One of those choices are web browsers. Some offer a look you may like over another, one might perform better, and another might add functions that others do not have, and it's quite common for someone to have more than one on their phone. So in this post I'm going to run through the popular ones and maybe a few that you've never heard of. All will have a link to the Play Store for your convenience.
First up is Google's very own Chrome Browser: Play Store - Chrome Play Store - Chrome Beta
This is the default pre-installed browser on the Nexus 5 and any device running a stock build of Android. Chrome offers a nice simple look, performs great and syncs your bookmarks with the desktop version of Chrome.
Next up we have Mozilla's Firefox for Android: Play Store - Firefox Play Store - Firefox Beta
Firefox also offers a syncing option to their desktop version of the browser, looks nice but doesn't really offer anything over Chrome to warrant setting it at default. In my use, it has had a slight difficulty rendering pages quickly after scrolling.
Opera for Android: Play Store - Opera Browser Play Store - Opera Browser Beta
This browser is built off of chromium open source. Meaning it's a Chrome copy. I know it seems like I'm crowning Chrome king but I'm just stating a fact. Opera does on the other hand offer things Chrome does not or does better. Opera has always been known for leaving a very small data footprint, compressing the data that is being sent and received through proxy servers helping you stay under that data cap. This is called Off-Road mode, which takes into account the service signal.
If you are in a "rough neighborhood" (poor signal area), Off-Road helps you out by compressing sites and giving you a "watered down version" of the site. Just don't expect to browse and post to your Facebook and Twitter efficiently. Opera also gives you a Discover section. Giving you relevant news and articles to your liking.
UC Browser HD: Play Store - UC Browser HD
I found this to be very unique browser. If you're a person that likes to use gestures to navigate apps then you're going to love this browser. Two finger swipes can get you from tab to tab and even open and close them. Pinching out twice will zoom in, even on mobile sites that don't normally allow such things. A night mode which changes the theme to a dark "see through" theme, even the sites themselves, making it much easier on your eyes if your in the dark. Also if used on an SuperAmoled display (Samsung phones mainly) it will save on battery. But be warned, you won't be able to see in the light with it turned on.
Mercury Browser: Play Store - Mercury Browser
A minimalistic browser that also has gesture support. You have the two finger swipe left and right to switch tabs, two finger tap on either the top or bottom of the page to jump but, in my experience, I tend to tap a link so an ad etc and swipe down with three fingers to close out a tab. Has a quick sharing option to send links to friends and other sites like Pocket, which lets you store articles for reading later.
Last on the list is Lightning Browser: Play Store - Lightning Browser
Praised by many for its lightning quick speed, hence the name, and very very small size. This browser doesn't even cross the 1mb mark. Making it one of the smallest and fasted browsers on the Play Store. Takes the look of the Chrome browser and tweaks it a little to maintain its small and minimal feel. You have a pullout drawer that holds your tabs. No gestures, no fancy plugins, just a simple browser meant to get the job done and get it done fast.
Stay tuned for part 2!
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