Database Info

The Galaxy S4 connectivity thread - MHL/USB OTG/BT/Gamepads and more!

Hi everyone,
Thought I would start a thread about what things people are using with their S4s.
A few findings of mine from today:
The Smart Dock works with the S4.
The S3/Note 2 MHL adapters definitely work
The S4 MHL 2.0 adapter works without needing a charging input plugged in and IS outputting at 60Hz
USB audio working, although some DACs not working that did work with S3/Note 2 (Apex Glacier not working for me, my HeadAmp Pico and RSA Intruder are)
USB keyboards/mice working with the S4, as they did with the older Samsungs
PS3 controller working over USB OTG (although mapping seems odd, have to try it in an emulator)
Ditto for the Xbox 360 for Microsoft controller (which required an app on older Samsungs in order to work)
Interesting, tried my Logitech F310 controller with it and it works too (it does not work with any other Android handset without USB/BT Joystick Centre, but here works OOTB). The F710 probably works too in that case.
BT keyboard and mouse working, as expected.
IR blaster via the inbuilt app works great with my LG TV.
Logitech F710 works too.
MHL and USB OTG do not work together using the new MHL 2.0 adapter for the S4.
NTFS formatted drives still don't work on stock ROMs. Shame since my Padfone Infinity has it OOTB.
Moga Pro gamepad working well
Tried an ethernet adapter yesterday evening: no-go. Need to check its documentation again because I suspect it requires driver installation. Have order a couple of driverless ethernet adapters that are confirmed to work with several Android tablets and will give them a go when they arrive.
Additional info on ethernet: can pretty much definitively say ethernet is not working I think. Tried today with a new adapter (that works perfectly on the Padfone Infinity in phone and pad modes, since I tried that first), does not work with S4 with or without an externally powered USB hub.
Will chime in with more when I have a chance to try more stuff out.

On the s4 MHL adapter: I find it amazing that the hdmi can carry plenty of juice to keep the s4 and the MHL adapter topped up on power. The knock off on sale at amazon still says to use external power.
Have you tried miracast yet?
BT Keyboard/mouse?

Hi, could someone please tell me if the Galaxy S4 and the new MHL 2.0 adapter allow HDMI and USB OTG at the same time using the micro usb port on the MHL 2.0 adapter? Very keen to know! Cheers!

testinguser said:
On the s4 MHL adapter: I find it amazing that the hdmi can carry plenty of juice to keep the s4 and the MHL adapter topped up on power. The knock off on sale at amazon still says to use external power.
Have you tried miracast yet?
BT Keyboard/mouse?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First post updated, BT keyboard and mouse working as expected.
Not tried miracast yet.
IR blaster works a treat with my LG TV.
Definitely works without power with the S4, although it doesn't charge the phone at all used like that (unless of course you have an MHL-capable TV, I don't).

Hi NZtechfreak if you could test the MHL 2.0 adapter and USB OTG at the same time that would be great

delucz said:
Hi NZtechfreak if you could test the MHL 2.0 adapter and USB OTG at the same time that would be great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As noted above, doesn't work. Only way to do that simultaneously is still the Smart Dock.

I have a couple of questions.
1) Does the smart dock outputs 60Hz or this is achievable only with the mhl 2.0 adapter?
2) Is 60Hz mode noticeably better?
3) Any slowdowns or delays, while mirroring the display?
Thanks in advance.

maxnik1 said:
I have a couple of questions.
1) Does the smart dock outputs 60Hz or this is achievable only with the mhl 2.0 adapter?
2) Is 60Hz mode noticeably better?
3) Any slowdowns or delays, while mirroring the display?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need to spend more time with it to answer those, will definitely update soon.
Regarding slowdowns - found it pretty smooth, which was a relief because the Xperia Z lagged horribly over MHL.
UPDATE:
1) Does the smart dock outputs 60Hz or this is achievable only with the mhl 2.0 adapter? Only the MHL 2.0 adapter can do 60Hz.
2) Is 60Hz mode noticeably better? Yes, compared them directly today, found scrolling webpages and so forth noticeably smoother on MHL 2.0.

