Latest news with #SamsungDeX
Android Authority
5 days ago
- Android Authority
Samsung DeX turns the Galaxy Z Flip 7 into a pocket-sized PC, but it's missing one key feature
TL;DR The new Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the first in Samsung's clamshell foldable lineup to support Samsung DeX, turning it into a compact, portable PC. DeX provides a full desktop experience on an external monitor and works with a wired connection, even when the phone is closed. While a powerful addition, it lacks the ability to use the cover screen as a touchpad, a feature found on competing Razr phones. Samsung's clamshell folding phones have always been true flagships in terms of specs and performance, but they've lagged behind their larger book-style counterparts in one key area: productivity. For years, the Galaxy Z Flip line has lacked Samsung DeX support, preventing users from turning them into portable PCs. That discrepancy ends with the new Galaxy Z Flip 7, which now becomes Samsung's most compact phone that can double as a portable PC. Samsung DeX is a desktop mode experience integrated into One UI. Instead of mirroring the screen, Samsung phones with DeX support show a desktop-like interface on an external display, complete with a taskbar that displays apps, notifications, and system information on the bottom. DeX mode forces apps to launch in floating windows with PC-like title bars containing controls to minimize, maximize, or close the window. Samsung introduced DeX to its flagship Galaxy S series in 2017, later expanding the feature to its flagship Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Z Fold lineups. Due to thermal concerns, Samsung chose not to enable DeX on any of its previous Galaxy Z Flip devices. However, the company has ostensibly addressed these issues in the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which explains its long-awaited debut on the clamshell foldable. C. Scott Brown / Android Authority When Samsung announced DeX support for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 last week, there was some confusion stemming from the wording in the company's press release. There were questions about whether the Galaxy Z Flip 7 supports wired DeX and if the feature works while the device is folded. Having tested this on my review unit, I can confirm the answer to both questions is yes. You can plug the Galaxy Z Flip 7 into an external display or smart glasses to launch DeX, even without unfolding the phone (as long as you unlock it). From what I can tell, the device offers the full, uncompromised DeX experience, putting it on par with the Galaxy S and Z Fold series. Unfortunately, Samsung didn't enable the DeX touchpad on the cover screen, which is a missed opportunity in my opinion. While too small for many apps, the cover screen is the perfect size for a trackpad, and the Z Flip 7's compactness makes it more suitable for this role than any other Samsung phone. The fact that Motorola's Razr lineup offers this very feature makes Samsung's omission all the more disappointing. To be fair, newer Razr phones lack a wired desktop mode, giving the Galaxy Z Flip 7 an edge in that department. Most people aren't aware of how powerful their phones are, simply because the software often limits that potential. DeX is a feature that truly makes Samsung phones shine, even if it has some rough edges compared to traditional desktops. However, the future of Android's desktop experience looks bright. With Google working to combine Chrome OS and Android into a single platform, the days of a subpar desktop experience are numbered. Hopefully, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will still be going strong when those platform-level improvements finally roll out. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Tom's Guide
15-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
I just tried the new Samsung DeX on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 to replace my laptop — here's the good and the bad
Last year when Samsung launched its foldable phones, it was a no-brain decision on which one I wanted to make my new daily driver. Since it offered support for Samsung DeX, I chose the Galaxy Z Fold 6 without hesitation over the Galaxy Z Flip 6. In fact, I even managed to ditch my laptop for 2 weeks with the Z Fold 6. Samsung has long neglected to bring DeX to its flip-style phones, but that all changed this year with the reveal of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 — and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. Ever since the first Flip, I've been wanting to use one as my daily driver, but no support for DeX was a big dealbreaker. In my Galaxy Z Flip 7 hands-on, I say how it feels like perfection due to the bigger upgrades it's been given over previous years. I've been testing out the new Samsung DeX for the last few days now, so here's the good and bad about it. Samsung DeX has been a long time coming for the Galaxy Z Flip line, so needless to say I'm stoked for its arrival. First and foremost, Samsung DeX on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 supports either a wired or wireless connection. I'd recommend the former since I've seen some latency issues whenever I connected it to my Amazon Fire TV OMNI. Just like DeX running on other new phones, like my Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 6, I get access to that PC-like desktop experience that lets me run multiple apps simultaneously. It makes me almost as productive as using my Windows 11 laptop, complete with the ability to have apps running side-by-side with one another. When I do this, I can even resize one of the windows and the other will dynamically adjust to fill out the rest of the screen. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Apart from the new set of wallpapers included with this version of DeX, which is running on top of One UI 8, there's nothing visually or functionally different. The bottom left corner of the task bar has buttons for the home, back, and recent apps; the middle packs buttons for the apps panel, pinned apps, and opened apps; and the icons on the right lets me access different settings. I've even connected my Galaxy Z Flip 7 to my Xreal Air 2 Pro glasses for that private experience when I'm in a public space. The beauty of Samsung DeX in this particular situation is that I can continue to use DeX even when my phone's turned off. Unlike the traditional screen mirroring feature in many of today's best phones, it's a totally separate experience from my phone — so I can even watch something on Netflix without the need to keep my phone on. As much as I'm thankful for the utility that Samsung DeX brings to my Galaxy Z Flip 7, I was hoping for Samsung to bring new features and changes. Just not long ago, Google revealed how it was building a desktop mode for Android 16 with help from Samsung, but it doesn't influence the DeX experience on the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Considering how it's running One UI 8 on top of Android 16, I was hoping for bigger changes with the experience. Unfortunately, the bad thing about DeX on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is