Yes — the Samsung Galaxy S23 supports Samsung DeX, and it turns into a fully functional PC the moment you connect it to a lapdock or monitor via USB-C. The S23 runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which benchmarks above many Intel Core i5 laptops from 2020. Connect it to a lapdock, add a keyboard and touchpad, and you have a portable workstation that fits in your pocket. Here’s exactly how to do it.
If you already own a Galaxy S23, you’re sitting on serious computing power. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 paired with Samsung DeX gives you a genuine laptop-replacement experience: windowed apps, a keyboard, a trackpad, and a proper screen. No extra laptop required.
What makes the Galaxy S23 great for Samsung DeX
The Samsung Galaxy S23 launched in February 2023 powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy — a custom-overclocked version exclusive to Samsung. Combined with 8GB of RAM and a compact 6.1″ Dynamic AMOLED display, it’s a surprisingly potent DeX machine.
What’s new for DeX in the S23 generation compared to its predecessors:
- Improved multitasking: More responsive window management and smoother transitions between apps in DeX mode.
- Wireless DeX: Cast wirelessly to any compatible Samsung smart TV — no cable needed for couch-to-desk setups.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds: Faster file transfer when plugged into a dock with external storage.
- Better battery management: DeX sessions draw less power relative to performance compared to the S22 generation.
The S23’s compact size — 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm — makes it the most pocketable DeX phone in the 2023 lineup. You get flagship performance in a package that genuinely fits in a shirt pocket.
What you need to turn your Galaxy S23 into a PC
To run Samsung DeX on your Samsung Galaxy S23, you need one of three setups:
- Lapdock (recommended for mobile workers): A shell laptop that your phone powers — screen, keyboard, trackpad, and extra battery all in one. The NexDock Lapdock is the gold standard for Samsung DeX.
- USB-C Dock (for desk setups): Connects your Galaxy S23 to your monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The MiraDock USB-C Dock supports 4K output and charges your phone simultaneously.
- 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 S23 supports Samsung DeX natively — no root, no hacks. Just plug in and go.
How to set up Samsung DeX on your Galaxy S23 — step by step
Setting up Samsung DeX on the Galaxy S23 takes about two minutes the first time:
- Connect your Galaxy S23 to the lapdock or dock via USB-C. Samsung DeX will launch automatically on most setups.
- 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.
- Adjust the resolution in Samsung DeX settings if the image looks too large or too small on your external screen.
- Connect a Bluetooth mouse for the best experience — the touchpad on most lapdocks works fine, but a wireless mouse gives more precision during long sessions.
- 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 S23. For official DeX documentation, see Samsung’s DeX support page.
What can you actually do with your Galaxy S23 as a PC?
Honestly, most of what you do on a laptop. Here’s what I regularly use Samsung DeX on the Galaxy S23 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 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is surprisingly capable for Python scripts, SSH sessions, and web dev.
- Content creation: CapCut for video, Lightroom for photo editing, Canva for design — all run well on the S23.
- Video calls: Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet all work in Samsung DeX. The Galaxy S23’s front camera handles calls just fine.
- Streaming and media: YouTube, Netflix, Plex — on a proper screen, via your phone. No laptop required.
The main limitation is app availability — not every Windows app has an Android equivalent. But for most knowledge workers, the Android ecosystem more than covers the bases.
Is the Galaxy S23 powerful enough to replace a laptop?
Let’s be honest about the numbers. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Galaxy S23 competes with many mid-range laptop processors in real-world tasks. 8GB of RAM handles typical multitasking without breaking a sweat. That’s more than enough for documents, spreadsheets, email, video calls, and web.
I’ve worked full days through Samsung DeX on the S23 without hitting a performance wall. The only times you’ll feel the difference versus a dedicated laptop are in very heavy workloads: 4K video rendering, large datasets, complex 3D work. For everything else? You’re good.
If you want to build a complete mobile-only workstation, check out my Samsung DeX lapdock setup guide for the full kit list.
Best accessories for your Galaxy S23 desktop setup
To get the most out of your Samsung Galaxy S23 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. Your Galaxy S23 powers the whole thing.
- MiraDock USB-C Dock — Ideal for desk setups. Connects your Galaxy S23 to an external monitor, USB peripherals, and Ethernet. Compact and reliable.
- Phoneside Phone Holder — Keep your Galaxy S23 mounted and visible while it powers the desktop session.
Browse the full range of lapdocks and Samsung DeX accessories at Mobile-Only.
Also in the Samsung S-series lineup
- Turn your Samsung Galaxy S23+ into a PC — bigger screen, same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power
- Turn your Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra into a PC — S Pen + 200MP camera + DeX
- Turn your Samsung Galaxy S24 into a PC — Galaxy AI + DeX, the next generation
FAQ — Samsung Galaxy S23 as a PC
Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 support Samsung DeX?
Yes. The Galaxy S23 officially supports Samsung DeX. Connect via USB-C to a compatible lapdock or dock and DeX activates automatically. Wireless DeX works with compatible Samsung smart TVs.
Do I need an internet connection to use Samsung DeX on my Galaxy S23?
No. Samsung DeX works offline. Documents, local apps, and most productivity tools work without connectivity. You only need internet for cloud services and web browsing.
Can I use a mouse and keyboard with the Galaxy S23 in desktop mode?
Absolutely. The Galaxy S23 supports USB-C hubs and Bluetooth peripherals. A lapdock like the NexDock includes a built-in keyboard and touchpad. Any Bluetooth keyboard and mouse also works.
Will my phone still receive calls and notifications while in Samsung DeX?
Yes. Calls and notifications appear in DeX as normal. You can answer directly from the desktop interface — though most people use a Bluetooth headset for hands-free.
Is the Galaxy S23 faster than a budget laptop for DeX?
For everyday tasks — web browsing, documents, video calls — yes. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 competes with many mid-range laptop processors, and Android apps are optimised for mobile hardware.
The mobile-only computing dream is real, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 is one of the best phones to live it. 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
