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.
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 UI | Taskbar, resizable windows, multi‑window, desktop files | 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 |
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.
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.
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.
From our library (related guides)
- Android Split‑Screen Multitasking (2025)
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- React 19 Compiler (2025)
- JavaScript Temporal API (2025)
Trusted sources and official docs
- Samsung DeX overview: samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/samsung-dex
- Samsung DeX for business: samsung.com/us/explore/galaxy-for-business/samsung-dex
- Motorola Ready For: motorola.com/us/ready-for
- Android desktop/windowing (developer): developer.android.com/guide/topics/ui/multi-window
- USB‑C DisplayPort Alt Mode (VESA): vesa.org
- Microsoft Link to Windows: support.microsoft.com/windows/link-to-windows
Frequently asked questions
Does my phone support Samsung DeX or Motorola Ready For?
Check your specific model on Samsung or Motorola’s official pages. Support varies by device family and software version.
Is wired always better than wireless?
For typing, precise cursor movement, and smooth video, wired is best. Wireless is fine for quick tasks and video calls on strong Wi‑Fi.
Can I use a USB‑C hub with Ethernet and multiple USB ports?
Yes. Quality USB‑C hubs/docks with HDMI/DP, USB‑A, and Ethernet typically work well with both DeX and Ready For.
Do apps behave like desktop apps?
Most Android apps run in windows and resize, but they aren’t native desktop binaries. Tablet‑friendly apps and PWAs feel most natural.
Can I charge the phone while using desktop mode?
Yes, via a hub/dock with USB‑C Power Delivery or a monitor with USB‑C DP Alt Mode and PD output.
What about gaming?
Casual and cloud gaming works. For competitive titles, prefer wired due to latency; controller support varies by game.
How do I move files between phone and desktop?
Use the platform’s PC companion (DeX on PC or Ready For PC), cloud storage, or USB mass storage via a hub.
Is this secure for work?
DeX benefits from Samsung Knox on supported devices and MDM controls. For Motorola, confirm compliance with your IT policies.
Can I run two external displays?
Support depends on device and hub/monitor capabilities. Most phones reliably drive one external display; some may mirror on the second.
What if my TV doesn’t support Miracast?
Use a USB‑C cable/hub for wired, or add a Miracast receiver/compatible streaming device that supports screen casting.
