7 ways to turn a smartphone into a PC

Why should you turn your phone into a laptop?

The most obvious reason is to have a compact computer in the pocket at any time. You may not always be able to carry a laptop, including the most compact device like the ultrabook series.

This means the smartphone can be used as an alternative PC in an emergency. Limiting screen size is no longer a big deal, thanks to the wireless HDMI port.

The real magic lies in the desktop user interface. When connected to a compatible TV, the current phone interface is no longer available. Instead, the traditional desktop interface is displayed.

How to turn your phone into a computer

We are only talking about solutions that require desktop user interfaces (Android is acceptable). Unfortunately, iOS devices will not be present at this fun.

To turn your phone into a PC, you need:

1. The keyboard and mouse have a bluetooth connection (or connect via USB and a USB-OTG cable also).
2. The display screen supports HDMI wireless.

Or you don't have an outlet that supports HDMI, USB, and Ethernet.

1. Samsung devices have DeX mode

Perhaps Samsung users are the most beneficial when turning a phone into a computer. With Galaxy S8 / S8 +, Note 8 or later, the device has a DeX mode option. This mode can be activated from the notification bar, especially there is a desktop environment for Android.

Just connect your phone to a monitor with wireless HDMI nearby and it should work. DeX allows you to access all the applications about working on Android in window mode.

2. Using Ubuntu Touch turns your phone into a Linux computer

Ubuntu Touch is a Linux operating system built for smartphones. The core feature of Ubuntu Touch is the Convergence system. Like Samsung DeX, this is a desktop environment that activates when the phone is connected to an external display.

When the phone connects to a TV with wireless HDMI, the entire user interface will be the Ubuntu computer. The operating system comes with many tools installed, including LibreOffice. Having a smartphone that is always ready to be used as a computer is extremely suitable for anyone who has to work a lot.

3. Turn any Android phone into a computer with Maru OS

In 2016, Android surpassed Windows to become the most used operating system in the world. Understandably, because it also has the potential to become an operating system for computers.

Maru OS is an Android product, currently only runs on a few products. You can check out Nexus 5 (2013) or Nexus 5X (2015) to learn more about Maru. Beta version is available on Nexus 6P and Google Pixel products. This is a full operating system that can be installed in parallel with Android.

4. Working with Android computers via Sentio

Sentio was previously known as Andromium OS, an efficient solution to create an Android desktop environment.

When connected to a display, Sentio takes advantage of Superbook's additional hardware. This is like a combination of laptop with dock and using smartphone as the central manager.

5. Try using the Leena Desktop user interface

Leena Desktop UI is a popular desktop launcher for Android. Like the dock on macOS, Leena has a file manager, web browser, video player, PDF and many other features.

It also supports connecting via dock, screen and allowing the use of Android applications through computer windows.

6. The most basic way to get an Android computer: Add a Chromecast

If all of the above methods are inconvenient or expensive, or both, consider the easier option. Do you need your Android phone to function as an emergency computer? First, fully prepare these things:

1. Bluetooth mouse and keyboard or USB-C port.
2. A Chromecast or other display option connects to the TV.

Then simply prepare documents, connect the keyboard and share via Chromecast.

7. Turn your old Windows phone into a cheap computer

If you hear about phones running Windows 10 or Windows Phone, you probably know that they have been killed. These old phones can be purchased at old phone sales or e-commerce markets. Although the applications can no longer be used, some devices still have excellent camera output.

Hidden inside these old phones is a secret mode that is the Windows desktop. Thanks to the old version of Continuum technology (it now manages the switching between desktop and tablet modes in Windows computers), you can connect your phone to a monitor and work in the environment. Windows desktop as usual.

You have access to applications to install like Microsoft Office and to use your phone when an incoming call comes in. Keyboard and mouse can be connected via Bluetooth. The keyboard on the phone can also be used even as a touchpad.