C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL;DR In One UI 8, Samsung DeX no longer offers the full desktop interface on tablets unless connected to an external display.
The updated version improves ease of switching between regular Android and DeX mode without closing apps.
When using the standalone tablet view, traditional navigation buttons and quick settings are absent, resulting in a less mouse-friendly experience.
Android 16 introduced Google’s take on a Desktop Mode for Android, and the new version of Samsung DeX is based on it. While some of the changes are welcome, there are some downsides to the latest version of DeX. The Galaxy Tab S11 series gives us our first look at the new DeX on a tablet, and some of these updates might not sit well with everyone.
No more desktop UI on tablet screens
Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority
In One UI 8, DeX will no longer display the desktop-style UI on the tablet itself — you’ll only get it on connected displays. Instead, DeX will work as seen in the screenshot above, where you’ll get the standard Android home screen, and apps will launch in a pop-up window when opened. You’ll also have access to the standard Android taskbar, as you do when not using DeX, but the notification and quick settings shortcuts at the bottom of the screen are gone, as are the back, home, and recent app keys.
Do you like the new Samsung DeX? 22 votes Yes 27 % No 73 %
If that sounds familiar, it’s because this version of DeX already exists in One UI 7, only it’s optional rather than mandatory. Alas, One UI 8 removes the option to switch back to classic DeX.
... continue reading