Detailed review of Samsung Dex Station. Instructions for use

New inventions in the field of all kinds of smartphone devices appear every day. Samsung was no exception in this regard: along with the presentation of the flagship Samsung s8, there was also an “acquaintance” with the docking station intended for it. As it turns out, Samsung DeX is not just Charger, its purpose is much broader.

The docking station is a companion device to the new “brainchild” of the brand. Created specifically for Samsung Galaxy s8 and Galaxy s8 Plus, it allows you to turn your phone into a real computer.

The fact is that you can access DeX connect peripheral devices. This will allow you to continue your mobile work in more comfortable conditions—meaning the monitor screen. The docking station will become good decision for the corporate segment, whose representatives are not accustomed to putting things off for a minute. And for a more detailed acquaintance with the new product, you can refer to the review below.

Appearance and design of the device

After unpacking inside the box, the user expects to see anything but hockey puck— this is exactly what the hemispherical DeX device looks like. We click on the arrow-pointer under the Samsung logo - the upper part leans back. Now the user can see the ports through which the device is connected.

Another design “delicacy” is a fan for cooling the smartphone. It is built into the back panel.

After “exposing” the interior, an inclined dock opens, on which there is only one USB-C port. It is on this that the smartphone itself is installed. However, along the body of the DeX-station there are five more inputs:

• USB 2.0 A-type (2 ports);
• HDMI (for connecting a monitor or TV);
• USB-C (needed to charge the device);
• Ethernet

Samsung DeX

How connect the device? All you need to do is take the following steps:

• The power supply is connected to the network;
• the station connects to a monitor or TV;
• smartphone is installed;
• in a few seconds the user can work with a standard full-screen desktop.

Reviews from users of this device point to one real flaw of the manufacturers - there are not enough sockets for connecting a keyboard and mouse. You have to use Bluetooth peripherals, which is not always convenient due to additional settings on a smartphone. But the problem could easily be solved with just one more USB port.

Dock features

After the desktop is identified, additional devices are connected. The device enters a special mode: startup occurs optimized Android version from Samsung. It is possible to connect to the Internet in “wired” mode, via an Ethernet port.

As for the operating system, it resembles Remix OS. It offers only a basic set of software.

Screenshot of Remix OS desktop

There are office and graphics packages:

• Microsoft ( Microsoft Office);
• Adobe Acrobat Reader and Lightroom Mobile).

They are just good for their advanced functionality, which you will not find in work directly on mobile phone. The manufacturer promises to only expand supported applications in the future.

What can you do with the device?

Can Samsung DeX replace a PC?

This question arises for everyone who is thinking about buying such know-how. The truthful answer is: no. Of course, a lot of opportunities open up for the user, but at the same time, certain shortcomings also stand out.

Among the advantages are:

• excellent work with Google Docs (although they are not a supported Samsung application);
• perfect work with Android versions of Adobe products(specifically Photoshop for editing multiple images);
• the ability to work with almost any messenger and email;
• You can rotate and enlarge the windows of many applications.

But there are also certain disadvantages.

1. The device is only suitable for Galaxy s8/ s8 Plus - this limits its use.
2. It is still more convenient and faster to work in Word from a standard PC (or laptop).
3. At multitasking you will have to work hard to adjust the windows to the size of the display.
4. Many common keyboard shortcuts do not work.
5. Files cannot be dragged from one window to another.
6. A maximum of 16 photo apps are supported.
7. It will not be possible to open many of the proposed applications to full screen.
8. Some games and applications do not work.

Gadget price

If these difficulties still do not frighten the user, all that remains is to find out the cost of the offer. Manufacturer notifies: Samsung DeX docking station is in global availability. Its sales began simultaneously with the release of the brand’s flagship back in April 2017. As for the cost, it differs from different sellers to each other. The price of the device ranges from 7,500 to 10,000 rubles, which most likely depends on the supplier and the supply margin. And the same Samsung representatives say: in some markets the docking station will be included with the smartphone.

The best docking stations according to buyers

Docking station for AgeStar SUBT2 drives (BLACK) on Yandex Market

Docking station AgeStar SUBT(4) on Yandex Market

Laptop docking station Level One UDS-1000 on Yandex Market

USB Charger/Phone Dock ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE551ML/ZE550ML on Yandex Market

Docking station COTEetCI Base20 DockAirPods Stand CS7202-GY (Grey Space) Graphite on Yandex Market

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 appearance 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.

By 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“… 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 up, it takes about 10 seconds.

