PC mode on the phone

Source: Samsung.Com/PL

In practice, such service looks very similar to ordinary work on Windows, Linux or MacOS.We have a keyboard, a mouse and a monitor or a TV in front of us, and next to it is the brain of the whole operation, i.e. a smartphone.He performs all calculations and displays a Full HD image on the screen.

The convenience of work is much higher in this case than performing the same activities on a small display and a touch keyboard.And the most interesting is that we can start working outside the home or office, and then finish it smoothly going to PC.We simply connect the appropriate adapter or accessory to the phone and continue writing a text document, e-mail, editing the presentation or browsing the Internet.

In other words, the desktop mode on the phone can be useful, but you have to be aware that it has a lot of restrictions.I will write about them in a moment.

How to use the phone like a computer?

How to connect the phone to a monitor or TV and turn on PC mode?When it comes to solutions used in popular smartphones, we have the two most popular options: Samsung Dex and Huawei Emui Desktop.We used to have a third - Microsoft Continuum, but as you know, mobile Windows did not set off on the market.It's a pity, because it would be an interesting alternative to Android and iOS.

Source: Samsung.Com/PL

Samsung Dex

Samsung Dex is probably the most interesting solution of all, although certainly not the cheapest.The manufacturer offers two types of "Dex Station" and "Dex Pad" docking stations - both for around PLN 300-400.How to make a PC with their help?It is very easy.

We put one of those stations on the desk, connect to the power supply and plug into a smartphone type C, which is automatically charged.Now, using a regular HDMI cable, connect a monitor or TV, and to USB types type A mouse and keyboard.The smartphone will switch to stationary mode, and we will be able to work on it on a computer.

In PC mode, we have a system belt as in Windows, the application menu also similar to Windows, and most programs are opened in separate windows.In other words, we work on Android, but everything is arranged so that it resembles the most popular computer operating system as much as possible.There is even an option to play in PC mode, although not all games will support this function.

Alternatively, we can use the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, which we connect wirelessly with the phone, and we use USB ports at the station to connect a pendrive or a portable USB drive.Thanks to this, we can easily copy photos, videos or documents from a smartphone to portable memory.

Another option is to use a smartphone touch display as a touchpad and keyboard.Of course, this is the least convenient solution, but useful in "emergency" situations.

Source: Samsung.Com/PL

In addition, using virtualization, e.g..by Citrix Receiver, Vmware Horizon Client or Amazon Workspaces we can run Windows on Android and use programs not available on the mobile platform.

What phones do PC Mode have?At Samsung it will be Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+ and Note 8.These are popular flagship models that have adequate performance to ensure quite convenient work in PC.

Huawei Emui Desktop - PC Mode

Samsung's rival - Huawei, also has an appropriate offer for users of its smartphones.In this case, PC Mode works only on three smartphones - Huawei P20 Pro, Huawei P20 and Huawei Mate 10 Pro.They are efficient and fast top -shelf phones.

The biggest advantage of the Huawei solution is the lack of the need to buy a special docking station.All you need is an ordinary, universal USB type C adapter on HDMI.

If we have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, just buy the simplest adapter for PLN 20-70.On the one hand, we connect it to a smartphone, and on the other to a TV or monitor.There is no external power supply and no USB ports.So we cannot connect a pendrive or a portable disk, but we can still use a keyboard and wireless mouse, which we connect directly to the phone via Bluetooth.

Source: EMUI.Huawei.com

If we need to use a keyboard and wired mouse or connect a USB memory, we will have to buy a more expensive adapter equipped with these ports.Its price is usually around PLN 150 depending on the type and brand.Still, it is an accessory much cheaper than Samsung Dex station.

As for the very operation of the PC mode in Huawei, it is similar to what Samsung offers.The interface is also modeled on Windows - we have a lower system belt, application menu and programs launched in independent windows.

Of course, the functionality is not exactly the same, because each manufacturer tries to offer slightly different, original ideas, but in fact we will be able to perform all basic activities.In Huawei Emui Desktop PC Mode we will use an e-mail, write a text document, enter Facebook, watch the movie, listen to music, send files, create a presentation, we will review websites, etc..The basic work is possible as possible, and Android in desktop mode works fairly quickly.

It is worth remembering that in the Android standard, even in PC mode, it is not able to launch Windows programs.Part of the application is of course available in mobile versions, but now the real solution is only to run Windows in a virtual environment or simply switching to a laptop / desktop computer with Windows.If you do not have Galaxy S8, S9, Note 8, Huawei P20 Pro, P20, or Mate 10 Pro you can try other applications and solutions, such as e.g..Miraxess.