Chrome vs. Samsung Internet Browser: Which Android Browser Should You Choose?

Samsung Internet Browser recently achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 1 billion downloads on the Play Store. This achievement has intensified the competition between Samsung Internet Browser and Google Chrome. While many users default to Chrome due to its widespread availability and pre-installation on Android smartphones, Samsung Internet Browser has garnered a loyal user base. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of both browsers to help you decide which one is right for you.

User Interface

Chrome boasts a minimalist design, featuring a search bar in the middle and relevant news based on your browsing history below. Recently visited websites are displayed in the center. On the other hand, Samsung Internet Browser offers a customizable interface, allowing you to change the default browser. The address bar is at the top, while the Google search bar is conveniently located in the middle. Notably, settings like bookmarks and tabs are easily accessible at the bottom of the screen. This layout is particularly useful for larger-screen smartphones, as it eliminates the need for adjusting your grip to access these settings.

Reader Mode

Samsung Internet Browser offers a reader mode feature, enabling users to enjoy a distraction-free reading experience. By clicking on the reader mode icon near the address bar, all ads and other media are removed from the page, providing a clean and easy-to-read interface. Unfortunately, Google Chrome for Android lacks a built-in reader mode.

Sync Your Life

Google Chrome shines in terms of cross-platform compatibility. It is available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and even Linux distributions. This accessibility makes Chrome indispensable for users who frequently switch between devices. By logging in with your Google account, Chrome syncs your browsing history, saved passwords, form profiles, addresses, and payment details across all your devices.

While Samsung Internet Browser is limited to Android devices, it offers a solution for synchronizing bookmarks. By using a Chrome extension, you can import your Internet Browser bookmarks to Chrome and vice versa. This feature simplifies using Samsung's browser on Android. However, Samsung Internet Browser lacks a Windows version, limiting its cross-platform capabilities.

Night Mode

Samsung Internet Browser includes a night mode feature, which has gained popularity due to its battery-saving benefits and reduced eye strain. Night mode is absent in Google Chrome, despite its widespread demand among users. Samsung Internet Browser's night mode provides a visually appealing and user-friendly browsing experience.

WebView

WebView is a feature exclusive to Chrome that allows apps to display web content within the app itself. This feature saves time and reduces RAM usage by eliminating the need to open a separate browser app. Samsung Internet Browser does not support WebView, resulting in a slower and more resource-consuming experience when opening links within third-party apps.

Common Features

Both Chrome and Samsung Internet Browser offer common features such as anonymous browsing (Incognito Mode in Chrome and Secret Mode in Samsung), search functionality within pages, bookmarking, multiple tabs/windows, and the ability to request the desktop version of websites.

Uncommon Features

Samsung Internet Browser distinguishes itself with unique features. It includes a slide button on the right side of the screen, making scrolling through long web pages more convenient. This feature is absent in Chrome, which relies solely on finger scrolling. Additionally, Samsung Internet Browser supports extensions like ad blockers, QR code scanners, and picture-in-picture mode, providing users with a more customizable and feature-rich browsing experience.

Conclusion

In summary, if you prioritize cross-platform compatibility and seamless synchronization of your browsing data, Chrome is the superior choice. However, if you primarily use an Android-powered smartphone and desire a browser with unique features and customization options, Samsung Internet Browser is a solid alternative. Samsung Internet Browser's reader mode, night mode, and slide button for scrolling make it a compelling option for Android users. Consider your specific needs and preferences to determine which browser best suits you.