Used a Moga Pro controller with my S4 to play some GTA while mirroring over MHL 2.0, nice! Still playing around with the Moga, but enjoying so far.

NZtechfreak said:
MHL and USB OTG do not work together using the new MHL 2.0 adapter for the S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[edit]Disappointing to hear =(

I've gotten a lot of use out of this OTG microSD adapter. The native "My Files" app on the S4 instantly recognizes it as USB storage.
http://dx.com/p/c310-otg-tf-card-re...er-for-samsung-i9100-i9300-i9220-n7100-174106

My FiiO E17, works perfectly with the OTG and S4 . sadly my DACMini and DACPort doesn't work
S3 didn't work for the E17 .

ChronoReverse said:
Disappointing to hear =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, only way is to use the Smart Dock.

Could somebody please test if a USB to Ethernet adapter works via OTG cable?
Cheers

man im confussed a lil, i never used the mhl adapter with my s3,but today i bought a mhl to hdmi adaptor i have a samsung 3d tv its from 2011 i think,anyway the brand is pipeline says worsk with samsung supports upto 1080p uncompressed hd video and 7.1 surround, i tried frist without the power plugged into it,wouldnt recognize even a input on the tv, plugged power in it saw an input i could select it on the tv but said check the power source or cable,is there something else i need to enable on the phone to work?or do i need to have a SAMSUNG adaptor?
---------- Post added at 03:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:39 PM ----------
Actualy I just found out samsung uses 11 pin configuration so u need a samsung adapter
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Has anyone tried the adapter from monoprice yet?

i just returned the pipeline mhl to hdmi adapter and got the samsung one from best buy works perfect, 11 pins is a must
---------- Post added at 06:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:52 PM ----------
onehitch said:
Has anyone tried the adapter from monoprice yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it have 11 pins?

just to add something ive used,i have the moga game controller that connects bluetooth works perfect,and last night i messed around with the mhl to hdmi adapter and had it hooked up to the tv and was playing games on the tv using the moga controller ran so so smooth felt like i was playing an xbox, i do have a question if anyone can answer about the mhl i have a yamaha surround sound,usually i use a fiber connetion from what ever device tv, cable,blue ray, whatever, so the reciever u can send hdmi threw it so u can take the device into the reciver and then theres and out to the tv to get the picture witch worked with the phone,but i couldn't get and audio to come out of my surround sound it came out of the tv but i want the surround to work,whats my best option any help would be appreciated

Imagine my surprise when I connected mine to my MS Surface pro. It was immediately recognized, nothing to install and I was able to browse contents of both internal storage and my microSD card!

Whats a recommended OTG cable to get ?

Using Nexus 5 as gaming console

Hello,
right now I am a more or less pleased Note 3 user. The past days made me thinking about a switch to the Nexus 5. More and more reasons come up, mainly I don't use the Note features that often and I hate TouchWiz. I got my hands on a Nexus 5 and all I can say is that this phone is beautiful and blazing fast. Despite the obvious (smaller screen, no pen, smaller battery, etc) I want to ask you if the following works as good on the Nexus as it does on my Note 3.
I like to connect my phone via MHL to the TV and play games using a Dualshock3 controller in combination with the SixAxis app. Playing Asphalt8 my phone losses about 40% battery in about 2,5 hours (It's connected to a 1 amp. USB port of the TV). Games like Asphalt 8 run very smooth.
I know the Nexus doesn't use MHL but Slimport. And the SixAxis app should work, root implied.
Here are my questions.
1. Does Slimport suffer from a bigger latency than MHL?
2. Is the phone also charging on a Slimport connection? If so, same amount?
3. Is it possible to charge the Nexus via Slimport (if answer was yes on question 2) AND wireless at the same time?
4. Does the Nexus 5 support USB OTG (to pair the controller)?
Many thanks for your time.
Bjorn

