I am wondering about using an Android phone as a laptop replacement.
Has anyone used Samsung's 'Dex' or Motorola's 'Ready For' recently?
I noticed that my Moto E20F updated to get the Ready For app some time last year but my laptop did most things, and I did not have a remote monitor, so I never got around to using it.
But now my (8yo) laptop is struggling a bit and I do have a spare monitor, so I could use it. But it seems that Motorola has evolved 'Ready For' to 'Smart Connect', which seems to be more about integrating a phone, tablet and PC than about actually using your phone as a portable desktop computer. That is not a lot of use to me.
Does anyone have any light to shine on this, or any experience on either Ready For or Samsung Dex?
Or better yet, have a Galaxy S9 with a cracked screen they do not need any more? ;)
Experience with Samsung Dex or Motorola Ready for?
Comments
Many android apps aren't optimised for use in desktop or DeX mode. You'll see UI issues frequently being mentioned by tech journos who have tried to use Samsung DeX mode as a daily driver or replacement for a laptop
https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/i-tri…
For a smooth experience you'll also want a reasonably high end device. I tried it with my Galaxy Tab S7 FE (Snapdragon 778G paired with 4GB of RAM) and Google Chrome would either crash once I opened more than a few browser tabs or I get booted out of Dex mode and have to relaunch the app.
I use Dex on my tab S9. I use the old Dex for a "windows" feel.
It works well for me with the keyboard cover. I have a pixel fold 9 so I do not rely need a bigger android display on my tablet.
I like Dex. I like the traditional start menu and taskbar look. I don't really have a problem with any apps not working.
If I want to do it the other Android I just use my fold.
Or better yet, have a Galaxy S9 with a cracked screen they do not need any more? ;)
Note that older devices don't support resolution more than 1080p.Dex works well for the most part but just know that you're still using mobile (or tablet) versions of apps so they don't feel exactly like desktop apps.
For instance, you might get a better experience browsing youtube in a browser (with desktop mode) than the app itself.
And for email, the Samsung mail app is optimised the best for Dex.
People complain about the Microsoft Office apps being the mobile versions and not feeling like the full apps.
Browsers, again, don't feel exactly like they do on desktop. Some work better than others. Again, Samsung's browser feels like it works best (with multiple window support) and Brave a close second.
r/dex for more info
Logic says samsung would be better they have dex for years.
Check youtube there must be people posting review about using dex as their daily driver