Samsung's DeX desktop mode is a staple on the Galaxy S flagship, but so far it has not been included on the foldable phones. That trend seems to continue with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, but the Z Flip 6 seems to have a secret desktop mode hidden away.

Android Authority discovered this desktop mode and noted that it is hidden by default and can only be activated by toggling the developer options. Specifically, Android's “Forced Desktop Mode” feature did not function at all in OneUI versions 5.1 through 6.1. However, this appears to have changed in OneUI 6.1.1 of the Z Flip 6.

Apparently, this desktop mode is a cross between DeX and the “stock Android barebone desktop mode UI” and is “clearly not sophisticated”. Apparently there is no taskbar-like functionality in this mode, but apps launch as free-form windows. It is similar to software on a real desktop machine or tabs in a web browser.

Sadly, the button to use split-screen mode is apparently broken and actually launches a split-screen window on the phone, not on the display. Window snapping also does not seem to work, and Android Authority has to manually move and resize the window.

In the past Samsung claimed that the heat load of the DeX was too much for the Galaxy Z Flip 5 to handle. However, the phone at least offered screen mirroring capability when connected to an external display. It may not be a full desktop mode, but at least one could view the phone on another screen if desired.

Android Authority argues that having some sort of desktop mode, despite its shortcomings, is considerably better than the alternative. Even if it is not full-blown DeX support, something is better than nothing.

It is not entirely clear if DeX will be included in folding devices in the future. Samsung told Android Authority that it feels DeX is not a good fit for its folding line. However, it also noted that the company may change its mind at some point in the future because people are asking for it.

For now, let's hope Samsung can do something to fix that pesky bug in desktop mode while we wait to see if DeX makes it to the Galaxy Z Flip 7.