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.

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.

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:

1. Connect the DeX Station to an external monitor using a HDMI cable.
2. Connect the DeX Station to a power source using a Samsung branded fast charger (fast chargers have a lighting bolt symbol on them).
3. Connect the keyboard and mouse to the mobile device through Bluetooth. Alternatively, connect the mouse and keyboard via USB.
4. Place the mobile device on the DeX Station.

Samsung DeX HDMI adaptor

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

1. Connect a Samsung Note 9 or Tab 4 to an external monitor using a HDMI to USB Type-C cable.
2. Connect the keyboard and mouse to the mobile device through Bluetooth. Alternatively, connect the mouse and keyboard via USB dongle.

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

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.