A DIY enthusiast turned a defective-screen Samsung Galaxy A90 5G into a compact desktop-style setup using Samsung DeX. The project shows how a compatible phone can be repackaged for a monitor and peripherals; it does not establish that an arbitrary Android phone—or this build—can replace a conventional mini PC.
What GameRig built
Notebookcheck reported on October 1, 2026, that YouTuber GameRig bought a 6/128 GB Galaxy A90 5G with a Snapdragon 855 on eBay for $30 because its screen was defective. That is the reported price of this particular used-phone purchase, not a current price or a dependable cost for recreating the project. Notebookcheck’s report
Rather than keep the phone intact, GameRig reportedly used a heat gun and screwdrivers to strip it down to its motherboard, power board, and battery, then checked that the parts worked. Those components went into a custom 0.7-liter 3D-printed enclosure. Notebookcheck also lists a phone cooler, USB hub, and power button among the case contents.
The report does not identify the individual parts, case material, port arrangement, or wiring. This is therefore a documented reuse concept, not a complete build guide that readers can reproduce from a parts list.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium aluminium 5-in-1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI,5Gbps USB3.0,3.5mm Audio Jack,Type-C PD Charging/Data transfer,USB2.0.Maximize your USB-C device's capabilities
- 3.5mm Audio Jack,connect headphone and speaker.Support Microphone input.You can adjust the volume both on iPad Pro or in-line volume control on earphone/headset.Type C port not only deliver power at Max 60W,but also support USB-C headphone
- Mirror or extend your screen through HDMI output port and directly stream 4K@60Hz,1080P@60Hz,video to HDTV,monitors,or projectors for hassle-free presentations, conference calls,video streaming,home theater.Ideal for school,office,home,and game
- Extra 2 USB-A Port transfer speeds up to 5Gbps,transfer images,files,and videos in seconds.Allow you to connect phone,keyboard,mouse,thumb drive,camera,hard drive,etc.Please upgrade your iPad Pro to iPadOS 13 or above version to utilize any format of file transfer and more USB peripherals connection
- Wide Compatibility for Samsung Galaxy S25/S24/S23/S22/S21/S21 Ultra/S21+/S20/S20+/S20 Ultra/S10/S10+/S10e/S9/S9+/S8/S8+/Note20/Note10,Tab S9/S8/S7/S7+/S6,MacBook Pro 13''/14''/16'' M2/M1 , MacBook Air M2/M1,iPad mini 6/iPad Air 5/iPad Air 4/iPad 10/iPad Pro M2/M1
How the phone worked as a desktop
The software foundation was Samsung DeX, Samsung’s desktop interface for compatible Galaxy phones. In this arrangement, the phone provides the computing hardware and DeX supplies the desktop-style interface for use with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The report demonstrates this approach on the Galaxy A90 5G; it does not show that all Android phones support DeX or equivalent external-display use.
Check compatibility before buying parts
Start with the exact phone model, not just its brand or Android version. Verify whether it can output video to an external display and whether its supported desktop mode works with the peripherals you intend to use. The report does not give enough detail to prescribe a particular hub or connection layout, so check compatibility for your own model before choosing accessories.
Rank #2
- 5 in 1 Connectivity: The USB C Multiport Adapter is equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 100W USB C PD port, a 5 Gbps USB A data port, and two 480 Mbps USB A ports
Keep the screen or remove it?
GameRig removed the phone’s screen as part of its teardown, reportedly because the screen was defective. That choice is not a general requirement for using a phone as a desktop: the report does not establish that removing a working display improves performance or is necessary for DeX. Keeping the phone intact avoids turning a software-and-peripherals project into a hardware teardown; removing components requires a separate plan for safe disassembly, power, and enclosure design.
What the reported Minecraft result does—and does not—show
Notebookcheck says the finished setup managed over 400 fps while running Minecraft. The report supplies no resolution, game version, measurement method, run duration, or temperature readings. Treat the figure as a result reported by Notebookcheck, not as a controlled benchmark or a sound basis for comparing this phone build with a conventional PC.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
That single figure also cannot answer whether the setup suits a particular workload. Decide what you need to run and test that workload on the exact phone, display connection, and peripheral setup you plan to use. The report does not establish long-session reliability or broad replacement-PC performance.
Thermal and battery concerns
Notebookcheck says viewers criticized the lack of airflow holes and raised concerns about placing the battery inside the small enclosure. The report does not document a measured overheating event, the battery’s condition, temperature readings, cooling performance, or safety safeguards. A phone cooler being listed as part of the build does not resolve those unknowns.
