Database Users

[Q] A few questions about the stock s4 browser

Hey guys, got my S4 this morning and love it of course, what a great device. I have a few questions about the stock s4 browser though. I do browse quite a lot on daily basis and when I realized ICS browser (+) don't work, I tried the stock browser. Things I don't like on the stock browser:
1. no text reflow
2. no way of syncing bookmarks from my pc (ICS browser + did this, it automatically synced all my bookmarks from my desktop PC's chrome)
I don't think I can live comfortably with this browser. I've tried chrome (randomly changes font size, eww), ics browser and ics browser + (neither of these work on the s4) so far. Basically, I want a browser that does text reflow and syncs bookmarks. Any ideas? Thanks.

Would also like to know this..
Sent from my XT890 using xda app-developers app

1- i think Dolphin have text reflow option
2- Stock browser will sync bookmarks with desktop Chrome
edit : i think there is extension for Chrome desktop to Sync Bookmarks with Dolphins account

yahyoh said:
1- i think Dolphin have text reflow option
2- Stock browser will sync bookmarks with desktop Chrome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it isn't syncing for me. how do I get it to sync?

Eclap78 said:
it isn't syncing for me. how do I get it to sync?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sign in with the same account u use for Chrome

Couldn't you accomplish all those features you want with Mozilla Firefox?
Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk 2

yahyoh said:
sign in with the same account u use for Chrome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there's no sign in that I can see for the browser

Try Dolphin or Opera Mobile.
ICS+ unfortunately only works in ICS (which is a shame because it was my favorite with the thumb controls).
For the sync, goto Settings=>Google (profile)
Tap your Google account (that's synced with Chrome) and make sure Browser is ticked ON.

There's no browser sync option under the google account, only chrome and that is ticked. The stock s4 browser still won't sync the chrome bookmarks. they do work in chrome, but not the "internet" stock browser. Chrome is ok on the s4, I guess, but some websites display some fonts with different sizes on the same page making it all look bad, plus there's no text reflow in mobile chrome.

Must be because of Samsung then. They probably want you to use some weird Samsung sync instead. Figures.
Chrome Mobile is pretty much the worst browser for Android at the moment. It doesn't reflow right all the time, randomly changes text sizes (especially in forums), isn't the smoothest, has input lag and can't use Flash in any iteration. The stock browser is so much better than I don't know why Google's Chrome team can't get it right.

ChronoReverse said:
Must be because of Samsung then. They probably want you to use some weird Samsung sync instead. Figures.
Chrome Mobile is pretty much the worst browser for Android at the moment. It doesn't reflow right all the time, randomly changes text sizes (especially in forums), isn't the smoothest, has input lag and can't use Flash in any iteration. The stock browser is so much better than I don't know why Google's Chrome team can't get it right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, the stock browser is pretty good actually, much better than chrome. but chrome syncs. which is a big plus. other than that, chrome sucks. ics browser worked on my s2 (jellybean) and it's a shame it doesn't work on the s4. let's hope there'll be a new browser soon that does sync, reflow and has a bookmark button next to the address bar. that's all I'm asking from a browser.
A little bit off topic, but any news on people working on some roms for the s4?

Eclap78 said:
yeah, the stock browser is pretty good actually, much better than chrome. but chrome syncs. which is a big plus. other than that, chrome sucks. ics browser worked on my s2 (jellybean) and it's a shame it doesn't work on the s4. let's hope there'll be a new browser soon that does sync, reflow and has a bookmark button next to the address bar. that's all I'm asking from a browser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thing is, stock browser also syncs with Chrome. But that's the Android stock browser apparently and not the Samsung stock browser for whatever reason.
Dolphin is pretty good and I think there's a Chrome extension to sync it to Dolphin.
Firefox Mobile syncs with Firefox and Opera Mobile syncs with Opera.
My most preferred browser is probably Opera just because it has been consistently smooth and quick while doing things like reflow properly.

ChronoReverse said:
Thing is, stock browser also syncs with Chrome. But that's the Android stock browser apparently and not the Samsung stock browser for whatever reason.
Dolphin is pretty good and I think there's a Chrome extension to sync it to Dolphin.
Firefox Mobile syncs with Firefox and Opera Mobile syncs with Opera.
My most preferred browser is probably Opera just because it has been consistently smooth and quick while doing things like reflow properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when I say stock browser on the s4, I mean the stock samsung galaxy s4 browser. and that one unfortunately doesn't sync with chrome. shame. I've never used dolphin, that's about the only browser I've never tried.

