Samsung Internet is the web browser that comes on many Samsung phones and tablets. Over the years it has grown from a basic, built-in browser into a feature-rich app that many people use instead of Chrome or other browsers. In this blog I’ll explain what Samsung Internet is, its main features, how it protects your privacy, what changed recently, and why you might want to try it. I’ll keep the language simple and easy to follow.
What is Samsung Internet?
Samsung Internet is a web browser developed by Samsung Electronics. It is based on the Chromium engine (the same core used by many other browsers), which helps it load modern web pages fast and support web standards. The app is available on Android devices (especially Samsung Galaxy phones), and Samsung has been expanding it to platforms like Windows and other devices. (Wikipedia)
Who uses it and where does it shine?
Samsung Internet is popular among Galaxy device users because it is preinstalled and tuned to work well with Samsung hardware and One UI (Samsung’s interface). It is also chosen by people who want features not always found in the default Android browser: built-in ad blocking options, strong privacy controls, and extras like extensions and biometric logins. Many users like that Samsung keeps adding practical tools while keeping the app simple to use. (Samsung au)
Key features — simple and useful
Here are the main things Samsung Internet offers, explained in plain words:
-
Secret Mode: A private browsing mode where history, cookies, and form data aren’t saved after you close the session. You can also lock Secret Mode with a PIN or fingerprint on supported phones. (Samsung au)
-
Ad blocker support: The browser supports content-blocking extensions (ad blockers). You can install these add-ons to block annoying ads and trackers that slow pages down. The browser even shows how many items were blocked on a page. (Samsung Developer)
-
Smart Anti-tracking: Samsung includes an intelligent anti-tracking feature that tries to stop trackers from following you across sites. This uses machine-learning ideas and is on by default in some releases to block known tracker patterns. (Samsung au)
-
Sync with Samsung Account: You can sync bookmarks, open tabs, and saved pages across Samsung devices using your Samsung account and cloud storage. This makes it easy to pick up where you left off. (browser.samsung.com)
-
Extensions and extras: The browser supports a small ecosystem of extensions (content blockers, shopping helpers, etc.). It also offers practical tools — like a built-in video pop-up player — that make mobile browsing smoother. (Samsung Developer)
Recent changes and the new look
Samsung regularly updates the browser. Recently, Samsung has been rolling out UI refreshes as part of its One UI updates. These changes include a cleaner home screen, a redesigned tab grid, a floating address bar that hides when you scroll, and improved access to privacy tools — all aimed to make browsing easier on large phones. There are also experimental options (seen in developer or beta builds) for AI-powered search features and more customization. If you use a recent Galaxy phone or update One UI, you may see these new looks and functions. (Android Central)
Privacy and safety — what to expect
Privacy is one of Samsung Internet’s main selling points. The app gives you clear controls: Secret Mode, anti-tracking, the ability to clear cookies on exit, and options to block third-party cookies. Samsung has also added features that try to stop trackers that use advanced techniques to bypass blockers. While no browser can make you completely anonymous, Samsung Internet provides sensible protections that are easy for average users to turn on. (Samsung au)
Performance and compatibility
Because it uses Chromium, Samsung Internet runs web apps and modern pages smoothly. It is optimized for Samsung phones, so things like gesture navigation, multi-window use, and integration with other Samsung apps feel natural. The app also supports many Android versions — but features may vary between devices and Android releases. If you like fast page loads and good compatibility with websites, Samsung Internet is a solid choice. (Wikipedia)
Pros and cons — quick summary
Pros:
-
Easy to use with clear privacy options (Secret Mode, anti-tracking). (Samsung au)
-
Supports ad blockers and useful extensions. (Samsung Developer)
-
Good sync with Samsung cloud and tight integration with Galaxy features. (browser.samsung.com)
Cons:
-
Some advanced users prefer the extension library or sync features of other browsers (like Chrome or Firefox).
-
App behavior and updates are sometimes tied to Samsung’s One UI release schedule, so features can arrive at different times on different phones. (Samsung Developer)
How to get started (step by step)
-
Open Google Play Store or Galaxy Store on your Samsung phone.
-
Search for “Samsung Internet” and install or update the app. (Google Play)
-
Open the app and try these settings: turn on Smart Anti-tracking, check Secret Mode in the menu, and browse the content-blocker options to add an ad blocker you like. (Samsung au)
-
Sign in with your Samsung account to sync bookmarks and tabs if you want to use the browser across devices. (browser.samsung.com)
Tips to make browsing better
-
Use Secret Mode when you want no record of a session (shopping surprises, private searches).
-
Try a trusted content blocker to speed up pages and reduce data use.
-
Look at the browser’s Privacy and Security settings after an update — Samsung sometimes adds new protections.
Final thoughts — is it worth trying?
If you use a Samsung phone, Samsung Internet is definitely worth trying. It’s fast, integrates well with Galaxy features, and gives strong, easy-to-use privacy tools. Even if you don’t use a Samsung phone, the browser’s Windows and cross-platform options are growing, so it could become useful to you in more places. For most people, Samsung Internet is a friendly, practical browser that balances speed, privacy, and helpful extras.