Ditching the MacBook: One Day with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and DeX

The digital age constantly brings incredible advancements, one of them being Samsung DeX, a feature that allows you to transform a Samsung phone or tablet into a computer by connecting it to an external screen. As a self-proclaimed Apple enthusiast, I decided to challenge my routine and explore whether the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, combined with DeX, could truly replace my MacBook for a day. The experience left me astounded and eager to share every detail. Here’s an in-depth look at my day with Samsung DeX.

🎒 The Morning Switch: Trading the MacBook for a Galaxy S24 Ultra

Getting used to the idea of leaving my trusted MacBook at home was initially uncomfortable. The Galaxy S24 Ultra felt so lightweight compared to my MacBook, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the ease of carrying it around.

Highlights:

• No more lugging around a heavy laptop
• S24 Ultra fits easily into any bag

Walking out of the door felt strange but liberating as I embraced the challenge of using the S24 Ultra and DeX for the entire day.

🖥️ Setting Up Samsung DeX at My Desk

Upon arriving at the office, I plugged the Galaxy S24 Ultra into my monitor. DeX instantly transformed it into a desktop-like experience, supporting a keyboard and mouse I already had at my desk. The simplicity of setting up DeX was astonishing.

Why I Loved the Setup:

• Easy plug-and-play experience
• Compatibility with existing accessories
• Improved posture by using a bigger screen

A feature that really surprised me was the ability to use the phone’s screen as a trackpad. If you’re ever in a pinch without a mouse, this feature can be a lifesaver.

🔄 Multi-Tasking Master: Leveraging DeX’s Full Potential

One of the standout features of Samsung DeX is its ability to keep the phone fully functional even while in desktop mode. This means you can work on your monitor while still accessing your phone for other tasks.

Multi-tasking Highlights:

• Editing photos while browsing the internet
• Using various apps without any lag
• Seamless transition between phone and desktop functionalities

Imagine being able to edit a document on DeX while simultaneously checking your calendar or replying to messages on your phone—effortless multitasking at its best!

📧 Essential Office Tasks: Browser, Docs, and Communication

Most of my workday involves testing products, scripting videos, and constant communication via emails, Slack, and video calls. Using DeX for these tasks was an illuminating experience.

Everyday Office Tasks with DeX:

• Using Google Chrome for researching and browsing
• Drafting documents on Google Docs
• Communicating via Slack and Zoom

The biggest advantage was the similar experience to my laptop on many of these platforms. However, a few minor hiccups stood out, which I’ll dive into next.

🚧 Minor Hiccups and Limitations

While DeX handled most tasks well, there were a few small roadblocks:

• Bookmark Bar in Chrome: DeX doesn’t support a bookmark bar in Chrome. You can find this feature in the Samsung Internet app, but for those who rely heavily on Chrome, this can be a bit of an inconvenience.
• Copying Links: The process differs slightly. Instead of highlighting the link, you need to click and use a small button to copy it to your clipboard.
• Zoom Setup: The camera placement in relation to the monitor was a bit awkward, making eye contact challenging during video calls.
• Slack missing its sidebar:

Without the sidebar, accessing recent contacts was cumbersome, and seeing who reacted to messages required extra steps.

While these are relatively minor issues, they are worth noting for anyone considering adopting Samsung DeX for their daily workflow.

🏞️ Advanced Tasks: Video and Photo Editing Challenges

One of the critical tests involved using Adobe Photoshop and Premiere. While DeX supports Adobe Photoshop Express and Rush, I found these apps had limitations.

Challenges:

• No full Photoshop on DeX
• Adobe Rush kept closing unexpectedly
• Simple tasks like putting photos side by side were not possible in Photoshop Express

Despite the alternatives, DeX didn’t fully meet my needs for advanced photo and video editing, making it difficult to replace my laptop for these specific tasks.

🌐 Final Impressions and Future Potential

Despite a few limitations, Samsung DeX proved to be a formidable tool for most daily tasks, offering a fluid and seamless experience.

Where DeX Shines:

• Lightweight and portable
• Efficient multitasking capabilities
• Easy setup with existing peripherals

However, for power users requiring advanced editing tools, there’s room for improvement. Encouraging Samsung and Adobe to bring full versions of Photoshop and Premiere to DeX would elevate it to the next level.

📝 Conclusion: Can DeX Replace Your Laptop?

For most routine tasks, too, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and DeX can certainly replace a traditional laptop. With only 10% of my workflow requiring advanced editing tools, the other 90% runs smoothly on DeX.

When is DeX the Perfect Fit?

• Day-to-day office tasks
• On-the-go productivity
• Reducing the weight of your daily carry

With a few more updates and improvements, especially in supporting professional applications, Samsung DeX could become a complete game-changer in mobile productivity. My day with DeX has opened my eyes to the potential beyond my usual Apple ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue exploring its possibilities. Who knows, maybe I’ll fully transition in the future!

Explore the possibilities that DeX offers, and you might find yourself considering lighter, more efficient mobile setups for your daily work tasks. Samsung DeX brings us close to a future where our phone might just be our primary computer. 🌟