It must be a bug, it has always synced the Chrome destop bookmark.

how often do your bookmarks change? just make shortcuts on one of your home screens imo.
i havent gotten my s4 yet, but on my droid 3 i just use adw launcher & create all the icons i want with the websites i use most, and/or the apps i use, with the icon i like for it. this way i dont have the ugly bookmark icons on the shortcut.

Not to hijack this thread, but how in the world do you go to the home page one has set for the stock Samsung browser? Cannot find a Home button anywhere. Also, cannot get desktop view to stick, has to be rechecked after anytime browser is closed. Anyone know how to make it permanent, other than using a different browser?

Naked browser ftw. Or nb pro the paid version.
Sent from my GT-N7100

Eclap78 said:
Hey guys, got my S4 this morning and love it of course, what a great device. I have a few questions about the stock s4 browser though. I do browse quite a lot on daily basis and when I realized ICS browser (+) don't work, I tried the stock browser. Things I don't like on the stock browser:
1. no text reflow
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither do i. Sam sets the text reflow, please.:crying:

someone needs to port the 4.2.2 AOSP browser to s4 touchwiz stat, had been doable for all previous galaxies and touchwiz versions so shouldn't be too much of a hassle.
otherwise both chrome and the sammy stock browser are literally unusable in this day and age...

where did it go the 'open behind this' option on link longpress?? aaaaahhhhhhhh

Done with ads using browser on non rooted

I discovered browser with no ads..naked browser..fast and light on ram...anyone experience this too? Just to informing...im on 550ml..its very effective on blocking ads..and im not rooted..

i've been using the adblock plus browser. been working awesome for me.
https://adblockplus.org/releases/adblock-browser-10-for-android-is-in-open-beta

versatilias said:
i've been using the adblock plus browser. been working awesome for me.
https://adblockplus.org/releases/adblock-browser-10-for-android-is-in-open-beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
ive been using that the adblock browser but its still in beta version...its lagging at times...did the adblock browser updated recently"?....for me no adguard..no adblock just plain naked browser pro...it totally blocks all adds....if only your willing to pay bought mine for $ 1. only at google playstore.

pato2015 said:
.
ive been using that the adblock browser but its still in beta version...its lagging at times...did the adblock browser updated recently"?....for me no adguard..no adblock just plain naked browser pro...it totally blocks all adds....if only your willing to pay bought mine for $ 1. only at google playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried using naked browser on http://www.readmanga.today/ but still got page redirected/app redirected.
i'll stick to using abp browser... no problems with that browser... no ads, no page redirections

Ghostery is an efficient browser, works well with blocking ads and tracking.
Sent from my XT1528

I use Dolphin browser but turn off Javascript for most of my browsing. Same effect

I use Lightning Browser+
Very light, very fast and with pretty UI.
Paid version includes adblock.

versatilias said:
tried using naked browser on http://www.readmanga.today/ but still got page redirected/app redirected.
i'll stick to using abp browser... no problems with that browser... no ads, no page redirections
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Youu have yo configure it in order to block ads..go to the haus icon of naked browser ..scroll down click naked browser helper..it will direct you to naked browser website helper..click the adblock helper..it will guide you..link below..point 6..block list
http://nakedbrowser.com/pro/
It will tell you to download .nbshost.txt put it on your download folder and your good to go...quit and open browser again...
i did that no ads or what so ever..its fast and low in ram...theres also a free version on googleplay just scroll down to nakedbrowser Read More on googleplay naked browser...just look for it. Use this just click read more
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1929663

versatilias said:
tried using naked browser on http://www.readmanga.today/ but still got page redirected/app redirected.
i'll stick to using abp browser... no problems with that browser... no ads, no page redirections
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this i does not redirected me...comic books right? I can read it with no ads

ycavan said:
I use Dolphin browser but turn off Javascript for most of my browsing. Same effect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats nice but problem when turning off is websites tends not to show properly on some sites

Ace42 said:
Ghostery is an efficient browser, works well with blocking ads and tracking.
Sent from my XT1528
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tnx ill try that one too

I just use Chrome, and am rarely bothered by ads. There is one notable exception to that... XDA! The ads on here load really slowly and make it a pretty unpleasant browsing experience on my phone (keep hitting the wrong links because of delayed loading of ads causing the page to reposition itself at inopportune moments).