that Samsung does nothing to refine it — and I think it's a big missed opportunity — much like the sentiments I had when I tried DeX on the Galaxy S25 Ultra earlier this year. Samsung's the only one who's really offering this kind of feature, even though Motorola has something similar with its Smart Connect feature in some of its phones like the Razr Ultra (2025). The difference is that DeX can run through a wired connection, whereas Smart Connect is exclusively a wireless one. One particular feature I was hoping to see would be something along the lines of Snap Layouts with Windows 11, which would allow for better snapping between the open windows. You're only able to snap two windows at one time, leaving others to float on their own. This continues to be my biggest criticism about DeX because it has the potential to make me more productive if it could do this, but it doesn't. Despite the lack of anything new, Samsung DeX on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a big deal. Although I'm disappointed by the lack of innovation around it, there's still time for Samsung to work on it with subsequent updates. It's one of those features you can't appreciate until you begin to use it and realize how much it can satisfy your daily routine. More work is obviously needed before it can totally replace my laptop, but I can tell you from experience how helpful it is to use as a fallback. I like to travel as light as possible, and given the compact size of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 over the Z Fold 7, it proves a point that you can still have the power of a computer in your pocket.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Samsung's upcoming Auto DeX aims to challenge Android Auto and CarPlay
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are the two most popular platforms for mirroring your smartphone's features and apps to your car's infotainment system. Now, Samsung might soon come up with its own alternative called Auto DeX. Leaker @GalaxyTechie has shared the first screenshot of Samsung's Auto Dex, showing off the default home screen. He claims Samsung's in-car infotainment solution will support over 8,500 cars across 120+ brands. Interestingly, he says Auto DeX will even work with other unsupported cars with "some tricks." It also seems that you can run Auto DeX directly on your phone, again via "some tricks," which would give it a big advantage over Android Auto and CarPlay. Google previously offered this functionality through Android Auto for phones but discontinued it in June 2022. Based on the shared screenshot, Samsung's Auto DeX implementation looks similar to Android Auto and CarPlay. The bottom taskbar seems to provide access to recently used and favorite apps, with the navigation bar located on the right for easy driver access. On the extreme right, there seems to be a widget for Now Brief and the music player. The left features a vertical taskbar with shortcuts for phone, music, maps, digital assistant, and the app drawer. Samsung offers several features on its devices that directly rival or mirror those of Google's. So, the company releasing an Android Auto alternative exclusively for Galaxy devices seems plausible. If Auto DeX shares the same codebase as Android Auto, it should support all the apps compatible with the latter. Given Google's close partnership with Samsung, the company may have provided the latter with exclusive access to Android Auto customization. Google already provides Samsung with exclusive and early access to new Wear OS releases for its Galaxy Watch lineup every year. This marks the first time we've heard about Samsung's plans to take on Android Auto and CarPlay, and there's still a lot we don't know about. Thankfully, we may not have to wait long, as Samsung could unveil Auto DeX as part of One UI 8 when it launches the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 later today (July 9th).
Digital Trends
11-07-2025
- Digital Trends
Here's why the Galaxy Z Flip 7 finally supports Samsung DeX
One thing that might have gone under the radar at the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 launch is the fact the smaller phone now joins its larger sibling by adding DeX support. DeX, for those that might be unfamiliar, is a feature where you can plug a Samsung smartphone into a dock or monitor and emulate a much more fully-formed computing experience, more akin to using a laptop than a phone. Recommended Videos It's limited in functionality, but allows you to browse the web, work with documents or spreadsheets and run a number of apps in a PC-like environment on a larger screen. So why now, seven iterations of the design in? Surely the phone could have managed to achieve the experience before, given the stellar improvements we've seen to smartphone power in recent years? It turns out Samsung has been constantly moving the goalposts by adding in more functionality to DeX. 'With One UI 8 on the device, there's some further enhancements to Samsung DeX,' Kadesh Beckford, Samsung's smartphone specialist product manager, told Digital Trends. 'Things like how it multitasks, how you've got multiple screens [supported] from the display, it's even more seamless. [So] with One UI 8 pushing the boundaries of Samsung DeX, even though we had a vapor cooling system on the Galaxy Z Flip 6, we needed subtle adjustments to ensure that our customers were going to get the flagship experience that they know and love from, say, the Galaxy S25 series, or the Tab S10, or previous flagship smartphones, getting a consistent experience from either of our top-end devices.' But what's changed? The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 certainly feels like an upgrade in terms of functionality – with a new, stronger design – but it's also been upgraded inside, which Beckford says has finally crossed the threshold for the Flip series to be able to handle the DeX platform from the smaller phone: 'The Galaxy Z Flip 7 definitely has [enough power now], with a large cooling system on there and a faster three nm chipset with 12GB of RAM [the Exynos 2500], which means you can multitask without any form of stress on the device whatsoever, and you're able to do that for a very long time because of the battery optimizations too.' DeX might not be the target market for the phone, given the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has never been marketed as a productivity device, but it's a nifty feature to have in the back pocket. We've been trying DeX with the Flip 7, and it functions pretty seamlessly so far. We connected it using a USB-C hub (you can grab these for around $20), which allowed us to add in an HDMI monitor, and USB keyboard and mouse and start using the phone as a kind of mini PC. It's not quite as good as a fully-fledged Chromebook – for instance, the web browser starts with a gigantic font, making it clear that this is an exploded smart phone interface, but interacting with documents is pretty nifty. Perhaps many of Samsung's target market for the Flip 7 won't use DeX, but it's an interesting addition and shows that Samsung is still pushing for more widespread adoption of its computing platform.
