The dream of turning a smartphone into a full-fledged computer arose a long time ago, but something always stood in the way of its realization. The pioneer of this direction can rightfully be considered Motorola, the engineers of this company tried to turn a smartphone into a computer back in the 90s, but every time something prevented them from creating a product that would be approved by marketers. In 2010, when the ATRIX model was created, a docking station for connecting to an external monitor via HDMI was released for it, as well as a laptop dock, a kind of brainless laptop in which memory and brains were in the phone itself.

Marketers won once again, since these devices were in demand only among geeks, the mass consumer did not understand why he needed to buy these accessories, if the resulting "computer" was weak enough and did not support the usual programs. Over the past five years, almost a dozen companies have researched the possibility of creating such accessories and each time they stumbled upon the fact that buyers could not understand what it was and why. The most successful attempt was the introduction of a docking station from Microsoft, with its help a Windows smartphone was connected to a monitor and allowed to work with documents. At the same time, the success was relative, as a percentage of sold Windows smartphones, of which there were always few, and therefore this experience passed by the mass market, it was simply not noticed.

At the same time, the stars converged so that Microsoft stopped active support of its platform for smartphones and other mobile devices, but felt that they needed a presence on the Android platform with the main programs, for example, MS Office, OneDrive, Skype. Samsung has become a key partner for the promotion of these programs, these applications have appeared on almost all devices of the company. Somehow it turns out by itself that Microsoft wants to turn smartphones into full-fledged computers, Samsung has a similar project, but it stalls, since marketers defeat engineers, as was the case at Motorola before. According to marketers, the market is not ready yet, there are many restrictions for such devices. But Microsoft believes that the time has come and is ready to adapt MS Office for Android operating in computer mode. And Samsung felt that this was enough to give the project the green light and create an accessory that would turn the company's flagship into a full-fledged computer, albeit with a number of reservations. This is how the DeX docking station was born, which can already be called the most successful product in this category, since it sells like hot cakes and the company simply does not have time to produce them.

The idea behind the DeX docking station is simple and straightforward: you connect to the station peripherals and you can use a large monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, external drive and much more with your phone. Let's see how it works together.

We connect the DeX station to the phone, the first setting

The small box contains a docking station and nothing else, but to connect to a monitor or TV, you need a regular HDMI cable, you will need to buy it separately. There will be no problem with this, such cables are sold in most stores.

The docking station is large enough with a sliding cover that hides USB Type C connector, here we install the smartphone, in this moment only supported by Galaxy S8 / S8 +, new Note will be added later.

The station is powered through a conventional charger that comes with your phone, a connector on the USB Type C case. The docking station has its own cooling, a built-in fan, it is impossible to call it noisy, even with the most active mode of using the phone, you can not hear it at all ... Cooling is important, as in some modes the phone may heat up, but overheating is excluded here.

There are two full-fledged USB connectors on the case (USB 2.0), you can connect any peripherals to them, for example, a keyboard, mouse or flash drive, as well as HDD... As a rule, there is enough food for everyone portable device which usually works with a laptop or similar technique. The HDMI connector is needed to connect the docking station to a monitor or TV, and there is no need for any special settings, the phone automatically detects the type of monitor. Unfortunately, there is one problem here - old monitors with 4: 3 geometry will work, but the picture is optimized for widescreen displays and TV, as a result, it does not look very good on older devices.

When connecting for the first time, a picture is displayed on the screen, which shows the corners of the image, you can adjust them yourself. On all my TVs and monitors, the picture was initially displayed correctly.

When the phone is installed in the docking station, it automatically starts charging, but the picture on the screen turns off, the DeX mode starts working. You can also select the mode of mirroring the picture from the smartphone screen, then the DeX mode, respectively, will not be available. This is an old, well-known mode, so I will not dwell on it in detail, especially since all Samsung smart TVs support such a Wi-Fi connection of smartphones.

Unfortunately, the connectors on the docking station are located in a semicircle, which is convenient for connecting peripherals, but wires take up a lot of space on the table.