I use Firefox with adblock +. Works fine.

Yes...XDA is a horrid experience with ads. Though has anyone tried the updated built in browser? Apparently it also has a built in ad blocker.

Sammaul said:
Yes...XDA is a horrid experience with ads. Though has anyone tried the updated built in browser? Apparently it also has a built in ad blocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going to give it a go, as the update has given it a cleaner, lighter look and added full-screen mode. No status bar when browsing, so you can enjoy all of our beautiful big 5.5" screen! Hopefully the ad blocker is useful and they have made it less of a battery hog!

Update on the ASUS browser - it seems that it has a pop-up blocker built-in, but it doesn't do anything about the in-page ads such as those on this site.

kanagawaben said:
Update on the ASUS browser - it seems that it has a pop-up blocker built-in, but it doesn't do anything about the in-page ads such as those on this site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Built in browser still useless.it does not block ads...

Chrome vs Internet (Samsung Browser)

I just performed a couple of benchmark tests on my newly bought Galaxy S6
Chrome eats dust unfortunately (still me preferred browser for other reasons)
JetStream (browserbench.org)
Chrome: 35951
Internet: 40168
Octane (chromium.github.io)
Chrome: 6335
Internet: 8269
Speedometer (browserbench.org)
Chrome: 14.4
Internet: 19.0
Browsermark (web.basemark.com)
Chrome: 1724
Internet: 2369
Photos here:
http://imgur.com/a/F8Ywq

I love chrome but even Firefox destroys it on my wife's nexus 5...
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

Prefer Samsung stock browser over all others as it is the most optimized browser with the device

Chrome isn't fast, efficient or feature-rich, but it still wins over every other browser for me because of the sync feature. I switch phones a lot and not always to Samsung devices, so it has to be Chrome. I also use Chrome on my PC and need to have my tabs and stuff all synced up for the work I do.

Sevael said:
Chrome isn't fast, efficient or feature-rich, but it still wins over every other browser for me because of the sync feature. I switch phones a lot and not always to Samsung devices, so it has to be Chrome. I also use Chrome on my PC and need to have my tabs and stuff all synced up for the work I do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sync is the only feature which currently keeps me using chrome on the PC (already switched back to default on the S6), otherwise the latest Chrome versions are resource hungry and laggy.

Chrome can't be used with a single hand since they made it a point to put the buttons to the farthest places possible. Why put the home button to left-up? Do you have something against people pressing that button?
The default browser however is very user friendly and fast. It's my choice.

chrome got better actually with updates but still not optimized for performance nor for battery life or memory usage.....i still use it for syncing ( bookmarks , passwords etc.. )

I don't use Chrome for one main reason, high battery usage. and I can't use Samsung Browser because I'm on Verizon. I use CM but would like to try another browser out

Javelin is pretty good!
Sent fra min SM-G925F via Tapatalk

eric150 said:
I use CM but would like to try another browser out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using CM Browser too, but I'm open to other recommendations.

I'm using lightning browser+. Pretty minimal, but also has adblock.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

midreestaj said:
Prefer Samsung stock browser over all others as it is the most optimized browser with the device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer stock browser, but avalid alternative is doplhin.
just for knowledge, is there a way for sync chrome desktop bookmarks with stock browser on S6?

lamperouge999 said:
I prefer stock browser, but avalid alternative is doplhin.
just for knowledge, is there a way for sync chrome desktop bookmarks with stock browser on S6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually blown away by the stock Samsung browser. I was using Dolphin, but the stock browser has built-in adblock, full-page browsing and is faster than any other browser I've used. I honestly couldn't be happier with it.

I use chrome with chromer. Best combo available
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Stock browser with adblock enabled is the best for me at the moment!
I'm on MM btw

Got a question can we sync google with the stock browser ie so I can use all my saved passwords/bookmarks.....?
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Free mobile app

What keeps me using the stock browser is the fingerprint authentication for passwords for websites. None better.

nolimit78 said:
What keeps me using the stock browser is the fingerprint authentication for passwords for websites. None better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the reason it works so well is that it's dead simple, but everything it has works absolutely perfectly. Full screen, ad-free, blazing fast.

