Best Browsers For Android Users
Android users need not stick with the default Google Chrome browser. There are many free browser apps that can be downloaded on you Android device. Let's take a look at some of them.
There is little doubt in my mind that if a survey were ever to be taken asking people why they think their mobile phones are smart there'll probably be a mention about apps. All smart phone users use apps; but do you realize that the browser is possibly the most commonly used of all apps. Giants like Apple and Google understand the significance of browsers and hence ensure that their respective default browsers Safari and Google Chrome work soundly.
Here is what the Chrome gives you -
Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the default browser in every Android device. The minimalist design and the ease with which browser data can be synced across platforms and devices is its most attractive feature – passwords and bookmarks are automatically stored on all of your devices so you don't have to set them up individually, from scratch.
Additionally, the Chrome includes features that include data compression and voice search. Its only shortcoming is it offers limited customization options; apart from that the Chrome delivers on all fronts.
Android users have an option of switching the browser from the one that comes loaded in the phone, to the many alternatives available for free. Here are some options and what they offer.
Why Google Chrome is still popular
- Allows users to sync across devices, and access bookmarks/open tabs from other devices
- Reduces data usage while browsing by roughly 50 percent
- Better browsing speed
- Option of voice search
- Intuitive gestures allows flipping through tabs easily
- Translates web pages
- Incognito mode available for privacy
Mozilla Firefox
The Firefox provides a simple, hassle free browsing experience with a huge compendium of add-ons targeted at power users. It's an impressive stockpile of add-ons, providing tremendous flexibility – for example facilitating bespoke gestures for regular actions like opening new tabs, managing passwords and blocking ads.Firefox makes a good browser because the feature that allows users to save online content for offline reading and the expansive array of customization options it offers.
Hover Browser
The Hover Browser is unique because of its distinctive characteristic; it is a floating app. As the name suggests the app 'hovers' over all the other apps allowing users to browse the internet even as they carry out other activities on the phone.Because it offers users flexibility, it is a practical app to have on your smartphone. You can for instance have access to live cricket scores without having to open new tabs, while working on a document.
Opera Mini
While users may find the interface to be outdated, the Opera Mini still remains a good choice for budget phones, and for good reason. It occupies very little space (4MB), comes with a data compression feature and allows users to lessen image quality on pages that they are browsing; to enhance connectivity and page loads.A full version of the Opera browser is also available for download. It has the above mentioned features in addition to a superior interface. The only drawback being it uses more resources.
CM Browser
The CM Browser takes about 5MB of space and is ideal for phones that lack storage space. A product from the makers of CM Security, the Android antivirus app the browser comes highly recommended. It presents both a clean, user-friendly interface along with a smooth browsing experience.UC Browser
The UC Browser is among the most preferred by Android users, after of course, the Chrome. It has some amazing features that enhance the overall browsing experience. Take this as an example – it is an intuitive browser that studies your browsing pattern and prerenders the link; so the pages load quickly.Not just that, it also manages downloads and automatically resumes the process in case of a drop in the internet connection. Facebook is integrated to it, so users don't miss out on notifications, and there is a plethora of useful in-app content like live cricket scores, which the average Indian male will appreciate.
Dolphin
Last, but not the least is Dolphin, an ingenious browser with some neat add-ons on Google Play for downlaod. It's also got the Dropbox add-on and the option of converting webpages into a PDF file.
Features of the Dolphin browser in a nutshell
- Attractive interface with a user friendly layout
- Customization of browser through an exquisite collection of wallpapers or a personal image
- An advanced search bar, that allows access to bookmarks, most visited and history
- Multiplatform sync
- Can switch to full screen mode for easy viewing of videos
- Night mode that saves battery and makes for better reading
- Sonar and gesture option for convenience
The above are suggestions if you want to try something other that Google Chrome that is your browser on your Android device by default.
Read Best 3 Android Web Browser apps for Internet Browsing
Follow
Awesome article indeed. No one actually understands the importance of browsers, though everyone uses it. In fact, as you said in the article it is the most frequently used app, yet we don't realise it.
I, for one, have plenty of them installed on my device - Opera (Mini and browser), Chrome (by default), Dolphin, UC, Firefox and couple of beta browsers from Opera. However, chrome remains my all time favorite. I use Dolphin for websites with flash content.