In practice, you can connect a wireless keyboard to the docking station (you need to install a USB dongle from the keyboard to one of the connectors) or connect the keyboard directly to the phone via Bluetooth. I like the second option much more, since no wires are required and everything works exactly the same.

In terms of the accessories that are supported, I will say that these are almost all mice, keyboards, hard drives etc. You can connect a printer directly to the station, but why? It's easier to set up printing via Android drivers, most modern models support this option, everything is set up that way for me.

There is also an Ethernet connector on the case, that is, you can connect the docking station to the network directly, this will be valuable for corporate clients, this option is important for them, but less interesting for home use.

Getting Started with DeX Station - Familiar Programs on the Monitor

The interface device on the monitor or TV in front of you is very similar to Windows, you have a status bar at the bottom, in which application shortcuts are located, on the right side there are status icons, for example, battery power, an icon for screenshots, a network signal, and more. On the desktop, you can create your own icons, which is extremely convenient.

It is necessary to understand that the interface has been redesigned for a computer, but we still have the same familiar Android. For example, you can have an unlimited number of open windows, but only those on the screen remain active, the rest are recalled from memory, they "freeze" in the state in which they were. So don't be surprised at these multitasking capabilities.

On the screen, you can open several applications at the same time and work in them at the same time. It is important what is possible from file manager drag and drop the file into the mail or vice versa, many standard applications support this possibility.

This makes DeX-mode very similar to a regular computer, there is no addiction as such, you will instantly know what to do and how.

In the menu you can see applications that work in DeX mode, that's almost all Android programs but there are exceptions. So, you can launch toys, but most likely you won't be able to play, for example, Clash of Clans didn't work with my mouse, but Infinitode works great. But playing games with a mouse is somehow completely inconvenient, although there was a time when we had no other options and it seemed the only possibility.

All your files are stored in the phone's memory; for insurance, you can also turn on saving them in the cloud. Considering that we have an Android smartphone, and even a flagship, it can do almost everything that has been trained ordinary computers... Want to watch a video? No question - you can run any file and enjoy it on big screen... I had such an experience - I put the Expanse series for children on a TV with a DeX station connected, and I myself listened to a podcast on wireless headphones from the same phone (outputting two audio streams at the same time is a great thing in S8 / S8 +). Moreover, during a call, the phone understands that it needs to be sent to the headset, and not to the TV, and this is very captivating.

Oddly enough, in DeX I am attracted by the opportunity quick search via SMS, messenger messages, mail and other sections, which I consider primordially telephone, of the same call list. Everything is in front of you in a convenient form, any information can be copied, by the way, all keyboard shortcuts work fine in this mode (Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V and others).

You can use MS Office to work if you are committed to this program, but you need a subscription to Ms Office 365. The whole package is adapted for this mode of operation, these are full-fledged programs, they are better than in the regular version for Android. I could not find any difference from a Windows laptop, everything is exactly the same. The same files are opened, saved in the cloud from MS, in a word, work - I don't want to. And this is not only reading, but also editing, for example, presentations.

For those who do not want to buy a subscription to MS Office, you can print texts in the native Samsung application, it has text formatting, minimal features text editor... It is convenient for small texts, but hardly suitable for the same work of creating a book. It is quite suitable for writing this text, there is no problem here.

I put off acquaintance with the DeX-station for a long time, as at the presentation everything worked unhurriedly, if not slowly. What was the reason, I do not know, but in real life everything is very, very fast. Moreover, you will not notice any brakes even when working with heavy, large documents. And this is surprising if you remember that the phone is processing documents, not the computer.

And another surprising discovery for me was that the first two hours with DeX I spent on the fact that I tried to work in different applications in the hope that they would not work at all. But this did not happen.

For the desktop, you can set your own wallpaper (specifically for the DeX mode). There are not so many phone settings, this is the speed of the mouse, and nothing more.

