Galaxy Nexus browser vs iPhone 4s' Safari

mysterioustko · Jan 22, 2012

I put together a little video comparing the Galaxy Nexus' browser to that of the iPhone 4S. Decided I'd share it with you guys. Hope you enjoy it.

Browser Comparison - Galaxy Nexus vs iPhone 4S - YouTube

jbdan · Jan 22, 2012

Thanks for your time and the video comparo

stenzor · Jan 22, 2012

damn, I didn't even know quick controls existed! So awesome, thanks for showing it!

mysterioustko · Jan 22, 2012

jbdan said:
Thanks for your time and the video comparo

No problem at all. Thanks.

stenzor said:
damn, I didn't even know quick controls existed! So awesome, thanks for showing it!

Yeah I love the quick controls, as it adds a new level of efficiency and convenience to the browser.

HamakiBCN · Jan 23, 2012

Good video, the scroll comparison is interesting. Kind of shows the trickery Apple uses to keep Safari smooth (limited scrolling to avoid checkered boards).

By the way, if you want to avoid washing out the screens when taking a video, choose a single point AF, make an AF measurement on one of the screens at its brightest, then use AE Lock. That'll help.

Tim K · Jan 23, 2012

wow, didn't know about quick controls. nice. You can even choose between your tabs by scrolling the pop up window.

Thanks for the tip!

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

HamakiBCN said:
Good video, the scroll comparison is interesting. Kind of shows the trickery Apple uses to keep Safari smooth (limited scrolling to avoid checkered boards).

By the way, if you want to avoid washing out the screens when taking a video, choose a single point AF, make an AF measurement on one of the screens at its brightest, then use AE Lock. That'll help.

Thanks for the tip.

But yes, it is interesting to see how they artificially make the browser scrolling "smooth" by limiting what it has to do. Personally, I find it annoying to have to do all that extra swiping just to scroll to a particular part of a page, when I could have gotten there in one swipe. I do think the scrolling is a hair smoother on the iphone, but at the cost of being able to scroll where you want to. I much prefer the way the Nexus does it, as I don't need my phone to manage my scrolling for me...I'm perfectly capable of managing my scrolling myself.

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

HamakiBCN said:
Good video, the scroll comparison is interesting. Kind of shows the trickery Apple uses to keep Safari smooth (limited scrolling to avoid checkered boards).

I don't think that is HOW Apple makes the scrolling smooth....

For example, you can download a web browser called MAVEN (a great one!) on the iPhone that allows you to scroll down quickly, even quicker than Android browser!! No hiccups when doing it...all smooth.

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

Thai said:
I don't think that is HOW Apple makes the scrolling smooth....

For example, you can download a web browser called MAVEN (a great one!) on the iPhone that allows you to scroll down quickly, even quicker than Android browser!! No hiccups when doing it...all smooth.

I get what you're saying, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. The two browsers are different and are coded to function differently. Take the iphone 4 for example, you had checkerboarding while scrolling and it scrolled the same way. So if it had to quickly render an entire page by scrolling all the way to the bottom you would have significant delay. The maven browser obviously handles its rendering in a different way than Safari, thus you really can't use it as a true comparison. Truth be told since Safari is set up the way it is, we'll really never know (unless there's a way to enable normal scrolling).

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

mysterioustko said:
I get what you're saying, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. The two browsers are different and are coded to function differently. Take the iphone 4 for example, you had checkerboarding while scrolling and it scrolled the same way. So if it had to quickly render an entire page by scrolling all the way to the bottom you would have significant delay. The maven browser obviously handles its rendering in a different way than Safari, thus you really can't use it as a true comparison. Truth be told since Safari is set up the way it is, we'll really never know (unless there's a way to enable normal scrolling).

The same can be said about your and the above members' conclusion that Apple does the limited scrolling as a "trick." Obviously, the iPhone is capable of smooth scrolling whether limited or fast. As you explained it, Maven may do things differently than Safari...but i would argue that i doubt it because i doubt that a small developer found a way to do it while Apple engineers have to resort to limited scrolling to "trick" people. Come on! Safari does limited scrolling because that is how Apple thinks people want/need. It is not a trick.

