Samsung DeX

Top 9 new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+

One UI, night mode, lift to wake, floating keyboard, lock home screen layout, lockdown mode, new camera app, navigation gestures, and adaptive battery are the most exciting new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

If your Galaxy S9 or S9+ was updated to Android Pie, you should enjoy many new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+

As the first major update of Galaxy S9 and S9+, Android Pie (Android 9) update brings not only Android Pie features to Galaxy S9 and S9+ but also a totally new UI (One UI). Some Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners may be overwhelmed by so many new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

If you haven’t updated your Galaxy S9 or S9 to Android Pie (Android 9), you may follow this guide to check whether the update is available in your region.

If you want to download the official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update, please check this page.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the top 9 most useful new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+: One UI, night mode, lift to wake, floating keyboard, lock home screen layout, lockdown mode, new camera app, navigation gestures, and adaptive battery.

# 1. One UI: the most eye-catching new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+

In the Android Pie update, Samsung debuted the new UI: One UI, to replace the old Samsung Experience.

Do not confuse one UI with Android One. They are totally unrelated.

The One UI was designed to make the phone look beautiful and help the owner focus on what really matters.

In addition to a new set of app icons for Samsung apps (phone, camera, contact, messages, gallery, My files, calendar, smart switch, clock), the default font and the use of white space deliver a fresh look.

The new full-screen navigation gestures were also added and they are even different from the stock Android Pie navigation gestures.

You can also use the rotation toggle button in the navigation bar to change and lock screen orientation on-the-fly very easily.

#2. Night mode: the most wanted new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ for night owls

Many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners complained about the white color scheme. It is painful to use the white theme in low-light conditions.

Although you can change the Galaxy S9 home screen theme to a dark one, some Samsung apps may not follow the theme.

Blue light filter may … Read the rest

How to use Samsung DeX Pad for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?

simon · 2 Comments

Samsung DeX Pad lets you instantly transform Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9 into an Android PC.

Compared to Samsung DeX Station, Samsung DeX Pad has an improved design and offers generous accessories in the box. For a detailed comparison of the Samsung DeX Pad, DeX Station and DeX Cable, please check this guide.

This Galaxy S9 accessories guide shows you the contents in the Samsung DeX Pad box, the layout of the DeX Pad, and how to use Samsung DeX Pad.

What is Samsung DeX Pad?

Samsung DeX Pad, announced together with Galaxy S9 and S9+, is the 2nd generation of Samsung DeX dock accessories. But it is NOT a replacement of Samsung DeX Station. Rather it is a compliment to the DeX Station.

DeX Pad features a smaller footprint than its predecessor (DeX Station). And one of the significant changes is your phone can lay down on the DeX Pad. So, it is very easy to use the phone screen as a touchpad.

Samsung DeX Pad works with all DeX-enabled devices: Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, Note 9 and Tab S4. It also offers identical Samsung DeX features as the DeX Station and DeX cable.

For the detailed comparison of three current DeX accessories DeX Pad vs DeX Station vs DeX cable, please check this page.

What is included in the Samsung DeX Pad package?

Samsung DeX Pad package includes the essentials you need to use Samsung DeX.

You can find the following items in the package:

One Samsung DeX Pad.
One HDMI cable.
One USB cable. The USB-A to USB-C cable is for you to connect the power adapter/wall charger to the DeX Pad. It can also be used for data transfer between your phone and a PC (e..g, for backing up Galaxy S9). The cable itself is similar to the USB cable included in Galaxy S9 box.
One USB power adapter/wall charger. In most regions, the included wall charger is identical to that in your Galaxy S9 box. Of course, you can use this power adapter to charge Galaxy S9 battery.
One quick start guide in multiple languages.

Basically, you just need a monitor to try Samsung DeX immediately. Remember Samsung DeX Station package does not include the cables and power adapter as explained in … Read the rest

How to use Samsung DeX Station for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?

