While the term "HDMI Alt Mode" is often used broadly, most phones that support video output to an HDMI display do so primarily through DisplayPort Alt Mode over their USB-C port. True native HDMI Alt Mode support directly from the phone's port is less common. However, devices equipped with DisplayPort Alt Mode can easily connect to HDMI monitors or TVs using a simple USB-C to HDMI adapter or a compatible dock, as DisplayPort can carry an HDMI signal.
Understanding USB-C Alternate Modes for Video Output
USB-C's versatility comes from its "Alternate Modes" (Alt Modes), which allow the port to carry non-USB data. For video, the two most common Alt Modes are:
- DisplayPort Alt Mode: This is the most widely adopted Alt Mode for video output from smartphones and other USB-C devices. It allows a phone to output a DisplayPort video signal directly from its USB-C port. An inexpensive, passive USB-C to HDMI adapter can then convert this DisplayPort signal to an HDMI signal for connection to a TV or monitor.
- HDMI Alt Mode: This mode allows a USB-C port to directly output an HDMI signal. While technically possible, it's less commonly implemented directly on mobile devices compared to DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Therefore, when looking for phones that support "HDMI alt mode," you are typically looking for phones that support DisplayPort Alt Mode, as this is the enabling technology for most direct video output to HDMI displays.
Phones Supporting Video Output to HDMI (via DisplayPort Alt Mode)
Many modern smartphones with USB-C ports offer DisplayPort Alt Mode functionality, allowing them to extend or mirror their screen onto an external display. Here are some notable examples:
| Device Name | Desktop Mode Support | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Samsung DeX | 2022 |
| Asus ROG Phone 5 | ASUS Professional Dock (built-in experimental desktop mode) | 2021 |
| Asus ROG Phone 5s | ||
| Fairphone 4 | - | 2021 |
How to Connect Your Phone to an HDMI Display
To connect a phone that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode to an HDMI display, you will typically need:
- A USB-C to HDMI Adapter or Cable: This adapter converts the DisplayPort signal from your phone's USB-C port into an HDMI signal that your TV or monitor can understand. Some cables integrate this adapter directly.
- A USB-C Dock: For more extensive connectivity, a USB-C dock can offer not only HDMI output but also additional USB-A ports, Ethernet, and power delivery, creating a more desktop-like experience.
Once connected, your phone can either mirror its screen or, if it supports a desktop environment (like Samsung DeX or ASUS's experimental mode), provide a full-fledged desktop interface on the external display. This allows for improved productivity, gaming on a larger screen, or consuming media more comfortably.