This will help with your OTG question. https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!msg/nexus/LJeoF7AK1zU/6ZyI9gQLjIsJ
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2505924
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIoCiIvztwE
this seems most helpful: http://forums.androidcentral.com/google-nexus-5/329303-does-nexus-5-support-usb-otg.html
thats all i have sorry.

dark_dude said:
3. Is it possible to charge the Nexus via Slimport (or USB) AND wireless at the same time?
Bjorn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this is the only questions that remains unanswered. Does anyone know?

It is possible to charge it while using Slimport, but that also can depend on which Slimport adapter do you have. I have some Chinese adapter with built-in USB cable, and it is working great...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

dark_dude said:
Thanks, this is the only questions that remains unanswered. Does anyone know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wireless charging will not work at the same time as wired charging. Also charging while playing games can lead to significant heat.

I would hold out if I were you. As mentioned, charging and game play are going to cause heat.
There are rumours of Amazon releasing a dedicated android console so perhaps, waiting is a good idea.

Na, these consoles suck. At least the ones that are already there. My Note 3 is way better than every existing console. And I think the Nexus will be to.

Im not talking about existing ones. but sure, if you want to stop playing every hour to recharge, go ahead
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Q] Max Nexus 5 USB OTG Current Output?

Hi everybody,
Just wondering what is the max current that can outputtedfrom the nexus 5 USB port before I need to power up my otg appliance externally.
The thing is that I ordered an OTG cable and I want to connect to it regular USB 2.0 Hub.

I don't know the answer. I know its not enough for a mechanical drive but I can "power" my usb hub. Its not one that takes an additional power source. I can drive keyboard, mouse and (I think) 2x flash simultaneously.
I say I think, I'm confident I tested 2 flash devices but I am 100% positive I tested 1.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the replay.
My goal is to connect in the same time a Slimport,keyboard,and a mouse (Or a game controller instead of a keyboard and a mouse) while the Slimport has the option to connect to it a micro usb for power if that is needed.
Can someone confirm it will work?

You can't use both otg and slimport at the same time
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

It has been tested?

I have tested it. With slimport connected the micro USB socket on the slimport adapter can only be used for charging.
I had a similar idea to use both slimport and otg to get fpse(ps1 emulator) on the big screen and use my Xbox 360 pad to control it.
But it doesn't work
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 07:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:00 PM ----------
The other plan was to use xbmc for android with an external hard drive for a semi portable media center but the drive doesn't Mount when plugged in as well as the slimport adapter
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Game Controllers

What are you guys and gals using as far as gaming controllers. I have a PS3 and Xbox One controller at home. Just wondering if either can be easily used with the Tab S. Just purchased Modern Combat 5. So far I've played it on the G3 and Nvidia Shield.

05GT said:
What are you guys and gals using as far as gaming controllers. I have a PS3 and Xbox One controller at home. Just wondering if either can be easily used with the Tab S. Just purchased Modern Combat 5. So far I've played it on the G3 and Nvidia Shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/help/gamepad-game-controller-t2820410

controller recharges the tablet
is it possible to connect the controller (that has a battery pack) to the tablet and recharge the tablet?
eg. can a xbox one controller, that has a battery pack, be connected with an mhl cable/usb cable to a tablet and be used to charge the tablet?

saviora said:
is it possible to connect the controller (that has a battery pack) to the tablet and recharge the tablet?
eg. can a xbox one controller, that has a battery pack, be connected with an mhl cable/usb cable to a tablet and be used to charge the tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no it can't :cyclops:

sku|| said:
no it can't :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8bitdo ncs 30 bluetooth game pad controller for ios/android/pc

ibill1 said:
8bitdo ncs 30 bluetooth game pad controller for ios/android/pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally figured it out...just in time for my trip!
I ended up buying the Red Samurai controller from Gamestop for $15.
I am able to connect and use with retroarch. Just needed to install the free app, Bluez IME. Takes a bit of configuring but once it's set, the controller works flawlessly.
The app and retroarch even has a reconfigured profile for the controller.