Everything you need to know about Samsung DeX Station.

simon · Leave a Comment

Samsung DeX Station works with all Samsung DeX-enabled devices: Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9. You can instantly convert your phone as an Android PC (or a Linux PC if you enable Linux on DeX beta) with a DeX Station.

Although Samsung DeX Pad, Dex Station and DeX cable (for Note 9 and Tab S4) share identical DeX features, the design of these DeX accessories is substantially different. You may check this guide on using Samsung DeX Pad, and this guide (coming soon) on using Samsung DeX cable on Galaxy Note 9. For the comparison of Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable, please check this guide.

This Galaxy S9 accessories guide explains everything you need to know about Samsung DeX Station: contents in the package (box), the layout of the DeX Station, step-by-step guide on using the DeX Station. Frequently asked questions on Ethernet port, display resolution, charging and covers are also covered.

What is Samsung DeX Station?

Samsung DeX Station, as shown above, is the first DeX accessory required by Samsung DeX. It was announced together with Galaxy S8 and S8+ in 2017.

Although it was announced as a companion to Galaxy S8/S8+, Samsung DeX Station works with all DeX-enabled devices: Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+, Note 8, Note 9 and Tab S4.

The design of the Samsung DeX Pad is similar to Samsung’s fast wireless charging stand. You need to push the top part so that it stands up to support the phone.

You may check this guide on the differences among three Samsung DeX accessories: Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX Cable.

What is included in the Samsung DeX Station package?

In the Samsung DeX Station package, there are only two (maybe one if you find the quick start guide is useless) useful items:

Samsung DeX Station (aka multimedia dock).
Quick start guide in multiple languages.

Nothing else. No cables. No power adapters.

So, you need to prepare the following items to use Samsung DeX Station:

A Samsung fast wall charger (adaptive wall charger). The wall charger included in your Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9 is sufficient.
An HDMI cable.
(optional) A USB (or wireless) mouse/keyboard. You can use the phone screen as the trackpad. But unlike Samsung DeX Pad,

… Read the rest

Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable

Which one do you need to use Samsung DeX on Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?

simon · Leave a Comment

Samsung DeX is one of the best productivity features offered in Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9. You need either a Samsung DeX Station, or a Samsung DeX Pad, or a Samsung DexX cable to enjoy this feature.

But these 3 accessories may work differently in the supported devices. Please check this guide on how to use Samsung DeX Station and this guide on how to use Samsung DeX Pad.

This Galaxy S9 accessories guide explains the difference among the Samsung DeX accessories: Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable, to help you get the correct DeX accessories for your phone.

What are the available Samsung DeX accessories needed to use Samsung DeX?

To use Samsung DeX, you need one of the following official accessories:

Samsung DeX Station was released in 2017 for Galaxy S8 and S8+. So, in addition to Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung DeX station works with all later devices: Galaxy S9, S9+ Note 8 and Note 9.

Samsung DeX Pad was released in 2018 for Galaxy S9 and S9+. So, it officially supports Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note 9. But in Android Oreo update, Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8 can also use Samsung DeX Pad to enjoy Samsung DeX. So, Samsung DeX Pad supports similar devices as Samsung DeX Station unless you haven’t updated your S8 (or S8+ or Note 8) to Android Oreo.

Samsung DeX cable was released in 2018 for Galaxy Note 9. Currently, it only supports Galaxy Note 9 (and Tab S4) in DeX mode. For Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+ and Note 8, the cable is identical to other normal USB-C to HDMI cable: you can only use it for screen mirroring without a Chromecast (or Miracast device).

Which phones support Samsung DeX?

As mentioned, currently, you can use Samsung DeX in the following devices:

Galaxy S8
Galaxy S8+
Galaxy Note 8
Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9+
Galaxy Note 9
Galaxy Tab S4

To use Samsung DeX Pad, Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8 must upgrade to Android Oreo. DeX Station does not have this requirement.

Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad: what are the differences?

If your Galaxy S8, S8+ or Note 8 are still using Android Nougat, then Samsung DeX … Read the rest

How to use Samsung DeX with Galaxy S9 and S9+ and other Samsung phones?

