I was really pumped when it was announced that the Z Flip 7 would finally support Samsung DeX. From designing and building out blockchain applications to running community marketing campaigns, I was wearing several hats as a contractor. Which is why the concept of a real pocketable workstation so tantalized me. No more lugging around a bulky laptop! Having spent a full week using DeX on the Flip 7, the truth is… it’s more complicated than that. While it's a step in the right direction, let's be brutally honest: DeX isn't about to send your laptop to the graveyard anytime soon.

No Snap Layouts No Laptop Killer

The biggest hurdle? Window management. Or, more accurately, the lack thereof. Of course, you can run apps next to each other, and yes, you can make those windows whatever size you want. But c’mon, let’s be honest, breaking two windows is like the most revolutionary thing since dial-up internet. I'm constantly juggling multiple applications: a code editor, a browser window with documentation, a Slack channel for team communication, and maybe even a spreadsheet for tracking progress. But trying to handle all of that with DeX’s woefully basic windowing support is just a frustration. It would be like trying to herd cats with a feather duster!

Far from being a mere nuisance, this is an absolute productivity killer. Windows 11's Snap Layouts have spoiled me. But the ability to quickly tile many windows in different ways is core to my workflow. DeX’s primitive attempt at window management is like taking a giant leap back to the Stone Age.

Think about it this way: the blockchain space is all about decentralization and open-source innovation, right? It's about giving users control. DeX — in this implementation, anyway — feels like a step in the wrong direction. Samsung controls what you can do with it, regulating your decision-making while stopping you from fully leveraging it to create your ideal workspace. This centralized approach stifles innovation. It’s kind of like a permissioned blockchain – useful, yes, but not harnessing the full potential or versatility of a blockchain advanced enough to be truly decentralized. That’s a long way from the original promise of user empowerment.

Raw Horsepower Still Matters People

Sure, yeah, look, the process that They’re using Snapdragon in the Z Flip 7 is tremendous for a phone. It's not a desktop-class CPU. When I’m compiling code, running dozens of virtual machines, or editing large video project files, I need raw horsepower. My laptop delivers that in spades. Even though the Z Flip 7 is powerful, it begins to chug in the face of demanding workloads.

Even though nearly all Android apps function decently on DeX, the experience isn’t always smooth. Either they’re very poorly optimized for larger screens, or they don’t work at all. It’s not only about gaming, but it’s about using the professional-level software that I need to operate. Never mind creating integrated development environments or ground-up CGI landscapes. For the power user, DeX just isn’t enough.

Let's draw an unexpected connection here. Remember the early days of cryptocurrency? People were very excited about the promise, but the corresponding infrastructure just wasn’t in place. Scalability problems, overpriced transaction fees, and no easy-to-use experience ruled the ecosystem. DeX feels similar. The potential is absolutely there, however, the underlying technology would need to be greatly improved before it could realistically compete with a laptop.

Missing Innovation equals Missed Opportunity

To be honest, I’m a little annoyed that Samsung hasn’t pushed the envelope further with DeX. The Z Flip 7 was both a missed opportunity and a great chance to debut new features and refinements. Picture this: a foldable-device focused DeX mode, equipped with specialized windowing, foldable-specific powers like a windows-based multitasking paradigm. Imagine seamless pairing with AR glasses such as the Xreal Air 2 Pro, even more enhancing a spatially immersive and ultra portable workstation.

Instead, we got… the same old DeX. It’s all very capable, but it doesn’t have the surprise-and-delight of a great product that could supplant a laptop. Samsung just appears to be okay with DeX rotting on the vine, and that’s really sad. Motorola's Smart Connect offers a similar experience, but DeX's wired connectivity gives it an edge. Both are missing that "wow" factor.

Consider this: the libertarian ideal emphasizes individual freedom and self-reliance. A truly revolutionary DeX experience would empower users to customize their workflows, choose their preferred software, and control their computing environment. Instead, we're stuck with a walled garden, controlled by Samsung's vision. Can’t we have a touch of anarchy in our mobile computing, for once?

DeX on the Z Flip 7 While emulation on any Android phone would be fun, DeX on the Z Flip 7 is a pleasant surprise. For catching up on emails, surfing the web, even some light document creation on the go, it is more than enough. As a primary computing solution? Not hardly. Until then, with a particular eye towards Samsung’s shortcomings in window management, performance and software compatibility, my laptop will continue to be my primary work station. DeX on the Z Flip 7 is a nice feature and a good start, but it’s no laptop replacement. Not yet.

Let’s hope the Z Flip 8 will do the opposite for me. Until then, I’m going to hang on to my portable powerhouse.

Maybe the Z Flip 8 will change my mind. Until then, I will keep my portable powerhouse.