redijedi808 said:
Finally figured it out...just in time for my trip!
I ended up buying the Red Samurai controller from Gamestop for $15.
I am able to connect and use with retroarch. Just needed to install the free app, Bluez IME. Takes a bit of configuring but once it's set, the controller works flawlessly.
The app and retroarch even has a reconfigured profile for the controller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great suggestion. I'm thinking buy the Moga Pro but this is cheaper and it is more similar with PS controller.
Can you tell me if you can play in emulators such as the PSP emulator?

Has anyone tried an original xbox wireless controller with the receiver connected to the usb (via adapter)? The receiver seems to has power,
but the controller wont connect. PS3 controller works though.

my xbox controller doesnt work, as others have said. so how would I go about getting a ps3 controller to work? is it a wired one and can i pick up any cheap ps3 controller?

DrEzkimo said:
my xbox controller doesnt work, as others have said. so how would I go about getting a ps3 controller to work? is it a wired one and can i pick up any cheap ps3 controller?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sixaxis app does recognize my ps3 controller (afaik there are only wireless with optional cable), but only with cable plugged in. Bluetooth does not work, though the controller
has the right master adress.
Ok the problem seems to be the pairing. If paired from the tablet, it wont work... if paired from the pc, it works.

see I know sod all about the ps3 pad, I dont even know what pairing on the PC means or how you would set it up...

Hello!
Did anyone connect SteelSeries Free controller to the Tab S? I'm thinking about getting one and I would like to make sure that it will work.

Trying to pair red samurai wireless tablet controller with my tab s
the bluetooth can see the device, but when i select it to pair the device with my tablet, it asks me to confirm the PIN code for the device, which is displayed when i select to pair. But it fails to pair every time because I don't see any dialog box or anything pop up to enter the PIN code to pair successfully.
Jared

red samurai controller (GameStop)
Using the red samurai controller with all playstore emulators works well but with a little lag between button press and action.
BTW GameStop has it for 8 bucks and the tab recognizes it via Bluetooth no problem
-Ahmed-

Ordered MOGA Mobile Android Gaming System . £10.99 from Amazon ... Im sure there are flaws but for that price i don't lose much.. Find out next week when its delivered as to how many it has

geminiahmed said:
Using the red samurai controller with all playstore emulators works well but with a little lag between button press and action.
BTW GameStop has it for 8 bucks and the tab recognizes it via Bluetooth no problem
-Ahmed-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The PS3 controller is the best way to go for me...
I bought the red samurai for $8 also just to play emulators..
The controller paid with no problems and I was able to map all the keys but the lag from button press to In game action was unbareable
The PS3 was fussy to set up but it's more 1to1 responsive..
-Ahmed-
Sent from my SM-T700 using XDA Free mobile app

If you are using the red samurai v2 you do not need blue imz, it should just work.. or at least it does for me. I also have not noticed any input lag even vs a usb controller I was using over usb otg until I decided I wanted to be able to charge and use a controller at the same time. I have also used the same red samurai v2 on my win 8.1 htpc just for testinf and it paired right away and worked with near 0 input lag.

Im just using sixaxis controller

Using a ipega 9023 version 2 with the red buttons ......awwwweeeessssooommeee
Sent from my SM-T700 using XDA Free mobile app

Just tried the mi gaming pad but tab s doesn't even recognised it... looks like a waste of money, to bad... my honor6 gsm paired directly without any problems! Damn you samsung!!!
---------- Post added at 10:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 PM ----------
Fixed it! I installed it on my tab s ? I installed bluetooth autoconnect and then bluetooth terminal which is in wears Polish or Russian or so but I used it to scan for connecting devices and it saw the device... then went to bluetooth settings in tab s and it stood there ready to pair with !!! Me happy !!!

