The dock basically turns a smartphone into a full-fledged desktop PC that can effectively runs Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel.
Samsung’s latest Galaxy 8 has all the bells and whistles that makes it truly a fascinating piece of hardware. Its features are cutting-edge, making the company ahead of its arch rivals in the smartphone business. While it’s true that the Galaxy S8 is a top-notch product, this phone is also meant to woo the business community with the DeX Station, a dock that will transform the Galaxy S8 and S8+ into a desktop computer of sorts.
Even though Samsung has no immediate plan to release the DeX Station in India, we had a chance to experience a new dock accessory for the Galaxy S8 at the launch event recently. Here’s our first impression about the DeX Station.
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The DeX Station lets you insert the smartphone into a dock connected to a monitor via a HDMI output to provide the “Desktop experience” (DEX). The dock basically turns a smartphone into a full-fledged desktop PC that can effectively runs Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel.
Speaking of the design, the DeX has a small, puck shape that fits easily in one hand. The top of the DeX Station slides away and up to reveal a USB Type-C port in the base, into which you slide your Galaxy S8 or S8+. The dock even has a cooling fan and allows fast charging support. The dock features an HDMI port, Ethernet, two USB ports and a charging port. This means you can hook a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, and connect to a monitor or TV via HDMI. Slide the Galaxy S8 onto the dock, and you’re set.
Speaking of the design, the DeX has a small, puck shape that fits easily in one hand.
One you plug in the phone, a black screen appears on the monitor for a few seconds, before completely switching to a desktop mode. The layout on the display appears to be somewhat similar to a Chromebook.
That’s because Samsung has redesigned the Android UI so that it works with keyboard and mouse. In the lower-left corner, you’ll be able to see a grid of apps, including those ones that have been optimised for the DeX. Apps that have been designed for DeX have resizable windows and interfaces. The list includes Samsung’s own apps, and there’s Flipkart as well.
Most apps should work well on DeX. But I did notice that many apps haven’t been optimised for DeX. The big glaring example of this would be Facebook. A Samsung representative said many more apps will be optimised for DeX in the future, though when remains unclear.
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The notification tray, which is usually found on the top of your phone screen, has been moved to the bottom right in the DeX environment. It looks a lot similar to the Notification Center in Windows 10. You can have shortcuts on your desktop, with all the system icons and notifications dropping down to the bottom right.
In the lower-left corner, you’ll be able to see a grid of apps, including those ones that have been optimised for the DeX.
Microsoft’s apps in DeX, be Office or Excel, are optimised for the DeX environment. These apps looks like the desktop version, rather than a mobile one. Due to the lack of time, I couldn’t test Google Docs in the DeX environment.
Everything from browsing the web to editing documents seemed fine in DeX. After a few seconds, I’m convinced the smartphone could be transformed into a full blown desktop PC. While the concept isn’t entirely new, Samsung has managed to create a compelling accessory that works.
Most apps should work well on DeX. But I did notice that many apps haven’t been optimised for DeX. The big glaring example of this would be Facebook.
The DeX is designed for those who need a quick solution, say editing docs, making presentations when they are away from the PC. Though I refuse to believe that these very people, who can buy the Galaxy S8, won’t already possess a sleek and powerful laptop. Not doubt, the DeX is small and handy too. But it’s not pocket-friendly. Plus, you will need access to a keyboard, mouse, and possibly a monitor with you when you need to do work. Setting up is still a challenge. Frankly, I’m not sure why people will give up a laptop, just yet.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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