If you own or are thinking of buying a compatible Samsung or Motorola device, you're probably wondering which of the two systems is better for you. In this article we compare Samsung DeX and Motorola's desktop environment.Reviewing its evolution, compatibility, connection types, and user experience, Windows integration And also something that almost no one talks about: how they perform with XR glasses, battery consumption, Bluetooth audio, and small details that, in everyday use, make a difference.
Evolution of Samsung DeX and Motorola's desktop
Both brands started with the same vision: Bring a complete desktop environment to an external screen using only your mobile device.Samsung launched DeX commercially in 2017 with the Galaxy S8, while Motorola revived an even older idea: about a decade ago it launched a desktop environment with the Motorola Atrix, abandoned it and resumed it years later under the name Ready For, now integrated into Motorola Smart Connect.
Originally, both DeX and the Motorola desktop only worked via cable connection to a monitor or TVTypically using USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode and an adapter or dock with HDMI output. It was the "beta" phase of mobile computing: useful for very specific users, but far from replacing the traditional computer.
Over time, the two manufacturers added new ways to connect. First came wireless compatibility using Miracastallowing users to mirror or cast their phone's desktop to compatible TVs and displays wirelessly. Then they took another key step: the PC integrationso that the mobile desktop environment could be opened as another window within Windows.
The most recent evolution has separated the paths. Samsung has been relegating DeX for Windows in favor of other integrationsMeanwhile, Motorola has decided to maintain and highlight its specific support for Windows PCs within Smart Connect. On the other hand, a worrying change occurred in 2024-2025: some recent Motorolas no longer offer wired desktop functionality because they omit DisplayPort Alt Mode on their USB-C ports.
This implies that Several Motorola devices released this year can only offer a desktop experience wirelessly or via PC.However, they cannot function as a classic "desktop PC" with a simple cable to a monitor. Furthermore, the models that do allow wired desktops today often fall short. Android 16 as the latest updateStarting with Android 17, many of them will no longer support this mode if the brand does not adapt the new Google and Samsung desktop framework.
Availability and compatible devices
One of the most important points to consider before making your decision is which mobile phones and tablets can use each desktopThe difference in years in the market is noticeable: DeX is much more widespread than Motorola's solution.
On Samsung's side, DeX has been offered since the Galaxy S8 and has expanded to later Galaxy S and Note models, as well as several tablets in the Galaxy Tab S series.In early models (like the S8) you needed a specific dock to activate desktop mode, while in more recent generations a suitable cable is sufficient, or you can even use DeX without an external screen on some tablets.
Among the featured devices, DeX is available in Galaxy S8, S9, S10, S20, S21 and later, in the Note 8, 9, 10, 20 ranges And on tablets like the Galaxy Tab S4, S5e, S6, and S7, with the added advantage that the newer Tab S models can offer DeX directly on their own screen without needing an external monitor. This creates a fairly large family of devices capable of taking advantage of Samsung's desktop environment.
At Motorola, things are more limited. Ready For / Smart Connect debuted in models like the Moto G100 and the Edge+They were the first to include a fully functional desktop. The list of compatible devices has been growing, but it remains small compared to Samsung's, and more worryingly, some recent releases omit DisplayPort Alt Mode, meaning they can only offer wireless or PC-based desktop functionality, not wired desktops.
This creates a somewhat chaotic situation: There are older Motorola phones that do support wired desktops up to Android 16, and newer, more expensive models that only allow wireless experiences.If it's crucial for you to connect your phone directly to an HDMI monitor via USB-C, you should carefully check the specifications and confirm that the port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, as this feature is not standard on all devices of the brand.
Connection methods: wired, wireless, and PC
The way you connect your phone to your monitor, TV, XR glasses, or PC greatly affects the experience. Here Samsung DeX offers more flexibility than Motorola's desktop today.However, Motorola partially compensates with its integration of Smart Connect into Windows.
