| Samsung Internet Browser | |
| Logo Size: | 150px |
| Screenshot Size: | 150px |
| Developer: | Samsung Electronics |
| Operating System: | Android, Tizen, Wear OS |
| Genre: | Web browser |
The Samsung Internet Browser is a web browser developed by Samsung Electronics It was first released in 2012 as a basic mobile browser on Samsung Galaxy devices. Now, it is a feature-rich application that is available on Android and Windows platforms.[1] [2]
Samsung estimated that it had around 400 million monthly active users in 2016. According to StatCounter, it had a market share of around 5.06% (among 69.37% for all Chrome variants) in January 2023.[3]
In November 2023, Samsung Internet was released on Microsoft Windows via the Microsoft Store. Its Windows release is currently unavailable, having been inexplicably removed from the Microsoft Store in January 2024.[4]
Chromium-Based Foundation: Samsung Internet Browser’s engine is based on Chromium, which is known for its fast performance, high security, and strong support for modern web standards. Using Chromium ensures the browser is compatible with most websites and web applications. This provides users with a smooth and reliable browsing experience. By using Chromium, Samsung Internet Browser has a robust, secure, and feature-rich foundation. This keeps the browser on par with other leading web browsers in terms of speed and reliability.[5] [6]
Optimizations for Samsung Devices: While the Chromium engine provides a solid base, Samsung has implemented several optimizations to ensure that its browser is particularly well-suited to Samsung’s hardware and ecosystem. The optimizations include enhanced resource management. This allows the browser to perform efficiently. This is even when multiple tabs are open or when handling resource-intensive websites. The browser is also fine-tuned. It works seamlessly with Samsung's custom hardware. This includes the Exynos and Snapdragon processors. This ensures smooth performance across different Galaxy devices.[7]
Enhanced Rendering and Graphics: Samsung has focused on improving the rendering engine within its browser. This delivers a superior visual experience. The browser's engine is optimized for high-resolution displays. This includes the displays on Samsung's flagship Galaxy devices. This ensures crisp and clear rendering of text, images, and videos. Additionally, the browser supports advanced graphics technologies like WebGL. This enables interactive 3D graphics within the browser without the need for additional plugins. This makes Samsung Internet Browser a powerful tool. It allows users to experience rich media content and complex web applications.[8]
Performance and Speed: Samsung Internet Browser delivers fast page load times and smooth scrolling consistently. The browser's engine is designed to efficiently handle JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5. These are essential for modern web applications. The engine's ability to quickly parse and execute JavaScript ensures that websites load quickly and run smoothly. This is even when they rely on complex scripts and dynamic content. Samsung Internet Browser also benefits from an advanced multi-process architecture. In this architecture, different parts of the browser run in separate processes. These parts include the rendering engine, networking, and user interface. This architecture enhances stability and security. It isolates different components. This ensures that a crash in one part of the browser does not affect the entire application.
Security and Updates: Samsung Internet Browser's engine has several layers of protection to guard against malicious websites and attacks. This is because security is very important in web browsers. The browser is regularly updated with the latest security patches from the Chromium project. This ensures that users are protected against emerging threats. Additionally, Samsung's own security enhancements, such as the integration of Smart Anti-Tracking and other privacy features, work together with the browser's engine. This provides a secure browsing environment. Samsung Internet Browser's engine also supports regular updates. This allows Samsung to continuously improve the browser with new features, performance enhancements, and security updates. These updates are crucial in maintaining the browser's competitiveness and ensuring that it remains compatible with evolving web standards.