I think I mentioned this in another thread... what keeps me from using Samsung's browser is that it doesn't open new tabs in the background! Completely baffling.

episode96 said:
I think I mentioned this in another thread... what keeps me from using Samsung's browser is that it doesn't open new tabs in the background! Completely baffling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is, you're right. I actually use Flynx for that, with the Samsung browser as my secondary. It's a perfect combination.

What browser do you use/recommend?

I'm on Verizon so no Samsung Internet for me.
I don't really like Chrome (doesn't seem smooth)
What do you recommend?
What's fast, smooth, stable, and easy on battery/resources?

I use chrome, only because I used to use safari. Considering there's no safari on android, chrome offers seamless integration between my mac and S7 Edge.
I'd stick away from Firefox personally, only because of security problems with the browser.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

try Chrome Beta - I've always found it less choppy.

eric150 said:
I'm on Verizon so no Samsung Internet for me.
I don't really like Chrome (doesn't seem smooth)
What do you recommend?
What's fast, smooth, stable, and easy on battery/resources?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on Verizon too, Samsung says they are still working on it but eventually we'll be able to download the Samsung browser from the play store.

I use Chrome Beta as well, I have for a couple years now. I haven't had any problems that I've noticed and I'm quite pleased with the browsing experience on it

Samsung browser with adblock fast. Faster than my desktop PC

eric150 said:
I'm on Verizon so no Samsung Internet for me.
I don't really like Chrome (doesn't seem smooth)
What do you recommend?
What's fast, smooth, stable, and easy on battery/resources?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In vellamo, the stock one has better score
But i think there's no significance different between the stock one and chrome

crashes....
Chrome (the native one for t mob s7e) CONSTANTLY was crashing....
I moved onto chrome dev...then beta.. all crashed...
So now i switch between adblock browser, and using NO ROOT adblock through fast adblock on the samsung browser... (for anyone that doesnt know, there is a secret menu to turn on adbloxking)

Chrome has become bloated and slow, I use the Samsung browser because is fast and it also supports ad blockers now.
Even if it is not included, can't you just go to apkmirror and download and install it ?

Firefox beta with adblock, smooth and stable so far :good:

robpanda said:
Firefox beta with adblock, smooth and stable so far :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Tried the others, but always come back to Firefox with adblocking.

johanbiff said:
Samsung browser with adblock fast. Faster than my desktop PC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems pretty fast, too bad you cant open tabs in the background, that's kinda dumb.
I use opera browser, mainly because it has a toolbar at the bottom.

yanowman said:
Chrome (the native one for t mob s7e) CONSTANTLY was crashing....
I moved onto chrome dev...then beta.. all crashed...
So now i switch between adblock browser, and using NO ROOT adblock through fast adblock on the samsung browser... (for anyone that doesnt know, there is a secret menu to turn on adbloxking)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I find this secret menu? Never mind, found it.
Cst79 said:
Chrome has become bloated and slow, I use the Samsung browser because is fast and it also supports ad blockers now.
Even if it is not included, can't you just go to apkmirror and download and install it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

yanowman said:
Chrome (the native one for t mob s7e) CONSTANTLY was crashing....
I moved onto chrome dev...then beta.. all crashed...
So now i switch between adblock browser, and using NO ROOT adblock through fast adblock on the samsung browser... (for anyone that doesnt know, there is a secret menu to turn on adbloxking)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know how you are crashing all the builds of chrome.. But i've always been stuck on Stable Chrome and never seen a crash on Android builds.

Next Browser is beautiful and intuitive, Butterfly is the fastest there is.

I use chrome but it's getting worse and worse and worse. Not sure what google is doing but their apps are just regressing

Opera is a good altrnative, going well here
Enviado desde mi SM-N910U mediante Tapatalk

I guess most people didn't read the OP. I don't want Chrome and can't get Samsung browser

Question. Samsung browser every darn time i open a google drive link. It doesnt download. Just ask me to open it from my account. I jave tried everything and cant download the files. Anyone know how to disable this?

