Database Develop

Native Browser Speed vs Chrome

Hi All,
I have an observation on my Razr i that I wanted to check with whoever's interested.
I've been using the Chrome browser since I got the phone (4/5 months ago), and always thought it to be fast enough for my needs, but then tried using the native browser a couple of days ago and it seems significantly faster when scrolling & loading pages.
Because Chrome is regularly updated I figured it would the faster of the two, though the backlog of cookies etc could possibly slow it down? I like the additional features of Chrome so it would be sad to see it go, but now it's painful to go back!
If anyone would like to have a play and see what they think I'd find it interesting. I've had a look through the forum and can't find any related discussion, I believe I'm on the latest EU JB build.
Could it be that the native browser is better optimised for intel? I thought we got Chrome a little late because they were optimising it for X86.

kitchenutensils said:
Hi All,
I have an observation on my Razr i that I wanted to check with whoever's interested.
I've been using the Chrome browser since I got the phone (4/5 months ago), and always thought it to be fast enough for my needs, but then tried using the native browser a couple of days ago and it seems significantly faster when scrolling & loading pages.
Because Chrome is regularly updated I figured it would the faster of the two, though the backlog of cookies etc could possibly slow it down? I like the additional features of Chrome so it would be sad to see it go, but now it's painful to go back!
If anyone would like to have a play and see what they think I'd find it interesting. I've had a look through the forum and can't find any related discussion, I believe I'm on the latest EU JB build.
Could it be that the native browser is better optimised for intel? I thought we got Chrome a little late because they were optimising it for X86.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Native browser always feels faster than chrome on other devices that I have tried, irrelevant of CPU architecture. There is just something in it that makes the scrolling and resizing look nicer. If someone can post some real data that would help -- but those have always been my impressions on different devices.

I agree stock browser is much faster than chrome and you can use flash player which chrome doesn't have and it still has some of the features chrome has like browser sync with my laptop ect
Sent from my XT890 using xda premium

How's that bookmark sync with desktop (chrome) in native browser? I was never able to find that functionality (without 3rd party apps) in native browser, for me main reason to use Chrome on my phone..
Did I miss something, native bookmark sync in built in browser with desktop chrome? And if yes; how??

Omar-Avelar said:
Native browser always feels faster than chrome on other devices that I have tried, irrelevant of CPU architecture. There is just something in it that makes the scrolling and resizing look nicer. If someone can post some real data that would help -- but those have always been my impressions on different devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is some real data: I'm running SunSpider 0.9.1 on Stock ROM JB 4.1.2 Brazil Retail:
Native Browser (809ms) (During test my CPU use was around 50%)
Chrome (938ms) (During test my CPU use was around 70%)
PS: CPU Use information provided by app Cool Tool
bmszabo said:
How's that bookmark sync with desktop (chrome) in native browser? I was never able to find that functionality (without 3rd party apps) in native browser, for me main reason to use Chrome on my phone..
Did I miss something, native bookmark sync in built in browser with desktop chrome? And if yes; how??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My native browser syncs bookmarks from google chrome, including folders... Check that Browser Sync is checked at your (Android/System/Launcher)Settings-> Google Account -> (your google email showing when was the last sync) -> Internet

Thanks, have overlooked that; google/sync bookmarks was turned off..
But, one more question: aside of speed issues; what are the added values of Chrome (visual effect, like flipping cards not counted) above build-in browser? Sync opened tabs with other devices is nice, but not essential for me; on the other hand, according to settings memory footprint of Chrome android is HUGE (as compared to native browser)..

bmszabo said:
Thanks, have overlooked that; google/sync bookmarks was turned off..
But, one more question: aside of speed issues; what are the added values of Chrome (visual effect, like flipping cards not counted) above build-in browser? Sync opened tabs with other devices is nice, but not essential for me; on the other hand, according to settings memory footprint of Chrome android is HUGE (as compared to native browser)..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chrome is better in almost everything apart page rendering speed (the thing make it feels a bit laggy comparated to the stock browser), the only thing I miss is the pie control...
I do use both, for light pages chrome, for heavy ones, like facebook, stock browser...

What Is Your MUST HAVE APP?

