Database Users

Whats your choice of browser?

We have a few browsers to choose from, stock, Dolphin HD, Skyfire and the upcoming Opera Mobile and Firefox Mobile
Stock browser is not the fastest according to some tests, the champion goes to Skyfire
Dolphin HD beats stock over functionality from my own use, but is the slowest among the three
Opera Mobile is known to consume 80% less data, but user comments are not so positive
Firefox mobile is now available for G2, haven't try yet
So whats your pick?

Almost every site I would go to has an app so there is no need for my browser, so I stick with stock since its not used often...
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

o>c said:
Opera Mobile is known to consume 80% less data, but user comments are not so positive
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Click to collapse
Let me clarify:
Opera Mini is browser, which compresses data - when I was using Galaxy i7500 it was the fastest browser (not only in downloading pages, but in rendering too).
Opera Mobile is normal browser, not compressing data. I did not test it, but comments aren't very good.

I been using Dolphin HD. I like the side bar bookmarks, and the gestures. Plus it is faster than the default, IMO
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I am digging dolphin HD too on the g2.
I tried dolphin when I had a slide and it was HORRIBLY slow (even overclocked to 844mhz). It's smooth like butter on my g2 clocked at 1.497 and flash works great.

I have been loving the Firefox, get all my bookmarks synced without any other crap app. The Beta2 release is a bit better than the first, but little things still dont work correctly. For me the only thing not working properly are the shift and alt keys of the physical keyboard. They work but you have to hold them down while pressing the other key. Not a biggie, and the browser runs smooth as glass for me.

i use skyfire in desktop mode for facebook and everything

Love Dolphin HD for the plugins like desktop mode and speed dial. Also I'm digging the gestures and themes. And of course the tabbed browsing with thumbnails available is fantastic! Best over all experience if you have good data speeds.
I did numerous speed tests using a stopwatch with Dolphin versus stock on very large pages. It was basically a tie with flash either enabled or disabled.
Opera Mobile is VERY fast! Great card style thumbnails for window switching (stock neeeeds this). But no flash, desktop mode, and doesn't render the whole page at once. The partial rendering adds speed but if you scroll quickly its annoying. Still has a few kinks. I recommend keeping Opera handy for super slow connections.

I have Firefox, Opera and Stock installed. And honestly I use the stock more often than any other browser. It seems that the other browsers are terrible at compatibility when browsing non-optimized sites. I use forms a lot and they are awful.
In Firefox each time I typed something into a form-box or selected something from a drop-down menu it had to reload the page. Frustrating to say the least. At least in Firefox they work; in Opera, the forms work half of the time. If I can't log in, what's the point?
Stock may be somewhat slower at rendering, but its compatibility saves me a lot of time.

I've been testing the default, Skyfire, and Dolphin HD for 4 weeks and I typically choose Dolphin now as my GoTo browser. Here are the three main reasons:
1. I need the ability to Toggle between Desktop and Mobile on various sites
2. I tweet about a lot of Websites and the Dolphin Tweet plugin actually grabs the Title of a page while simultaneously shrinking the URL, yet still allows me to edit.
3. I also read a lot of pages and if they don't have a mobile version, I use a plugin for Google Mobilizer to strip away formatting and make it easy to read.
Since I have a G2, I use Menu+S to pull up Share options with Dolphin Tweet. I also use Menu+M to use Google Mobilizer. Keyboard shortcuts are handy.
As for speed, they are all pretty comparable. I still use Skyfire on Flash Video sites.
Hope this helps!
Ghostcreamy
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

why are you leaving out xscope? its a perfectly legitimate browser which is the fastest by far.

Firefox is a little late! Dolphin was firefox to me when I had the G1, firfox should just but dolphin and change the name.

ms93 said:
Let me clarify:
Opera Mini is browser, which compresses data - when I was using Galaxy i7500 it was the fastest browser (not only in downloading pages, but in rendering too).
Opera Mobile is normal browser, not compressing data. I did not test it, but comments aren't very good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone know if the Opera mobile will the same kind of forum posting that mini can do? I HAVE to use opera for posting online for school as no other browser will handle the way it works.

[Q] Browser choice for I9505 variant

I have a hard time deciding between different browsers
For example:
Chrome
Pro:
- bookmark sync
- well designed interface
Cons:
- no flash
- poor performance (easily noticeable)
Stock browser
Pro:
- good performance, except for some sites where is performing incredibly bad (I don't use it anymore because of that)
Cons:
- no flash
- no bookmark sync
- no full screen (?!)
- no auto hide for the navigation bar (?!)
Aosp browser
Pro:
- bookmark sync
- even performance on all sites.
- full screen
- good layout
- flash (not working 100%)
Cons:
- No specific problems but not the best performer among all browser. In fact, is quite lacking optimization for S600.
Others like Boat browser for example, I don't like the pop-up menu that you have to use while in full screen mode.
I am looking for a browser optimized for snapdragon 600, to allow full screen, bookmark sync with desktop chrome, and to be easy to use.