Can anybody recommend a good mhl adapter?

Just thought I ask if anyone knows of a good quality mhl adapter to mirror to t.v.
Please let me know thanks!

ihateu said:
Just thought I ask if anyone knows of a good quality mhl adapter to mirror to t.v.
Please let me know thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one you can buy from Samsung works. Keep your eyes open for a 50% off coupon.

you can probably get one from Monoprice.com pretty cheap. Just check to see if the microUSB end is a 5pin or 11pin. You may need to get a 5pin to 11pin adapter.

Confirmed a generic mhl adaptor will work with a 5 to 11pin adaptor. With or with out power cable. I keep a power cable on it because it drains more battery while playing

I had one that worked with my Note II and it works just fine with my note IV
So it looks like Samsung didn't mess with it this time.

I read some of the reviews for the Samsung mhl adapter ,lots of complaints about it not charging the phone fast enough and it stop working after a while. Guess I'll have to try it out thanks for the responses .
Do you need the 5 to 11 pin adapter with the Samsung mhl adapter?

I have the Samsung one and it's working great. It charges the phone enough so that the battery doesn't drain while the phone's connected. Don't get me wrong, the percentage may go up, but of course not as fast as if it were charging normally. And it certainly doesn't go down. So all in all, a worthy investment.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

I just ordered the MHL 3.0 HDTV Adapter from Samsung's store and I think that may be what you're looking for. Unfortunately, I can't provide any user feedback for it myself because I haven't received it yet. Probably will once I do.
I think the reason why the Samsung MHL adapter has been getting bad reviews, particularly for the Note 4, is because they're using the MHL 2.0 adapter, which supports everything from the Galaxy S5 and older.
The MHL 3.0 adapter supports higher power charging and should be able to support the Note 4's power demands, as well as display out 1440p video, something the MHL 2.0 adapter can't do.
I'll report back on the Samsung MHL 3.0 adapter after I receive it (hopefully Monday, ordered it just this morning).
I'd post a link to the adapter but I haven't posted enough to have the permission to.
Also, like previously mentioned, there is a 50% coupon code out there. Apparently you were supposed to receive this when you registered your phone. I called Samsung's store support phone number about this and they confirmed the 50% off coupon does exist and that it may have gone to my Spam folder. After I told her that I may have accidentally deleted it (I try to review my spam folder before deleting but it is HARD when you receive hundreds), she was happy to do the order for me with the 50% off over the phone. I guess YMMV but just throwing it out there because it's possible. People from New York City interested in this, your total would amount to $31.51 after tax and shipping charges (via UPS 3Day/$3.95)
Edit: If you haven't registered your Note 4 with Samsung, do it and you will receive the 50% coupon code minutes after registering it. My coworker just did it for his Note 4 and got the coupon code via email.

Have you considered getting a Chromecast? You can mirror you phone to your tv wirelessly. Best thing about it is it only costs $35.00. I've got 3 of em and use them regularly for my Note 4 and other devices I have...highly recommended

Do you need wifi in order for chromecast to work??
jdizzle316 said:
Have you considered getting a Chromecast? You can mirror you phone to your tv wirelessly. Best thing about it is it only costs $35.00. I've got 3 of em and use them regularly for my Note 4 and other devices I have...highly recommended
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app

art90262 said:
Do you need wifi in order for chromecast to work??
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you need wifi, but its a really good solution, I love mine, I got 3 as well and they are very good and reliable.

