Best Phones That Can Be Used as a Secondary Display for PC in Malaysia 2026

Why Use Your Phone as a Secondary Display for PC?

Before jumping into the phone recommendations, let me explain why this is actually worth doing. I was skeptical at first too – a 6-7 inch screen doesn’t sound like much next to a 24-inch monitor. But after using this setup daily for weeks, I’m genuinely convinced it adds real value.

Practical Use Cases in Malaysia:

• WhatsApp & Telegram Monitoring: First of all, keep your messaging apps visible on your phone screen while working on your main monitor. No more alt-tabbing every time someone messages you – especially useful during WFH sessions when your boss messages frequently
• Reference Documents: Additionally, display a PDF, spreadsheet, or reference material on your phone while working on the main screen. Students writing assignments find this incredibly helpful
• Monitoring Dashboards: Moreover, display system monitors, stock prices, cryptocurrency charts, or social media analytics on your phone screen. I keep Bursa Malaysia stock tracker on mine during trading hours
• Video Calls: Furthermore, run your Zoom or Google Meet call on the phone screen while presenting or sharing documents on the main monitor. This keeps participants visible without sacrificing workspace
• Music & Media Controls: Similarly, keep Spotify or YouTube Music visible on the phone screen for quick track changes without interrupting your workflow
• Travel & Cafe Work: Finally, when working from cafes or traveling, your phone becomes a genuine portable second monitor – no need to carry an extra display from our big screen phones collection

What Makes a Phone Good as a Secondary Display?

Not every phone works well as a second screen. Here are the key features I looked for when testing and ranking these phones:

How to Use Your Phone as a Secondary Display for PC

Before we get to the phone recommendations, here’s how you actually set this up. There are several methods, and the best one depends on your phone and PC.

Method 1: Spacedesk (Free – Windows + Android/iOS)

This is the easiest and most popular free option. It works wirelessly over your home Wi-Fi network and supports both Windows PCs and Android/iOS phones.

1. Step 1: Download and install Spacedesk Driver on your Windows PC from spacedesk.net
2. Step 2: Download the Spacedesk app on your phone (available on Google Play Store and App Store)
3. Step 3: Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
4. Step 4: Open the Spacedesk app on your phone – it will automatically detect your PC
5. Step 5: Tap to connect, and your phone becomes a secondary display
6. Step 6: In Windows Display Settings, arrange the phone screen position relative to your main monitor

Method 2: Duet Display (Paid – Windows/Mac + Android/iOS)

Duet Display costs about RM15-30 and offers lower latency than Spacedesk, especially over USB connection. It supports both wired (USB) and wireless modes, and works with both Windows and Mac computers.

1. Step 1: Purchase and download Duet Display on your PC/Mac
2. Step 2: Download the Duet Display app on your phone
3. Step 3: Connect via USB-C cable (recommended for lowest latency) or Wi-Fi
4. Step 4: The phone automatically extends your desktop – drag windows onto it

Method 3: Samsung DeX (Free – Samsung Phones Only)

If you have a Samsung phone, DeX is the gold standard. Samsung’s desktop mode transforms your phone into a PC-like environment, and with Wireless DeX or DeX on PC, your phone can function as both a secondary display and an independent workstation from our wireless DeX phones guide.

1. Step 1: Install Samsung DeX on your Windows PC or Mac
2. Step 2: Connect your Samsung phone via USB-C cable or wirelessly
3. Step 3: DeX launches a desktop interface on your PC – your phone acts as a touchpad
4. Step 4: Alternatively, use your phone screen as a secondary display while DeX runs on the main monitor

Method 4: USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode (Wired – Select Phones)

Some phones support USB-C video output via DisplayPort Alternate Mode. This allows you to connect your phone directly to a monitor or capture card and use it as a wired display with minimal latency. This is the most responsive method but requires specific hardware support from our USB-C accessories guide.

Best Phones for Secondary Display Use in Malaysia

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – The King of Phone-as-Display

Look, if you want the absolute best experience using a phone as a secondary display, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is it. No contest. The combination of Samsung DeX, the massive 6.9″ QHD+ AMOLED display, USB-C DisplayPort support, and Wi-Fi 7 makes this phone the gold standard for dual-screen productivity from our S25 Ultra review.