Hi all,
As I said above, I would like to know what is your MUST HAVE APPLICATIONS ?. Last time when I did the same on a different phone, I discovered a lot of good app that I missed out, such as Adaway, Droidwall, etc, etc, and I am sure others will benefit from it too,
And as for myself, list below are all the apps that I must have on every Android phone that I possess. On a side note, I am not working for any of them, far from marketing it, just feel the need to share.
1. Adaway - I simply couldn't stand all of the ads, because sometimes they can be way too obtrusive
2. Firewall Plus - I have been using Droid Wall previously, but recently change to Firewall Plus for Droid Wall has never been updated since like 2011.But still, it does the job.
3. Nova Launcher Prime - Stock home just couldn't get the job done for me, And I even think it is a hassle to use. What I love the most about this launcher is their gestures setting. I have set every frequently used app on gestures and opening them never take me more than 2 seconds.
4. Brilliant Quotes - I need a daily motivation, and this piece of app does it flawlessly.
5. Dolphin Browser - Nothing beats it IMO. Smooth browsing experience.
6. MX Player - This one will play anything you throw at it, and it is also the friendliest movie player out there.
7. Kingsoft Office - Miles ahead of the preinstalled office app.
8. Root Browser - EZ File explorer used to be awesome, but since there is no longer root file explorer, it is now become worthless, at least for my kind of use.
9. SMS Scheduler - You know what? I have never forgotten to wish birthdays to my dearest and beloved ones.
10. Soccer Livescores - The name itself tells you what it does.
11. SwiftKey - With this app, I am 100% certain that I type faster on my phone.
12. Titanium Backup - Do I need to elaborate? Without it, what is the point of rooting your phone?
13. Waze - Never get lost. Errr...almost
14. Whatsapp - This is where my friends are. If they change, so will I. For now, this is a must have.
15. Alarm Clock Plus - Nothing wakes me up in the morning, nothing. But not this one, you will definitely get out of your bed. I have set mine to never ever to stop ringing, and even if I want to silence it,there are 10 difficult math questions for me to solve. And after those 10, I am wide awake.
16. Mobicalc Calculator - Stock is just meh at best.
These are all my MUST HAVE APP. What about you? Please do share with all of us here.
Thanks in advance.

Not feeling like writing a wall of text so i'll just post a small list.
Adaway, viper4android, titanium backup, YouTube, rootbrowser, battlelog
Gesendet von meinem C6603 mit Tapatalk

Xposed Framework
-----Xposed Modules: App Settings, Boot Manager, XbatteryThemer
Titanium Backup PRO - Backups are Important and I can freeze and delete apks
Root Browser - I think it's sure what to to with that
CCSWE App Manager - I use light version and I hide Apps from App-drawer with it
Gravity Box - You can change a lot of things
Unicon - change Icon theme, also on stock rom
AutomateIt Pro - Automate your phone with it
Whatsapp+ - hide online status and design your whatsapp interface like you want.
Supertube Pro - Like youtube, but with background music and you can watch with smaller window(Samsung style) and with scree off listen music
Dropbox - Sure what to do with that
Gtasks - Really cool widget for tasks!
Tapatalk - Best Forum App
realcalc - Best calculator ever for me

gripfly said:
Xposed Framework
-----Xposed Modules: App Settings, Boot Manager, XbatteryThemer
Whatsapp+ - hide online status and design your whatsapp interface like you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds interesting

bloodsuckingcomputer said:
Sounds interesting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also download themes by other users or uploud your own one.
Also you can change Launcher Icon and some other modifications.
You can also ''modify'' the Popup with other colours etc.

Just a few that haven't already been mentioned -
Greenify (requires root) - Allows you to hibernate rogue apps that wake up your phone and drain battery.
Clipper - Replaces the default clipboard and allows you to go back multiple times over things that you have copied.
Cerberus - Anti theft software with options to locate, lock, wipe etc. This has been installed on every android device I have had. Paid.
Root Explorer - The original root explorer that was available and I still use years later. Paid, but it was cheap enough and I have had good value from it.
Most of everything else I use has already been mentioned.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

I like using VLC player for videos, it's in beta but is still very usable and plays any formats you can throw at it. Also, uTorrent for my torrenting needs* as well as My Class Schedule for timetabling my school subjects for the day.
*: torrenting DOESN'T automatically equate to piracy.

kingvortex said:
Just a few that haven't already been mentioned -
Greenify (requires root) - Allows you to hibernate rogue apps that wake up your phone and drain battery.
Clipper - Replaces the default clipboard and allows you to go back multiple times over things that you have copied.
Cerberus - Anti theft software with options to locate, lock, wipe etc. This has been installed on every android device I have had. Paid.
Root Explorer - The original root explorer that was available and I still use years later. Paid, but it was cheap enough and I have had good value from it.
Most of everything else I use has already been mentioned.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would normally uninstall all of the so called rogue apps, saves me the trouble(With the special exception for KINGO ROOT)
And I also heard a lot of good things about greenify, what else does it do?, if you don't mind.

