What is Samsung DeX and why does it need an update for the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Samsung DeX offers a desktop-like experience when a Galaxy phone is connected to an external display, but it has remained largely unchanged across recent models, necessitating an update for the S26 Ultra due to competitive advancements.

How do competitors like Google and Motorola compare to Samsung's DeX?

Competitors are enhancing their desktop interfaces; Google is developing Android 16's desktop mode, and Motorola offers a robust Smart Connect feature, increasing pressure on Samsung to update its own DeX functionality.

What are the potential benefits of an updated Samsung DeX on the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

An updated DeX could offer improved multitasking with multiple virtual desktops and apps, potentially reducing the need for users to carry laptops and enhancing productivity on the go, especially when paired with smart glasses.

Home / Technology / Samsung DeX Stuck in Time: S26 Ultra Needs Major Upgrade

Samsung DeX Stuck in Time: S26 Ultra Needs Major Upgrade

3 Feb

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Summary

Samsung's DeX feature has seen minimal updates across multiple flagship models.
Competitors like Google and Motorola are enhancing their desktop interface features.
An updated DeX could allow users to rely less on laptops for work.

Samsung DeX Stuck in Time: S26 Ultra Needs Major Upgrade

Samsung's DeX desktop experience, available on its flagship Galaxy phones, has seen little improvement over several generations, including the S23, S24, and S25 Ultra models. This stagnation presents a challenge for the anticipated Galaxy S26 Ultra, especially as competitors like Google and Motorola advance their own desktop interface offerings. For instance, Google is developing a desktop mode for Android 16, already visible on Pixel devices, while Motorola offers its Smart Connect feature.

The Galaxy Z TriFold showcases a more advanced DeX version with enhanced multitasking, supporting multiple virtual desktops and up to five apps per workspace. This improved functionality is seen as a key value-add for the S26 Ultra, potentially allowing users to replace their laptops for daily work. The integration with smart glasses like Viture Pro XR and Xreal Air 2 Pro offers a portable, large-screen experience, with hopes for a fully wireless DeX solution in the future, leveraging Miracast standards.