Usage scenarios - who needs a DeX station

The fact that a modern flagship can run most programs and adapt them to fit a large screen is not surprising. It is important to think about what scenarios, previously unavailable, can be implemented by such a bundle. For me, this is a scenario of a workplace in a second apartment, where I don't want to drag my computer with me. I came in, connected the phone, and everything is ready - you start working with your files, especially since most of my work files are in the cloud. I am sure that for someone such a scenario will look attractive, and here the DeX station is fighting against Chromebooks, which can be bought for $ 100-300 in the United States. Why with Chromebooks? Yes, because they are rather weak, have little memory, but they work with the cloud and have a large screen. They have comfortable keyboard and there is no need to buy an external monitor. And for DeX such a monitor is needed, another thing is that your TV can become it.

For corporate users, the DeX station is just a godsend, especially in companies where Samsung flagships are bought for employees. You can create workplace anywhere, and given that the virtual desktop for Windows is supported, you can also work with all familiar documents elsewhere (equally, you only need to connect to the network to launch all your Windows programs from the desktop that are on your regular PC). In Europe, several large companies have already appreciated this accessory, as it saves them money and time spent on maintaining conventional networks. But here you need to understand that these are still pioneers, it is too early to talk about the massive implementation of such solutions.

My experience with the DeX station suggests that it has a couple of downsides. For example, if at some point you forget that you have a phone in front of you, and you are guaranteed to forget, then you start keeping a player with a movie, large documents and 30-40 bookmarks in Chrome open in your memory. There is no slowdown in the operation of the interface, but the battery does not have time to charge, the charge freezes at the same point. Therefore, if you want the phone to charge, minimize all applications from the desktop, then their system "freezes", they do not waste energy.

Unfortunately, taking such a station with you on trips is inconvenient, because, in addition to DeX, you will need an HDMI cable, keyboard, mouse, and all this takes up a lot of space, it is easier to take a laptop with you.

For example, with the S8 + I use a Samsung wireless keyboard when traveling, but it's a compromise for me, since it's inconvenient due to its size. And with DeX you want something big, the right size. Hence the conclusion: DeX is inconvenient on trips, it is still a stationary solution.

Issue price and conclusions

A dozen of such docking stations passed through my hands, but it was always a compromise, here it is also present, after all, this is not a full-fledged computer, and the same 1C can be launched only on a virtual desktop, and not in a regular program (although the client for Android is quite working). Unlike other devices, this one has an undoubted advantage, the interface is fast, responsive, and the adaptation of a number of programs, including MS Office, makes DeX unique in many ways, there are no analogues (not counting its own docking station from Microsoft and de facto dead Windows platforms Phone).

The DeX price in Russia is 9,990 rubles (in the US $ 150 plus taxes, in Europe it can be found for 125 euros). Expensive? Perhaps. But for those who need just such functionality and have already come up with an application scenario for the docking station, there are simply no analogues. What really surprised me is that many people buy DeX just as a docking station for charging a smartphone, they say it's beautiful and have been waiting for this for a long time. Why not buy a wireless charger and save some money? The appearance is similar, the charging issue has been resolved.

The fact that such devices are the future, I am sure, the only question is when this future will become massive. DeX sales prove it is just around the corner. This accessory is produced significantly more than planned, the plant is 100% loaded, and this is amazing. Can someone explain what the Europeans liked so much in this accessory?

Two years ago, Microsoft made its first attempt to do what has been talked about for the past few years, namely, to turn a smartphone into an analogue of a computer. To do this, it was necessary to connect the Lumia 950 or 950 XL smartphones to a special docking station, monitor, keyboard and mouse. After that, the user received mobile version Windows 10, but scaled for the big screen. This concept as a whole had the right to exist, but it had a number of critical flaws. Firstly, the performance of such a system was not very high, secondly, the smartphone got quite hot, and thirdly, the number of applications was limited. As a result, the Windows Continuum project was closed along with Lumia smartphones... Nevertheless, the idea itself continues to live, and this time Samsung tried to implement it in its flagship Android smartphones: Galaxy S8, S8 + and Note8. For this, the DeX docking station was released, which allows you to connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse to a smartphone. What came of this and how to work with Android on the monitor screen - read our review.

Design, connectors and connection

The DeX docking station is made in a round plastic case in black, and in general resembles a regular smartphone stand.

