Despite glitches or missing functions, a lot of pre-installed mobile browsers end up being the first choice of most smartphone users. But there's no reason to get annoyed about the factory presets when there are so many alternative browsers out there waiting for experimentation.
They tend to be free, but still offer a cavalcade of features, from special keyboard layouts to barcode scanners to dynamic menus to the option of synchronising with other devices, reports German magazine Test after a test of six alternative mobile browsers: Chrome, Dolphin, Firefox, Opera mini, Skyfire and UC Browser.
Dolphin won the highest marks, both for Android (86 of 100 points) and iOS (81 points). It showed very few weaknesses when displaying websites. Dolphin supports HTML 5 - including all of its video formats - and motion-based controls. Users can also set download quotas for different internet connections, so that metered access does not exceed its limits.
Links and histories are pulled up from a special sidebar area. It's also apparently the only browser that blocks pop-ups and allows ad blockers to be utilised with iOS. The Android version reportedly comes with 200 add-ons.
Some, like full-screen view, come pre-installed. There are not a lot of alternative browsers for Windows Phone.
Testers recommended the UC Browser, which scored a satisfactory 74 points with the system. That browser also earned second place with Android (81 points) and iOS (73 points). Testers said they liked its ease of use.
Third place for Android was shared by Chrome and Skyfire, both with 79 points. Skyfire was the sole third place for iOS, with 71 points. It was also the only browser tested that charges a fee (2.69 euros (3.68 dollars) in Europe).
Firefox took fourth place with Android (77 points), while Opera mini took that spot for iOS (70 points).
Comments
Comments are closed.