As mobile technology evolves every year, our smartphones' computing power is exponentially growing. The most powerful Snapdragon chipsets have comparable processing power versus Intel's i5 chips.

As such, it's not a far-fetched idea to use our Android phones like portable computers. In fact, Samsung has launched Samsung DeX way back in 2017. This app lets users have a full desktop experience on select Samsung Galaxy phones.

So, if you want to ditch your laptop and use your phone instead, this is what you need.

Set Up Your Phone in Desktop Mode

Samsung Dex loading screen

Before you buy a portable display and a USB-C to HDMI cable, check if your phone supports desktop mode. Unfortunately, not all mobile devices support the feature right now. There's a growing list of devices that support desktop mode, including:

  • Samsung Galaxy S8 series and above
  • Samsung Galaxy Note8 series and above
  • Huawei Mate 10/10 Pro series until Mate 30
  • Huawei P20/P20 Pro series until P40/P40 Pro
  • Honor Note 10/View 20
  • Motorola Edge+

If your phone isn't on the admittedly short list, you can still use it for productivity. But it won't be a desktop experience like Chrome OS.

If your phone is listed above, all you need is to plug your phone into a monitor. It will automatically detect the display and show a desktop experience. If not, you'll have to settle for screen mirroring---but a least it's a bigger screen!

Peripherals

Like any computer, your smartphone won't be as useful without peripherals. Although you can use the screen to interact with your mobile, it won't be as ergonomic as a dedicated set.

Dock

Smartphone dock with keyboard and mouse

If you're planning to do all your work in a set place---like your office---then a dock is the way to go. This gives your phone a proper place to sit when you're working. It also allows you to have many USB ports and memory card slots for plugging in whatever you need.

It also lets you charge your phone while connected to an external display, thus allowing you to work for extended periods of time without running out of juice.

Keyboard and Mouse

Setting up a keyboard and mouse is essential to working efficiently with your phone. With the screen being so small, a physical keyboard and mouse will let you work much faster.

Now, if you want to work on the go, you'll have to go for a good Bluetooth keyboard and mouse set. You can opt for the keyboard with a built-in cellphone stand. This means you don't need to look for anything to prop your cellphone up when working on the go.

Fast Charger or Power Bank

Power bank for charging smartphones and accessories

Whether you're using a dock or are working on the go, you need a good power source to work continuously. I highly recommend a fast charger so you can keep your phone charged while at work. You wouldn't want to drive home with a low battery, would you?

And if you're the type to work on the go, you should have a power bank. Power sources will not always be available so it's good to lug around your own.

Noise Canceling Headset

This is not a necessity, but if you need to focus on your work, a good pair would help you drown out the outside world. If you're not a fan of listening to music while working, you can play these audio cocktails instead.

Apps

Android apps on a smartphone

Once you have the hardware, you also need a few apps to get the most out of your mobile. Here are a few of the most commonly used apps for work and productivity:

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

This is the basic office suite by Google. Most office and productivity work need these three apps. They're also highly capable and competitive against Microsoft's offerings for desktop computers.

More than that, they're also integrated with Google Drive. This makes collaboration with colleagues and co-workers a breeze.

Download: Google Docs (Free)

Download: Google Sheets (Free)

Download: Google Slides (Free)

Microsoft Office

If you prefer the feel of the classic Office Suite, you can download Microsoft instead. These apps feature almost the same interface and commands as the desktop app. That means you don't have to adjust as much when transitioning to your mobile for work.

It also integrates with OneDrive. If your company uses that for collaboration, sharing files will be a breeze. It's free to use, but some premium features need a subscription to Microsoft 365 to use.

Download: Microsoft Office (Free)

Google Calendar

For keeping track of your schedule, meetings, and tasks, you could use this app. You could invite people to meetings straight from the calendar. It will also notify you of the things you need to do and your deadlines for the day.

It's simple and straightforward to use, plus it syncs across all your devices. You won't miss a thing with this calendar app.

Download: Google Calendar (Free)

Skype

Virtual meeting on the go with Skype

Whether you're working in the office, at home, or anywhere else in the world, you need a teleconferencing app. This is one of the most popular apps in the world, so you should have this installed for communication.

Aside from getting in touch with your contacts, you can also use the app to call phones directly via VoIP. You need credits to do that, though, but at least you have the option!

If you prefer not to use Skype, you could choose Zoom and its alternatives instead.

Download: Skype (Free)

Collaboration Apps

Popular collaboration apps usually have Android versions. Services like Asana, Slack, Trello, Monday, and Microsoft Teams are all available on the Play Store. But if the platform your company is using isn't available, you can use the Chrome browser to access it online.

Aside from that, you need it to do anything online that doesn't have an app. It's the most popular browser you can use for accessing the internet. Don't want to use Chrome? There are lots of other Android browsers to choose from.

Download: Asana (Free)

Download: Slack (Free)

Download: Trello (Free)

Download: Monday (Free)

Download: Microsoft Teams (Free)

Say Goodbye to Bulky Laptops?

You still likely need a proper computer for heavy work, like photo and video editing. But as our mobile phones are becoming more powerful, they will slowly take over computers for mundane tasks.

Maybe in the future, our smartphones will be used for work, play, and everything else in between. Are you going to be at the forefront of that revolution?