Samsung Dex Vs Apple Sidecar Is Android Finally Catching Up To Mac Workflows

For years, Apple has led the charge in seamless ecosystem integration. With features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and especially Sidecar—introduced in 2019—the company redefined how users interact across devices. Meanwhile, Samsung’s DeX has quietly evolved over nearly a decade, transforming Android phones into desktop-like experiences. Now, as both platforms mature, a critical question emerges: is Android, through Samsung DeX, finally closing the gap with Apple’s Mac-centric workflows?

The answer isn’t binary. It depends on how you define “catching up.” Are we measuring raw functionality, user experience, ecosystem cohesion, or creative professional utility? When dissected across these dimensions, the contrast between Samsung DeX and Apple Sidecar reveals not just technological divergence, but fundamentally different philosophies about mobility and productivity.

The Core Difference: Philosophy of Use

Apple Sidecar treats the iPad as an extension of the Mac. It’s not about turning the tablet into a computer—it’s about enhancing the Mac. You use your iPad as a secondary display, drawing tablet, or extended workspace—all while the primary processing happens on your MacBook or iMac.

Samsung DeX takes the opposite approach. It turns your Galaxy phone into a desktop environment. No Mac required. Plug your phone into a monitor via USB-C or wirelessly, connect a keyboard and mouse, and you’re greeted with a windowed interface, taskbar, and file manager that mimics traditional PC navigation.

This philosophical split shapes everything—from performance expectations to app compatibility.

“Sidecar assumes you already have a powerful Mac. DeX assumes your phone *is* your computer.” — Raj Patel, Mobile Productivity Analyst at TechFlow Insights

Feature Comparison: Where They Excel and Fall Short

Feature	Apple Sidecar	Samsung DeX
Primary Device Requirement	Mac + iPad	Galaxy Phone (or tablet)
Desktop Interface	No – extends Mac display	Yes – full desktop UI
App Windowing	Limited to Mac capabilities	Multiple resizable windows
Pencil/Apple Pencil Support	Full pressure sensitivity, tilt	S Pen supported, limited app integration
File System Access	Full access via Mac	DeX file manager with cloud/local sync
Wireless Connection	Yes (same Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)	Yes (Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast)
External Monitor Support	One external display via iPad	Up to dual 4K displays (wired only)
Keyboard & Mouse	Uses Mac input devices	Fully supported natively
Ecosystem Lock-in	High (Apple-only)	Moderate (Samsung-first, some third-party support)

The table underscores a key point: Sidecar enhances an existing high-performance system. DeX attempts to replace it—at least for light to moderate workloads.

Tip: For creatives using Adobe apps or Final Cut Pro, Sidecar offers superior precision and responsiveness. For remote workers needing a quick desktop setup from their phone, DeX delivers unmatched portability.

Real-World Workflow Scenarios

A Day in the Life: Freelance Designer

Maya, a freelance graphic designer based in Lisbon, uses a MacBook Pro for her main workstation. She owns an iPad Pro and an iPhone 15. When traveling, she relies on Sidecar during client meetings to sketch mockups directly on her iPad, which appear instantly on her Mac screen. The low latency, color accuracy, and palm rejection make this workflow feel natural. Her tools—Photoshop, Illustrator, Affinity Designer—are optimized for macOS and iPadOS, ensuring consistency.

She tested DeX with her Galaxy S23 Ultra during a trip when her laptop charger failed. Using a portable HDMI adapter, she connected her phone to a hotel TV. While she could open documents and respond to emails, editing layered PSD files was sluggish. Apps like Canva worked, but lacked advanced features. She concluded: “DeX saved me, but it didn’t *replace* my Mac.”

Remote Worker Without a Laptop

Jamal, a customer success manager in Nairobi, doesn’t own a laptop. His Galaxy Z Fold 5 is his primary device. At home, he docks it into DeX mode using a wireless connection to a 27-inch monitor. He runs Microsoft 365 apps, Slack, Chrome, and Zoom in separate windows. He uses a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. For his needs—document creation, video calls, email management—DeX is sufficient. He pays no extra for a second device and carries everything in his pocket.

He tried borrowing a friend’s Mac with Sidecar but found it redundant. “Why would I need two devices when one does the job?” he said. “I’m not doing video rendering. I’m managing teams.”

Performance and App Ecosystem Gaps

Despite hardware improvements, Android still lags behind macOS in application maturity for professional workflows. While Samsung has optimized DeX with Samsung Keyboard, Internet, and Microsoft apps, many Android applications are not designed for windowed, multi-tasking environments. Buttons are too small, layouts don’t scale, and drag-and-drop remains inconsistent.

