If you’re a driver that needs a highly deployable in-car infotainment experience, then you need Samsung’s Auto DeX. It’s becoming a more attractive option than Android Auto in short order. To start, its hardware is compatible with one of the widest ranges of vehicles on the market and it has an innovative user interface. This article explores what Auto DeX is and how it stacks up against Android Auto. Learn more about its advantages and shortcomings as you go.

What is Samsung Auto DeX?

Samsung Auto DeX allows you to mirror your smartphone’s interface directly onto your car’s infotainment display. It’s a more versatile, lively counterpoint to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Auto DeX is unique in its distinguishing claim of being able to support upwards of 8,500 car models across more than 100 brands. This broader compatibility might provide a real boon to users whose vehicles aren’t supported by Android Auto. Instead of relying on the car's built-in system, Auto DeX transforms the smartphone into the car's infotainment hub.

The user interface (UI) of Auto DeX is integrated and easy to use, familiar as it closely resembles Android Auto/CarPlay UI. Leaked screenshots reveal an incredible radical new design! It includes Samsung’s One UI navigational icons and a navigation bar, along with two app bars for easy access to important functions. Just some of the apps included on the UI that can’t be removed are Samsung’s Bixby, a map application, and Samsung’s music player and phone app. Auto DeX prioritizes providing a smooth, straightforward experience for drivers above all else. It allows them to access integrated navigation, entertainment and communication features easily and safely while on the go.

Auto DeX vs. Android Auto: Key Differences

While both Auto DeX and Android Auto aim to integrate smartphone functionality into the car, there are notable differences:

Support for car models

Auto DeX works with more to 8,500 car designs from above a hundred makers. This compatibility may even outdo that of Android Auto.

UI design

Auto DeX includes a UI that mimics Android Auto and CarPlay. It builds on One UI’s navigational icons, including a navigation bar and dual app bars.

App support

The available information doesn't provide specifics on app support differences. It mentions that Auto DeX includes apps like Bixby, a map app, a music app, and Samsung's Phone app.

Beyond simple mirroring, DeX provides a comfortable desktop experience with resizable windows, drag-and-drop capabilities and keyboard shortcuts. This enables new types of content to flow seamlessly between screens including support for second-screen virtualized Windows PC desktop environments. With its defense-grade security platform protecting devices from the chip up, users can have five apps running simultaneously and quickly and easily accomplish nearly every task without difficulty.

Potential Benefits and Use Cases

Auto DeX comes with some powerful advantages. This is compounded for users with older vehicles and those whose vehicles lack Android Auto compatibility. The increased vehicle compatibility extends to a greater number of drivers experiencing a more modern, infotainment style interface.

Auto DeX has limitations that users should consider:

  • Wider vehicle compatibility: Auto DeX's extensive vehicle support makes it accessible to a broader range of drivers.
  • Familiar UI: The Android Auto/CarPlay-like interface ensures a smooth transition for users accustomed to these systems.
  • Enhanced functionality: Features like app resizing, auto-opening of last used apps, and multi-app support improve productivity and convenience.

Limitations and Considerations

Though Auto DeX is officially only available in China, through various means, some users have found ways to get it working outside of China. A new Reddit post from user FrostyAd7433 says you’re able to use Samsung Auto DeX outside of China. To get started, you’ll need to download the Samsung Auto APK on your Galaxy smartphone. From these requirements, you can already tell that to access Baidu support and get Samsung Auto off the ground, you’ll need a compatible head unit to work with. You have to redefine it and declare it a “Chinese” unit. Be aware that these are not officially supported by Samsung, and no formal technical support for these workarounds is available. They can void your warranty or even introduce compatibility problems.

  • Regional restrictions: Samsung Auto, and by extension Auto DeX, is currently limited to China. Users outside of China may not be able to use it without workarounds, such as installing the Samsung Auto APK and reconfiguring their head unit.
  • Head unit compatibility: Auto DeX requires a compatible head unit, which may limit its adoption and use in certain vehicles.
  • Limited car model support: Although Samsung claims that its Auto service supports over 8,500 car models across over 120 car brands, it's unclear if Auto DeX has the same level of compatibility.
  • Language and region limitations: The need to reconfigure the head unit as a "Chinese" unit to unlock Baidu support suggests that Auto DeX may have language and region limitations.

How to Potentially Use Auto DeX in Unsupported Vehicles

Auto DeX offers an interesting low-effort alternative to Android Auto, especially for those looking for more vehicle compatibility. There are indeed limitations, and international users may have to jump through a few hoops. The benefits of a truly cutting edge, feature packed infotainment experience are too great to be ignored. As Auto DeX evolves, it has the potential to be a major force in the in-car technology arena.

Auto DeX presents an intriguing alternative to Android Auto, particularly for users seeking broader vehicle compatibility. While limitations exist, and workarounds may be necessary for users outside of China, the potential benefits of a modern and feature-rich infotainment experience are undeniable. As Auto DeX continues to develop, it could become a significant player in the in-car technology landscape.