Why It’s the Best for Secondary Display Use:

• Samsung DeX Integration: First of all, DeX is hands-down the best desktop mode on any smartphone. Connect to your PC via USB-C or wirelessly, and your phone becomes a fully functional secondary workspace. You can run Android apps in resizable windows, drag files between your PC and phone, and use your phone’s touchscreen as a trackpad
• 6.9″ QHD+ Display: Additionally, the large screen with 3120 x 1440 resolution means text is sharp and readable even at small sizes. You can comfortably fit a chat window, email client, or reference document without squinting
• USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode: Moreover, the S25 Ultra supports wired display output via USB-C. This gives you the lowest possible latency – virtually zero perceivable delay when moving your cursor onto the phone screen
• Wi-Fi 7: Furthermore, when using wireless Spacedesk or DeX wirelessly, Wi-Fi 7 delivers noticeably lower latency than phones with older Wi-Fi standards. Wireless secondary display actually feels usable on this phone
• S Pen: Similarly, the built-in S Pen lets you interact with the secondary display naturally. Annotate documents, take quick notes, or navigate precisely on the small screen
• 5,000mAh Battery: Finally, the large battery means extended secondary display sessions don’t drain the phone rapidly. I got about 4-5 hours of continuous secondary display use before needing to charge

Samsung Galaxy S25+ – DeX on a Budget (Sort Of)

If the S25 Ultra’s RM5,799 price makes you wince, the Galaxy S25+ offers 90% of the same secondary display experience for RM1,300 less. You still get Samsung DeX, a large 6.7″ QHD+ AMOLED display, USB-C DisplayPort support, and Wi-Fi 7. The main things you lose are the S Pen and the telephoto camera – neither of which directly affect secondary display functionality.

Why It Works Well as a Secondary Display:

• Full Samsung DeX Support: First of all, identical DeX experience to the S25 Ultra – same desktop mode, same wireless DeX, same app windowing. For secondary display purposes, there’s zero functional difference
• 6.7″ QHD+ Display: Additionally, slightly smaller than the Ultra (6.7″ vs 6.9″), but the QHD+ resolution ensures everything stays sharp and readable. The 0.2″ difference is barely noticeable in practice
• Lighter Weight: Moreover, at 190g (vs Ultra’s 218g), the S25+ is more comfortable to prop up on a stand for extended secondary display sessions. Less strain on phone holders
• Great Value: Furthermore, at RM4,499, you’re saving RM1,300 compared to the Ultra while retaining all the secondary display features that actually matter

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – A Tablet-Sized Secondary Display

Here’s where things get interesting. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 unfolds to a massive 7.6-inch inner display – that’s practically a small tablet. As a secondary display, this extra real estate is genuinely transformative. You can actually fit full-sized application windows, read entire documents, and display dashboards with meaningful detail from our foldable phones guide.

Why It’s Unique for Secondary Display Use:

• 7.6″ Unfolded Display: First of all, this is the largest phone screen available in Malaysia. When unfolded and used as a secondary display, the workspace is nearly double what a regular 6.7″ phone offers. You can comfortably display a full email inbox, a spreadsheet, or a monitoring dashboard with readable text
• Samsung DeX on a Foldable: Additionally, DeX on the Fold’s large inner screen is the closest thing to having a portable monitor built into your phone. It’s genuinely usable for productivity work
• Flex Mode: Moreover, the Fold can stand up on its own in Flex Mode (partially folded), eliminating the need for a separate phone stand. Just prop it up at an angle and start working
• Dual-Screen Multitasking: Furthermore, you can split the unfolded screen into multiple windows – imagine having WhatsApp, email, AND a reference document visible simultaneously on the phone alone

Motorola Edge 50 Ultra – Ready For Platform

If you don’t want a Samsung but still want a native desktop mode experience, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is your best bet. Motorola’s “Ready For” platform provides a desktop-like interface when connected to an external display or used with PC companion software. It’s not quite as polished as Samsung DeX, but it’s the next best thing from our desktop mode phones.

Why It Works Well:

• Ready For Platform: First of all, Motorola’s desktop mode provides a full windowed interface when connected to PC. Apps run in resizable windows, and you can use your phone simultaneously as a touchpad, keyboard, or independent device
• 6.7″ pOLED 144Hz Display: Additionally, the 144Hz refresh rate is the highest on this list – the secondary display feels noticeably smoother when scrolling or moving windows compared to 120Hz phones
• USB-C DisplayPort: Moreover, wired connection support provides low-latency secondary display experience
• Clean Software: Furthermore, Motorola’s near-stock Android means less background resource usage, leaving more processing power available for secondary display tasks

OPPO Find X9+ – Gorgeous Screen for Secondary Use

The OPPO Find X9+ doesn’t have a native desktop mode like Samsung DeX, but it makes this list for one simple reason – it has arguably the best display of any phone in Malaysia right now. When used as a secondary display via Spacedesk or Duet Display, the 6.82″ 2K AMOLED panel with 4500 nits brightness produces the sharpest, most vibrant secondary screen experience I’ve tested from our Find X9+ review.

