Galaxy S23 Ultra- Hidden Feature iPhone 14 Pro Max Can't Match (99% Of People Don't Know This!)

Naveen Thakur

26 Mar, 2023

In the ever-evolving world of flagship smartphones, comparisons between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max are unavoidable. Both phones are technological marvels with industry-leading specs, beautiful designs, and powerhouse performance. But what if we told you the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a hidden feature that the iPhone 14 Pro Max simply cannot replicate—no matter how hard it tries?

This blog reveals a powerful, underrated, and shockingly useful feature that lives inside the S23 Ultra—one that 99% of users don’t even know about. And spoiler alert: it’s not just about the S Pen. Let’s dive deep into what gives the Galaxy S23 Ultra a secret superpower Apple users can only dream of.

The Hidden Gem: Samsung DeX

The feature we’re talking about is Samsung DeX (Desktop Experience)—a productivity powerhouse that transforms your phone into a desktop-like computer experience.

Yes, the S23 Ultra is literally a pocket-sized PC, and this isn't a gimmick.

While Apple focuses on continuity across its ecosystem (which is great in its own way), it doesn’t allow your iPhone 14 Pro Max to turn into a full desktop environment on any monitor or TV. That’s where the Galaxy S23 Ultra wins—and wins big.

What is Samsung DeX?

Samsung DeX allows you to connect your Galaxy S23 Ultra to a monitor, TV, or Windows PC and run a desktop-like interface powered entirely by your phone. You can:

Use multiple windows
Drag and drop files
Run apps like Word, Excel, Chrome, YouTube, and even games
Use your phone as a touchpad or keyboard
Connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard for full PC functionality

This is an insane level of flexibility built directly into your phone—no additional software required. Just a USB-C to HDMI cable or a wireless connection via Miracast, and you’re good to go.

iPhone 14 Pro Max? No such capability.

Why 99% of S23 Ultra Users Don’t Know About DeX

Samsung doesn’t advertise DeX as aggressively as it should, and many users stick to basic smartphone functions without ever exploring advanced features.

Here’s why this feature flies under the radar:

It’s not on the home screen – You won’t find a DeX app icon in plain sight unless you know where to look.
It requires external devices – You need a monitor or PC to truly experience DeX.
Most people don’t expect a phone to replace a computer – And yet, the S23 Ultra can.

Use Cases: When DeX Becomes a Superpower

1. Mobile Office on the Go

Are you a professional, student, or digital nomad?

Plug your S23 Ultra into any monitor or TV using an HDMI cable, and boom—you’ve got a full-fledged desktop to create presentations, edit documents, send emails, attend video calls, and multitask efficiently.

No laptop? No problem.

2. DeX for Gaming

Play Android games on a big screen. Use your S23 Ultra as a controller or connect a gamepad. This creates a console-like experience that the iPhone simply can’t match natively.

3. Multitasking Mastery

With DeX, you can run up to 5 apps in floating windows. That means you can:

Watch YouTube while browsing the web
Write a document while referring to a spreadsheet
Chat on WhatsApp while attending a Zoom call

Try doing that on an iPhone. It’s not even close.

4. Creative Workflow

Graphic designers can use apps like Canva, Adobe Lightroom, or SketchBook with mouse and keyboard support, right from DeX. Even with S Pen support, it's a mini creative studio.

Other Hidden Features That Elevate the S23 Ultra

While DeX is the crown jewel, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is packed with under-the-radar features that enhance usability and productivity. Let’s explore a few:

1. S Pen with Air Actions

The built-in S Pen isn’t just for notes or drawing. You can control your phone from a distance using Air Actions:

Swipe through photos
Control music
Navigate presentations
Take photos remotely

This is a remote control, stylus, mouse, and note-taking tool in one.

iPhone 14 Pro Max? No stylus. No equivalent.

2. One UI’s Edge Panels and Good Lock

Samsung’s Edge Panels give you quick access to apps, tools, clipboard, and contacts from the side of the screen.

With Good Lock modules, you can:

Customize lock screen, Quick Panel, and multitasking layout
Create gesture shortcuts
Control app behavior

Apple’s iOS is restrictive and uniform, while One UI on the S23 Ultra gives you freedom to personalize.

3. Object Eraser and Photo Remastering

Built right into the S23 Ultra’s gallery app:

Remove shadows or reflections
Erase photobombers
Remaster old, blurry images

iPhones require third-party apps for this level of editing.

4. Battery Protection Modes

Protect your phone’s battery health with options like:

Battery limit while charging (extends longevity)
Adaptive battery optimization
Sleep/Deep Sleep apps to save power

iPhone has limited control over background apps and battery saving.

5. Video Output via USB-C

You can plug the S23 Ultra into a monitor for instant screen mirroring or DeX desktop. The iPhone 14 Pro Max only supports limited video output through proprietary Lightning-to-HDMI cables and lacks native desktop UI.

iPhone 14 Pro Max: Strong, But Limited

Let’s give credit where it’s due—the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a beast when it comes to:

Camera quality (especially video)
Software support
Performance
Privacy and ecosystem continuity

But in terms of power-user functionality and hidden productivity tools, it falls short.

Apple prioritizes simplicity, which works for many users. But if you’re someone who wants more control, customization, or advanced use cases, the iPhone has guardrails that the Galaxy S23 Ultra has long broken free from.

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max – Hidden Feature Showdown

Feature	Galaxy S23 Ultra	iPhone 14 Pro Max
Samsung DeX	✅ Full desktop mode	❌ Not available
S Pen Support	✅ Built-in	❌ No stylus
USB-C Video Out	✅ Native support	❌ Limited support
Multitasking	✅ Multi-window + split screen	❌ Limited (only picture-in-picture)
One UI Customization	✅ Extensive with Good Lock	❌ Minimal iOS control
Object Eraser	✅ Built-in	❌ Needs third-party app

Real-Life Example: Business Owner on the Go

Imagine a small business owner traveling without a laptop. With just the Galaxy S23 Ultra, an HDMI cable, and a portable keyboard, they can:

Run Zoom meetings
Handle inventory in Excel
Update the website
Send marketing emails
Review PDFs and contracts

When they return home, the same phone connects wirelessly to their Smart TV to watch YouTube, browse Instagram, or control the SmartThings home ecosystem.

This is smartphone versatility on steroids.

Final Thoughts

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is more than just a flagship phone—it’s a mobile workstation, a note-taking hub, a media console, and a PC alternative wrapped in one sleek device. While the iPhone 14 Pro Max excels in design, camera, and ecosystem integration, it simply can’t compete with DeX and other advanced tools Samsung hides in plain sight.

If you’re someone who values true mobile productivity, creative control, and tech that does more, the Galaxy S23 Ultra gives you power features the iPhone doesn’t want you to have.