A Definitive Samsung DeX Guide

simon · Leave a Comment

Samsung DeX lets you turn your Galaxy S9, S9+, S10, S10+ S8, S8+, Note 8, Note 9, and Note 10 into a PC with a big screen, a full-size keyboard, and a mouse.

For Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+ and Note 8, a Samsung DeX station or Dex Pad is needed to use the DeX mode. For Galaxy Note 9 and S10, a USB-C to HDMI cable is sufficient.

This Samsung DeX guide explains the details of the Samsung DeX, shows you how to use Samsung DeX, answers questions you may have on it.

This guide applies to Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, and Galaxy Note 10, although most of the screenshots were taken from Galaxy S9.

Galaxy Note 10 added the DeX for PC. You can use the DeX screen on your PC or laptop with a USB cable. This feature is currently only available on Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+. Please check this guide on how to use DeX for PC.

We will update this page once DeX for PC is enabled on other Samsung devices.

Update 1: Samsung DeX for PC is now also available on Galaxy S10 (including S10+, and S10e) after the September update as explained on this page.

What is Samsung DeX? What do you need to use Samsung DeX?

For Galaxy S and Galaxy Note phones, it is always easy to connect to external monitor or TVs using a micro USB MHL adapter (for Galaxy S or Note devices prior to Galaxy Note 7 with a micro USB port), or a USB C to HDMI cable (for Galaxy S or Note devices with a USB type C port like Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ and Galaxy Note 9).

In addition to MHL support, Samsung also incorporated Micracast support in most in these devices. In recent versions of Galaxy S and Note devices, the Miracast support is limited to Samsung’s implementation only.

So, for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can use at least the following three methods to mirror the phone screen to a TV or external monitor:

Use a USB-C to HDMI cable (like the official Samsung USBC to HDMI cable).
Use Miracast to cast the screen to a Samsung TV or monitor through WiFi direct. It may not

… Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures?

Seven Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures: tap, double tap (and triple-tap), long tap, swipe, drag, pinch and spread, are explained and illustrated.

simon · 2 Comments

You have to use some Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures if you want Galaxy S9 or S9+ to do anything for you.

Although most Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures work on all other Android phones, you may not be aware of some gestures that help you use Galaxy S9 and S9+ effectively.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide illustrates the 7 Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures with animations, explains the features of these gestures and gives examples of using these gestures.

What are Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures?

As Galaxy S9 and S9+ do not have a physical keyboard or other input devices, you have to interact with the phone either through the touchscreen or voice (e.g., Bixby or Google Assistant).

In addition to the on-screen keyboard or keypad, Galaxy S9 and S9+ also accept some touchscreen gestures.

When your finger(s) or other capacitive pens (please note S Pen on Galaxy Note devices does NOT work with Galaxy S9 or S9+ screen) move on the screen, Galaxy S9 and S9 can recognize certain patterns and therefore responds accordingly.

These moving patterns are usually referred to as Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures.

So, understanding and correctly using Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures are essential if you want to use the phone efficiently.

Similar to other Android phones, there is nothing special in Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures. These gestures can be used in almost all other Android phones.

Although most of Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures are used on the screen, some can also be used on the physical buttons. e.g., the power button accepts press, double press and long press gestures.

List of Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures in Galaxy S9 and S9+

You can use the following 7 Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures on Galaxy S9 and S9+ for various operations.

1. Tap gesture (press)

Tap is one of the most used Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures.

As shown in the animation below, you need to tap an icon or a specific area to activate something, for example, to start an app, or to open a menu item.

The tap gesture actually mimics “click” of a mouse (e.g., when using Samsung DeX with Galaxy S9 or S9+).

Of course, the action or response of the tap gesture depends on what was tapped, or where you tapped.

Some example of using tap gesture includes:

You can open an app by tapping an app icon in Galaxy S9 home screen or

… Read the rest

Unbox Galaxy S9: understand package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box

simon · 10 Comments

Unbox Galaxy S9: understand package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box After unboxing Galaxy S9 or S9+, you need to understand the package contents in your Galaxy S9 box or S9+ box so that you can properly use them when needed.

