Cheap DeX dock alternative

[dnmrt]

Hi,

Just wanted to let you guys know about this dock that I picked up from aliexpress.

The build quality is awesome, it is all metal. Feels really solid and it works in the same way the the actual DeX stations do.

I've attached a couple of images of the product and one of my review.

The current cost is USD $13.71 GBP £10.26 and that includes postage from China, mine turned up in a week and a half, really happy with it.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/EAS...893.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.6d9f4c4d3EQZa8

It works in the same way as the original DeX does, you cannot use your screen as a trackpad and must connect a wireless/usb mouse and keyboard. I haven't tried it with a USB hub yet but I imagine it would work as it is powered via your USB-C phone charger. Using my GS9 original charger it allows passthrough fast charging whilst using the dock. You can also use it for standard screen mirroring rather than DeX mode.

With the experimental labs mode enabled (in DeX settings, which appears when connected) to allow you to scale most windows up to full screen. The only one I have found which doesn't go fullscreen is netflix. Things like PUBG mobile (only opened app to see if it works, you would need an app to remap keyboard keys to play a match), Youtube, Terrarium TV etc all work fine. The option for sound output via phone/connected hdmi device works.

If you have any questions or need me to try something out on it for you, please let me know.

There are some more expensive versions with more USB ports and 3.5mm audio out - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/EAS...-9e13-2ca171f3bfbb,scm-url:1007.13339.90158.0 - These are £29.91 (USD $39.98)

 

[TallTommy]

Nice. Do you need to remove the phone from the case or is the usb-c connector long enough? Just curious.

 

[dnmrt]

Nice. Do you need to remove the phone from the case or is the usb-c connector long enough? Just curious.

I did have to remove it from the case. I am using the Caseology Parallax which isn't overly thick (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caseology-...-2&keywords=caseology+parallax+galaxy+s9&th=1 / https://www.caseologycases.com/products/galaxy-s9-parallax-case).

I don't see it as too much of an inconvenience, as when you are using the dock it is likely that you won't be leaving your desk/living/wherever for a while.

 

[TallTommy]

Thanks, I will keep it in mind. I bought one off Amazon that had a sale that I found on Slickdeals. It's the XF Times one and it was on sale for $8 so I took a gamble on it. It's working well at the moment but if it breaks, I will look at the one you posted. I already saved it to my Favorites.

 

[dnmrt]

Thanks, I will keep it in mind. I bought one off Amazon that had a sale that I found on Slickdeals. It's the XF Times one and it was on sale for $8 so I took a gamble on it. It's working well at the moment but if it breaks, I will look at the one you posted. I already saved it to my Favorites.

Ah, that looks similar actually. I've never really looked on Amazon for them. I wasn't really looking to buy this one, I was just browsing Aliexpress and decided to actually order something on there rather than just browsing for ages and deciding against it. I picked up a couple of cases and watch straps too, it's too easy to buy things when they are so cheap!

 

[tonylmiller]

My cheap DeX dock works fine

Only problem is, it doesn't charge the phone. The dock requires USB power also. Without power, it just mirrors the phone screen. So I just charge the phone in the morning and it would go all day on DeX if I wanted. However, I usually get up and go to meetings and such, so I end up taking the S9 with me. When I get back, I will typically top off the charge again before plugging back into DeX. I have a DeX setup at work with monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and I also have one at home. I just take the little dock with me and keep it in my backpack. They are so cheap, I really should just buy another one to keep one at both places.

If I don't plug in a mouse, I can use the phone as a touchpad. If I do plug in a mouse, the touchpad functionality doesn't work. Which is fine; just an observation.

 

[dnmrt]

Only problem is, it doesn't charge the phone. The dock requires USB power also. Without power, it just mirrors the phone screen. So I just charge the phone in the morning and it would go all day on DeX if I wanted. However, I usually get up and go to meetings and such, so I end up taking the S9 with me. When I get back, I will typically top off the charge again before plugging back into DeX. I have a DeX setup at work with monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and I also have one at home. I just take the little dock with me and keep it in my backpack. They are so cheap, I really should just buy another one to keep one at both places.

If I don't plug in a mouse, I can use the phone as a touchpad. If I do plug in a mouse, the touchpad functionality doesn't work. Which is fine; just an observation.

Hi,

I hadn't even tried it without the wireless keyboard attached as I foolishly assumed it wouldn't work with this dock. I've just tried it and thanks for the tip it works great as a touchpad!

I just carry a spare USB-C lead with me when I need it, it even manages to fast charge.

One thing I will note is that the connection has become a bit hit and miss on this, I don't know whether that is build quality or because the dock USB-C connector has taken a knock when I have been carrying it around. I still think that I can't really complain for what it cost me.

 

[tonylmiller]

Yeah, I figured the touchpad function wouldn't work because it is not a Samsung dock. But it still does if you don't use any other input devices.

 

[cookiemonster79]

Just to clarify this dock puts the S9 into the actual DEX mode, not some sort of "similar" app?

 

[dnmrt]

Just to clarify this dock puts the S9 into the actual DEX mode, not some sort of "similar" app?

Hi Cookie,

Yeah, this gives actual DeX mode :good:. There are loads of similar products about on Amazon/Ebay but I went for this as it was a cheap addition to an Aliexpress haul.

 

[cookiemonster79]

Hi Cookie,

Yeah, this gives actual DeX mode :good:. There are loads of similar products about on Amazon/Ebay but I went for this as it was a cheap addition to an Aliexpress haul.

Thanks, I found this one that will hopefully work:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074ZP5Q51

 

[jpearn]

Mine arrived today, fast post ! Works great in DeX mode, thanks OP

 

[cookiemonster79]

Thanks, I found this one that will hopefully work:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074ZP5Q51

I got Goodock one, overall it worked pretty good but it does randomly disconnect from time to time (very quickly, it doesn't even leave DeX mode). I am using a HDMI to VGA adapter in my setup, I doubt it is the reason for disconnects but you never know.

I wrote a review in the S9+ accessories area:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ock-usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter-dex-review-t3796766

 

[dnmrt]

I got Goodock one, overall it worked pretty good but it does randomly disconnect from time to time (very quickly, it doesn't even leave DeX mode). I am using a HDMI to VGA adapter in my setup, I doubt it is the reason for disconnects but you never know.

I wrote a review in the S9+ accessories area:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ock-usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter-dex-review-t3796766

How often do you find yourself using it? I think I have only used mine 2/3 times but I like knowing it is there if I need it.

 

[cookiemonster79]

How often do you find yourself using it? I think I have only used mine 2/3 times but I like knowing it is there if I need it.

Honestly maybe once a week. Hard to break the habit of just firing up a laptop.

 

[crashnburnMDA]

Can this work with a non Samsung Android?

Is there/ shouldnt there be a generic/ stock Android alternative for the same?

 

[Extreemator]

This is nice but better connect a computer from other room to tv and bring cable through the wall for wireless mouse too there if it's for home.

 

[vesi]

I recommend this.

 

[yutada]

I use this https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78991064&postcount=388

 

[wisodev]

I use this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Cell-Adapter-Delivery-smartphones/dp/B07D9L8S73