Samsung tried very hard when they adapted the system to work on large displays. Externally, the DeX work environment resembles that of Windows. You have a desktop with shortcuts, the bottom panel where the open source software, analogous to the “start” button with a list 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 - 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 via in 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 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 in all Samsung smartphones there is a pre-installed Microsoft package Office. 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 has not fallen on the solution from the “small-soft” ones, you can download any one convenient for you text editor 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 is already large companies, who 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.

Two years ago, Microsoft made its first attempt to do what has been talked about for the last few years, namely, turn a smartphone into an analogue of a computer. To do this, it was necessary to connect the Lumia 950 or 950 XL smartphones to a special docking station, monitor, keyboard and mouse. After this, the user received a mobile Windows version 10, but scaled for the big screen. This concept as a whole had the right to life, but it had a number of critical shortcomings. Firstly, the performance of such a system was not very high, secondly, the smartphone got quite hot, and thirdly, the number of applications was limited. As a result, the Windows Continuum project was closed along with the Lumia smartphones. However, the idea itself continues to live, and this time Samsung tried to implement it in its flagship Android smartphones: Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note8. For this purpose, the DeX docking station was released, which allows you to connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse to your smartphone. What came out of this and how to work with Android on a monitor screen - read in our review.

Design, connectors and connection

The DeX docking station is made in a round plastic case black in color, and generally resembles a regular smartphone stand.

The top cover of the device folds out, thus forming a stand and revealing a USB Type-C port through which the Galaxy S8/S8+ and Note8 are connected.

Other connectors in DeX are located on the back of the case. Here you can find two USB port 2.0, Ethernet 100 Mbit/s, HDMI 2.0 and USB Type-C for power connection.

Unfortunately, there is no 3.5 headphone jack on the docking station, and access to it on the smartphone is blocked. However, there are also no external speakers, so the only way to listen to music or watch videos when working with DeX is through wireless headphones. You can’t count on the built-in speaker of the smartphone, because it is located next to the USB Type-C port and is recessed into the body of the docking station.

Connecting a smartphone to DeX is as simple as possible; just connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse to the docking station, then insert the device into the USB Type-C port and start working. The DeX interface from the smartphone is displayed on the monitor literally a minute after connection.

Smartphone as a computer of the future?

As already mentioned above, with using Samsung DeX with one of the company's latest flagships, Galaxy S8, S8+ or Note8, can be used as if it were a desktop computer. Samsung has developed an add-on for Android that transforms the system interface and makes it similar to what users are used to seeing in Windows or macOS.

There is a desktop, a taskbar and a menu with programs. Moreover, since we are talking about an add-on to Android, and not about a separate system, the user can work with almost all applications that were installed on his smartphone, as well as access all his files.

What can you do with a smartphone as a computer? As it turned out, almost everything. But it’s worth noting right away that not all programs support Samsung DeX. This results in the fact that either the size of their window cannot be changed, or they do not launch at all. The latter applies mainly to games. But Google apps have virtually no problems with scaling. During my time with DeX, I used it without any problems Chrome browser, Gmail, worked with documents in Google Docs, edited pictures in Snapseed and watched YouTube. It is also quite convenient to watch videos through VLC and listen to music through Deezer. There is a built-in file manager for working with files.

However, not all applications support working in this mode. Some do not scale in any way, and the only thing that can be done is to expand their window from a vertical position to a horizontal one so that more information fits in width. In addition, no matter how functional programs for Android are today, they are still inferior to desktop ones.

If during incoming call If the smartphone is connected to the docking station, you can accept it directly in the interface, but for this you will need wireless headphones. You can make a call in the same way without disconnecting the device from DeX.

The keyboard and mouse work with the docking station without any problems, the only thing is that switching languages ​​is not implemented in the usual way - through the combination of Shift and spacebar. But even with a keyboard connected, Apple managed to add the standard macOS layout.

As for the hardware platform, Samsung flagships provide a decent level of performance. The animation in the DeX interface is not the smoothest, but it does not cause irritation and allows you to work comfortably. If you use DeX with the Galaxy S8 or S8+, it feels like 4 GB random access memory- this is the minimum for such a system. The Note8, which has 6 GB of RAM, is a little more comfortable.

Using a smartphone as a " system unit“could not but result in high loads, and, accordingly, heating of the case. But Samsung, unlike Microsoft, has solved this problem. DeX has a built-in fan that cools the smartphone during operation. And although it is not big, it copes with its task and works silently. After several hours of working with the docking station, the device remains completely cold, for which we also need to give credit to the 10-nanometer Exynos processor.