With Samsung DeX you have several options. The most classic is Use a USB-C to HDMI cable (or a dock) to connect your mobile phone directly to an external displayIn many recent models you can also activate DeX wirelessly on Miracast-compatible TVs and monitors: your mobile phone sends the image via WiFi and you work wirelessly, ideal for meeting rooms or the living room.
In addition to this, there is the option of Use DeX as an application within WindowsYou install the DeX software on your PC, connect your phone via cable, and a window appears displaying your Samsung's entire desktop. You can continue using your computer's mouse and keyboard, drag and drop files, and keep all your phone apps readily available without looking at your phone's screen. For many users, this is the most practical way to use DeX: it doesn't replace the PC, but rather complements it.
At Motorola, the first version of Ready For was primarily geared towards wired use. The standard connection method was (and in many models still is) a USB-C to HDMI cableThis is something the brand itself includes in the box for some devices, which Samsung doesn't. There's also an optional Motorola dock that provides more ports (USB, card reader, another USB-C for charging, etc.), very useful if you want to set up a pseudo-PC with a keyboard, mouse, and other accessories.
However, in recent times Motorola has been pivoting towards Wireless connectivity and PC integration via Motorola Smart ConnectThis relegates wired desktops to a secondary role. The problem is that several recent models simply lack physical support for USB-C video output, so while the Ready For concept still exists, you can only use it with a compatible wireless TV or a Windows computer.
Another key point is that DeX allows for fairly automatic activation.You can configure it so that, upon detecting a compatible screen, it boots directly into desktop mode without any further input. On many Motorola phones, however, when you connect the phone to a screen (or XR glasses), the system first enters portrait mirroring mode, and you have to manually open Ready For or Smart Connect, choose between desktop, TV mode, games, etc. This is an extra step that, in the long run, can become tedious if you turn it on and off frequently throughout the day.
User experience with Motorola Ready For / Smart Connect
Motorola's desktop stands out for offering a home screen with several "modes" designed for different usesWhen you activate Ready For, instead of going directly to a classic desktop, you see a hub with four main options: TV, Games, Chat, and Mobile Desktop. The first three are essentially launchers that group apps by category, while the fourth is the full desktop mode.
TV mode organizes your video and multimedia apps (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, etc.) In a simplified interface designed for the living room, it's ideal if you just want to watch movies or series. Games mode groups your video games and lets you control them even with an Xbox controller, without needing a mouse and keyboard, which many gamers find incredibly convenient. Chat mode brings together messaging and video calling apps for a larger viewing experience.
In practice, most users end up spending more time in Desktop mode. Motorola's desktop interface is a sort of hybrid between an Android tablet and Windows.On the left you have an app launcher, on the right access to notifications and phone settings, and the apps open in resizable windows that you can move, maximize or use side by side.
At the control level, you can use the mobile phone screen as a trackpad and touch keyboardBut if you want to get serious, connecting a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, or a dock with traditional USB ports for wired peripherals, is almost mandatory. The system recognizes these devices well, and there are usually no noticeable input delays, whether with a keyboard or game controllers.
As for the apps, the experience is reasonably solid. Most applications allow you to resize without too much trouble and switch between windowed and full-screen modes. Even so, the limitation remains that many Android apps aren't designed to work in desktop windowed mode, so some resist resizing or exhibit interface glitches. This is more of a limitation of the Android ecosystem than of Motorola itself.
One very useful detail is that You can continue using the phone screen independently while the desktop is active.In other words, you can have different apps open on your phone and the external screen at the same time, but with one condition: the same app cannot be open simultaneously in both places. If you have YouTube open on your home screen and open it on your phone, it will close on the other screen, and vice versa.
When Ready For is combined with XR glasses, nuances emerge. TV and Game modes are very useful, but accessing them can be awkward.Sometimes you literally have to look under the glasses to tap the right icon on the phone screen, as the interface isn't always directly visible in the XR environment. Also, once you start filling up the app grid, scrolling down the rows isn't as smooth as you'd expect.
