Samsung Multi Control shares a mouse, keyboard, or trackpad across compatible Galaxy screens. Microsoft Phone Link connects a supported phone to Windows so you can access selected messages, photos, notifications, and calls; some Android phones can also show apps in PC windows. Choose Multi Control for shared input across Galaxy devices, and Phone Link for phone features in Windows. Exact availability depends on your devices, software, and region.
What is the difference between Multi Control and Phone Link?
They solve different problems rather than competing over the same feature. Multi Control is an input-sharing feature for compatible Samsung devices: move one cursor between screens, type with a shared keyboard, and, in supported workflows, drag or copy content between devices. Phone Link surfaces selected phone functions in Windows; it does not generally turn a PC mouse and keyboard into controls for a phone in the way Multi Control does.
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Samsung’s current product overview describes Multi Control scenarios involving Galaxy Book, Galaxy Tab, Galaxy phones, Smart Monitor, and TVs, with compatibility dependent on the devices and software. A Samsung phone-and-tablet guide documents a narrower arrangement that does not require a Galaxy Book.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Microsoft lists messages, recent photos, notifications, and calls among Phone Link’s Android features. On selected Android devices, Phone Link can also open phone apps in Windows, and phone screen is available for supported devices. These advanced experiences are not universal. See Microsoft’s Phone Link requirements, Apps feature guidance, and supported-device list.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Which one fits your task?
| What you want to do | Better starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Move one pointer and keyboard across a Galaxy Book, phone, or tablet | Samsung Multi Control, if the devices are compatible | It is built for shared input across Galaxy screens. |
| Use a mouse or keyboard on a Galaxy phone and tablet without a Galaxy Book | Samsung Multi Control, if supported | Samsung documents this setup with a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse connected to the tablet. |
| See or respond to phone messages and notifications on a Windows PC | Microsoft Phone Link | It brings selected phone features into Windows, subject to permissions and device support. |
| Make or take phone calls from a PC | Microsoft Phone Link | Calls are supported over Bluetooth with compatible Windows and Android versions. |
| Open Android apps in PC windows | Phone Link on an eligible Android device | The Apps feature is limited to selected devices and has additional software and network requirements. |
| Connect an iPhone to Windows | Phone Link, for its supported iPhone features | Microsoft supports iPhone pairing, but the feature set differs from Android. |
What do you need for Samsung Multi Control?
Samsung’s current US overview says Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be on and the devices signed in to the same Samsung account. It also specifies requirements involving One UI, Samsung Settings, and Samsung Continuity Service. Pairings and requirements vary, so check the overview and the exact model rather than relying on a single minimum version.
Using Multi Control between a Galaxy phone and tablet
Samsung’s Philippine support guidance, last updated March 21, 2024, describes that particular setup as requiring One UI 5.1 or later on both devices, Bluetooth enabled, the same Samsung account and Wi-Fi network, and a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse connected to the tablet. The guide cautions that some functions may not work with certain models or apps. As this is region-specific guidance, confirm requirements on Samsung’s local support page and in your devices’ settings.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
What do you need for Microsoft Phone Link?
For general Android linking, Microsoft lists Windows 10 with the October 2022 update or later, or Windows 11; Android 10 or later; and the PC and phone on the same Wi-Fi network. Linking also requires a Microsoft account and permissions on the phone. Phone Link does not currently support multiple Android profiles or work or school accounts. Requirements for supported iPhones differ; check Microsoft’s current setup guidance.
Some Phone Link features have extra requirements
- Calls: Bluetooth must connect the PC and Android phone. Check Microsoft’s calling requirements.
- Apps and phone screen: These experiences are limited to supported Android devices and may depend on software versions, Wi-Fi, and, for Apps, a compatible PC GPU. Verify your model against Microsoft’s supported-device list and Apps guidance.
- Copy, paste, and file transfer: These actions have feature-specific conditions. Microsoft says Samsung file drag-and-drop requires a Samsung device with preinstalled Link to Windows version 1.0.52.30 or later. See Microsoft’s transfer guidance.
Can Phone Link control a Galaxy phone?
Phone Link provides access to selected phone functions from Windows, but that is not the same as using a shared cursor to control a Galaxy phone across screens. For messages, notifications, calls, or supported app windows, Phone Link is the relevant tool. For a shared keyboard or pointer across compatible Galaxy devices, Multi Control is the closer fit.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Both may be useful with a Samsung phone and Windows PC: Phone Link for Windows access to phone features, and Multi Control if you also have compatible Galaxy devices and want to share input between them. Having a Samsung phone alone does not guarantee every Phone Link feature or Multi Control pairing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What should you check before setting either one up?
- Confirm the exact phone, tablet, PC, monitor, or TV model is supported for the feature you want.
- Check software and app versions, market availability, and any feature-specific requirements in the current Samsung or Microsoft guidance.
- For Multi Control, verify Samsung account, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the required Samsung software; for the documented phone-and-tablet setup, confirm the tablet has a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse.
- For Phone Link, allow the required phone permissions and check whether the task needs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or both.
- Do not assume an Android feature applies to iPhone: Phone Link’s supported iPhone capabilities differ from its Android feature set.
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