The package contents in Galaxy S9 box, and in Galaxy S9+ box are identical except the phone.

Also, the Galaxy S9 package contents may slightly vary in different regions.

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you the contents of Galaxy S9 box and Galaxy S9+ box. It also explains how to use these items in the Galaxy S9 box.

What are the Galaxy S9 package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box?

You can find Galaxy S9 package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box as shown in the picture below.

They include (corresponding to the numbers marked in the picture):

The sealed box.
The phone.
Wall charger (adaptive charger, aka fast charger).
USB cable (USB-A to USB-C).
USB connector.
SIM card ejection pin.
AKG earphone.
Additional earbud cups (large and small).

There is also a getting-started booklet (leaflet) together with a safety manual (not shown in the picture below).

In some regions, printed stickers with IMEI number and serial number may also be included in the box.

For the official Galaxy S9 user manual, you may check and download it in your language in the official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides page.

You can also get the online version of the user manual from Settings – User manual. This service may be unavailable in some regions.

Galaxy S9 package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box

How to use the items included in Galaxy S9 package contents?

Galaxy S9 box (or Galaxy S9+ box)

Everything is in the box.

Some vendors in some regions may offer additional free accessories. But they should be not in the box.

You need to check and make sure the seal is not broken.

Galaxy S9 phone or S9+ phone

The phone should have some protective plastic films on all sides. You should remove them before using the phone.

In almost all regions, the camera lenses are also covered by the plastic film, which must be removed before you take any photos.

In some regions, Samsung does not offer a 1-to-1 exchange if the new phone has any problems. They only offer repair services under warranty.

If this is the case in your region, you should power on the phone to test it before leaving the counter.

The … Read the rest

Top 10 new features of Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+

New features of Galaxy S9: Android Oreo, dual aperture camera, intelligent scan, positioning of fingerprint scanner, 960p slow motion, stereo speakers, latest processor, 64/128/256GB storage, new DeX pad, and AR emoji

simon · Leave a Comment

Samsung announced Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, the 9th generation of Galaxy S phones, on February 25, 2018, in Barcelona, Spain, immediately ahead of MWC 2018. You may want to know the new features of Samsung Galaxy S9.

As in previous Galaxy S phones, Samsung staffed some new features of Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ to lure new customers and keep existing customers.

This post details the top 10 new features of Galaxy S9 and S9+ to help you decide whether Galaxy S9 or S9+ is the right phone for you.

#1. Android Oreo

Android Oreo is the latest Android OS.

Samsung packed Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Oreo 8.0 out of the box.

You can enjoy many new features and improvements of Android 8.0 in Galaxy S9 and S9+, although Samsung tweaks a lot of the stock Android.

For Galaxy S9 notification dots (notification number badge, app icon badges) on Galaxy S9 and S9+, you may check this guide.

#2. Dual-aperture in the main camera: one of the most welcomed new features of Samsung Galaxy S9

Samsung tried to direct your attention to one of the best new features in Galaxy S9 and S9+: the camera.

And the most prominent features of the Galaxy S9 camera is dual-aperture.

In Auto mode, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ main camera can switch between two apertures of f/2.4 (under normal lighting conditions) and f/1.5 (in low-light conditions) automatically.

In Pro mode, you can set the two apertures manually. Unfortunately, you cannot set anything in between.

Essentially, the dual-aperture camera makes it easier to capture good photos in low-light conditions.

Galaxy S9 and S9+ are the only smartphones in the market with such a feature.

You may check this guide on how to use the two apertures in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

#3. Intelligent scan

Iris scanner and face recognition is not new in Galaxy phones. You can enable either of them to unlock the phone in your Galaxy S8, S8+ or Note 8.

Both methods work well in contrast conditions: iris scanner does not work well under the sun ( or under intense light), and face recognition refuses to work in darkness.

In Galaxy S8 and Note 8, these two methods are mutually exclusive: you can only enable one of them.

As another one of the top new features of Galaxy S9 and S9+, these two methods … Read the rest