{
  "id": 15784385,
  "title": "An old Samsung phone runs DeX on a monitor in my spare room, and it's the only computer that room needs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/an-old-samsung-phone-runs-dex-on-a-monitor-in-my-spare-room-and-its",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-20T18:30:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/old-samsung-phone-runs-dex-on-a-monitor-in-my-spare-room/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An old Samsung Galaxy S21 FE smartphone, once used primarily for YouTube sessions, has been given a second life as a makeshift computer. This transformation is possible through Samsung's DeX mode, a feature that converts Android devices into desktop-like systems. The setup involves an old monitor and a single HDMI cable, with no manual tweaks or software additions required. The device displays its UI on a larger screen with desktop-like navigation, turning the phone into a usable PC for tasks like web surfing and media playback.\n\nThis \"PC\" setup is ideal for those who don't require a high-powered laptop or desktop. It can serve as an additional computer for kids, or as a simple machine for browsing the web and watching videos. The only necessary additional hardware is a USB-C to HDMI adapter, a USB hub for peripherals, and an optional Bluetooth soundbar for enhanced audio. The setup is powered by the phone's SoC and works at modest resolutions like HD and FHD, without any noticeable compromise in performance.\n\nThe DeX mode provides a familiar desktop feel, with icons, a taskbar, and a system tray. Chrome works well for web surfing, supporting multiple tabs and multitasking without issues. While the browser experience is different from the native Android app, it still provides an ad-free experience with extensions like Samsung Browser or Brave. Apps like Google Docs and VLC also function well, offering a bigger screen and keyboard support for improved usability. The setup is simple, cost-effective, and provides a functional alternative to a traditional computer.",
  "summary": "An underused Galaxy S21 FE becomes a compact desktop via DeX, running browsers, Docs, and video on a monitor.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Android Authority",
        "title": "This Ultra phone could destroy Samsung and Google with long-overdue zoom camera upgrade",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/this-ultra-phone-could-destroy-samsung-and-google-with-long-overdue",
        "published": "2026-10-20T09:38:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}