Another aspect that could be improved is the phone's screen management. Ready For does not allow you to cleanly turn off your phone's screen while using XR glasses or an external display.If you press the power button, the system locks the phone, and that lock screen also appears on the glasses, interrupting the experience. You can try to work around this by setting the screen timeout to 1 minute and disabling "wake on motion," but then, when the phone goes to sleep, the video output disconnects and reconnects several times.
The worst is During this "dance" of reconnections, the audio may jump to the phone's speakers at maximum volume. For a second or two, even if you're using the headset's speakers, the audio cuts out. Playback isn't interrupted, but the experience is quite unpleasant, especially on a plane or in a quiet environment. This is one of the most frustrating aspects for those who have tried Ready For with XR glasses.
Bluetooth audio management is not its strong suit either. Motorola doesn't always automatically switch the sound to wireless headphones or speakers when you take them out of the case.In some cases, you have to go into the Bluetooth settings, manually select the device as the audio output, or even change the profile to LE Audio. There have been instances of headphones strangely disconnecting and requiring you to forget about them and pair them again within minutes, something that shouldn't happen under normal use.
Finally, the hardware comes into play. The Edge design of some Motorola phones with a very curved screen This causes constant phantom touches when holding the phone without a case. Samsung had this problem years ago, but reduced it by refining the accidental touch detection software and limiting the curvature in later generations. In the 2023 Edge+, for example, Motorola doesn't seem to have refined this aspect as much, and that makes using the phone as a trackpad while wearing XR glasses even more difficult.
Samsung DeX: interface, apps and practical advantages
Samsung DeX takes a less "spectacular" but perhaps more direct approach. When you connect your phone to an external display, DeX jumps directly to the desktop.without going through a hub with TV, gaming, or chat modes. For some users, that might seem less appealing, but if you want to get to work without any hassle, that immediacy is greatly appreciated.
The DeX interface looks more like a classic desktop system, with taskbar, system tray, and clear access to notifications and settingsMany users feel that Samsung has slightly simplified the menu organization compared to Motorola, especially on the right side where sound, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other settings are managed. It's not a huge difference, but it is aesthetically more polished.
Just like with Motorola, you can use the phone screen as a touchpad and virtual keyboardOr you could use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, or even a dock with more USB ports. If you use DeX within Windows, you directly use the PC's own keyboard and mouse, which provides a very comfortable sense of continuity: you work on your usual computer and, in a window, you have all your mobile apps and notifications.
In window management, DeX continues to struggle with the limitations of Android. Some applications resist resizing or functioning correctly in windowed mode.Samsung's solution is to ask if you want to restart the app in full-screen or windowed mode when it detects problems. This doesn't happen with all apps, but when it does, it disrupts the workflow. Even so, the number of apps that crash has decreased over the years, although there are still cases, especially with games or apps heavily optimized for portrait mode.
Like at Motorola, You can keep different apps open on your phone and in DeX.But not the same one at the same time. If you open an application that's already active on the desktop, it will close on the mobile screen, and vice versa. This is a logical limitation to avoid inconsistencies and conflicts in the app's state.
Where DeX truly shines is in its seamless integration with Samsung hardware and other advanced features. The ability to use DeX "embedded" in Windows is one of its greatest strengthsThis allows for a kind of fusion between PC and mobile, which, in practice, is much more useful for everyday use than completely replacing the computer. You can reply to messages, drag and drop files, use exclusive mobile apps, and all while staying on your usual Windows desktop.
In the area of ​​XR glasses and high refresh rate external displays, Samsung's system is also a step ahead. DeX typically operates at 60Hz initially, but can take advantage of 120Hz panels with certain adjustments.Using Good Lock and the MultiStar module with the "I Love Samsung DeX" option, some users have managed to get the system to run at 120 Hz when the mobile screen is off, achieving a smoother experience in XR environments.