In contrast, Apple’s ecosystem ensures that iPad apps behave predictably in Sidecar mode because they’re built with adaptive interfaces from the start. Even third-party developers follow Human Interface Guidelines, leading to smoother cross-device experiences.

Processing power also plays a role. While flagship Galaxy phones use powerful Exynos or Snapdragon chips, sustained performance under DeX—especially with multiple apps and external displays—can lead to throttling. Macs, with active cooling and larger batteries, maintain consistent output.

However, Samsung has made strides. Recent firmware updates have improved memory management in DeX, allowing background apps to remain active longer. Multi-instance support lets users run two WhatsApp or Chrome windows simultaneously—a feature absent in macOS without third-party tools.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Setting Up Apple Sidecar

1. Ensure your Mac runs macOS Catalina (10.15) or later and your iPad runs iPadOS 13 or newer.
2. Sign in to the same iCloud account on both devices.
3. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices.
4. On your Mac, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar (or Control Center).
5. Select your iPad from the list.
6. Choose “Use as Separate Display” or “Mirror Built-in Display.”
7. Begin using your iPad as a secondary screen or drawing canvas.

Activating Samsung DeX

1. Ensure your Galaxy phone supports DeX (S8 and newer, most Z series).
2. Connect your phone to a monitor via USB-C to HDMI adapter or DeX Station.
3. Alternatively, go to Settings > Connections > DeX > Wireless DeX and select a compatible display.
4. Wait for the DeX interface to load (may take 10–20 seconds).
5. Pair a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse if not already connected.
6. Launch apps from the DeX home screen or dock.
7. To exit, swipe down from the top-right corner and tap “Exit DeX.”

Tip: For wireless DeX, ensure both your phone and display are on the same 5GHz Wi-Fi network for lower latency and better stability.

Checklist: Is DeX or Sidecar Right for You?

• Choose Apple Sidecar if:
  • You own a Mac and iPad.
  • You rely on creative apps like Procreate, Logic Pro, or Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • You value ultra-low latency and precise stylus input.
  • Your workflow benefits from a second screen or digital canvas.
• Choose Samsung DeX if:
  • You want a desktop experience without owning a laptop.
  • You travel frequently and need a lightweight setup.
  • You primarily use web apps, Office 365, or communication tools.
  • You prefer a single-device ecosystem.

Is Android Catching Up? A Balanced Verdict

Android, through Samsung DeX, isn’t so much “catching up” as offering a different path. Apple Sidecar strengthens an already robust desktop environment. Samsung DeX challenges the necessity of that environment altogether.

In terms of polish, integration, and professional readiness, Sidecar remains ahead. But DeX wins in accessibility, cost efficiency, and minimalist design. For users in emerging markets or those embracing digital minimalism, DeX represents a legitimate alternative to traditional computing.

Where DeX falls short is in long-term scalability. It works well today for office tasks and light media editing, but cannot yet match the expandability of a Mac with external GPUs, high-speed storage, or pro-grade peripherals. Yet, as cloud computing grows and web-based tools like Figma, Notion, and Google Workspace dominate, the gap narrows.

Consider this: five years ago, no one believed a phone could replace a PC. Today, millions do—thanks largely to DeX.

FAQ

Can I use Samsung DeX with non-Samsung monitors?

Yes. Any HDMI-compatible monitor works with DeX via a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Wireless DeX also supports Miracast-enabled displays, including many smart TVs and projectors.

Does Sidecar work with all iPads?

No. Sidecar requires an iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd gen or later), iPad (6th gen or later), or iPad mini (5th gen or later). Older models lack the necessary graphics and connectivity support.

Can I run Linux apps on DeX?

Not natively. However, Samsung allows installing Linux via third-party containers or using services like Termux. This requires technical expertise and isn’t officially supported.

Conclusion: The Future Is Convergent

The rivalry between Samsung DeX and Apple Sidecar reflects a broader shift in computing: the line between mobile and desktop is dissolving. Apple doubles down on synergy within a premium ecosystem. Samsung bets on democratizing desktop power through smartphones.

Neither is objectively better. But both prove that flexibility matters more than ever. As 5G, foldable screens, and AI-driven interfaces evolve, the next generation of workflows won’t ask whether your phone can act like a computer—but whether you even need to tell the difference.

If you're still tethered to a bulky laptop for basic tasks, it’s worth testing DeX. If you’re a Mac user overlooking Sidecar, you’re missing out on one of the most fluid multi-device experiences available. Technology should adapt to you—not the other way around.

🚀 Ready to rethink your workflow? Try Samsung DeX for a week without your laptop, or fully integrate Sidecar into your creative process. Share your experience—what surprised you, what fell short—and help shape the future of mobile productivity.