But, since this is an Android forum, the bigger question is...why can't Android ICS scroll smoothly??? If a tiny developer who did Maven was able to do it, then why can't Android/Google?? Or is there something more deep down in the Android software that prevents such smooth actions?

Bnice · Jan 23, 2012

The op did a browser comparison between the two device, it was not about who scrolled smoothly. Let's not deviate from what the op was discussing and pointing out the overall functions the Nexus browser provide compared to the iPhone 4s..

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

Thai said:
The same can be said about your and the above members' conclusion that Apple does the limited scrolling as a "trick." Obviously, the iPhone is capable of smooth scrolling whether limited or fast. As you explained it, Maven may do things differently than Safari...but i would argue that i doubt it because i doubt that a small developer found a way to do it while Apple engineers have to resort to limited scrolling to "trick" people. Come on! Safari does limited scrolling because that is how Apple thinks people want/need. It is not a trick.

But, since this is an Android forum, the bigger question is...why can't Android ICS scroll smoothly??? If a tiny developer who did Maven was able to do it, then why can't Android/Google?? Or is there something more deep down in the Android software that prevents such smooth actions?

I'll say this, I don't have an issue with how the scrolling in ICS is. It isn't exactly the same fluidity as found on iOS, but it gives me the freedom to scroll as I see fit. Thought it may not scroll 100% as smooth, it isn't off by much, and the difference isn't large enough for me to even concern myself with. On the other hand, the difference in features between the GNex and the iOS browser are like night and day. You can't even download or upload in the browser. The iOS browser is lacking in several areas overall so the fact that it scrolls slightly smoother really doesn't impress me.

Bnice said:
The op did a browser comparison between the two device, its was not about who scrolled smoothly. Let's not deviate from what the op was discussing and pointing out the overall functions the Nexus browser provide compared to the iPhone 4s..

Thanks and you're absolutely right. I find that in comparison the iOS browser almost seems handicapped when compared to the ICS browser. They just aren't in the same league with each other. It's really amazing to me how much credit the iOS browser gets for how incapable it is.

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

Bnice said:
The op did a browser comparison between the two device, its was not about who scrolled smoothly. Let's not deviate from what the op was discussing and pointing out the overall functions the Nexus browser provide compared to the iPhone 4s..

But, the limited browsing speed is one of the main points the OP talked about...so, by definition, we're on topic. No deviation IMO.

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

mysterioustko said:
Thanks and you're absolutely right. I find that in comparison the iOS browser almost seems handicapped when compared to the ICS browser. They just aren't in the same league with each other. It's really amazing to me how much credit the iOS browser gets for how incapable it is.

The quick scrolling has been on Android long before ICS...just FYI. It is a matter of taste/opinion. For me, i find the Android scrolling too fast at times to get where i want on a long thread for example. But, the iOS is also a bit too slow at times. So, i am still waiting for a happy medium...and THAT medium is the Maven browser!!

Get the best of both worlds! In fact with a "scroll dial" my finger does not even have to move from one spot!!!

Check out the Maven browser...i got it when it first came out and thus was free...but, damn, i love that thing!! That was my point...there is nothing wrong with iOS per se in the scrolling...it is just Apple's way of doing things. Nothing technically wrong. Maven browser proves that.

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

Thai said:
The quick scrolling has been on Android long before ICS...just FYI. It is a matter of taste/opinion. For me, i find the Android scrolling too fast at times to get where i want on a long thread for example. But, the iOS is also a bit too slow at times. So, i am still waiting for a happy medium...and THAT medium is the Maven browser!! Get the best of both worlds! In fact with a "scroll dial" my finger does not even have to move from one spot!!!

Check out the Maven browser...i got it when it first came out and thus was free...but, damn, i love that thing!! That was my point...there is nothing wrong with iOS per se in the scrolling...it is just Apple's way of doing things. Nothing technically wrong. Maven browser proves that.