iDroid8 said:
I like using VLC player for videos, it's in beta but is still very usable and plays any formats you can throw at it. Also, uTorrent for my torrenting needs* as well as My Class Schedule for timetabling my school subjects for the day.
*: torrenting DOESN'T automatically equate to piracy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use to heavily used Ttorrent on my phone, and it was good, always get a good download rate. But not so sure how does it behave nowadays.

bloodsuckingcomputer said:
I would normally uninstall all of the so called rogue apps, saves me the trouble(With the special exception for KINGO ROOT)
And I also heard a lot of good things about greenify, what else does it do?, if you don't mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is only for the purpose of stopping apps waking up without your specific permission.
There are some apps that wake the phone up when not needed that are still useful to have around, like Google Maps and Facebook to name 2 that cause wakes on my phone, so it allows you to still have these apps installed without them draining battery.
For more information, check out the developer's thread here on XDA.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2155737
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

Titanium backup Pro
Tapatalk
...all the rest

Quick Reboot, and Proximity Smart Cover. (I hate wearing out buttons)
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

shoey63 said:
Quick Reboot, and Proximity Smart Cover. (I hate wearing out buttons)
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, this is what I'm talking about, interesting, never heard of both, gonna check it out.
Thanks

kingvortex said:
It is only for the purpose of stopping apps waking up without your specific permission.
There are some apps that wake the phone up when not needed that are still useful to have around, like Google Maps and Facebook to name 2 that cause wakes on my phone, so it allows you to still have these apps installed without them draining battery.
For more information, check out the developer's thread here on XDA.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2155737
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough, I do not use both of the app you mentioned, get rid of it since day 1.

must
Lux Auto Brightness - I used start on my previous Motorola RAZR XT910 and now Xperia Z - save battery
Solid explorer - for me best explorer on android

NHK world
Mimi Chan browser
Mixi
Google wallet
Skype
Bloomberg
And whatever comes preinstalled on the phone excerpt the t-mobile apps haha
Sent from my C6606 using xda app-developers app

Things that I haven't seen mentioned yet
1. SD Maid.
2. System Tuner.
3. Sygic.(free in India, paid elsewhere). (I just rip out Maps & all Gapps).
4. OSMAnd~ (from F-Droid).
5. Blank Store.
Dead Cookies leave no trails...

Applock
Call popout
iFont
Truecaller
~ Zapped Using X-Zed ~

Try WifiKill bro..
Sent from my C6603

Invoice to go.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

Browser with homepage?

I need a good browser to use with my Fire that allows me to set the homepage (5.1.1, running Nexus ROM). Lightning+ cannot open tabs from apps right now due to a problem with the coding (not exclusive to the Fire), otherwise I'd be using that or Chrome (which doesn't have homeage). Your suggestions?
Edit: To clarify, I don't need to be able to choose my homepage. I just don't want to always restore my browser session every time I open the program.

Pixelguin said:
I need a good browser to use with my Fire that allows me to set the homepage (5.1.1, running Nexus ROM). Lightning+ cannot open tabs from apps right now due to a problem with the coding (not exclusive to the Fire), otherwise I'd be using that or Chrome (which doesn't have homeage). Your suggestions?
Edit: To clarify, I don't need to be able to choose my homepage. I just don't want to always restore my browser session every time I open the program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dolphin?

I'm currently trying Dolphin out but I've heard of privacy concerns; otherwise it has everything I need. Are the privacy issues no longer relevant? The internet does not seem to have come to a consensus on this.

Pixelguin said:
I'm currently trying Dolphin out but I've heard of privacy concerns; otherwise it has everything I need. Are the privacy issues no longer relevant? The internet does not seem to have come to a consensus on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a bias toward Opera and Opera Mini (depending on need/preference). Same underlying engine as Chrome which yields consistent rendering. Opera Mini has integrated page compression and ad-blocking which is attractive to some. Both offer the option option of customizing the home screen with 'speed dials' of your choosing. Privacy is of no personal concern aside for exercising safe behaviors (independent of browser) and avoiding apps that intentionally mine/leak personal information. That said I think much of the banter surrounding Dolphin (which I have also used; nice browser with some quirks) is pure FUD.

Mx Browser
Sent from my XT687 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Pixelguin said:
I'm currently trying Dolphin out but I've heard of privacy concerns; otherwise it has everything I need. Are the privacy issues no longer relevant? The internet does not seem to have come to a consensus on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never heard anything regarding privacy with dolphin. It has ads and such, but root and adaway eliminate those. If you're really concerned with privacy on android, don't use android!