Tom's Guide
09-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Best Galaxy Z Flip 7 preorder deals — how to get Samsung's new foldable for free
The first Galaxy Z Flip 7 pre-order deals are now live. Unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked July 2025 keynote, the new phone costs $1,099 and ships July 25. Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE for $899. Pre-order deals are live with the cheaper FE model releasing on July 15. If you're looking to maximize your dollar, the best Galaxy Z Flip 7 pre-order deal comes from Samsung. You can get $770 off the Galaxy Z Flip 7 at Samsung. Plus, you'll get a free storage upgrade to 512GB. Likewise, Samsung is taking up to $560 off the Galaxy Z Flip FE and offering a free storage upgrade to 256GB. We're still in the process of testing Samsung's new phones, but in our initial Galaxy Z Flip 7 review, we called it flip phone perfection. We especially like its robust camera features, helpful multimodal AI functionality, and support for Samsung DeX, which lets you use your phone as a desktop. If you're eager to get Samsung's new foldables, there are many Galaxy Z Flip 7 pre-order deals you can get right now. Verizon, Samsung, and AT&T are just a few of the retailers offering early deals. (For more ways to save, check out our guide to the best Samsung promo codes). Galaxy Z Flip 7 preorder: up to $770 off w/ trade-in @ SamsungSamsung is knocking up to $770 off Galaxy Z Flip 7 preorders when you trade-in an older phone. Additionally, you'll get a free storage upgrade with your preorder. The phone features a 6.9-inch AMOLED (2520 x 1080) inner display w/ 120Hz refresh, 4.1-inch AMOLED (948 x 1048) outer display w/ 120Hz refresh, Exynos 2500 CPU, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. You also get 50MP f/1.8 main and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide rear cameras and a 10MP f2.2 selfie cam. In our Galaxy Z Flip 7 hands-on, we called it flip phone perfection thanks to the phone's biggest upgrade in years. Galaxy Z Flip 7 preorder: up to $1,100 off w/ trade-in @ VerizonVerizon is offering aggressive Galaxy Z Flip 7 preorders. Trade-in an old phone and you'll get up to $1,100 off Samsung's new foldable. Plus, you'll get a free storage upgrade with your preorder. Galaxy Z Flip 7 preorder: free w/ trade-in @ AT&TNew and existing customers can get a free Galaxy Z Flip 7 when they trade-in any Galaxy S, Note, or Z series phone in any condition. Additionally, you'll get a free storage upgrade with your preorder. Galaxy Z Flip 7 preorders: for $1,099 @ AmazonFree $200 Amazon gift card! Amazon is offering a free $200 Amazon gift card when you preorder your Galaxy Z Flip 7. Plus, you'll also get a free storage upgrade from 256GB to 512GB. Galaxy Z Flip 7: up to $800 off w/ trade-in @ Xfinity MobilePreorder the Galaxy Z Flip 7 at Xfinity Mobile and you'll save $1,100 after trade-in. If you don't have a phone to trade-in, you can still get up to $500 off Samsung's new phone. Galaxy Z Flip 7 preorders: free w/ unlimited @ T-MobileT-Mobile is offering various Galaxy Z Flip 7 preorder deals. You can get the phone for free when you add a line on T-Mobile's Go5G Plus or Experience More plans. Or get it for free with Experience More and Experience Beyond plans. Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE preorder: up to $560 off w/ trade-in @ SamsungSamsung is knocking up to $560 off Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE preorders when you trade-in an older phone. Additionally, you'll get a free storage upgrade with your preorder. This Fan Edition phone is a less expensive version of the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE preorders: up to $550 off + storage upgrade @ Best BuyBest Buy is offering one of the best Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE preorder deals right now. Preorder your phone at Best Buy and you'll get up to $550 off with trade-in and a free storage upgrade.
