Smartphones are no longer just for scrolling and texting; they're inching closer to becoming full-fledged computers. And Samsung DeX is one of the boldest steps in that direction. DeX lets you turn your Samsung phone into a desktop-style workspace, promising a new level of portability and performance.
But here's the big question: Can Samsung DeX replace a laptop?
This article dives into that exact question. We'll explore the real-world usability of Samsung DeX for office work, online learning, and productivity. You'll find a detailed Samsung DeX laptop review, including performance analysis, pros and cons, ideal users, and how WPS Office complements the DeX experience perfectly.
Part 1: What is Samsung DeX?
If you've ever wondered whether your phone could truly double as a laptop, Samsung DeX comes close to making that idea a reality. Short for "Desktop Experience," DeX is Samsung's answer to creating a desktop-like interface powered entirely by your smartphone or tablet. And yes, this Samsung DeX laptop review starts right here with an understanding of how it works.
How It Works
Samsung DeX activates in one of two ways:
Wired Mode: Use a USB-C to HDMI cable or DeX Station to connect your Galaxy device to a monitor.
Wireless Mode: Cast DeX wirelessly to a compatible smart display or TV.
Once launched, DeX transforms your phone's UI into a desktop-style environment with a taskbar, multiple resizable windows, right-click functionality, and seamless keyboard and mouse support. It feels surprisingly close to using a real PC.
Supported Devices
Samsung DeX is available on several flagship Galaxy models, including:
Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24
Galaxy Note20
Galaxy Tab S-series
Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
You don't need to buy a new phone to try it; many users already own a compatible device and just haven't explored its full potential.
DeX Platforms: Two Ways to Use It
On a Monitor: With a USB-C dock or HDMI cable, DeX goes full screen and feels like a lightweight laptop.
On a PC: Using the DeX for PC app, you can run DeX as a window on your existing Windows laptop or desktop, which is ideal for multitasking.
From my experience, DeX really shines in wired mode. Wireless casting is great for casual browsing or presenting, but for heavier uses like multitasking and document editing, a physical connection provides smoother Samsung DeX laptop performance.
Part 2: DeX vs. Laptop – A Side-by-Side Comparison
Now let's get to the heart of this Samsung DeX laptop review: how does DeX actually compare to a traditional laptop? Is it just a novelty, or can it hold its own in real-world usage?
Here's a clear breakdown of the key differences:
Feature | Samsung DeX | Traditional Laptop |
|---|---|---|
OS Type | Android in desktop mode | Windows/macOS/Linux |
Performance | Great for docs, browsing, light multitasking | Better for multitasking and professional tools |
Portability | Extremely lightweight (just your phone) | Moderate, requires full hardware |
Storage | Limited to phone + cloud | Expandable HDD/SSD options |
Software Support | Mobile-optimized apps only | Full desktop software compatibility |
Battery Life | Depends on the phone + external power | Usually longer; some with replaceable batteries |
External Input | Requires BT or USB keyboard/mouse | Built-in keyboard and trackpad |
Cost | No extra laptop cost; needs dock/display | A full laptop purchase is required |
So, can Samsung DeX replace a laptop? For many users, the answer is partially.
If your daily tasks include writing emails, editing documents, attending video calls, and browsing the web, then DeX delivers a streamlined, minimalist setup. But for advanced use cases, like video editing, app development, or heavy multitasking, a full-fledged laptop still wins.
During my test for this Samsung DeX performance review, DeX handled WPS Office, Chrome, Zoom, and even light photo editing in Snapseed without hiccups. But when I tried to switch between multiple productivity apps quickly, the limitations became noticeable, particularly in RAM usage and app resizing flexibility.
That's where the Samsung DeX laptop's pros and cons really stand out: it's a brilliant secondary setup or travel companion but not a universal laptop replacement yet.
Part 3: Who is Samsung DeX Ideal For?
By now, it's clear that Samsung DeX isn't trying to be everything for everyone. Instead, it excels in specific use cases, especially when paired with the right tools. So, is Samsung DeX good for productivity? The answer depends entirely on who you are and how you work.
Let's break it down:
Students & Mobile Workers
If you're a student or remote worker dealing mostly with documents, video calls, and online research, DeX can be a game changer. Imagine showing up with just your phone and a foldable keyboard. Plug into any display, launch WPS Office, and you're typing reports, attending Zoom classes, and browsing reference material, all without a bulky laptop.