I like and use Opera, can be customized, speed never thought about it, can sync bookmarks

[email protected] said:
I like and use Opera, can be customized, speed never thought about it, can sync bookmarks
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No flash, no full screen, performance is decent in Google Octane and Mozilla Kraken but is a disaster in Sunspider 1.0.
Syncs bookmarks with Opera desktop ... not a user.
I have smearing issues while scrolling, fuzzy text and slightly lagging while zooming in/out.
I'll pass.

rsndetre said:
Aosp browser
Cons:
- No specific problems but not the best performer among all browser. In fact, is quite lacking optimization for S600.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, odd. I find this browser to perform very well. Well, wayyy better than the stock browser for sure. YMMV, apparently

I recommend dolphin browser. If also supports flash again since today's new update :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

I performed some tests like html5 and few others (you can find them on the web by searching) to compare my stock browser with chrome, firefox and opera. I ended up by using stock browser because it performs well during tests and beats everyone in html5 support. Yes, I know that it is not so elegant like others but it performs good. And for when I need flash player I use FF.

[Q] REQUEST: Closest browser experience to the Sense 5 browser?

Just like the title says, i'm looking for a browser that functions as well as the Sense 5 browser and its silky smooth scrolling, instant text re-flow, fast page loading, and even it's pleasing visual design. I own an HTC One and while I do enjoy it, I choose to carry the Nexus 4 most days because of better battery life and my preference of Google's stock UI. I've accepted that the Nexus is going to have some short-comings compared to other devices, but the browser experience has never been a factor for me and now it is. I've always used the AOSP browser and it wasn't until Google began packaging Chrome as Android's browser that I realized just how much I liked the AOSP option. I've tried several times to like chrome as it' my desktop preference, but it's just a terrible mobile experience for me I purchased an HTC One first for my Wife and the day she received it I feel in love with the browser after using it. I compared it side by side with the AOSP browser and also Dolphin browser and it seemed to well outperform both. I've done some Googling and confirmed that I won't be able to pull the APK and get it running on a device that doesn't have the Sense framework, or at least not in any simple or straight forward way.
So does anyone that has used the HTC's browser know of any comparable alternative? I've gone to the Play Store and installed at least 15 or so of the most popular options, and some less popular but highly rated browsers, and nothing seems to compare. Dolphin or Dolphin Beta have long been my secondary browsers and they are far superior to anything else available but still fall a little short in my opinion. I run into trouble sometimes with secured site log ins, embedded video bugs even with flash installed & enabled properly, and its lack of force enabled zoom which is problematic when visiting any mobile site because I have very poor vision and the text on many mobile sites is often unreadable for me. The AOSP browser has seemed to develop it's share of compatibility issues with certain pages as well, and one of those often issues is the page turning blank & reloading continuously when I either zoom in or select a field to enter text in, but it only happens on desktop sites and not mobile. I believe it's probable lacking support,updates, and security since Google dropped it quite some time ago?
So I'm sure it's clear that I'm frustrated jumping between two browsers just for casual web surfing. I understand a secondary browser is pretty much necessary on almost any platform, but it shouldn't be required to alternate constantly just to browse my bookmarks and catch up on the news.
I feel it's unlikely that there's a solution in the Play Store for what I need, but with all of the app development and testing here on XDA I'm hopeful that someone has come across a browser here that's close to what I'm wanting in performance and features. I can't imagine that I'm the only one frustrated with lack of a high quality browsers on mobile, I just never realized it could be so much better before using HTC's.....Sigh!

Best internet browser for the XTZ

I have tried them all and by top 5 is the following:
1- Next browser - fast loading pages, reliable and smooth, lacking some sync
2- Chome - fast loading pages, reliable, amazing sync, but sometimes sluggish
3- Dolphin browser - slow loading pages, reliable, but sometimes sluggish
4- Opera - slow loading pages, reliable, but sometimes sluggish
5- UC browser - fast loading pages, unreliable and sometimes sluggish
What about your experience?

miguelsantos1979 said:
I have tried them all and by top 5 is the following:
1- Next browser - fast loading pages, reliable and smooth, lacking some sync
2- Chome - fast loading pages, reliable, amazing sync, but sometimes sluggish
3- Dolphin browser - slow loading pages, reliable, but sometimes sluggish
4- Opera - slow loading pages, reliable, but sometimes sluggish
5- UC browser - fast loading pages, unreliable and sometimes sluggish
What about your experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also prefer Next browser and think it is the best so far. UC Browser seemed very fast though. Some sites had trouble and the lack of google sync seemed to suck.
What lack of sync do you experience with next browser? With the newest version it syncs all my bookmarks and folders from PC chrome wich is great.

hello you should try Naked Browser Pro its still the fastest browser with full flash support i had never a crash. it just looks simple but has alot of configs and it shows pages in real tablet ui and not in phone ui like the others. Its worth a try. There is no other browser with such a flash support and it works very good with adaway.

I just can't tear myself away from Firefox on the desktop (far and away the best there, IMO), so as much as it feels a bit sluggish sometimes on Android, I still stick with it on my phone and tablet because it syncs nicely.