KusMoG said:
I just ordered the MHL 3.0 HDTV Adapter from Samsung's store and I think that may be what you're looking for. Unfortunately, I can't provide any user feedback for it myself because I haven't received it yet. Probably will once I do.
I think the reason why the Samsung MHL adapter has been getting bad reviews, particularly for the Note 4, is because they're using the MHL 2.0 adapter, which supports everything from the Galaxy S5 and older.
The MHL 3.0 adapter supports higher power charging and should be able to support the Note 4's power demands, as well as display out 1440p video, something the MHL 2.0 adapter can't do.
I'll report back on the Samsung MHL 3.0 adapter after I receive it (hopefully Monday, ordered it just this morning).
I'd post a link to the adapter but I haven't posted enough to have the permission to.
Also, like previously mentioned, there is a 50% coupon code out there. Apparently you were supposed to receive this when you registered your phone. I called Samsung's store support phone number about this and they confirmed the 50% off coupon does exist and that it may have gone to my Spam folder. After I told her that I may have accidentally deleted it (I try to review my spam folder before deleting but it is HARD when you receive hundreds), she was happy to do the order for me with the 50% off over the phone. I guess YMMV but just throwing it out there because it's possible. People from New York City interested in this, your total would amount to $31.51 after tax and shipping charges (via UPS 3Day/$3.95)
Edit: If you haven't registered your Note 4 with Samsung, do it and you will receive the 50% coupon code minutes after registering it. My coworker just did it for his Note 4 and got the coupon code via email.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried setting up chromecast using fox fi ( I don't have a home isp ) don't think its possible to set up without wifi.looks like a hard wired connection is the way to go.

Anybody use one of those HDTV adapters that have usb, sdcard spot and power area. It looks really cool.

Okay, so I finally got the official Samsung MHL 3.0 but I had to wait til I got back from work to test it out.
*********
Only tried it briefly, and it's exactly what I expected and yet kinda floored with the results after testing several wireless mirroring with my Note 4 lately.
If you need a video out display for gaming, where input lag needs to be non-existent, accept no substitutes, the MHL 3.0 adapter does the job like it's supposed to. I tried playing Secret of Mana with it and it feels just like normal console gaming. I don't have to play mind games with myself to convince myself that it's good because it is. Press left, you move left, right there and then.
*********
EDIT: I wrote the above earlier but I need to change my opinion on that after trying the adapter for a longer period of time. There *IS* STILL lag with the MHL 3 adapter. It's much shorter lag than any wireless solution for sure though... I'm talking in the microseconds BUT it's still noticeable enough to affect your experience. This was evident to me when I was playing Sonic The Hedgehog and depended on precision input to make jumps and avoid spikes and pits. At first I thought I was just playing real bad, but when I was playing while looking at the phone's screen instead of the TV I did just fine. I think it might be a framerate issue when projected to the TV. The gameplay just feels slower, inputs feel heavier. If you have a Game mode on your TV it will definitely help this issue and does lessen the lag, but the lag is still there. That said it's playable unlike with wireless streaming, although it's really compromised gaming. I don't recommend playing this way.