The top cover of the device folds out, thus forming a stand and opening the port USB Type-C through which the Galaxy S8 / S8 + and Note8 are connected.

Other connectors in DeX are located on the back of the case. You can find two here USB port 2.0, Ethernet 100 Mbps, HDMI 2.0 and USB Type-C for power connections.

Unfortunately, there is no 3.5 headphone jack on the docking station, and access to it in the smartphone is blocked. That said, there are no external speakers here either, so the only way to listen to music or watch videos with DeX is with wireless headphones. You can't count on the built-in speaker of the smartphone, because it is located next to the USB Type-C port and turns out to be recessed into the docking station case.

Connecting a smartphone to DeX is as simple as possible, just connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse to the docking station, then insert the device into the USB Type-C port and start working. The DeX interface from the smartphone is displayed on the monitor literally in a minute after connecting.

Smartphone as the computer of the future?

As mentioned above, with using Samsung DeX with one of the latest flagships of the company Galaxy S8, S8 + or Note8 can work as with a desktop computer. Samsung has developed an add-on over Android that transforms the system's interface and makes it look like what users are used to seeing on Windows or macOS.

There is a desktop, a taskbar and a menu with programs. At the same time, since we are talking about an add-on over Android, and not about a separate system, the user can work with almost all applications that were installed on his smartphone, as well as get access to all his files.

What can you do with a smartphone as a computer? As it turned out, almost everything. But it's worth noting right away that not all programs support Samsung DeX. This translates into the fact that either their window cannot be resized, or they do not start at all. The latter applies mainly to games. But google apps have practically no problems with scaling. During my work with DeX, I used Chrome browser, by mail Gmail, worked with docs in Google Docs, edited snapshots with Snapseed, and watched YouTube. It is also quite convenient to watch videos via VLC and listen to music via Deezer. There is a built-in file manager for working with files.

However, not all applications support this mode. Some are not scaled in any way, and the only thing that can be done is to expand their window from vertical to horizontal position so that more information can fit in width. In addition, no matter how functional Android programs are today, they are still inferior to desktop ones.

If during an incoming call the smartphone is connected to the docking station, then you can receive it directly in the interface, but for this you need wireless headphones. In the same way, you can make a call without disconnecting the device from DeX.

The keyboard and mouse work with the docking station without any problems, the only thing is that switching languages ​​is not implemented as usual - through the combination of Shift and space. But even when connected Apple keyboards managed to add a standard macOS layout.

As for the hardware platform, here Samsung's flagships provide a decent level of performance. The animation in the DeX interface is not the smoothest, but it does not cause irritation and allows you to work comfortably. When using DeX with a Galaxy S8 or S8 +, it feels like 4GB random access memory Is the minimum for such a system. The Note8, which has 6GB of RAM, is a little more comfortable.

Using a smartphone as " system unit"Could not but result in high loads, and, accordingly, in the heating of the case. But Samsung, unlike Microsoft, solved this problem. The DeX has a built-in fan that cools the smartphone during operation. And although it is not big, it copes with its task and works silently at the same time. After several hours of use with the docking station, the device remains completely cold, for which the 10nm Exynos processor also needs to be credited.

As a concept, Samsung DeX looks very interesting, and in general, such a system is suitable for simple tasks... But if the hardware platform of the smartphone is almost ready to turn into a PC, then the software needs to be improved. It should be designed from the outset for such systems, and not just scale. But what Samsung managed to implement in DeX is really impressive, because now the Galaxy S8 or Note8 can be turned into a kind of desktop computer. But while the cost Samsung flagship with a docking station is comparable to a mid-range gaming PC, and the functionality of applications remains basic, such a system cannot pretend to be a complete replacement for a computer.