I suppose that's where we differ. I like the android scrolling as it offers full control over the speed. I think they got kinetic scrolling down. BTW I am fully aware that the scrolling has always been this way...this isn't my first android device. I find the way iOS' browser scrolls to be ridiculously tedious. It shouldn't take me 5 or 6 swipes to get to the bottom of a page. Especially when I can get to the bottom of the same page on my nexus in 1 swipe. In the end, either way you slice it, browsing on iOS is lacking. You like Maven, but unfortunately you cannot make it your default browser without jailbreaking the phone, which is ridiculous in itself. iOS' browser is lacking and none of the alternatives can be set as a default so as far as I'm concerned browsing in iOS comes up short.

s.m.knipe · Jan 23, 2012

Thai said:
The same can be said about your and the above members' conclusion that Apple does the limited scrolling as a "trick."But, since this is an Android forum, the bigger question is...why can't Android ICS scroll smoothly??? If a tiny developer who did Maven was able to do it, then why can't Android/Google?? Or is there something more deep down in the Android software that prevents such smooth actions?

Thai, here is one Google Engineer's explanation for how Android handles the UI, and what limitations it is up against:
https://plus.google.com/105051985738280261832/posts/2FXDCz8x93s

Thai said:
Obviously, the iPhone is capable of smooth scrolling whether limited or fast. As you explained it, Maven may do things differently than Safari...but i would argue that i doubt it because i doubt that a small developer found a way to do it while Apple engineers have to resort to limited scrolling to "trick" people. Come on!

Actually, a trick- whether wanted or not- is still trickery... The desire to be deceived does not change the deception that actually occurs, it just changes your perception/acceptance of it. If I pull a rabbit out of a seemingly empty hat, despite the thunderous applause the trick is still a trick because the hat was never really empty. What I think you mean to argue is the use of the term "trick." What we have here is different solutions to the same problem, and nothing else- each person has to determine which is "better" for them. For example, I prefer Android's (and the previous iOS') method of showing me that there is content yet to load because it is not deceptive/counter-intuitive (I know more-or-less the layout of the webpage as it loads, so I can begin to plan my absorption of the information on the page, not be de facto guided through the content on the page). Your opinion might differ, and that is fine.

s.m.knipe · Jan 23, 2012

mysterioustko said:
I suppose that's where we differ. I like the android scrolling as it offers full control over the speed. I think they got kinetic scrolling down. BTW I am fully aware that the scrolling has always been this way...this isn't my first android device. I find the way iOS' browser scrolls to be ridiculously tedious. It shouldn't take me 5 or 6 swipes to get to the bottom of a page. Especially when I can get to the bottom of the same page on my nexus in 1 swipe. In the end, either way you slice it, browsing on iOS is lacking. You like Maven, but unfortunately you cannot make it your default browser without jailbreaking the phone, which is ridiculous in itself. iOS' browser is lacking and none of the alternatives can be set as a default so as far as I'm concerned browsing in iOS comes up short.

Very true, I really think this is designed to hide an industry limitation in a way that matches the other changes iOS has made recently. It seems to me that the reasoning behind this is based on Apple's assumption that people want to read everything on the webpage, and we have to start at the top-left (in Western languages), so load that section first, then populate as needed towards the bottom of the document. Like the recent scrolling change, I think they really sold themselves that this is a "natural" way to browse, and it hides undrawn tiles. However, it is based on an assumption that I know is false at the least for me.
I agree that the limitations make the iOS browser lacking- whatever the smoothness is- but that is a difference of values I suppose, and not everyone will share ours...

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

s.m.knipe said:
Very true, I really think this is designed to hide an industry limitation in a way that matches the other changes iOS has made recently. It seems to me that the reasoning behind this is based on Apple's assumption that people want to read everything on the webpage, and we have to start at the top-left (in Western languages), so load that section first, then populate as needed towards the bottom of the document. Like the recent scrolling change, I think they really sold themselves that this is a "natural" way to browse, and it hides undrawn tiles. However, it is based on an assumption that I know is false at the least for me.
I agree that the limitations make the iOS browser lacking- whatever the smoothness is- but that is a difference of values I suppose, and not everyone will share ours...

I think in the end it really depends on what you're used to and what your level of expectation is. I think a person who is more accustomed to being able to scroll wherever and however they want, will find the iOS way of scrolling much more restrictive. I don't care about "smoothness" when it comes at the expense of usability.