I can also confirm that Samsung's MHL 3.0 adapter *WILL* power up and charge the Note 4 while gaming (and I'm using a Dualshock 4 bluetooth controller too) when used with the stock charger. No charger is included with the adapter. No HDMI cable is included with the adapter either. You'll need to supply both on your own. If your TV has a 1.0A USB port or higher, it will also be able to charge your phone. 0.5A USB ports though (on older TVs) will NOT have enough power to keep up with the Note 4.
I was worried about the width of the adapter's USB connector since I use a case for my Note 4, but I'm happy to report that it will still be able to connect without the need to remove the case. I did have to wedge it in to get a secure connection to the microUSB port but it will fit. For reference, I'm using a Tech21 Classic Mesh case.
If you want to stream video, don't want to worry about dropped signal connections, and do not mind a (what frankly feels ancient now) tethered setup, this adapter will also do the job for you. Just be careful to get the MHL 3.0 adapter and NOT the MHL 2.0 adapter. The 2.0 adapter won't be able to keep up with the Note 4's battery discharge even when it's connected to a power adapter.
Beware though, if you're powering the adapter using the TV's USB port, it will NOT keep up with the Note 4's discharge it is an old tv because it most likely has a 0.5A USB port. If you use the charger included with your phone though you will be fine. It's not fast charging but it will charge your phone.
I can post up a YouTube video a bit later or maybe tomorrow.
---------- Post added at 03:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:13 AM ----------
If you're in the market for just video streaming, like previous users suggested, the Chromecast is a pretty good bet for now. Its specs are getting long in the tooth and there's rumors of a new version coming out in the relatively near future, but it still does an admirable and versatile for cross-platforming between Android and iOS if you own both types of devices. Since the Chromecast is dependent on a wifi connection (it won't work on a wired-only environment) its reliability will vary from user to user. For example, the Chromecast uses only single band wifi- the 2.4 range. I live in an apartment with TONS of wifi connections and the 2.4 is congested enough to take a performance hit. Wifi connections perform way better on 5.0 for me. That's why I experience disconnects sometimes on the Chromecast.
For gaming, the Chromecast does an impressive job when screen mirroring, but that 0.5 to 1 second lag is still noticeable and just not good enough for action gaming. It WILL leave you frustrated if you attempt to try it, and you will play like you totally suck at the game too if it's an action game. For slower games or turn based games, it will just test your patience and tolerance lol...
Chromecast's screen mirroring for gaming still performs better than a miracast connection with a Netgear PTV2000. The lag on the Netgear was just a lot more noticeable... maybe a 1.5 to 2 second lag?
For wireless video streaming, I recommend the Chromecast over standard miracast from a miracast receiver like the PTV2000 because on apps that support Chromecast, you can sling the video over to the Chromecast and still use your phone to do other stuff, and use other apps simultaneously. It may be the closest experience you can get to Apple's AirPlay on an Android device like the Galaxy Note 4. With a standard miracast connection, it's strictly screen mirroring. You can't multitask. If you close the video player on the phone, it closes on the wireless display/TV.
If you have a reliable local wifi connection and just mainly do video streaming not gaming, I recommend a Chromecast over the MHL 3.0 adapter solution. Going wireless is just so much better than having your phone tethered to the tv.
But if you are gonna go for the official MHL 3.0 adapter remember to get the 50% discount from Samsung's store. I think that would make it the best going price out there (24.99+ tax&shipping) for the official brand adapter. I don't recommend getting it for the full $50 though. That's overpriced as hell.