Site score

Pros: easy installation, quick start, efficient cooling system, intuitive clear interface, almost all applications installed on the smartphone work

Minuses: no 3.5 mm headphone jack, no external speakers, not all applications are optimized for working on a large screen, the cost of the entire system is still comparable to a desktop PC

Output: Samsung DeX cannot yet be called a full-fledged replacement for a computer, for this you need to significantly refine software... But it should be noted that Samsung has gone the farthest in turning a smartphone into a desktop PC. In addition, the performance of modern flagship smartphones enough to meet the needs of the average home user. Accordingly, the concept of "a smartphone as a desktop computer" has a future, but it will not come until the development of software for such a system is taken seriously. Thus, as a concept, DeX looks very interesting and what Samsung managed to implement is really impressive, because already now the Galaxy S8 or Note8 can be turned into a kind of desktop computer. But while the cost of the Samsung flagship with a docking station is comparable to a mid-range gaming PC, the functionality of the applications remains basic.

New inventions in the field of all kinds of devices for smartphones appear every day. So Samsung was no exception in this regard: along with the presentation of the flagship Samsung s8, there was also a "acquaintance" with the docking station intended for it. As it turned out, Samsung DeX is not just a charger, its purpose is much wider.

The docking station is a companion device for the brand's new "brainchild". Created specifically for Samsung Galaxy s8 and Galaxy s8 Plus, it allows you to turn your phone into a real semblance of a computer.

The fact is that with DeX you can connect peripherals... This will allow you to continue the work started on the mobile in more comfortable conditions - I mean the monitor screen. The docking station will become good decision for the corporate segment, whose representatives are not used to postponing business for a minute. And for a more detailed acquaintance with the new product, you can focus on the review below.

Appearance and design of the device

After unpacking inside the box, the user expects to see anything but not hockey puck- it is on her that the DeX device of a hemispherical shape is similar. Click on the arrow-pointer under the Samsung logo - the upper part folds back. Now the user can see the ports through which the device is connected.

Another constructive "refinement" is a fan for cooling the smartphone. It is integrated into the rear panel.

After "exposing" the inside, an inclined dock opens, on which only one USB-C port. It is on it that the smartphone itself is installed. However, there are five more entrances along the DeX-station building:

• USB 2.0 A-type (2 ports);
• HDMI (for connecting a monitor or TV);
• USB-C (needed to charge the device);
• Ethernet

Samsung DeX

How connect device? It is enough to take the following steps:

• the power supply is connected to the network;
• the station connects to a monitor or TV;
• a smartphone is installed;
• after a few seconds, the user can work with a standard full-screen desktop.

Feedback from users of this device point to one real flaw of manufacturers - there are not enough jacks for connecting a keyboard and mouse. I have to use Bluetooth peripherals, which is not always convenient due to additional settings on your smartphone. But the problem could easily have been solved with just one more USB port.

Docking station capabilities

After recognizing the desktop, they connect and additional devices... The device goes into special treatment: launch is in progress optimized android version from Samsung... It is also possible to connect to the Internet in "wired" mode, through the Ethernet port.

Concerning operating system then it resembles Remix OS. It only offers a basic set of software.

Remix OS Desktop Screenshot

There are office and graphics packages:

• Microsoft (Microsoft Office);
• Adobe ( Adobe acrobat Reader and Lightroom Mobile).

They are just good with advanced functionality, which you will not find in work directly on mobile phone... The manufacturer promises to only expand the supported applications in the future.

What can be done with the device?

Is Samsung DeX capable of replacing a PC

This question arises for everyone who is thinking about buying such know-how. The truthful answer is no. Of course, a lot of opportunities open up before the user, but at the same time, certain shortcomings stand out.

Among the advantages are:

• excellent work with Google Docs (although they are not a supported Samung application);
• flawless work with android versions of Adobe products(in particular, Photoshop for editing multiple images);
• the ability to work with almost any messenger and e-mail;
• many application windows can be rotated and enlarged.

But there are also certain disadvantages.

1. The device is only suitable for Galaxy s8 / s8 Plus - this limits its use.
2. It is more convenient and faster to work in Word from a standard PC (or laptop).
3. At work in multitasking mode will have to work hard to fit the windows to the size of the display.
4. Many common keyboard shortcuts do not work.
5. Files cannot be dragged from one window to another.
6. A maximum of 16 photo apps are supported.
7. It will not be possible to expand many of the proposed applications in full screen.
8. Some games and applications do not work.