Tip: I've used DeX + WPS Office during meetings at coworking spaces. It kept my setup light and discreet while still getting real work done.
Remote Professionals
Need to send emails, join a quick video conference, or edit a presentation on the fly? Samsung DeX is more than capable. With VPN support, cloud syncing, and mobile-optimized tools like WPS Office, it's a minimalist's dream.
And since it runs from your phone, your entire workstation fits in your pocket—perfect for remote workers on the move.
Digital Nomads & Frequent Flyers
For the traveler who's always on the go, DeX can pair with a lapdock, portable monitor, or even AR glasses to create a pocket-sized productivity hub. No more worrying about airport laptop checks or lugging around extra gear.
It's especially useful when paired with a lightweight Android app suite that works offline and syncs later, like WPS Writer or Spreadsheet.
Casual Users
If your needs are modest, social media, YouTube, emails, and Google Docs, then DeX can easily replace a traditional laptop for casual use. Combine it with WPS Office, and you'll have access to documents, presentations, and spreadsheets with almost no setup.
Not Suitable For:
While it covers many use cases, Samsung DeX laptop performance doesn't meet the demands of:
Gamers needing high FPS and GPU power
Developers requiring IDEs and emulators
Creative Professionals using Adobe Suite or 3D tools
Power Users who need multiple virtual desktops and app automation
I love DeX for focused tasks, like drafting articles in WPS Writer or hosting a Zoom meeting, but I still rely on a full laptop for anything involving data-heavy multitasking or software development.
Part 4: WPS Office: A Perfect Match for Samsung DeX
When you're relying on your phone to act as a laptop, your choice of software becomes critical. And that's exactly where WPS Office shines. It's fast, lightweight, and built with mobile performance in mind, making it the ideal match for a Samsung DeX laptop setup.
Why WPS Office Fits DeX Perfectly
While traditional office suites often feel clunky or stripped-down on mobile, WPS Office offers a surprisingly full experience. Whether you're working on a school report, a business proposal, or managing data on the go, WPS delivers smooth functionality, even in DeX's desktop environment.
Here's why it pairs so well:
Fast and responsive: WPS launches quickly, even when multitasking.
Fully compatible: Open, edit, and save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without formatting issues.
Mobile-optimized: The UI adapts perfectly to DeX's full-screen mode.
I've used WPS Office on DeX to write client proposals, build presentations, and manage budget spreadsheets, all without needing a full laptop. The integration felt natural, and I barely missed using my PC.
WPS Office Key Features on Samsung DeX
Writer: Craft essays, blog posts, or reports with smooth typing and formatting.
Spreadsheet: Run calculations, manage grades, or analyze sales data.
Presentation: Build clean, animated decks that mirror PowerPoint's feature set.
PDF Tools: Annotate, compress, merge, and convert PDFs natively; no extra apps are needed.
All of this runs beautifully within the DeX interface. You can open multiple documents in windowed mode, drag files around, and even use AI features for editing and content suggestions.
How to Get Started
Download WPS Office from the Google Play Store or WPS.com.
Launch DeX, connect to your monitor, and open WPS.
Use in full-screen mode or multitask with other apps side by side.
Activate WPS AI tools to boost productivity, summarize, rephrase, and enhance your documents with a few taps.
Bonus Tip: If you're working offline or traveling, WPS Office allows file syncing once you reconnect to the internet, keeping your workflow seamless.
FAQs
Q1: Can Samsung DeX replace a laptop for school or work?
Yes, for basic productivity tasks like writing reports, browsing the web, editing presentations, and joining video calls, DeX works very well. However, users who rely on demanding software or heavy multitasking will find that a full laptop still outperforms DeX in these areas.
Q2: Is WPS Office compatible with Samsung DeX?
Absolutely. WPS Office is optimized for mobile platforms and works seamlessly in the DeX environment. It supports all major Office file types, including DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and PDFs, and runs smoothly even in multi-window mode.
Q3: Do I need to pay for WPS Office?
Not necessarily. The basic version is free and includes access to Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools. For users who want premium templates, AI tools, or additional features, there's also an affordable subscription plan.
