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I’ve been living the mobile-only lifestyle for years now, and one question I keep getting from readers is: can you really turn your Samsung Galaxy S25 into a PC? The short answer is yes — and it’s better than you think.

If you already own a Galaxy S25, you’re sitting on serious computing power. Pair it with the right lapdock or dock and you get a full desktop experience: windowed apps, a keyboard, a trackpad, and a proper screen. No extra laptop required.

What you need to turn your Galaxy S25 into a PC

To run Samsung DeX on your Samsung Galaxy S25, you need one of three setups:

• Lapdock (recommended for mobile workers): A shell laptop that your phone powers. All-in-one: screen, keyboard, trackpad, extra battery. The NexDock Lapdock is the gold standard for Samsung DeX.
• USB-C Dock (for desk setups): Connects your Galaxy S25 to your monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The MiraDock USB-C Dock is a solid pick that supports 4K output.
• USB-C to HDMI adapter (minimalist option): Plug into any HDMI screen. Add a Bluetooth keyboard and you’re done. See the 4K USB-C to HDMI adapter we stock at Mobile-Only.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 supports Samsung DeX natively — no root, no hacks. Just plug in and go.

How to set up Samsung DeX on your Galaxy S25

Setting up Samsung DeX on the Galaxy S25 takes about two minutes the first time:

1. Connect your Galaxy S25 to the lapdock or dock via USB-C. Samsung DeX will launch automatically on most setups.
2. If it doesn’t launch automatically: pull down the notification shade on your phone and tap the Samsung DeX notification, or go to Settings → Advanced Features → Samsung DeX.
3. Adjust the resolution in Samsung DeX settings if the image looks too large or too small on your external screen.
4. Connect a Bluetooth mouse for the best experience — the touchpad on most lapdocks works fine, but a wireless mouse gives you more precision.
5. Set up your apps: open Chrome, your email client, your productivity suite. Everything runs in resizable windows just like a real PC.

That’s it. You’re running a full Samsung DeX workstation powered by your Samsung Galaxy S25. For detailed official docs on Samsung DeX, see Samsung’s Samsung DeX support page.

What can you do with your Galaxy S25 as a PC?

Honestly, most of what you do on a laptop. Here’s what I regularly use Samsung DeX on the Galaxy S25 for:

• Remote work: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Notion, Slack — all work perfectly in windowed mode.
• Web browsing: Chrome in Samsung DeX is basically full desktop Chrome. Extensions, multiple tabs, everything.
• Coding (light to medium): Termux + a proper keyboard on the Galaxy S25’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is surprisingly capable.
• Content creation: Video editing with CapCut, Lightroom for photo editing, Canva for design — all run well on the Galaxy S25.
• Video calls: Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet all work in Samsung DeX. The Galaxy S25’s front camera handles video just fine.
• Streaming and media: YouTube, Netflix, Plex — all available, all running on a proper screen.

The main limitation is app availability: not every Windows app has an Android equivalent. But for most knowledge workers, the Android ecosystem covers the bases in 2025 and beyond.

Is the Galaxy S25 good enough to replace a laptop?

Let’s be honest about specs. The Samsung Galaxy S25 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12GB of RAM. It also features: 6.2″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, compact form factor, IP68. That’s more processing power than most Chromebooks and competitive with a mid-range laptop.

The base S25 is a fantastic DeX phone. Same chip as the Ultra, compact and pocketable. The main trade-off: the smaller battery means you’ll want your lapdock’s pass-through charging in long sessions.

For everyday productivity — documents, spreadsheets, email, video calls, web — the Galaxy S25 handles it comfortably. I’ve worked full days through Samsung DeX without hitting a wall. If you want to read more about building a complete mobile-only workstation, check out my Samsung DeX lapdock setup guide.

Best accessories for Galaxy S25 desktop setup

To get the most out of your Samsung Galaxy S25 as a PC, here’s what I recommend from the Mobile-Only store:

• NexDock Lapdock — The best all-in-one lapdock for Samsung DeX. Full keyboard, touchpad, and 14″ screen in a slim shell. Gives your Galaxy S25 everything a laptop body has, powered by your phone’s brain.
• MiraDock USB-C Dock — Ideal for desk setups. Connects your Galaxy S25 to an external monitor, USB peripherals, and Ethernet. Compact and reliable.
• Phoneside Phone Holder — Keep your Galaxy S25 mounted and visible while it powers the desktop session. Works with any lapdock setup.

Browse the full range of lapdocks and Samsung DeX accessories at Mobile-Only. We stock everything you need for a proper mobile-only workstation.

FAQ — Samsung Galaxy S25 as a PC

Does the Samsung Galaxy S25 support Samsung DeX?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S25 (2025) officially supports Samsung DeX. Connect via USB-C to a compatible lapdock or dock and Samsung DeX activates automatically. You can also use it wirelessly with a compatible Samsung smart TV.

Do I need an internet connection to use Samsung DeX on my Galaxy S25?
No. Samsung DeX works offline. You can work on documents, use local apps, and run most productivity tasks without connectivity. You only need an internet connection for cloud services and web browsing.

Can I use a mouse and keyboard with the Galaxy S25 in desktop mode?
Absolutely. The Galaxy S25 supports USB-C hubs and Bluetooth peripherals. A lapdock like the NexDock includes a built-in keyboard and touchpad. You can also use any Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for a wireless setup.

Will my phone still receive calls and notifications while in Samsung DeX?
Yes. Calls and notifications appear in Samsung DeX as normal. You can answer calls directly from the desktop interface, though most people prefer a Bluetooth headset for hands-free use.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 faster than a budget laptop in Samsung DeX?
For everyday tasks — web browsing, documents, video calls — yes. The Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy S25 competes with many mid-range laptop processors, and Android apps are optimised for mobile hardware. You’ll only feel a difference in very heavy workloads like 4K video rendering.

The mobile-only computing dream is real, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 is one of the best phones to live it with. If you’re ready to simplify your tech setup and carry one powerful device instead of two, grab a lapdock from Mobile-Only and you’re set.

Take care,
Yanis@MiraLab