Yes, Samsung DeX does support audio output and input. When connected to a monitor or TV, Samsung DeX can play audio through the display’s built-in speakers or a connected audio system. It also supports connecting audio devices like headphones or microphones.
What is Samsung DeX?
Samsung DeX is a feature on certain Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets that allows the mobile device to provide a desktop-style experience when connected to an external display. When enabled, the DeX mode provides a desktop-style user interface optimized for use with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
How Does Samsung DeX Work?
To use Samsung DeX, you connect your compatible Samsung Galaxy device to an external display via an HDMI adapter or USB-C cable. This connects the smartphone to a monitor or TV and allows DeX mode to launch. Once connected, the device’s screen is mirrored on the bigger display and switches over to a desktop-style interface.
In addition to connecting an external display, you can also connect other peripherals like a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, and external audio devices to use your phone or tablet like a desktop computer.
Does Samsung DeX Support Audio Output?
Yes, when using Samsung DeX mode, audio can be output over the connected display or monitor’s built-in speakers. If the display has an audio output port, you can also connect external speakers, sound bars, or other audio gear to allow DeX to play audio.
In addition, many modern displays and monitors have built-in speakers, so you can play audio directly from the screen you have your Galaxy device connected to while in DeX mode. The audio quality will depend on the quality of the display’s speaker system.
Wired Audio Support
For the best audio experience, you can use a wired connection between your Samsung device and an external audio system. Samsung DeX supports USB and HDMI wired connections to speakers, headphones, sound bars, receivers, and more. Here are some of the wired audio options available:
- USB headphones/headsets – Connect any USB headset, headphones with microphone, or USB speakers directly to your Galaxy device.
- HDMI audio system – Use an HDMI cable to connect your DeX device to a sound bar, AV receiver, or speakers with HDMI input.
- USB-C hubs with audio – Some USB-C hubs designed for DeX include an audio out port to connect speakers or headphones.
- 3.5mm headphone jack adapter – Certain Galaxy phones support connecting a Samsung 3.5mm headphone jack adapter accessory for audio out.
Bluetooth Audio Support
In addition to wired audio options, Samsung DeX also supports Bluetooth audio devices. That means you can connect the following types of Bluetooth accessories:
- Bluetooth headphones
- Bluetooth earbuds
- Bluetooth speakers
- Bluetooth sound bars
- Bluetooth headsets
As long as your Galaxy phone or tablet is connected to the Bluetooth device, you’ll be able to play audio over the wireless connection while using DeX mode and the desktop-style interface.
Does Samsung DeX Support Audio Input?
Yes, in addition to audio output, you can also use microphones and other audio input devices with Samsung DeX. This allows you to do things like video chat, voice calls, voice assistant commands, audio recordings, and more while using DeX mode.
Built-In Microphone
Some connected displays and monitors have built-in microphones, which will work automatically with Samsung DeX. You can use this microphone for applications and voice commands within the DeX desktop environment.
Wired Microphones and Headsets
For professional quality audio input, Samsung DeX supports connecting external microphones, headsets, or headphones with a built-in mic via USB or the headphone jack (with an adapter). Here are some of the options available:
- USB microphone – Connect a standalone USB microphone directly to your DeX device.
- USB headset – Use a USB gaming or computer headset with built-in microphone.
- 3.5mm microphone/headset – Some Galaxy devices support connecting 3.5mm headphones or a headset with mic using an adapter.
Bluetooth Headsets and Microphones
You can also connect Bluetooth headsets, headphones, or microphones to use the microphone audio input wirelessly:
- Bluetooth headset – A Bluetooth mono or stereo headset with built-in mic.
- Bluetooth headphones – Many Bluetooth headphones have a built-in microphone for calls and voice input.
- Bluetooth microphone – There are dedicated wireless Bluetooth microphones as well.
With a connected and paired Bluetooth microphone or headset, you can seamlessly use the microphone capabilities for voice input in DeX mode.
Audio Quality
The audio quality you experience in Samsung DeX will depend on the audio device you have connected. Wired audio connections like USB, HDMI, or 3.5mm will provide the highest quality sound compared to Bluetooth streaming which may compress the audio.
High-end USB or HDMI speakers and sound systems will be able to take advantage of lossless, high-resolution audio playback for the best listening experience. The speakers built into your connected monitor may be convenient but likely won’t match the sound quality potential of a dedicated sound system.
Conclusion
With support for both audio output to speakers, sound bars, and headphones as well as audio input from microphones and headsets, Samsung DeX provides versatile options for quality audio. You can build anything from a simple desk setup with wired headset to a full-fledged workstation audio production suite.
Just keep in mind wired options provide the highest quality while Bluetooth accessories trade off some sound for the convenience of wireless connectivity. But overall Samsung DeX has you covered for all your audio needs when using your Galaxy phone or tablet in a desktop-style environment.