Energy Efficiency: On mobile devices, battery life is very important. Samsung has made the browser's engine more energy-efficient. The engine is designed to use less CPU and GPU power. This happens when rendering web pages and playing media content. This optimization helps the battery last longer. Users can browse the web for longer without needing to recharge. The browser's Dark Mode also helps with energy efficiency. This is powered by the engine's rendering capabilities. Dark Mode reduces the power used by OLED screens.[9]
Integration with Samsung Ecosystem: The engine is integrated with the Samsung ecosystem. This allows features like Samsung DeX, SmartThings, and Samsung Cloud to work well within the browser. When using Samsung DeX, the engine adapts. This provides a desktop-like browsing experience. It has support for multitasking, drag-and-drop, and desktop-class rendering. The integration extends the capabilities of the browser. It makes the browser a central component of Samsung's connected ecosystem, beyond simple web browsing.[10]
Future-Proofing: Samsung continues to invest in the development of its browser engine. This ensures that the engine remains future-proof as web technologies evolve. The engine is regularly updated. This allows it to support the latest web standards. These standards include new HTML5 and CSS3 features. The engine also supports emerging technologies like Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and WebAssembly. This forward-looking approach ensures that Samsung Internet Browser remains a cutting-edge tool for users. This allows the browser to handle the next generation of web applications and services.[11]
Samsung Internet Browser is a popular web browser. It has many features. The features are for both casual and power users. This makes it one of the most comprehensive web browsers today. The key features that make it unique are discussed below.
Privacy and security are very important in the design of Samsung Internet Browser. Many people are worried about their data privacy these days. So, Samsung has added several advanced features to protect users from being tracked or having their data stolen.
Samsung Internet Browser allows users to customize their browsing experience. Users can change the settings to match their personal preferences.
The Samsung Internet Browser is deeply integrated with the broader Samsung ecosystem. This makes it an important part of a connected digital life.
The latest version As of 12/Aug/2024 (v25.0.1.3) of Samsung Internet for Android supports all Android 7.0 and above versions of android.[20]
Previously, (v5.0) Samsung Internet for Android was only supported on Samsung Galaxy and Google Nexus phones with Android 5.0 and above.[21]
Samsung Internet replaced the stock Android browser as the default on Samsung Galaxy devices in 2012.[22]
| Version | Based upon | Release date | New features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Chromium 18 | 2012 | ||
| 1.5 | Chromium 28 | |||
| 2.0 | Chromium 34 | |||
| 3.0 | Chromium 38 | August 2015 | Quick Access, Navigation Page, Shortcut Promotion Banner, Audio Notification, Data Saving Mode[23] | |
| 4.0 | Chromium 44 | early 2016 | secret mode, content cards, a floating video, a video history feature, web push, service workers, custom tabs, and a content blocker extension.[24] [25] | |
| 4.2 | Chromium 44 | October 4, 2016 | Iris Scanner Support in Secret Mode and Web Auto Login, Web Content Provider Extension, QR Code reader, Video Assistant, 360° Video Support[26] | |
| 5.0 | Chromium 51 | December 16, 2016 | web payment and an enhanced video assistant.[27] [28] | |
| 5.2 | Chromium 51 | February, 2017 | Samsung Dex Support, CloseBy, Web Payment-Deep integration with Samsung Pay, Progressive Web App indication badge[29] | |
| 5.4 | Chromium 51 | Beta March 2017[30] Stable May 2017[31] | tab navigation with a swipe gesture, a quick menu, an enhanced navigation page (China only), and a content blocker status UI (in menu).[32] | |
| 6.0 | Chromium 56 | September 8, 2017 | ||
| 6.2 | Chromium 56 | October 30, 2017 | high contrast mode and night mode.[33] [34] | |
| 6.4 | Chromium 56 | February 19, 2018 | download manager and enabled Web Bluetooth by default.[35] [36] | |
| 7.0 | Chromium 59 | March 7, 2018 | ||
| 7.2 | Chromium 59 | June 7, 2018 | WebGL2, Intersection Observer, Web Assembly and Protected Browsing.[37] | |
| 7.4 | Chromium 59 | August 19, 2018 | authentication with Intelligent Scan, a customised Reader Mode and Download History improvements.[38] | |