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

But, sm.knipe, you miss the point...Maven proves that iOS browser way of doing things is NOT because of some technicality limitation, but because that is how Apple feel is the right speed for their customers. It is like most German sports cars limit their top speed to 150 mph...most can get above this speed without harm...but Germans chose to put this limit (which is defeatable with software). It is just a matter of taste that Apple does this. Thus, it is NOT a "trick" to smooth out the browser...it is by CHOICE. In other words, if Apple chooses to make a quick scrolling browser, then i am sure that it can do so smoothly without difficulty since there is nothing technically limiting them. (Maven browser proves that this CAN be done on iOS. But apparently, Apple engineers like their method better.)

Like stated above, i do find the Safari browser slow to browse...but i also find the Android too fast/sensitive. Why not provide a choice? This is where Maven comes in. (I don't really care whether it is default or not...not a big deal for me.)

The problem with Android (at least, 2.3 for me) is that even when slow browsing, there is a slight lag. So, given the choice, i would pick iOS with Maven!

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

Thai said:
But, sm.knipe, you miss the point...Maven proves that iOS browser way of doing things is NOT because of some technicality limitation, but because that is how Apple feel is the right speed for their customers. It is like most German sports cars limit their top speed to 150 mph...most can get above this speed without harm...but Germans chose to put this limit (which is defeatable with software). It is just a matter of taste that Apple does this. Thus, it is NOT a "trick" to smooth out the browser...it is by CHOICE. In other words, if Apple chooses to make a quick scrolling browser, then i am sure that it can do so smoothly without difficulty since there is nothing technically limiting them. (Maven browser proves that this CAN be done on iOS. But apparently, Apple engineers like their method better.)

Like stated above, i do find the Safari browser slow to browse...but i also find the Android too fast/sensitive. Why not provide a choice? This is where Maven comes in. (I don't really care whether it is default or not...not a big deal for me.)

The problem with Android (at least, 2.3 for me) is that even when slow browsing, there is a slight lag. So, given the choice, i would pick iOS with Maven!

No it doesn't prove anything. On gingerbread, the xda forums ran poorly on the stock browser but ran fine in the firefox browser. Now according to your logic that would mean that Google just chose to have the browser run poorly on certain sites. Obviously that isn't the case. The firefox browser is coded differently and rendered sites differently. The Maven browser is a different set up code and will function different from the iOS browser, same as the firefox browser functioned different from the android gingerbread browser did.

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

We're talking about the general browser capability, not one site. Maven is coded a certain way...but it shows the capability of iOS. Safari chooses a different preference. Same iOS...just different way of doing things.

Can Android scroll smoothly on ANY browser? That is the difference.

Outatime · Jan 23, 2012

It scrolls smoothly on my phone. And I have a richer web experience with a more vibrant display with 4.6" of real estate and smooth flash playback. Apple has some catching up to do.

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

Outatime said:
It scrolls smoothly on my phone. And I have a richer web experience with a more vibrant display with 4.6" of real estate and smooth flash playback. Apple has some catching up to do.

Nice!

I can do without battery-robbing FLASH...but a bigger screen would be great!

mysterioustko · Jan 23, 2012

Thai said:
We're talking about the general browser capability, not one site. Maven is coded a certain way...but it shows the capability of iOS. Safari chooses a different preference. Same iOS...just different way of doing things.

Can Android scroll smoothly on ANY browser? That is the difference.

YES it can....your point is severely flawed as pointed out previously.

Thai · Jan 23, 2012

mysterioustko said:
YES it can....your point is severely flawed as pointed out previously.

So, your ASSUMPTION (without any facts to back it) that Apple's limited browser scrolling to finger motion is because Apple wants to hide the lag is not equally (or more so) flawed????? :eek:

Really?! Is your bias this blinding?!

Do you have any PROOF that when scrolling quicker, Safari goes crazy and lag?????? Yet, you (and a few others) jumped to this conclusion blindly.

Yet, when i show you a different browser on iOS that does not lag when scroll quickly, you dismiss it as being "severely flawed"!!

Come on, we're all grown men with education...have you read what you wrote and consider the logic behind it??!!

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