery
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2 x AAA, up to 40 hours life
Should you want to slip your wireless keyboard into a back pocket while on the go, you’re going to need a foldable model. The Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard does just that, all the while remaining thin. It’s compatible with just about every device and comes with a complimentary phone holder. Additionally, the automatic power-on and quick start features ensure you can get typing quickly.