Another key detail is that DeX allows you to turn off your phone's screen without interrupting your session on the headset or external display.When you lock your phone, there might be a slight flicker or change in the refresh rate, but there are no constant disconnections and reconnections, nor will the audio suddenly blast through the phone's speakers at maximum volume. This greatly reduces eye strain and sudden interruptions when you're watching content or working with headphones connected.
Regarding Bluetooth audio, the behavior is also more consistent. Samsung reliably detects when you turn on your wireless headphones or speaker, automatically switching the sound output. to that device. You don't have to go into menus or change LE Audio profiles for them to recognize each other, and the pairing and reconnection process is generally quite stable.
That doesn't mean DeX is without its drawbacks. Samsung does not include the USB-C to HDMI cable in the box of most of its phonesSo, if you want to use DeX via cable, you'll have to buy a compatible adapter or dock separately, adding to the cost. Furthermore, while the desktop experience is very good for many tasks (light office work, browsing, messaging, multimedia, some editing, and gaming), it's still not a complete replacement for a traditional PC for very demanding work.
Performance, battery life and image quality: the fine print
When we bring the mobile desktop to a large screen, Resource and battery consumption skyrocketsWatching a video on your phone screen is not the same as feeding high-resolution XR glasses or a 4K monitor with animations and multiple open windows.
In concrete tests, a Galaxy Fold 6 using DeX with XR glasses (for example, the Viture Pro) can consume around a 20% battery savings per hour while streaming high-quality contentIt's a high figure, but reasonable considering the virtual screen size and workload. The problem is that, for many users, this is their primary phone, and subjecting it to intensive charge-discharge cycles with a power bank can shorten the battery's lifespan.
This has led some to consider alternatives such as Buy a discounted Motorola Edge+ 2023 specifically for use with Ready For and XR glassesleaving the main phone for everyday use. With 512 GB of storage, a Snapdragon 865 (or similar, depending on the variant), and good overall performance, it can be a very capable machine for a relatively affordable price. Plus, having a second phone as a backup always provides peace of mind if the main one fails.
However, the actual experience with Ready For in this context has left mixed feelings. The practical impossibility of turning off the smartphone screen without interruptions, audio problems, and lower transmission quality in dark scenes These issues have led more than one user to return the device, despite how attractive it may seem on paper. In head-to-head comparisons, Motorola shows more banding and compression artifacts in dark streaming than Samsung, which detracts from the cinematic experience on XR.
Regarding pure desktop performance, Both systems allow you to move the cursor without apparent lag, type without delays, and play many mobile games. with controller or keyboard and mouse controls and no noticeable input lag. The difference lies more in the details of the ecosystem (how it reacts to turning off the screen, changing audio devices, resizing windows, etc.) than in raw power.
On a practical level, many users have come to the conclusion that DeX is a step ahead in reliability and overall polishEspecially in demanding conditions like long flights with XR goggles and Bluetooth headphones. Motorola, for its part, offers very competitive hardware in terms of price and specifications, but still needs to refine several software details to make the experience as seamless as it promises.
In any case, neither environment is yet ready to completely replace a PC in all scenarios. Basic office tasks, browsing, content consumption, and semi-professional tasks can be covered quite well.But when we're talking about very specific software, intensive multitasking, or heavy workflows, it's still more convenient and efficient to use a traditional computer.
Samsung DeX has a clear advantage in maturity, variety of connections and stability, while Motorola's desktop shines for its initial hub with TV/Games modes and for often including the cable in the boxFor those who value XR headset integration, the ability to turn off the phone's screen without any hassle, robust Bluetooth audio performance, and a polished ecosystem, DeX is usually the better choice. However, if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive phone that already includes the necessary cable, with dedicated launchers for multimedia and games, and you don't mind a bit of tweaking, Motorola's offering might suit you, provided you verify that the chosen model maintains wired desktop support.