Adhell

Has anyone been able to successfully run Adhell Adhell 2 on Note 8? Like actually having it block ads? I installed Adhell2 but it doesn't install ads. It sucks but this is one of the main reasons I liked Galaxy phones.

mehdi_s82 said:
Has anyone been able to successfully run Adhell Adhell 2 on Note 8? Like actually having it block ads? I installed Adhell2 but it doesn't install ads. It sucks but this is one of the main reasons I liked Galaxy phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not compatible yet, We have to wait for the developers to update it. It causes restarts and other issues.

I use DNS66 and added the two OpenDNS free servers to it. it works perfectly. Haven't seen an ad yet when using Chrome Canary! They also seem to have cut down on YouTube ads as well. Which is saying something because YouTube LOVES to put ads in most of their videos.. :laugh:

I think ad block plus is working for me. Haven't had any issues with it yet

MACHEK said:
I think ad block plus is working for me. Haven't had any issues with it yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't work for Chrome

rawintellect said:
I use DNS66 and added the two OpenDNS free servers to it. it works perfectly. Haven't seen an ad yet when using Chrome Canary! They also seem to have cut down on YouTube ads as well. Which is saying something because YouTube LOVES to put ads in most of their videos.. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't work for me. Ads still showing in Chrome. Did you do anything else other than adding OpenDNS servers?

mehdi_s82 said:
Didn't work for me. Ads still showing in Chrome. Did you do anything else other than adding OpenDNS servers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did add two custom host files but that shouldn't matter. I turned them off and it's still blocking ads. I do use Chrome Canary though which is different than the stock Chrome that comes with our phones. It's an alpha release and is ALWAYS updated just about every day. Sometimes it crashes because the devs are trying new things but they usually fix it within a day. Until they fix it I then run Chrome beta. I never use stock Chrome.
As for the setup? All you have to do is make sure the host files that came with DNS66 are updated before you start the task. Click the "reload button" in the upper right hand corner then wait...once they are updated then press start. Here are screenshots of a web site I go to called "Project Free TV" It's HEAVY on ads. You can see what it looks like with DNS66 on and with it off. It's DEFINITELY working.
P.S. Make sure you add it to the ignore list or "white list" of apps NOT to kill if you're using a task killer like Advance Task Manager or Greenify.

I'm using BlockThis 3.0. It's like adguard and uses a VPN. The only downside is that stupid key icon. It's free and blocks ads well. The others are hit and miss and seem to be selectively blocking ads which is annoying to say the least. Now if they stopped youtube ads...
This is not on the play store but easily found.

cpufrost said:
I'm using BlockThis 3.0. It's like adguard and uses a VPN. The only downside is that stupid key icon. It's free and blocks ads well. The others are hit and miss and seem to be selectively blocking ads which is annoying to say the least. Now if they stopped youtube ads...
This is not on the play store but easily found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm loathe to use any VPN tool that is not open source. You never know what traffic from your phone is sent to what server. Also VPNs in general take a toll on battery. I really hope Adhell can be fixed for Note 8

mehdi_s82 said:
I'm loathe to use any VPN tool that is not open source. You never know what traffic from your phone is sent to what server. Also VPNs in general take a toll on battery. I really hope Adhell can be fixed for Note 8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's done locally, so there are no risks to your privacy. VPN is a little more battery hungry compared to DNS blocking, but Adguard doesn't leave empty blocks everywhere like other adblockers do.

EP2008 said:
It's done locally, so there are no risks to your privacy. VPN is a little more battery hungry compared to DNS blocking, but Adguard doesn't leave empty blocks everywhere like other adblockers do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the vpn server is technically done locally but basically the app has access to ALL of the network traffic to/from your phone so it can do whatever with it and unless it's open source, I personally am not comfortable.

This is a good read. Might help someone out.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/themes/adhell-2-rootless-ad-blocking-t3663559
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Having same issues with Disconnect Pro it causes lag, slow Internet and restarts
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

cpufrost said:
I'm using BlockThis 3.0. It's like adguard and uses a VPN. The only downside is that stupid key icon. It's free and blocks ads well. The others are hit and miss and seem to be selectively blocking ads which is annoying to say the least. Now if they stopped youtube ads...
This is not on the play store but easily found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup I second this. BlockThis 3.0 has been working great so far with no issues for me.

I use Blokada, it blocks 99% of ads without root. I've installed it on all my employees phones too and they all love it. It's internal VPN based and open source.

_MetalHead_ said:
I use Blokada, it blocks 99% of ads without root. I've installed it on all my employees phones too and they all love it. It's internal VPN based and open source.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Just tried it and it works flawlessly. The only downside is the persistent vpn key icon

mehdi_s82 said:
Awesome! Just tried it and it works flawlessly. The only downside is the persistent vpn key icon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually like having that notification. I find comfort in it lol

Any update on Adhell? i'd rather not use a VPN.