Gadget price

If these difficulties still do not frighten the user, all that remains is to find out the cost of the proposal. The manufacturer notifies: the Samsung DeX docking station is in global availability. Its sales began simultaneously with the release of the brand's flagship itself back in April 2017. As for the cost, it differs from one seller to another. The price of the device is in the range of 7,500 to 10,000 rubles, which most likely depends on the supplier and the margin on the offer. And the same representatives of Samsung say: in some markets, the docking station will be bundled with a smartphone.

The best docking stations according to customers

Docking station for AgeStar SUBT2 drives (BLACK) on Yandex Market

Docking station AgeStar SUBT (4) on Yandex Market

Docking station for laptops Level One UDS-1000 on Yandex Market

USB charger / phone dock ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE551ML / ZE550ML on Yandex Market

Docking Station COTEetCI Base20 DockAirPods Stand CS7202-GY ( Gray Space) Graphite on Yandex Market

A smartphone is much more compact than a laptop, but in order to use it as desktop computer, you need a special device. Therefore, the Korean leader released Samsung Dex Station for his new Galaxy smartphone S8.

Smartphone instead of laptop or computer? Yes, Samsung Dex Station allows you to work comfortably on the new flagship Galaxy S8 just like on your work computer. I tested the gadget and here are my impressions.

The all-black Dex Station docking station looks reliable and will fit any computer design This allows the peripherals to blend well with most desktop devices.

Pull the top down to reveal a USB Type-C dock for the Galaxy S8. The extended stand also acts as a built-in fan for cooling - it does the job well, so the S8 stays cool.

The back panel of the Samsung Dex Station has two USB Type-A ports, as well as a USB Type-C, HDMI and Ethernet port. The HDMI port is used to connect to the monitor, and the Type-C port is used to charge the smartphone via the docking station. The rest of the ports are free, you can connect other peripheral devices, or use Bluetooth instead for wireless communication.

However, there is no possibility of connecting wired desktop speakers - you have to choose between Bluetooth speakers or wireless headphones... Headphones cannot be connected to the smartphone during its integration with Samsung Dex, because the corresponding connector on the S8 is located at the bottom. Without connecting an audio device, the sound flows through the smartphone's speakers - loud, but of poor quality.

Connecting your smartphone to Samsung Dex Station is not an easy process. You have to tinker to place it in the right position. After docking, the Dex interface will appear on the screen for 10 seconds - about the same time it takes to return to the normal home screen mode after disconnecting the smartphone. Such a delay is annoying, especially if you just need to quickly send a message and then take the smartphone out of the dock.

Performance pleases, the interface needs to be improved

The desktop version of the Android interface looks like Windows 10 and Chrome OS. There are several icons on the desktop, in the lower left corner there are navigation buttons: "Applications", "Recently used applications" and "Home". On the right is the system tray, from where you can access notifications, as well as find out the main indicators - battery charge, Wi-Fi, date, time, and much more.

Programs and web pages open quickly, the Internet does not slow down. The high and generally stable performance is impressive thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor found in the S8.

But, you cannot do everything that is on a desktop computer. Only a limited number of applications are compatible with the Samsung Dex Station desktop mode. Not all of them open in full-screen mode with responsive sizes, not all have shortcuts that, when you right-click on them, open a menu.

Samsung Dex Station supports most Samsung apps, including Calendar and Email, and third-party apps like Adobe Lightroom and Microsoft Word... If desired application not supported, it is better to use the web version (when available) rather than the Android version. Unsupported apps, although available, open in a small window, just like on a smartphone. For example, Adobe Lightroom assumes the use of gestures, but on a large monitor, the application interface is not intuitive. Can be used to edit multiple photos, but regular Lightroom is more convenient.

Many will benefit from the ability to quickly navigate to applications such as Facebook Messenger to easily respond to messages, or Google Photo, it is convenient to share a photo. You can even perform exclusively telephone functions like making calls or sending text messages.

In Android, it is convenient to use keyboard shortcuts, Alt + Tab to switch between applications, Ctrl + C to copy, Ctrl + V to paste, etc. For the Internet there is Samsung app Internet - Chrome or any other Android browser is less optimized for Dex Station.