With the 3.0 mhl you can mirror correct? I want to watch xbmc lol

KusMoG said:
Okay, so I finally got the official Samsung MHL 3.0 but I had to wait til I got back from work to test it out. Only tried it briefly, and it's exactly what I expected and yet kinda floored with the results after testing several wireless mirroring with my Note 4 lately.
If you need a video out display for gaming, where input lag needs to be non-existent, accept no substitutes, the MHL 3.0 adapter does the job like it's supposed to. I tried playing Secret of Mana with it and it feels just like normal console gaming. I don't have to play mind games with myself to convince myself that it's good because it is. Press left, you move left, right there and then.
I can also confirm that Samsung's MHL 3.0 adapter *WILL* power up and charge the Note 4 while gaming (and I'm using a Dualshock 4 bluetooth controller too) when used with the stock charger. No charger is included with the adapter. No HDMI cable is included with the adapter either. You'll need to supply both on your own.
I was worried about the width of the adapter's USB connector since I use a case for my Note 4, but I'm happy to report that it will still be able to connect without the need to remove the case. I did have to wedge it in to get a secure connection to the microUSB port but it will fit. For reference, I'm using a Tech21 Classic Mesh case.
With all that said, I can only wholeheartedly recommend the MHL 3.0 adapter for gaming-use only. If you want to stream video, don't want to worry about dropped signal connections, and do not mind a (what frankly feels ancient now) tethered setup, this adapter will also do the job for you. Just be careful to get the MHL 3.0 adapter and NOT the MHL 2.0 adapter. The 2.0 adapter won't be able to keep up with the Note 4's battery discharge even when it's connected to a power adapter.
Beware though, if you're powering the adapter using the TV's USB port, it will NOT keep up with the Note 4's discharge it is an old tv because it most likely has a 0.5A USB port. If you use the charger included with your phone though you will be fine. It's not fast charging but it will charge your phone.
I can post up a YouTube video a bit later or maybe tomorrow.
---------- Post added at 03:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:13 AM ----------
If you're in the market for just video streaming, like previous users suggested, the Chromecast is a pretty good bet for now. Its specs are getting long in the tooth and there's rumors of a new version coming out in the relatively near future, but it still does an admirable and versatile for cross-platforming between Android and iOS if you own both types of devices. Since the Chromecast is dependent on a wifi connection (it won't work on a wired-only environment) its reliability will vary from user to user. For example, the Chromecast uses only single band wifi- the 2.4 range. I live in an apartment with TONS of wifi connections and the 2.4 is congested enough to take a performance hit. Wifi connections perform way better on 5.0 for me. That's why I experience disconnects sometimes on the Chromecast.
For gaming, the Chromecast does an impressive job when screen mirroring, but that 0.5 to 1 second lag is still noticeable and just not good enough for action gaming. It WILL leave you frustrated if you attempt to try it, and you will play like you totally suck at the game too if it's an action game. For slower games or turn based games, it will just test your patience and tolerance lol...
Chromecast's screen mirroring for gaming still performs better than a miracast connection with a Netgear PTV2000. The lag on the Netgear was just a lot more noticeable... maybe a 1.5 to 2 second lag?
For wireless video streaming, I recommend the Chromecast over standard miracast from a miracast receiver like the PTV2000 because on apps that support Chromecast, you can sling the video over to the Chromecast and still use your phone to do other stuff, and use other apps simultaneously. It may be the closest experience you can get to Apple's AirPlay on an Android device like the Galaxy Note 4. With a standard miracast connection, it's strictly screen mirroring. You can't multitask. If you close the video player on the phone, it closes on the wireless display/TV.
If you have a reliable local wifi connection and just mainly do video streaming not gaming, I recommend a Chromecast over the MHL 3.0 adapter solution. Going wireless is just so much better than having your phone tethered to the tv.
But if you are gonna go for the official MHL 3.0 adapter remember to get the 50% discount from Samsung's store. I think that would make it the best going price out there (24.99+ tax&shipping) for the official brand adapter. I don't recommend getting it for the full $50 though. That's overpriced as hell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude great review!

ihateu said:
With the 3.0 mhl you can mirror correct? I want to watch xbmc lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it can mirror. It's the only type of display out it can do. So your phone and your TV will be playing the same thing at all times. It's probably the most reliable screen mirroring option out there. But ask yourself this: Do you really want a wired solution?
For video streaming I actually prefer the Chromecast. It chokes up every now and then but the freedom of a wireless connection is so much better.
---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:48 PM ----------
I can see where the MHL 3 adapter has its uses.
If you need a portable HDMI adapter solution for on-the-go presentations or video-out to an HDMI display, it's for you. It's more reliable than a Chromecast/Roku Stick/Fire Stick because it doesn't need wifi to work. You'll just need to supply the HDMI cable. It can also run on the phone's battery without a USB wall charger and display-out for as long as your Note 4's battery can hold.
I DON'T recommend the adapter for gaming though. It's a shame. It's so close but it just comes up short to fulfilling expectations.
In the end, for me, I DON'T think the MHL 3 adapter is worth it. Its original price is expensive and my Chromecast can do the same things wirelessly and better, and it's cheaper.

Buy a Genuine Samsung one. No doubt, that works 99% of the time.

Can confirm, just registered my phone even though I purchased it on 11/17/2014. Immediately recieved my 50% off coupon for an item less thn 50 dollars. Convienently enough, the MHL 3.0 adapter is 49.99 Out the door for $30.78. Thanks you guys for the heads up about registering. Now to find a coupon for a discount on the VR headset, lol.