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.
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.
External Display: FHD (16:9 ratio) supported, HDMI display (Monitor, TV, Projector).
Peripherals: DeX Station or DeX Pad, Samsung branded fast charger, mouse and keyboard (BT, USB or RF type).
OS: Android N onwards (API level 24 or above).
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.
To switch into Samsung DeX using the station or pad, follow these steps:
To switch into Samsung DeX using a HDMI adapter, follow these steps:
Samsung DeX introduces a number of new features to the Android experience. Some of these features include:
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.