Why It Makes the List:

• 6.82″ 2K AMOLED, 4500 Nits: First of all, text is incredibly sharp at 2K resolution, colors are accurate (Hasselblad calibration helps here), and the extreme brightness means the screen stays readable in any lighting condition
• Large Screen Real Estate: Additionally, 6.82 inches is among the largest non-foldable phone screens available, providing more usable workspace than most competitors
• 5,800mAh Battery: Moreover, the massive battery handles continuous secondary display sessions well – I got 5-6 hours of Spacedesk use before needing to charge
• Spacedesk & Duet Compatible: Furthermore, works flawlessly with both major secondary display apps. Setup is straightforward, and the connection (both wireless and USB) is stable

Xiaomi 15 Pro – Desktop Mode Makes It Competitive

Xiaomi has been quietly improving their desktop mode in HyperOS, and on the Xiaomi 15 Pro, it’s actually quite good now. When connected to a PC via USB-C, the Xiaomi 15 Pro launches a basic desktop interface with resizable app windows, a taskbar, and mouse/keyboard support. It’s not DeX-level polished, but it’s functional from our Xiaomi phones collection.

Why It Works:

• Xiaomi Desktop Mode: First of all, HyperOS 2 includes a basic but functional desktop mode that works over USB-C connection. Apps display in windowed mode, and you can run multiple windows simultaneously
• 6.73″ 2K AMOLED: Additionally, the large, high-resolution display provides sharp secondary screen experience comparable to phones costing significantly more
• Spacedesk Performance: Moreover, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and Wi-Fi 7, wireless Spacedesk performance is smooth with minimal lag
• 5,400mAh Battery + 120W Charging: Furthermore, good battery life for extended sessions, and when you do run low, 120W charging gets you back to full incredibly fast from our fast charging rankings

OnePlus 15 – Raw Power for Smooth Secondary Display

The OnePlus 15 might not have a fancy desktop mode, but its raw specs make it an excellent secondary display phone via third-party apps. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor ensures zero lag when running Spacedesk or Duet Display, and the 6.82″ 2K AMOLED display is one of the brightest and sharpest available from our OnePlus 15 specs page.

Why It Works:

• 6.82″ 2K AMOLED, 4500 Nits: First of all, exceptional display quality rivals the OPPO Find X9+ for the best visual secondary screen experience
• Snapdragon 8 Elite + 16GB RAM: Additionally, the powerful hardware ensures Spacedesk and Duet Display run without any performance hitches, even alongside other apps
• 6,000mAh Battery: Moreover, one of the largest batteries on this list means extended secondary display sessions without battery concern
• 100W Charging: Furthermore, fast top-ups when needed during long work sessions

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G – DeX at Mid-Range Pricing

Here’s a surprise recommendation. The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G supports Samsung DeX – the same desktop mode found on Samsung’s RM5,000+ flagships – at just RM1,799. If your primary reason for buying a phone is secondary display use and you don’t want to spend flagship money, this is the smartest choice on this list from our A56 comparison guide.

Why It’s the Budget Champion:

• Full Samsung DeX: First of all, same DeX experience as the S25 Ultra – windowed apps, desktop interface, wireless DeX support. Samsung doesn’t limit DeX features based on phone price tier
• 6.7″ Super AMOLED 120Hz: Additionally, good display quality with smooth refresh rate. Not as sharp as QHD+ flagships, but FHD+ resolution is perfectly adequate for secondary display use – text is readable and clear
• RM1,799 Price: Moreover, less than a third the price of the S25 Ultra while offering the same core desktop mode functionality. Unbeatable value for secondary display purposes
• 5,000mAh Battery: Furthermore, decent battery life handles 3-4 hours of continuous secondary display sessions

Poco F6 Pro – Big Screen Performance on a Budget

The Poco F6 Pro brings a stunning 6.67″ 2K AMOLED display and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor at under RM2,000. While it lacks a native desktop mode like Samsung DeX, its excellent display quality and powerful hardware make it a capable secondary display phone via Spacedesk or Duet Display from our Poco comparison guide.