Rank #4
- 【7-in-1 Expansion Hub】 Transforms your phone/tablet into a workstation. Includes HDMI , USB 3.0 (5Gbps), two USB 2.0 ports, SD/TF card readers, and a USB-C PD charging port. One hub, full connectivity.
- 【Samsung DeX & Universal Compatibility】 Specifically supports Samsung DeX mode and works with any USB-C device that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Compatible with Samsung Galaxy, iPad Pro/Air (USB-C), iPhone 15/16/17, Android phones, laptops, and more. Please confirm your device supports DP Alt Mode before purchase.
- 【Plug & Play Desktop Experience】 No drivers or software needed. Connect a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to turn your phone into a desktop workstation for presentations, remote work, or classroom use.
- 【4K UHD External Display】Connect your laptop to a 4K UHD monitor, TV, or projector using an HDMI cable. Enjoy crystal-clear visuals for movies, gaming, presentations, or multitasking on a larger screen.
- 【15W Pass-Through Charging】 Charges your phone/tablet while using the hub, preventing battery drain during long work sessions. Important: 15W fast charging requires a separately purchased fast-charge adapter and USB-C cable (not included). Charging not supported for laptops.
Anyone considering a similar teardown should treat ventilation, battery condition, and thermal behavior as engineering questions to address—not as risks proven solved by a small case or a cooler. The article does not provide the measurements or construction details needed to establish that this particular enclosure is safe for sustained use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.An alternative: run a Linux desktop environment on Android
A separate community project documents a Termux and Termux-X11 route for running Linux desktop environments on Android, including XFCE4, LXQt, MATE, and KDE Plasma. This is a different software approach from GameRig’s DeX setup, not the software stack used in the reported build. The project’s README
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- Ultimate 4K@120Hz Visual Fidelity: The steam deck dock helps experience incredibly smooth and immersive gaming or movie playback with HDMI 2.1 output, supporting up to 4K@120Hz, VRR, FreeSync, and G-Sync. Eliminates screen tearing and lag, providing a highly responsive and visually stunning experience on compatible displays.
- 100W PD Charging & Stable Power Management: This usb c dock power your host device (up to 85W) and the dock simultaneously with 100W PD 3.0 fast charging. Built-in comprehensive circuit protection (TVS, ESD, Over-Current) ensures safe and stable operation, protecting your valuable equipment from voltage spikes and surges.
- Extensive Connectivity for Gaming & Work: The steam deck docking station expands your setup with 2x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-C 3.0 data port (all 5Gbps), and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Connect peripherals like storage, keyboards, and get a stable, high-speed wired internet connection for seamless online gaming and uninterrupted work.
- Broad Compatibility with Consoles & Systems: Designed for gaming handhelds like Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Rog Xbox Ally, Rog Xbox Ally X, Region Go, and also fully compatible with laptops, PCs, Macs, and phones. It's plug-and-play across Windows, macOS, Linux, and SteamOS, requiring no drivers for immediate use. Not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.
- Compact Foldable Design with Robust Build: This usb c hub features a space-saving foldable stand made from aluminum alloy and PC+ABS, making it highly portable. The clever design provides a stable base for your handheld while keeping a minimal footprint on your desk, perfect for on-the-go gamers and professionals.
The README recommends an arm64 phone, at least 3 GB of RAM, and 5–10 GB of free storage. It says Snapdragon/Adreno is preferred for its GPU-acceleration path and that other GPUs may be slower; it also says the script does not require root. These are community-project recommendations, not a guarantee that a particular device or desktop application will work well. Compatibility guidance can change, so consult the README for current requirements.
Which route fits your use?
| Consideration | DeX-style setup | Termux and Termux-X11 |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Samsung’s desktop interface on a compatible Galaxy phone; used in GameRig’s reported build. Notebookcheck | A separate Android project for running Linux desktop environments. Project README |
| Device guidance in the sources | The report establishes the Galaxy A90 5G build, not broad compatibility across phones. Notebookcheck | The README recommends arm64, 3 GB or more of RAM, and 5–10 GB of free storage. Project README |
| Graphics guidance in the sources | No comparative GPU guidance stated in the report. Notebookcheck | The README prefers Snapdragon/Adreno for its acceleration path and says other GPUs may be slower. Project README |
| Root access | Not stated in the report. Notebookcheck | The README says the script does not require root. Project README |
Neither source provides a controlled comparison establishing that one route is universally better. Your choice depends on your phone’s actual display and peripheral compatibility, the software you need, and how much setup and hardware modification you are prepared to take on.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