UC browser is a ton smoother and faster then Chrome for me, built in adblocker, built in flash player, just have to disable a few things in its settings as it has some Facebook and other integration it puts into notifications window.
After that, it's really awesome. Completely themable too, and can turn every web site into a black OLED friendly version if you have a play with the theme settings

Ad Blocking (without root) -- particularly Twitch.tv

Particularly twitch -- on my old G3, I had Adaway, and it did an amazing job of blocking all ads from twitch, but now it seems that without reliable root (I know we just found root for the OG Pixel Verizon) there isn't a good one that covers all the bases.
Twitch is pretty ruthless with their ads, multiple times lately I've been in the middle of action watching PUBG and bam -- 6 ads pop up. Their algorithm is stupid that it doesn't control for activity or let the broadcaster play ads during downtime.
Does anyone have a good method of blocking Twitch ads and generally other ads? I don't like how Adguard makes you use those weird-as-**** web browsers, I wanna just use Chrome...

Blokada.org

Have you tried the Samsung browser. It has support for third party add ons like adguard content blocker and a ton of other great features like night mode and private mode with passcode.

Adguard is the best non-root adblocker out there.

BR7fan said:
Adguard is the best non-root adblocker out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tested it and it blocks ad only while browsing, not in apps, correct? If that's the case, Blokada is e better option for me.

BR7fan said:
Adguard is the best non-root adblocker out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried this as well, and it only works with 'Yadex Browser' and 'Samsung Internet Browser'
I don't want to be using a different browser as I like Chrome.
Are there any non-root adblockers that work with Chrome?

danlat1415 said:
I just tried this as well, and it only works with 'Yadex Browser' and 'Samsung Internet Browser'
I don't want to be using a different browser as I like Chrome.
Are there any non-root adblockers that work with Chrome?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chrome worked for me, try once again to make sure it's not working.

Sn00ky said:
Chrome worked for me, try once again to make sure it's not working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you install it - as part of the setup, it asks you to choose a browser - saying only 2 are compatible and asks you to install one. it won't get through the setup without installing on.
I've just chosen AdGuard from Google Play Store - is this the right one?

danlat1415 said:
when you install it - as part of the setup, it asks you to choose a browser - saying only 2 are compatible and asks you to install one. it won't get through the setup without installing on.
I've just chosen AdGuard from Google Play Store - is this the right one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, here is the app in question below. I doubt it's even uploaded in the play store just like Blokada.
https://adguard.com/

Sn00ky said:
No, here is the app in question below. I doubt it's even uploaded in the play store just like Blokada.
https://adguard.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks you were right.
the one I had installed was still AdGuard, but their smaller version - AdGuard Browser Content

danlat1415 said:
Thanks you were right.
the one I had installed was still AdGuard, but their smaller version - AdGuard Browser Content
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google bans all the full working ad blockers from the store. So any that you get or test will have to come straight from the developer.

Dns66

Sn00ky said:
Just tested it and it blocks ad only while browsing, not in apps, correct? If that's the case, Blokada is e better option for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It blocks all ads,just ad to your filter list
---------- Post added at 06:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:10 PM ----------
danlat1415 said:
I just tried this as well, and it only works with 'Yadex Browser' and 'Samsung Internet Browser'
I don't want to be using a different browser as I like Chrome.
Are there any non-root adblockers that work with Chrome?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true,it's works on Firefox,chrome, Microsoft edge Opera and app adds on your phone
Download app from website and go to settings and pick your filters

DNS66 works a treat...

Are there any that work on the facebook app? I still get ads in the middle of videos.

Is it safe to run Blokada and DNS66 together or will they fight each other?
Disregard - answered my own question.

I bought a cheap VPS server on OVH and install PiHole on it. Then I set up my WiFi router with the PiHole DNS. It brilliantly blocks ads at home.
I don't use those local VPN adblockers as they use a lot of battery.

rohit25 said:
Dns66
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it affects speed or battery?
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

nickporwal said:
Does it affects speed or battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does not affect battery or ram usage or speed.... Its handsdown the most awesome app after adaway

rohit25 said:
Does not affect battery or ram usage or speed.... Its handsdown the most awesome app after adaway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it but I can't set it up to block ads in apps. Works fine only with the browser.