During years, Samsung DeX has been one of the big draws for those who wanted to take advantage of their Galaxy device beyond mobile, turning phones and tablets into real desktop computers by simply connecting them to an external display. However, the arrival of One UI 8 brings with it deep changes in the way of understanding and using this function, which has generated quite a bit of debate in the community.
With the new version, Samsung abandons classic DeX and adopts desktop mode built into Android 16This transition is part of Google's larger strategy to merge the Android and ChromeOS experiences, promoting greater cohesion across different types of devices. But, beyond the intentions, the reality is that many users will notice a less customizable experience and certain features will no longer be available.
What's really changing in DeX with One UI 8?
So far, DeX offered an interface with advanced features: You could freely resize, dock, and move windows, use custom keyboard shortcuts, flexibly adapt audio and monitor connections, or even install systems like Linux on DeX. It was a proposal that, although a minority, had loyal supporters among the most productive users and tech-geeks.
Now, the The new DeX depends directly on Android's native desktop mode.This means that several of the most valued features have disappeared or been simplified, and the experience, while still similar in many ways, has lost some of its essence. For example, the taskbar now only displays open applications and no longer offers shortcuts to other system functions; advanced settings have been pared down; and customization tools like MultiStar are no longer functional.
Furthermore, window management is less flexibleApps no longer remember their size or position after closing, and docking between apps is more limited. Audio controls also no longer allow you to choose between different traditional sound outputs; everything now depends on the base Android system.
Full screen access: still there, but hard to find
One of the changes that has attracted the most attention is the way to access full screen mode in apps. Although it initially seemed like the option had disappeared completely, it's actually hidden under an unintuitive menu. To activate immersive mode, you have to maximize the app window, press and hold the maximize button, and only then will an option appear to hide the taskbar and window header.
This solution hasn't convinced many users, who feel it hinders usability, especially for those who are used to working in full-screen mode without distractions. Despite all this, the functionality is present, although discovering it requires some patience and trial and error.
Restrictions for developers and advanced users
Beyond the visual and functionality changes to DeX, One UI 8 brings with it a controversial decision: the restriction on unlocking the bootloaderThis significantly limits deep device customization and the installation of alternative ROMs, something that was previously possible in previous versions, at least for those who knew how to do so. Samsung has removed any reference to unlocking the bootloader from the code, both in the stable and beta versions.
This move poses a double concern: on the one hand, it leaves developers and modding enthusiasts without options; on the other, it could conflict with the interoperability and technological openness guidelines imposed by regulators in the European Union. In fact, some users who had previously unlocked their Galaxy devices have found that, after the update, the bootloader appears locked again, with no way to undo it.
Feature Comparison: Before and After One UI 8
To get a clearer idea of the differences, here are the highlights that change with the update:
| Function | Classic DeX | New DeX (One UI 8) |
|---|---|---|
| Base system | Own on Android. | Based on Android 16 native desktop mode. |
| Window management | Advanced, with resizing and free positioning. | Limited, no memory of position or size. |
| Taskbar | Complete, with shortcuts and tools. | Only open applications; all other functions are removed. |
| Audio on external monitors | Eligible for HDMI and USB-C. | Only Bluetooth or phone speakers. |
| Peripherals (mouse, keyboard) | Interchangeable between monitor and phone. | Locked to the home screen, fewer shortcuts. |
| Multiple screens | Individually configurable. | No adjustments allowed; all automatic. |
| Full screen mode | Direct and visible. | Hidden behind secondary menu. |
| Linux on DeX | Possibility of installing Linux. | It disappears completely. |
The future of DeX and the desktop on Android
The integration of DeX into Android 16's desktop mode responds to a clear mission: unify platforms and simplify the work of developersGoogle wants to make it easier to jump between phones, tablets, convertibles, and even Chromebooks with a common foundation and centralized updates. However, this entails sacrifice the differentiation that Samsung had achieved with DeX, at least as far as advanced user experience is concerned.
It remains to be seen whether future Android updates will bring significant improvements that will allow some of the lost features to be recovered. For now, the new philosophy prioritizes simplicity and consistency, leaving aside the more specific additions that made DeX so special.
The landscape for Samsung Galaxy users who are dedicated to multitasking and productivity has changed significantly with One UI 8 and its new DeX. What was once a distinctive and powerful tool has become a more generic offering, with fewer options and less room for advanced customization, both for users and for those working in Android development or modding.