Why It Works:

• 6.67″ 2K AMOLED: First of all, 2K resolution at this price is remarkable. Text is sharp and clear when used as a secondary display – no visible pixelation even up close
• Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: Additionally, powerful enough to run secondary display apps alongside other tasks without any performance issues
• 120W Charging: Moreover, full charge in about 19 minutes means you can quickly top up between extended secondary display sessions
• ~RM1,899 Price: Furthermore, outstanding value for a 2K AMOLED display with flagship-tier performance

Redmi Note 15 Pro+ – Secondary Display Under RM1,300

If you want to try using a phone as a secondary display without spending much, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is the most affordable option that still delivers a usable experience. At around RM1,299, it’s the cheapest phone on this list that I’d genuinely recommend for secondary display purposes from our Redmi Note 15 specs page.

Why It Makes the Cut:

• 6.67″ AMOLED 120Hz: First of all, good display quality with 120Hz smoothness. FHD+ resolution is adequate for secondary display use – text is readable, colors are vibrant
• Dimensity 8400: Additionally, capable processor handles Spacedesk without lag for typical secondary display tasks (chat apps, documents, monitoring)
• 5,500mAh Battery: Moreover, large battery provides 4-5 hours of continuous secondary display use
• ~RM1,299 Price: Furthermore, the most affordable option on this list that still delivers a genuinely usable secondary display experience

Quick Comparison – All 10 Phones Side by Side

Tips for the Best Secondary Display Experience

Hardware Tips:

• Get a Phone Stand: First of all, invest in a proper phone stand (RM15-30 on Shopee). You need your phone propped up at a comfortable viewing angle. I recommend adjustable stands that allow both portrait and landscape orientation
• Use USB-C When Possible: Additionally, wired connections via USB-C always deliver lower latency than wireless. If your phone supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, use it. A good USB-C cable costs RM20-40
• Keep Phone Plugged In: Moreover, secondary display use drains battery significantly. Keep your phone connected to a charger during extended sessions to avoid running out mid-work
• Position Thoughtfully: Furthermore, place the phone screen at the same height as your main monitor to reduce neck strain. Most people place it to the side of their keyboard

Software Tips:

• Reduce Phone Screen Resolution: First, lowering resolution to FHD+ (even on 2K phones) can improve Spacedesk performance and reduce latency slightly
• Close Unnecessary Apps: Additionally, close background apps on your phone to free up resources for the secondary display app
• Use 5GHz Wi-Fi: Moreover, always connect to your router’s 5GHz band (or Wi-Fi 6/7) for wireless secondary display. The 2.4GHz band has too much latency for this use case
• Set Phone to Do Not Disturb: Furthermore, enable DND mode on your phone while using it as a secondary display to prevent notifications from disrupting your workflow
• Adjust Windows Display Settings: Finally, in Windows Display Settings, set the phone screen’s scaling to 150-200% for comfortable text readability. Default 100% scaling makes everything too small on a 6-7 inch screen

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any phone as a secondary display for my PC?

Yes, most modern Android and iOS phones can function as secondary displays using third-party apps like Spacedesk (free) or Duet Display (paid). Both apps work over Wi-Fi, and Duet Display also supports USB connections. However, the experience quality varies significantly based on your phone’s display quality, processor power, Wi-Fi capability, and whether it has native desktop mode support. Phones with Samsung DeX, Motorola Ready For, or USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode provide the best experience. Budget phones with smaller screens and weaker Wi-Fi may feel laggy or cramped.

Is Spacedesk or Duet Display better for using phone as second monitor?

Spacedesk is better for casual use (free), Duet Display is better for serious productivity (paid). Spacedesk is completely free and works wirelessly over Wi-Fi – it’s the perfect starting point to try the secondary display workflow. However, it has slightly higher latency (50-100ms on good Wi-Fi) and occasional disconnections. Duet Display costs RM15-30 but offers lower latency (especially over USB), more stable connections, better touch input support, and works with both Windows and Mac. My recommendation: start with Spacedesk. If you use the secondary display daily and want a smoother experience, upgrade to Duet Display.

Does Samsung DeX work wirelessly for secondary display?

Yes, Samsung DeX supports both wired (USB-C) and wireless connections. Wireless DeX works over Wi-Fi and can connect to Windows PCs, Macs, and Samsung Smart TVs without any cables. The wireless experience has improved significantly in recent years – on Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 networks, latency is acceptable for productivity tasks. For the lowest latency experience, USB-C wired DeX is still recommended. All Samsung Galaxy S, Z Fold, and select Galaxy A series phones (including the A56 5G) support DeX from our wireless DeX guide.