Samsung's web app functions like most desktop browsers, and supports extensions and ad blockers. Each site opens in full screen mode, it is possible to work with several tabs at the same time. Everything happens quickly - especially the scrolling of web pages.

You will be able to save passwords for sites, just like on Chrome Autofill - done with Samsung Pass, which requires a fingerprint, an iris scan, or face authentication from the user. I recommend the last two, since using the fingerprint scanner on a smartphone inserted into the Samsung Dex Station is inconvenient.

Dex Station does not have these modern functions, like pinning bookmarks, or opening a new window by pulling out a tab, but in general, it's quite convenient to work in.

Outcome

Samsung Dex Station is a great choice for those with a Galaxy S8 and are often located in different offices. Of course, it is worth considering that the monitor, keyboard and computer mouse must be connected in advance. Dex can be handy as an additional workstation, but only if you have an S8 and peripheral gadgets.

The Dex Station retails for $ 150 (R9,000) and requires a $ 900 Galaxy S8 (R53,700) to use it. If you don't have a monitor, keyboard, or mouse, you'll have to pay for them too. It might be better to spend $ 450 (£ 27,000) on a Samsung Chromebook Plus or another lightweight Ultrabook - not a compact solution, but a full-fledged computer.

The Samsung docking station is stationary during use, so it is less prone to damage than a smartphone. The gadget, in my opinion, will last at least 4 years, but the Galaxy S8 will become obsolete during this time. Dex Station is worth buying if you have, or Samsung's latest flagship is coming soon. Perhaps over time it will be added more apps with full interface support, but for those who seriously load the computer, a smartphone with a docking station will not be enough, which means that I cannot recommend Dex Station to them.

In early 2017, a unique device called Samsung DeX was born. It popularized enough. Below we will tell you about the features of DeX - a small gadget that turns South Korean into an analogue of a desktop computer. We will also talk about other docking stations, since their assortment is now quite large.

Samsung DeX

Price: from 6 900 rub.

Samsung DeX has a modest size and unique shape. You can easily take this docking station with you wherever you go to work. When you need it, you just need to move the upper part and place the smartphone in the resulting recess by connecting it to the connector. Unfortunately, the accessory only supports Galaxy S8, S8 + and Note 8. This is explained by the fact that the Samsung DeX docking station is designed not only to fill the device with energy. Special software preinstalled on the flagship launches something harmful to the desktop version of the Android operating system.

The accessory is powered by a conventional network adapter, the picture is displayed on the monitor via HDMI cable. The device also includes two USB ports and one LAN connector. If you follow the intention of the creators, then you should connect a mouse, keyboard and wired Internet to these sockets. Or a USB stick, if the need arises. And don't worry about overheating! The docking station has a fan that cools the back panel of the gadget almost silently.

The product should only be connected to widescreen monitors - 4: 3 aspect ratio is not supported. Initial setup the docking station takes a couple of minutes. The whole process is Russified, so there will be no problems even for those who bought a flagship recently. Almost all applications pre-installed by Samsung, and even some third-party ones, will be displayed on the monitor. At the same time, the user has access to full-fledged multitasking, similar to that implemented in Windows. For example, the screen might show open windows file manager and Gmail. In this case, the user can easily drag the image from one window to another with the mouse by sending email with the selected image. South Korean flagships can do almost everything that computers are capable of. Even the output of two audio streams is available - one is transmitted via an HDMI cable, while the other is sent to wireless headset... In short, you can discover new possibilities with Samsung DeX literally every day!

The accessory also has disadvantages. The most important one is related to the minimum weight of the device. The docking station is very insecure on the table. A thick HDMI cable can easily pull it along. Yes, and the mass of all kinds of wires on the table does not look very nice.

Advantages:

• Output of two audio streams is possible;
• The transfer of images to the monitor has been implemented;
• Unique "computer" display mode for Android;
• Decent number of connectors;
• Built-in fan;
• High reliability.

Disadvantages:

• Samsung Galaxy S8 dock is unstable
• Not all Android apps support full screen mode;
• High price;
• Compatible with flagships only.

