How Samsung DeX works

Overview

Samsung DeX is an extension of Android N's Multi-Window mode. Additional code development has also been included by Samsung that adds extras features and integrates it with Samsung hardware, such as the Iris scanner. There are no proprietary Samsung APIs needed to launch apps in Samsung DeX, as it is enabled by default. Apps typically run as long as they adhere to Androids best coding practices.

Figure 1: Overview of the different Samsung DeX Modes

Figure 1: Overview of the different Samsung DeX Modes

Samsung DeX offers many different features to best suit your needs. Samsung DeX Mode allows your device to cast a PC-like experience to the big screen with the same apps you use on your phone every day. Finally, You can use DeX mode on your monitor or TV or PC(windows and mac OS) while simultaneously using different apps on your device, or turn your device as an input device to control the DeX environment. Additionally, work and play where you like with Samsung DeX and your tablet. A tap of the Quick panel switches to DeX mode, allowing you to use your tablet just like a PC.

Samsung DeX device requirements

Samsung DeX station/pad & Dual Mode & Standalone mode

To run Samsung DeX, the following hardware and software requirements must be met.

Mobile Device: Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+, S9/S9+, S10/S10 5G/S10+/S10e, S20/S20+/S20 Ultra 5G, S21/S21+/S21 Ultra and Note8, Note9, Note10/Note10+/Note10 5G/Note10+ 5G, Note20/Note20 Ultra/Note20 5G/Note20 Ultra 5G and Fold, Z Fold2 and A90 5G and Tab S4, Tab S5e, Tab Active Pro, Tab S6, Tab S7/S7+, Tab Active 3.

Tab S6 Lite : Dual mode is not supported. Standalone mode is supported.

Tab Active 3 : Dual mode is supported. Standalone mode is not supported.

External Display: FHD (16:9 ratio) supported, HDMI display (Monitor, TV, Projector).

Samsung DeX with SEP v9.0 supports FHD(1920x1080, 16:9), HD+(1600x900, 16:9), and WQHD(2560x1440, 16:9).

Peripherals: DeX Station or DeX Pad, Samsung branded fast charger, mouse and keyboard (BT, USB or RF type).

Samsung DeX with SEP v9.0 can be used without a keyboard or mouse connection so users can utilize their phone’s touch screen or keyboard.

Samsung DeX, with SEP 9.5, now supports the Samsung multi port adapter or an HDMI adaptor for Note 9 and Tab S4 devices. While 3rd party HDMI adaptor are supported it is not recommended for optimal performance and quality.

OS: Android N onwards (API level 24 or above).

Phone Mode Samsung DeX with SEP v8.x Samsung DeX with SEP v9.x

Resolution WQHD FHD FHD, HD+, WQHD

DPI 640dpi (xxhdpi) 160 dpi (mdpi) 160 dpi (mdpi)

Orientation Portrait Landscape Landscape

Screen size ─ xLarge xLarge

Peripherals N/A 1.Display connection required

2. Mouse required and keyboard recommended

Display connection required

2. Mouse and keyboard recommended

To check your current SEP version, go to Settings>About Phone> Software Information> Samsung Experience Version. In general, SEP is usually 1 version higher than your operating system version.

As shown in the screenshot below, a number of system configuration changes occur when a device switches from mobile to Samsung DeX mode. For more details on how to set up the configuration changes, see the section: Modifying your app.

Figure 2: Samsung mobile vs. Samsung DeX Mode

Figure 2: Samsung mobile vs. Samsung DeX Mode

Wireless DeX

Mobile Device: Galaxy S21/S21+/S21 Ultra, Note20/Note20 Ultra/Note20 5G/Note20 Ultra 5G and Tab S7/S7+, Tab Active3 and Z Fold2.

Supported through software updates. (software update schedules may vary by region/country)

Galaxy S9/S9+, S10/S10 5G/S10+/S10e, S20/S20+/S20 Ultra 5G and Note9, Note10/Note 10+/Note10 5G/Note10+ 5G and Tab S5e, Tab S6.

SEP version: It is supported from SEP 11.5 version(OneUI2.5) or higher.

DeX for PC

Mobile Device: Galaxy S20/S20+/S20 Ultra 5G, S21/S21+/S21 Ultra and Note10/Note10 5G/Galaxy Note10+/Galaxy Note10+ 5G, Note20/Note20 Ultra/Note20 5G/Note20 Ultra 5G and Z Fold2.

Supported through software updates. (software update schedules may vary by region/country)

Galaxy S9/S9+, S10/S10 5G/S10+/S10e and Note9 and Fold and A90 5G.

SEP version: It is supported from SEP 10.0 version or higher.

Wireless DeX for PC

Mobile Device: Galaxy S21/S21+/S21 Ultra.

SEP version: It is supported from SEP 12.5 version(OneUI 3.1) or higher.

Setting up Samsung DeX

Samsung DeX station/pad

To switch into Samsung DeX using the station or pad, follow these steps:

Connect the DeX Station to an external monitor using a HDMI cable.

Connect the DeX Station to a power source using a Samsung branded fast charger (fast chargers have a lighting bolt symbol on them).

Connect the keyboard and mouse to the mobile device through Bluetooth. Alternatively, connect the mouse and keyboard via USB.

Place the mobile device on the DeX Station.

Samsung DeX HDMI adaptor

To switch into Samsung DeX using a HDMI adapter, follow these steps:

Connect a Samsung Note 9 or Tab 4 to an external monitor using a HDMI to USB Type-C cable.

Connect the keyboard and mouse to the mobile device through Bluetooth. Alternatively, connect the mouse and keyboard via USB dongle.

Figure 3: Mobile mode VS Desktop mode

Figure 3: Mobile mode VS Desktop mode

Samsung DeX features

Samsung DeX introduces a number of new features to the Android experience. Some of these features include:

Category Feature

Basic app interaction

Interactive scroll bar

Contextual menu

Keyboard shortcuts

Mouse pointer

Horizontal navigation

Zoom in / out

Enhanced interaction

Drag & drop

Click & drag (selection)

Text selection (double-click)

New window

Mouse-over focus

Desktop Mode enhancements

Mouse and keyboard support

Re-sizable Multi-Window

Control bar buttons

Window active / inactive

Switch windows (Alt + Tab)

Enhanced notifications

Figure 4: Samsung DeX features

Figure 4: Samsung DeX features

About Samsung DeX app optimization

Samsung DeX window types

When an app is launched in Samsung DeX, it adopts 1 of 3 different windows types:

Resizable Window: Apps that comply with Android N Multi-Window standards. They operate in Free-Form Multi-Window Mode and can be re-sized according to need.

Fixed-size Window: Apps that do not comply with Android N Multi-Window standards. They only operate in a fixed mobile dimension and cannot be re-sized.

Not supported: Apps that are widget based only, or impractical to use in Samsung DeX. For example, Samsung Car mode. These apps do not work in Samsung DeX. Apps that also require finger-touch and restrict the use of a mouse do not work.

Figure 5: Differences in display modes

Figure 5: Differences in display modes

On This Page

Overview

Samsung DeX device requirements

Setting up Samsung DeX

Samsung DeX features

About Samsung DeX app optimization

top of page

Samsung Developers

Quick Link

Android USB Driver

Code Lab

Galaxy Emulator Skin

Foldables and Large Screens

One UI Beta

Remote Test Lab

Developer Support

Family Site

Bixby

Knox

Samsung Pay

SmartThings

Tizen

Samsung Research

SamsungOpen Source

Samsung Dev Spain

Samsung Dev Brazil

Legal

Terms

Privacy

Open Source License

System Status

Site Map

facebook

instagram