Still, the experience is different depending on the equipment you have.

For a complete list of system requirements for running Samsung DeX,consult the Samsung website.

What Is Samsung DeX?

Mid-section view of someone connecting a phone to a laptop.

Maskot / Getty Images

you could also reply to text messages and take calls.

DeX is not a full-fledged desktop replacement.

It’s a slower and less dynamic companion than a traditional desktop environment.

Samsung Note 9 connected to a monitor using Samsung Dex cable

Samsung

This may pose a problem for some people, such as writers, analysts, and financial professionals.

If you need a connection to a Windows computer, Samsung recommends usingMicrosoft’s Phone Link app.

To that you need is aUSB-to-HDMIadapter and a monitor that has an HDMI input.

Samsung DeX Pad side view

Samsung

Plug the cable into the smartphone and monitor to start the setup automatically.

After connecting your devices, a welcome screen appears on the display.

Tap through the start screens and tips and review the terms of service.

Samsung DeX Station side view

Samsung

When DeX starts, you’re able to use your phone as if it were a desktop computer.

you’re able to also watch videos fromNetflixor other streaming services on a separate screen.

you might easily switch between regular and DeX modes.

What Was the DeX Pad?

TheSamsung DeX Padturned a Galaxy S9/S9+ or later into a touchpad while also charging your phone.

The touchpad functionality supported scrolling, clicking (single and double-tap), and pinch-to-zoom.

The DeX Pad had an HDMI out port, two USB-A 2.0 ports, and oneUSB bang out-Cport.

What Was the DeX Station?

Like the DeX Pad, the Station charged a Samsung phone.

It was also lightweight and easy to transport.

The DeX Station had an adjustable connector to get a good angle on your smartphone screen.

In DeX mode, you could see the smartphone screen on the external display.

You could use Screen Mirroring, which means the phone and monitor display the same screen.

Navigating in DeX mode required a connected USB or Bluetooth mouse.

In Screen Mirroring mode, you could use your phone as a touchpad.

In either mode, you could use an external keyboard or the virtual keyboard built into DeX.

Should You Get DeX?