Huntkey SCA607

Price: from 1 499 rub.

If you have several smartphones and tablets at your disposal, then you should consider buying a Huntkey SCA607. It is a universal docking station with four seats. At the same time, the accessory cannot be called huge - if such a desire appears, then you can take it with you. In fact, the product plays only the role of a stand and. In total, it gives out a current of 8 A, which is then divided into different devices. It turns out that everyone gets 2 A - the process of charging all gadgets will not take much time.

The power supply for this docking station is somewhere inside. The accessory is connected to the outlet using an ordinary cord with a plug. There are four USB 2.0 connectors on the body of the product. But you don't have to look for a connection cable - two wires with micro-USB connectors are hidden by the creators at the bottom of the docking station.

In general, the accessory fully justifies its low cost. It will be appreciated by every person who no longer has enough sockets to connect the next network adapter.

Advantages:

• Optimal price tag;
• Lots of seats;
• High amperage;
• Two built-in cables with micro-USB connectors;
• Four USB sockets;
• It is connected to the outlet with an ordinary plug.

Disadvantages:

• No speakers, no additional functions;
• Devices are placed sideways, not upright.

PhoFir Desktop

Price: from 265 rubles.

Another universal docking station that plays a role charger... It has a significantly lower price tag, but the accessory will have to be ordered from China - it is almost impossible to find it in Russian retail stores. The product is sharpened for the installation of just one smartphone. But on the other hand, it is placed vertically, which makes it possible to work quite comfortably with it.

Please note that the supplied cable is only 90 cm long - the socket should be somewhere very close (although no one forbids the buyer to use an extension cord). The maximum docking station is capable of delivering a current of 2 A, which should make the charging process fast enough. As an interface, micro-USB is used here, so owners of the latest Samsung smartphones you shouldn't buy such an accessory with USB Type-C.

Advantages:

• Miniature sizes;
• Very low cost;
• Several color options;
• Produces high amperage.

Disadvantages:

• Short cable included;
• There are no additional features;
• No warranty of any kind.

Lewei Universal

Price: from 227 rub.

Thinking about this docking station should be those who are looking for an accessory with a fairly expensive appearance. The reviews of those people who decided to buy the product are mostly written in a positive way. They also liked the rubber base, which prevents the dock from sliding across the table. The accessory can be painted in silver, gold, copper, black and even blue. In the latter case, however, there is no hint of metal, but this option is also a little cheaper.

The product includes a special micro-USB connector that can be inserted into a smartphone by either side. This means that there are no cases when the device can be in the docking station only with the rear panel facing the user. The strength of the output current is 1 A, which is a little sad - you will not have to count on. Like the previous version, Lewei Universal is a universal docking station, it can be used not only in conjunction with a smartphone from Samsung.

Advantages:

• Competently implemented versatility;
• The device does not slide on the table;
• Low cost;
• Several color options;
• Not bad appearance.

Disadvantages:

• Low current strength;
• Short cable for power adapter.

HOCO Doc-Station

Price: from 605 rub.

At first glance, this accessory plays the same role, but at a higher price. However, in fact, it is slightly more functional than the docking stations discussed above. If you need to charge the device, then you put it vertically, thereby inserting the connector into the micro-USB port. But if you want to watch a movie or some videos, then the back side of the accessory has been created for you - you can lean the device horizontally against it! It is a pity that charging the smartphone in this position is impossible.

The stand looks noticeably prettier than the competition. It has a round base, at the bottom of which there is a jack for connecting a cable. The maximum possible current transfer is 2.1 A. It should be noted that this product is primarily intended for Samsung smartphones. When using a device from another brand, the docking station will have to be bought only at your own peril and risk.

Advantages:

• Attractive design;
• Several color options;
• Supply of high amperage is possible;
• Smartphone installation in two positions.

Disadvantages:

• Not the longest cord included;
• The price may seem high.

Conclusion

Of course, the Samsung Dex Station is the best of its kind. She charges the smartphone and makes something like a computer out of it. But if you only need an analogue charger, then you may well consider buying the accessories discussed above. Rest assured, none of them will disappoint you!