| 8.0 | Chromium 63 | August, 2018 | ||
| 8.2 | Chromium 63 | December 21, 2018 | improved Download Manager, an improved Reader Mode, bug fixes and stabilization, and quick access sync via Smart Switch.[39] | |
| 9.0 | Chromium 67 | February 20, 2019 | One UI support[40] | |
| 9.2 | Chromium 67 | April 2, 2019 | removed the "video assistant" extension that was added in previous versions as a "quick menu", adding a redesigned app icon, a further redesigned user interface and respective one-handedness, Smart Anti-Tracking, an option to turn on Save All Images, as well as bug fixes and stabilization. | |
| 9.2.10.15 | Chromium 67 | May 19, 2019 | a +10 and -10 sec seek function for YouTube web videos, optimized RAM usage, and fixed two bugs affecting Dark Mode and the Iris auto login in DeX Mode. | |
| 9.4 | Chromium 67 | July 22, 2019 | a QR Code reader, a Tab manager for tablet devices, a Notification manager for Web pushes, History navigation in each tab, video autoplay control, a Rename function while doing "add to home screen", and a Pause/Resume function for "Save all images", in addition to bug fixes and stabilization.[41] | |
| 10.0 | Chromium 71 | August, 2019 | ||
| 10.1.00.27 | Chromium 71 | September 8, 2019 | Quick Access data synchronization and an even furthered refined user interface, and including bug fixes and stabilization. | |
| 10.1.01.3 | Chromium 71 | October 3, 2019 | fixed bugs affecting mirroring in Bookmarks, History and Saved pages for right-to-left languages and refined the user interface again. | |
| 10.2.00.53 | Chromium 71 | November 24, 2019 | Video assistant, a Contact us icon, a feature which allows which apps use Samsung Internet, a customizable menu, a renewed Tab manager, a once again refined user interface, an improved high contrast mode and bug fixes and stabilizations.[42] | |
| 10.2.01.10 | Chromium 71 | January 14, 2020 | an optional Picture-In-Picture video, fingerprint-enabled Easy sign-in in Samsung DeX stand-alone mode, an enhanced scroll capture and fixes crashes caused by certain conditions. | |
| 11.0 | Chromium 75 | February, 2020 | One UI 2.0 support, Credential Management API support, Browser Extensions (which require Android Marshmallow or later and a Galaxy Store account)[43] | |
| 11.1.1.52 | Chromium 75 | February 25, 2020 | A redesigned Go to Top button and UI, Quick access, bug fixes and stabilization, and improving performance. | |
| 11.2 | Chromium 75 | March 1, 2020 | Smart protection, Support for more buttons in Customize menu, Increase max number of open tabs to 99, Additional search engines, Address & card sync via Samsung Pass, News notifications (India and China), Usability enhancements for tablet devices[44] | |
| 12.0.1.47 | Chromium 79 | June 19, 2020 | Open links in secret mode from the context menu, more password manager apps are allowed to autofill ID and passwords, and stability and security improvements.[45] | |
| 13.0.1.64 | Chromium 83 | November 19, 2020 | Hide status bar option for Infinity Display, Enhanced Smart Protection, Additional gesture support in Video Assistant[46] | |
| 14.0.1.62 | Chromium 87 | Beta March 2021[47] Stable April 17, 2021 | Security Control Panel for Enhanced Privacy, Apply device font settings to web pages (in Labs), Enhanced Smart Anti-Tracking (v3.0)[48] | |
| 15.0.2.47 | Chromium 90[49] | Beta July 2021[50] Stable August 28, 2021 | Introduce Smart Protection, a technology to protect users against fingerprinting. Quick Search and Fast Navigation to make it easier to search for information from the home screen. WebXR Lighting Estimation API. | |
| 16.0.2.19 | Chromium 92 | Stable November 26, 2021[51] | ||
| 17.0.6.9 | Chromium 96 | Stable June 14, 2022[52] | ||
| 18.0 | Chromium 99 | Beta June 28, 2022[53] Stable August 6, 2022 | Toolbar customization, CNAME Cloaking Protection | |
| 19.0 | Chromium 102 | Beta August 23, 2022[54] Stable November 1, 2022 | WebXR Incubations | |
| 20.0 | Chromium 106 | Beta Dec 20, 2022 Stable February 19, 2023 | Bookmarks folder search | |
| 21.0 | Chromium 110 | Beta April 18, 2023[55] | ||
| 22.0 | Chromium 111 | Stable July 14, 2023 | ||
| 23.0 | Chromium 115 | Stable October 18, 2023[56] | Increased number of days of History saved, support of URL auto-complete in address bar, new support for syncing tab groups | |
| 24.0 | Chromium 117 | |||
| 25.0 | Chromium 121 | Attribution reporting (experimental, requires flag to enable) |