My experience so far :
Chrome - Would be nice for bookmark sync (I use it on my PC) but no flash support - so I tried...
AOSP : basic but fast - but Flash support seems to be getting troublesome, causing broswer FCs, so I tried...
FireFox : Looks good, can use Flash - but I had problems with :
slow-rendering of pages (text would be blurred for a while as you scroll)
inputting text in text boxes - the number of timmes I was prodding the screen trying to get a text input cursor...ARGHH!
"selection" buttons not working on many websites (would work fine with AOSP / OPERA)
Shame, I liked it for a while. And finally...
OPERA : Quite liking it seems fast, most things work, but no Flash ...so I may try....???? Naked Browser ???

if you want opera im using opera mobile 12.02 wich still has flash support and real tablet ui but its not the fastest but its ok for me. il use it for daly browsing and for flash videos i use naked browser its the best for flash.

I've always had very good luck with Dolphin. Maybe not the fastest, but fast enough for me and reliable. I value stable over quick. Interface is minimal and clean. Gestures rock. Flash works. Love it.
I do, however, use Firefox for work. I keep all my work bookmarks sync'd up.

I was a chrome/dolphin user before but after seeing this thread a few days ago and trying out next browser, it's officially become my default.

chrome beta is the best 100% full desktop web site still few bug but I have been using this for a long time.... but no flash support

There is only 1 browser that has real desktop rendering its called opera classic or an old version of opera mobile.
i tried every browser and none of them uses real desktop website even if switched on not even chrome.
you should remember that the screen resolution is 1920 x 1080 and websites shouldn`t look like balloons.
here is a screen of real desktop ui from opera

Does Opera classic have flash support? Flash is as much as importance to me as with Stable rather the browser being quick
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

The best browser I had so far is Naked Browser / Naked Browser Pro.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fevdev.nakedbrowser&hl=de
Its EXTREMELY lightweight, fast and stable. It supports mobile and desktop mode. It does what its supposed to.
The app icon is ugly, ui is minimalistic and handling is straight and smooth. Surely it does flash. Very few Permissions.
I use(d) it on HTC Sensation XE, Sony Xperia Z an Tablet Z.
My browser search has come to an end.
The Pro version is worth every cent. Just try the free app first.

Tried probably every single browser available but finally settled on this one as the best. Boat Browser Tablet. I think its new - try it!!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boatbrowser.tablet

I used to use Dolphin, but on later versions and on some of my favorite sites, it got soooo slow. Eventually I settled on Next browser, which does most of what I need except Flash.
I used CHrome a bit too, but it also had some smaller performance issues, but is my second browser on the tablet.

TempestDK said:
I used to use Dolphin, but on later versions and on some of my favorite sites, it got soooo slow. Eventually I settled on Next browser, which does most of what I need except Flash.
I used CHrome a bit too, but it also had some smaller performance issues, but is my second browser on the tablet.
Click to expand...
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Next does flash

Google Chrome slow

Has anyone noticed a painfully slow lag when using Chrome to browse on the s7 Edge. I I've deleted cache and data, to no avail. Flashfox works fine.

My chrome is terrible, i've done all you have done too and it is still terrible. I can use the stock browser with no problems.

Stock browser is most smooth yes. Chrome is kind of choppy on this phone from time to time.

I rooted it and installed adaway.
Installed chrome beta, now its alot better

Stock takes 2-3 seconds to load a big page, chrome would take 6-7 seconds, that is not worth even using to me.

Chrome drains my battery a lot (continue active in background), I just uninstalled it.

Also had really bad performance on Chrome. It runs a lot better on my iPhone 6s Plus than on my edge

Ah Polly if you have a lot of tabs open for sure but I would just use a better browser. Unless you use chrome to sync between your computer and your phone. I use UC browser. Pretty good speed and video downloading and etc..

I'm using RSBrowser, which is basically chrome but optimized for an SD820. Some of us (Verizon) don't have the stock browser.

use stock browser with ad-block fast..it`s seriously faster then my desktop pc browser! chrome is really bad IMO.

Just wanted to chime in and say Chrome on the S7 is terrible. I mean absolutely abysmal. A page with an embedded video basically locked up the whole browser. And scrolling is so choppy it makes you want to throw your phone away. Stock browser is awesome and smooth, but it lacks crucial plugin support.

I don't use Chrome since quite a few months ago. It has become one of the slowest mobile browsers around. But even FireFox is slow, not sure why. The stock browser is blazing fast though, and that is enough for me (it also supports ad blockers since recently).

NP said:
I was having the same issue with Chrome on my S7 Edge (mainly the device taking 7-8 seconds to load up any page), but I finally found the culprit!
I disabled 'Safe Browsing' ('Settings' > 'Privacy') and it's flying. Pages load instantly now.
Give it a try and let me know if it helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...this seems to have helped a bit.

NP said:
I was having the same issue with Chrome on my S7 Edge (mainly the device taking 7-8 seconds to load up any page), but I finally found the culprit!
I disabled 'Safe Browsing' ('Settings' > 'Privacy') and it's flying. Pages load instantly now.
Give it a try and let me know if it helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This made a huge difference, but still thinking of switching to Firefox. Chrome is starting to get bloated and crashing on all my devices.