Turning your phone into a desktop has never been more practical. In this 2025 comparison, we put Samsung DeX vs Motorola Ready For head‑to‑head—setup, performance, app compatibility, peripherals, and who should pick which. If you’re choosing between Galaxy and Motorola (or already own one), this guide shows exactly how each platform delivers a desktop‑class experience, what you’ll need to get started, and the trade‑offs you’ll feel day to day. By the end, you’ll know whether Samsung DeX or Motorola Ready For fits your workflow best—and how to set it up in minutes.
Two desktop modes, one goal: unlock full productivity from your phone.
Quick comparison overview: Samsung DeX vs Motorola Ready For
Feature
Samsung DeX
Motorola Ready For
Connection types
Wired (USB‑C → HDMI/DP) and wireless (Miracast on supported displays)
Wired (USB‑C → HDMI/DP) and wireless (Ready For PC app or Miracast)
Desktop launcher with windowing; media/game modes; video chat layout
Peripherals
Full keyboard/mouse via USB/Bluetooth; many hubs/docks supported
Keyboard/mouse via USB/Bluetooth; common hubs/docks supported
App compatibility
Most Android apps window; some tablet‑optimized; Samsung apps desktop‑aware
Most Android apps window; Motorola utilities for media/meetings
PC integration
Strong Link to Windows integrations on Galaxy + DeX on PC
Ready For Assistant and Ready For PC on supported models
Best for
General productivity, multi‑app workflows, enterprise
Media/meetings, light productivity, flexible home/office use
Wired for lowest latency; wireless for convenience. Both support USB‑C hubs and Bluetooth peripherals.
Head‑to‑head feature analysis
Setup and connections
Wired (recommended): USB‑C to HDMI/DisplayPort cable or a USB‑C hub/dock with HDMI and power delivery. Delivers lowest latency and best stability for both DeX and Ready For.
Wireless: Miracast‑compatible TV/monitor or each platform’s PC companion (DeX on PC for Windows; Ready For PC on supported Motorola models). Handy for quick sessions, but adds compression and potential stutter on congested Wi‑Fi.
Desktop UI and window management
Samsung DeX: Familiar taskbar, system tray, window snapping, right‑click context menus, and strong multi‑window ergonomics. Many Samsung and Microsoft apps adapt well to large screens.
Motorola Ready For: A clean desktop mode plus specialty modes (media, games, video chat) that optimize layout for each task. Less granular than DeX for heavy window jugglers, but simpler.
Peripheral support and hubs
Both support Bluetooth and wired USB keyboards/mice. Multi‑port USB‑C hubs (HDMI, USB‑A, Ethernet, SD) generally work well. If your monitor supports USB‑C DP Alt Mode, a single cable can carry display, power, and data.
For long sessions, power delivery (PD) via a reliable 45–65 W charger prevents battery drain while docked.
Performance and latency expectations
Wired: Near‑instant cursor response and smooth 60 Hz on capable displays. Great for text editing, spreadsheets, and browser multitasking.
Wireless: Expect minor input lag and occasional compression artifacts, especially on busy 2.4 GHz networks. 5 GHz or Wi‑Fi 6/6E helps considerably.
App compatibility and multitasking
Most Android apps run windowed on both platforms. Tablet‑optimized apps (and PWA web apps) feel most natural.
Office suites, browsers, note apps, task managers, messengers, and media players all work well. Heavy IDEs or native x86 apps still belong on a PC/Mac—use web IDEs if needed.
PC integration and continuity
DeX: Tight integrations on Galaxy with Microsoft “Link to Windows” (notifications, calls, messages, file transfer) and optional DeX on PC (mirrored desktop mode in a window on Windows).
Ready For: Ready For PC lets you use apps in windows on your computer and move files. It’s straightforward for calls, messages, and quick app access.
Security and enterprise readiness
Samsung DeX benefits from Samsung Knox for enterprise device management and data separation on supported models.
Motorola provides enterprise features on business‑class devices; Ready For remains suitable for BYOD/light enterprise use. Confirm with your MDM policies.
Both deliver windowed Android apps on a big screen—DeX leans pro desktop, Ready For leans flexible media/meetings.
Pricing and availability
Both Samsung DeX and Motorola Ready For are included features on compatible phones and tablets—no separate purchase. You may need:
A USB‑C to HDMI/DisplayPort cable or USB‑C hub/dock
A Bluetooth or USB keyboard/mouse
Optionally, a power adapter with USB‑C PD for sustained sessions
Compatibility varies by device family and software version. Check the official device page for your exact model to confirm support.
Use‑case scenarios: which should you choose?
Heavy multitasking, office workflows, and enterprise: Samsung DeX
Video calls on a TV, casual productivity, and media sessions: Motorola Ready For
Travel‑light desktop for emails, docs, and browsing: either—pick based on your phone brand
Developers using web IDEs (Codespaces, Gitpod) or SSH to servers: either, but prefer a wired dock + Ethernet
Performance tips that matter in 2025
Prefer wired. If wireless, use 5 GHz or Wi‑Fi 6/6E; keep phone and display/router close to minimize interference.
Use a quality USB‑C hub with HDMI 2.0 (or DisplayPort) and USB‑C PD passthrough.
Close heavy background apps on your phone before a long session.
Use browser PWAs (Gmail, Slack, Office web) for better windowing and keyboard shortcuts.
Integration and compatibility notes
Monitors: Look for “USB‑C DP Alt Mode” support for one‑cable setups (display + power + data).
Keyboards: Map shortcut keys in app settings where possible; Android supports many common desktop shortcuts.
Audio: Route audio to the display (HDMI) or to a Bluetooth headset for video calls.
How to set up Samsung DeX (wired and wireless)
Wired: Connect a USB‑C → HDMI/DP cable (or USB‑C hub with HDMI) from your Galaxy device to a monitor/TV. Attach keyboard/mouse via Bluetooth or USB.
Wireless (TV): Ensure the display supports Miracast (or a compatible receiver). On your Galaxy device, open Quick Settings → DeX → choose the display.
Adjust desktop: Use the taskbar to open apps, resize windows, and set default browser/keyboard options.
How to set up Motorola Ready For (wired and wireless)
Wired: Connect USB‑C → HDMI/DP from your Motorola device to a monitor/TV. Pair a keyboard/mouse or use your phone as a trackpad if supported.
Wireless (PC/TV): Install Ready For PC (supported models) or use a Miracast display. Launch Ready For on your device and pick the mode (desktop, media, games, video chat).
Tweak modes: Use desktop mode for productivity; switch to media/game layouts when needed.
Three things you need: a cable (or strong Wi‑Fi), a display, and input devices.
Final recommendations
Pick Samsung DeX if you want the most desktop‑like UI and enterprise polish.
Pick Motorola Ready For if you value flexible modes for media and calls, plus easy PC integration on supported models.
For the best experience on either: go wired, use a quality hub, and lean on PWA/web apps for serious work.
Recommended tools and deals
Build a cloud workspace you can access from DeX/Ready For: Hostinger
Premium icon packs and UI kits for presentations on the big screen: Envato
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we’d use ourselves.