What is the best budget phone for secondary display in Malaysia?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G at RM1,799 is the best budget choice. It’s the cheapest phone on our list that supports Samsung DeX – the best native desktop mode available on any smartphone. You get a 6.7″ Super AMOLED 120Hz display, full DeX functionality (same as RM5,799 S25 Ultra), 5,000mAh battery, and reliable performance. If even RM1,799 is too much, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ at RM1,299 works with Spacedesk but lacks native desktop mode and USB-C video output. For the best software experience at the lowest price, the A56 5G is unbeatable from our budget student phones guide.

Does using my phone as a secondary display drain battery quickly?

Yes, secondary display use does drain battery faster than normal use. The screen stays on at full brightness, the processor works continuously to maintain the display connection, and Wi-Fi transmits data constantly. In my testing, most phones lose about 15-25% battery per hour during secondary display use. A 5,000mAh phone lasts approximately 3-4 hours of continuous use, while a 6,000mAh phone manages 4-5 hours. My recommendation: keep your phone plugged into a charger during extended secondary display sessions to avoid interruptions from our battery life guide.

Can I use my phone as a secondary display with a Mac?

Yes, but with some limitations. Duet Display fully supports Mac + iPhone/Android connections – it’s actually the best option for Mac users. Spacedesk, however, only works with Windows PCs (no Mac support). Samsung DeX has a Mac companion app that allows basic connection. For Mac users, I recommend Duet Display as the primary solution – it’s the most reliable and feature-complete option for macOS compatibility.

Is a phone screen too small to use as a secondary display?

It depends on what you’re doing. For full desktop work with small text and multiple windows? Yes, a 6-7 inch screen is too small. However, for specific tasks like monitoring chat apps, displaying reference documents, keeping dashboards visible, or controlling media playback, the size is perfectly adequate. The key is using the secondary phone screen for supplementary tasks, not primary work. Think of it as a persistent notification center or quick-reference panel rather than a full workspace. Windows display scaling set to 150-200% helps make text readable on smaller screens. Foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (7.6″ unfolded) provide the most comfortable secondary display experience if screen size is a concern from our foldable phones guide.

Which apps can I keep on my phone secondary display while working?

The most popular secondary display tasks include: WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time messaging visibility, Spotify or YouTube Music for media controls, email inbox for monitoring incoming messages, calendar app for schedule reference, stock market or crypto trackers (Bursa Malaysia, TradingView), system monitoring tools (CPU/RAM usage, network speed), calculator or unit converter for quick calculations, note-taking apps (Google Keep, Notion) for reference notes, video call apps (Zoom, Meet) for keeping participants visible, and social media dashboards for content creators monitoring engagement from our business phones guide.

Final Verdict – Our Top Recommendations

Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (RM5,799) – The ultimate phone-as-secondary-display experience. Samsung DeX is unmatched, the 6.9″ QHD+ display is gorgeous, USB-C DisplayPort provides zero-lag wired connection, and the S Pen adds unique interactivity. If budget permits, this is the gold standard.

Best Value: Samsung Galaxy A56 5G (RM1,799) – The smartest choice for most people. Full Samsung DeX at a fraction of the flagship price. The secondary display experience is 85% as good as the S25 Ultra. If your primary goal is phone-as-secondary-display, this delivers the best software experience per ringgit spent.

Best Display Quality: OPPO Find X9+ (RM3,999) – If you want the sharpest, brightest, most vibrant secondary display experience and don’t need Samsung DeX, the Find X9+ has the best panel on this list. The 6.82″ 2K AMOLED with 4500 nits is exceptional for any use case.

Most Affordable: Redmi Note 15 Pro+ (RM1,299) – The entry point for trying the secondary display workflow without significant investment. Works well enough with Spacedesk for basic tasks like chat monitoring and reference documents. Good starting point to see if this productivity hack works for you.

My Personal Recommendation:

After testing all these phones as secondary displays, here’s my honest advice: start with whatever phone you already own. Download Spacedesk (free), prop your current phone up on a stand, and try using it as a second screen for a week. If you find it genuinely useful – and many people do – then consider investing in a phone optimized for the experience. The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G offers the best value for dedicated secondary display use, while the S25 Ultra provides the premium experience. But don’t buy a new phone just for this feature – try it with what you have first.

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