Mr.Ash.Man said:
Any update on Adhell? i'd rather not use a VPN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/themes/adhell-2-rootless-ad-blocking-t3663559/page10
There's the last page of the thread. Right now the dev is busy with life but is still trying to develop a working Ad Hell 2 for the Note 8. It looks like it is working for some but there is a reboot issue.

I've had Adhell 2 working on my Note 8 for over a week now, no reboots either..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/themes/adhell-2-rootless-ad-blocking-t3663559

Good ad blocker without root

Hi,
I always used Adaway on my rooted Galaxy S6 and was working perfect, especially with blocking ads in apps.
Now I have a Note 8, but from my company. I don't want to root this right now. Is there any ad blocker that is working as perfect as Adaway, but then without root?
Thanks!

I've been using adguard for over a year now. Gets the job done nicely. No complaints.

I used Adguard also but I hated how you will always see a notification icon when using it. Some people report that it's noticeable on battery life but I never noticed it. That's cause I never used it for more than a few days or so cause that's about how long I can last without rooting then I switch to AdAway.
I hear DNS66 is another good one.

I also been using Adguard for nearly 3 yrs on my pc /laptop (Windows) and my phone.(Android)
I very seldom see an advert. Also Adguard presence on XDA helps. I have had no issues with their support
services. Yes, it has subscription service etc. but worth it.
Battery usage , for me is very minimal.
If users take time to read Adguard explanations /help , on why it reflects a higher level of battery usage, you will understand that Adguard routes all website traffic
through it's VPN etc and thus its not actually
Adguard battery usage alone, but the other apps also (that it re routes.) combined, that is normally reflected.
Overall for me, the best option if you have no root.

willcor said:
I also been using Adguard for nearly 3 yrs on my pc /laptop (Windows) and my phone.(Android)
I very seldom see an advert. Also Adguard presence on XDA helps. I have had no issues with their support
services. Yes, it has subscription service etc. but worth it.
Battery usage , for me is very minimal.
If users take time to read Adguard explanations /help , on why it reflects a higher level of battery usage, you will understand that Adguard routes all website traffic
through it's VPN etc and thus its not actually
Adguard battery usage alone, but the other apps also (that it re routes.) combined, that is normally reflected.
Overall for me, the best option if you have no root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. But I am not looking for a ad blocker only in a browser, but for all apps as well. When I see Adaway on a rooted phone, it blocks also all ads in an app (for example games etc.).
Is there any blocker for non-rooted devices that does all?
Thanks!

Morrpheus said:
Hi,
I always used Adaway on my rooted Galaxy S6 and was working perfect, especially with blocking ads in apps.
Now I have a Note 8, but from my company. I don't want to root this right now. Is there any ad blocker that is working as perfect as Adaway, but then without root?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Disconnect Pro from the Samsung app store, It's pricey $25.00 but does seem to block system wide.

Morrpheus said:
Thanks for your reply. But I am not looking for a ad blocker only in a browser, but for all apps as well. When I see Adaway on a rooted phone, it blocks also all ads in an app (for example games etc.).
Is there any blocker for non-rooted devices that does all?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adguard ( standalone ) does all .
Pc/laptop or Android.... ..standalone !
Block In app popups ,blocks ads (all sorts of apps)
Also has a whitelist to list websites not to block ,all type of spam filters etc . .etc .
No root required .As stated been using it for about 3 yrs ,i hardly seen an advert slip by .!
If you want full benefits ,then the subscription is best .
The free app does not work so good ( my opinion )
And i forgot ,somebody mentioned about notification in notification bar ,
Well it's there for good reason .
https://adguard.com/en/welcome.html
and
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/adguard-ad-blocker-doesnt-require-root-t2958895
Yes you also get Adguard ( extension ) for Samsung Internet .
I am not talking about this extension , i don't even use this extension .
Good luck .

I'm using dns66 and it seems to be working great and it works in many apps.

try blockada, works great for me

Blockada

Just tried blockada so far I like. I hate the key in the notification bar but really not that big of deal. As l long as blocks out ads that's what matters to me. I downloaded tried a game ad blocked opened up terrarium tv app known for lots of ads blocked 31 ads in two apps did not see one ad
So far I like

Disconnect pro from the Samsung store (yes, 20€ for an app that makes your 1000€ phone better) or adhell (in case, that is still available). They are both using the Knox firewall to block ads. Imo that is the most sensible way, better than a pseudo VPN.
Are the VPN solutions compatible with other Vons?

Adhell ... very good search the apps store for it .
Also become a beta tester