As a concept, Samsung DeX looks very interesting, and in general, such a system is suitable for simple tasks. But if the hardware platform of a smartphone is almost ready to turn into a PC, then the software needs to be improved. It should be designed from the ground up for such systems, and not just scaled up. But what Samsung managed to implement in DeX is truly impressive, because now the Galaxy S8 or Note8 can be turned into something like a desktop computer. But while the cost of Samsung's flagship with a docking station is comparable to a mid-range gaming PC, and the functionality of the applications remains basic, such a system cannot claim to be a complete computer replacement.

Site evaluation

Pros: easy installation, quick start, efficient cooling system, intuitive clear interface, almost all applications installed on the smartphone work

Minuses: no 3.5 mm headphone jack, no external speakers, not all applications are optimized for working on a large screen, the cost of the entire system is still comparable to a desktop PC

Conclusion: Samsung DeX cannot yet be called a full-fledged replacement for a computer; for this it needs significant improvements software. But it should be noted that Samsung has advanced the furthest in turning a smartphone into a desktop PC. In addition, the productivity of modern flagship smartphones already enough to satisfy the needs of the average home user. Accordingly, the concept of “smartphone as a desktop computer” has a future, but it will not come until they take the development of software for such a system more seriously. Thus, as a concept, DeX looks very interesting and what Samsung managed to implement is truly impressive, because already now the Galaxy S8 or Note8 can be turned into something like a desktop computer. But for now, the cost of Samsung's flagship with a docking station is comparable to a mid-range gaming PC, and the functionality of the applications remains basic.

A smartphone is much more compact than a laptop, but to use it as a desktop computer, you need a special device. Therefore, the Korean leader released Samsung Dex Station for his new Galaxy S8 smartphone.

Smartphone instead of laptop or computer? Yes, the Samsung Dex Station allows you to conveniently work on the new flagship Galaxy S8 as if it were your own work computer. I tested the gadget and here are my impressions.

The all-black Dex Station looks rugged and will fit into any PC design, allowing the peripheral to blend well with most desktop devices.

Fold the top down and you'll see a stand with a USB Type-C connector for connecting the Galaxy S8. The extended stand also acts as a built-in fan for cooling - it does the job well, so the S8 does not heat up.

There are two ports on the back of the Samsung Dex Station USB Type-A, as well as a USB Type-C connector, HDMI and an Ethernet port. The HDMI port is used to connect to the monitor, and the Type-C port is used to charge the smartphone via the docking station. The remaining ports are free, you can connect other peripheral devices, or use Bluetooth instead, for wireless communication.

However, there is no possibility to connect wired desktop speaker systems- you have to choose between Bluetooth speakers or wireless headphones. You won’t be able to connect headphones to your smartphone while integrating it with Samsung Dex, because the corresponding connector on the S8 is located at the bottom. Without connecting an audio device, the sound pours through the smartphone's speakers - loud, but of poor quality.

Connecting your smartphone to Samsung Dex Station is not an easy process. You'll have to fiddle around to get it in the right position. After docking, the Dex interface will appear on the screen within 10 seconds - about the same amount of time it takes for the smartphone to return to normal, home screen mode after disconnecting. This delay is annoying, especially if you just need to quickly send a message and then take your smartphone out of the dock.

Performance is good, interface needs improvement

The desktop version of the Android interface looks like Windows 10 and Chrome OS. There are several icons on the desktop; in the lower left corner there are navigation buttons: “Applications”, “Recently used applications” and “Home”. On the right is the system tray, from where you can access notifications, as well as find out the main indicators - battery charge, Wi-Fi, date, time, and much more.

Programs and web pages open quickly, and the Internet does not slow down. The high and generally stable performance is impressive - all thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor that powers the S8.

But, you won't be able to do everything you can on a desktop computer. Only a limited number of applications are compatible with the Samsung Dex Station desktop mode. Not all of them open in full screen mode with adaptable sizes, and not all of them have shortcuts that, when clicked with the right mouse button, open a menu.

Most supported on Samsung Dex Station Samsung applications, including Calendar and Email, there are also third-party ones - such as Adobe Lightroom and Microsoft Word. If the right application is not supported, it is better to use the web version (when available) rather than the Android version. Although unsupported applications are available, they open in a small window, like on a smartphone. For example, Adobe Lightroom requires the use of gestures, and on a large monitor the application interface is not intuitive. Can be used to edit multiple photos, but regular Lightroom is more convenient.

