Samsung Internet Vs Chrome Why Are So Many Android Users Ditching Chrome

For years, Google Chrome has dominated the mobile browser landscape on Android. It's fast, familiar, and deeply integrated with Google services. But recently, a quiet revolution has been unfolding—millions of Android users, especially those with Samsung devices, are quietly switching to Samsung Internet. What’s behind this shift? Is it just brand loyalty, or is there something fundamentally better about Samsung’s default browser? The answer lies in performance, privacy, customization, and a growing desire for alternatives to Google’s ecosystem.

Performance: Speed and Efficiency on Mid-Tier Devices

Samsung Internet has made significant strides in optimizing performance, particularly on mid-range and older Galaxy devices. Unlike Chrome, which often feels sluggish when multiple tabs are open or on devices with limited RAM, Samsung Internet uses a leaner rendering engine based on Chromium but tuned specifically for Samsung hardware.

Independent speed tests show that Samsung Internet loads pages up to 30% faster on some models under low-memory conditions. This efficiency comes from intelligent memory management and preloading features tailored to how users typically browse on mobile.

Tip: Enable \"Lite Mode\" in Samsung Internet to reduce data usage and improve loading times on slower connections.

Battery consumption is another key factor. Chrome has long been criticized for being a battery hog due to background processes and sync activity. Samsung Internet, by contrast, limits background activity more aggressively and offers granular control over resource-heavy features like autoplay and JavaScript.

Privacy: A Growing Differentiator

As awareness around digital privacy grows, users are scrutinizing how their data is collected and used. Chrome, despite its ubiquity, is inherently tied to Google’s ad-driven business model. Every search, every visited site, and even browsing behavior can feed into user profiles for targeted advertising.

Samsung Internet takes a different approach. While it still supports ads, it includes built-in tracking protection and robust anti-fingerprinting measures. Its “Enhanced Tracking Protection” blocks third-party trackers by default and allows users to toggle protections per site.

“Samsung Internet gives users real control over who tracks them online—something most mainstream browsers still treat as optional.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Digital Privacy Researcher at TechEthics Lab

The browser also integrates seamlessly with Samsung Knox, the company’s enterprise-grade security platform, adding an extra layer of trust for privacy-conscious users. This combination of proactive blocking and transparent permissions has become a major selling point.

Customization and Features That Matter

Where Samsung Internet truly shines is in its user-centric feature set. It doesn’t just replicate Chrome—it improves upon it with tools designed for real-world use.

• Dark Mode Sync: Automatically applies dark themes to all sites, reducing eye strain and saving battery on AMOLED displays.
• Video Assistant: Lets users pop videos into floating windows, enabling multitasking without leaving the page.
• Extensions Support: Yes, Samsung Internet supports browser extensions via its add-on store—something Chrome on Android still lacks.
• Biometric Authentication: Securely autofill passwords using fingerprint or facial recognition without relying on Google’s cloud sync.

These aren't gimmicks—they solve actual pain points. For example, the video popup feature is widely used by people watching tutorials while taking notes or shopping online. Chrome requires third-party apps or split-screen mode to achieve similar functionality, which is less intuitive.

Comparison: Samsung Internet vs Chrome (Key Differences)

Feature	Samsung Internet	Google Chrome
Default on Samsung Devices	Yes	No (requires installation)
Extension Support	Yes (via Galaxy Store)	No native support
Tracking Protection	Enabled by default	Limited, third-party blockers needed
Floating Video Player	Yes	No
Data Saving Mode	Lite Mode available	Data Saver (less effective)
Sync Across Non-Samsung Devices	Limited	Full Google ecosystem integration
RAM Usage (Average)	~180 MB	~250 MB

Real User Shift: A Mini Case Study

Jamal, a freelance graphic designer from Austin, used Chrome exclusively on his Galaxy S21 for three years. He switched to Samsung Internet after noticing frequent crashes during client Zoom calls while researching design trends in multiple tabs. After reading about Samsung’s optimized tab handling, he decided to try the default browser.

Within a week, he noticed smoother performance, longer battery life, and appreciated the ability to watch YouTube tutorials in a floating window while working in Adobe XD. “I didn’t think a browser could make such a difference,” Jamal said. “Now I recommend it to all my clients who use Samsung phones.”

His experience reflects a broader trend: users aren’t switching because they dislike Chrome, but because Samsung Internet solves specific frustrations—especially around multitasking and stability.

How to Make the Switch Smoothly

Moving from Chrome to Samsung Internet doesn’t have to be disruptive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your bookmarks, passwords, and settings come with you:

1. Open Samsung Internet and tap the three-dot menu.
2. Select “Import from Chrome” under Settings > General.
3. Choose what to import: bookmarks, history, passwords, or addresses.
4. Enable sync with your Samsung account to keep data consistent across devices.
5. Install essential add-ons like uBlock Origin or Dark Reader from the Galaxy Store.
6. Adjust privacy settings: turn on Enhanced Tracking Protection and disable unnecessary permissions.

Tip: Use Samsung Pass to manage passwords securely without syncing through Google’s cloud.

Checklist: Optimize Samsung Internet in 5 Minutes

• ✅ Import bookmarks and passwords from Chrome
• ✅ Enable Enhanced Tracking Protection
• ✅ Turn on Dark Mode and Video Assistant
• ✅ Install one privacy-focused extension (e.g., DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials)
• ✅ Set default search engine to preferred option (DuckDuckGo, Bing, or Google)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use Google services with Samsung Internet?

Absolutely. Samsung Internet supports all Google services including Gmail, Drive, Maps, and YouTube. You can remain logged into your Google account and use these apps normally—the switch only affects your browsing experience.

Is Samsung Internet only for Samsung phones?

While optimized for Samsung devices, Samsung Internet is available on all Android phones via the Galaxy Store or APK download. However, some features like Knox integration and seamless DeX support work best on Samsung hardware.

Does Samsung Internet sell my data?

No. According to Samsung’s official privacy policy, the company does not collect or sell personal browsing data for advertising purposes. Data collected for diagnostics is anonymized and optional.

Conclusion: A Viable Alternative Worth Trying

The rise of Samsung Internet isn’t just about pre-installation—it’s about delivering a better browsing experience tailored to how people actually use smartphones today. With superior performance on Samsung hardware, stronger privacy defaults, unique features like floating video, and growing extension support, it offers compelling reasons to leave Chrome behind.

This shift reflects a larger trend: users no longer accept “good enough” defaults. They want control, efficiency, and respect for their privacy. Samsung Internet delivers on all three.

🚀 Ready to test the alternative? Spend one week using Samsung Internet as your default. Compare speed, battery impact, and usability. You might find, like millions of others, that it’s time to make the switch permanent.