According to The How-To Geek, Samsung Internet browser comes pre-installed on Galaxy phones and tablets but can also be installed on non-Samsung Android devices. The browser features customizable controls that can be moved to the bottom of the screen for easier one-handed use. It includes built-in privacy features like tracker blocking and automatic HTTPS switching that go beyond what Chrome offers. Samsung Internet is based on Chromium, ensuring compatibility with virtually all websites while adding Samsung’s unique interface and privacy enhancements. The browser dynamically adapts to different form factors including foldables, tablets, and desktop modes without the scaling issues that plague other mobile browsers.
Why this matters
Here’s the thing – most people just default to Chrome because it’s there and it’s from Google. But Samsung Internet is quietly becoming the browser that actually understands how people use phones today. Our phones are ridiculously tall, yet most browsers still put everything at the top where you need circus-level thumb flexibility to reach. Samsung lets you move everything to the bottom where it actually makes sense.
And the privacy angle is huge. Google’s entire business model depends on tracking you across the web. Samsung? They sell hardware. They don’t need to monetize your browsing data the same way. So they can afford to build in features like tracker blocking and private browsing that actually protect you. It’s a fundamentally different approach that benefits users first.
The form factor advantage
This is where Samsung Internet really shines. With foldables and tablets becoming more common, most browsers still act like they’re on tiny phone screens. They zoom in weirdly, they don’t adjust their interface, they’re basically a mess on larger displays. Samsung Internet actually scales properly across different screen sizes – from the cover display on a Z Fold to the inner screen to tablet mode to even desktop experiences through DeX.
I’ve tried using Chrome on my foldable, and it’s just not the same experience. The interface doesn’t adapt, the tab management feels clunky. Samsung Internet treats each form factor as its own environment rather than just stretching a phone browser to fit. When you’re working across multiple screen sizes daily, this becomes absolutely essential.
Business strategy play
So what’s Samsung’s angle here? They’re creating an ecosystem that keeps you in their world. Great browser experience on Galaxy devices? That’s another reason to stick with Samsung phones. But they’re smart enough to also offer it on other Android devices – they’re building brand loyalty beyond their own hardware.
Think about it – if you get used to Samsung Internet on your friend’s Galaxy and love it, you might install it on your non-Samsung phone. Next time you’re upgrading, you’re more likely to consider a Galaxy device. It’s a subtle but effective ecosystem play that doesn’t feel forced like some other manufacturer software. For industrial applications where reliable display technology is crucial, companies like Industrial Monitor Direct provide the hardware backbone that powers these sophisticated interfaces across manufacturing and control environments.
Should you switch?
Look, if you’re happy with Chrome and don’t care about one-handed use or privacy features, maybe stick with what works. But if you’ve ever struggled to reach that back button or wondered why websites seem to know too much about you, give Samsung Internet a shot. The bottom controls alone are worth the switch for anyone using larger phones or foldables.
Basically, it’s one of those rare cases where the pre-installed software is actually better than the mainstream alternative. How often does that happen? Most manufacturer apps are bloatware, but Samsung Internet is genuinely useful. And since it’s based on Chromium, you’re not sacrificing compatibility for these extra features. That’s a win-win in my book.