Many will find it useful to be able to quickly navigate to applications such as Facebook Messenger It's easy to reply to messages, or in Google Photo, it's convenient to share photos. You can even perform purely telephone functions, such as making calls or sending text messages.

In Android it is convenient to use keyboard shortcuts, Alt + Tab to switch between applications, Ctrl + C to copy, Ctrl + V to paste, etc. For the Internet, there is an application Samsung Internet - Chrome or any other browser for Android is less optimized for Dex Station .

Samsung's Internet app functions like most desktop browsers, with support for extensions and ad blockers. Each site opens in full screen mode, and it is possible to work with several tabs at the same time. Everything happens quickly - especially scrolling web pages.

You'll be able to save passwords for sites like Chrome Autofill - done with Samsung Pass, which requires the user to provide a fingerprint, iris scan, or facial authentication. I recommend the last two, since using a fingerprint scanner on a smartphone inserted into the Samsung Dex Station is inconvenient.

The Dex Station browser does not have such modern features as pinning bookmarks, or opening a new window by dragging out a tab, but overall, it is quite convenient to work with.

Bottom line

Samsung Dex Station is a great choice for those who have a Galaxy S8 and are often located in different offices. Of course, it is worth considering that the monitor, keyboard and computer mouse must be connected in advance. Dex can be handy as an additional workstation, but only if you have an S8 and peripheral gadgets.

Dex Station retails for $150 (RUR 9,000) and requires a $900 (RUR 53,700) Galaxy S8 to use it. If you don't have a monitor, keyboard or mouse, you'll have to pay for those too. It may be better to spend $450 (RUR 27,000) on a Samsung Chromebook Plus or another lightweight ultrabook - not such a compact solution, but a full-fledged computer.

The Samsung Dock is stationary during operation, so it is less susceptible to damage than a smartphone. The gadget, in my opinion, will last at least 4 years, but the Galaxy S8 will become obsolete during this time. The Dex Station is worth buying if you have or are about to own Samsung's latest flagship. Perhaps over time, more applications will be added with full interface support, but for those who seriously load the computer, a smartphone with a docking station will not be enough, which means I cannot recommend Dex Station to them.

pros: turns Galaxy smartphones S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus to desktop computers. Supports multiple windows, Ethernet connector.
Minuses: It’s not clear why you should buy this device, keyboard and mouse instead of an inexpensive computer or laptop.
Conclusion: Turns your smartphone into a computer.

The dream of combining smartphones and computers has visited many manufacturers, and all of them have failed to achieve success. Will it work out for you? DeX (Desktop Experience) is a new mode of operation that uses a docking station to connect a smartphone to a keyboard, mouse and monitor, resulting in the user getting a full-fledged Android desktop computer. Some reviewers have already tried this design and the reviews so far are mostly positive. However, the question arises: why spend 55-60 thousand rubles. for these smartphones plus a docking station, when you can buy a much cheaper desktop computer or laptop.

Dock station

The docking station is similar to a cup holder that you can put your smartphone inside. The device is connected to the USB connector on the docking station, after which you can connect peripheral device. Bluetooth, two USB A 2.0 connectors, HDMI 1080p and Ethernet are available. There is also a power connector so that the smartphone can be recharged during operation.

When working with the docking station, you cannot connect headphones, since it blocks this connector on the device. Calls can be made via bluetooth headphones or using a speakerphone.

Establishing a connection

Many application windows can be resized, just like on a computer. Most Samsung, Google, and Adobe applications run in desktop mode. If the program does not support this mode, it appears in the window in portrait mode, the size of which cannot be changed. While writing this review, I had five windows open simultaneously, including a browser with three tabs. Windows can be moved without noticeable delay, although the movement is slightly jerky. There are no problems when typing in Microsoft applications Office.

Samsung says it is working with virtualization companies such as VMWare and Citrix to make virtual desktops available with a full Windows 10 operating system. Similar efforts have been made before, including on HP Elite X3 smartphones, and usually the result is not the same. the best because of input delays.

Conclusion

A laptop-style DeX shell would make more sense, but Samsung doesn't make one. The company is considering the option of releasing a key fob that connects directly to the monitor.

In enterprises with access blocking, where VPN cannot be installed on home computer workers, DeX can operate as secure corporate client. However, this is a very limited market. It's hard to imagine in what use cases DeX could outperform a Windows PC or Chromebook running Android apps.