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Recommended Chromium-Based Android Browser: Kiwi

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Many services prefer to have their own apps, leading to an increasing number of installed apps on phones that make them bloated. Some services even prevent you from using them without installing an app, when a mini-program or web version would suffice.

Xiaoz's principle is to avoid installing apps whenever possible on a phone, using only the browser or mini-programs (except for daily essential apps). I'm curious how many people still use mobile browsers these days. Today, I recommend Kiwi, an Android browser based on the Chromium kernel.

Kiwi Browser

Kiwi Browser Screenshots

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What Makes Kiwi Different?

Chrome also has a mobile version, but its features are limited. The mobile version of Chrome cannot be described as simple; it is rather basic. Although Chrome is my main browser on PC, I mainly use Kiwi and Via on my phone.

Kiwi has two features that I find satisfactory: first, it comes with a built-in web translation function (thanks to the Chromium kernel), and second, it supports the Chrome Web Store. This means you can install any extensions you want on your mobile browser, such as uBlock for ad blocking, Bitwarden for password management, and various userscripts.

Installing Kiwi Browser

I searched for Kiwi in the Xiaomi Store but couldn't find it. If you have internet access, you can search for Kiwi on Google Play or visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kiwibrowser.browser&hl=zh&gl=US (Note: You need to prepare your own network environment).

Installing Extensions in Kiwi Browser

Simply visit the Chrome Web Store directly in the Kiwi browser: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions and choose the extensions you like to install.

Summary

  1. Kiwi browser is based on the Chromium kernel, inheriting the genes of simplicity and speed.
  2. Kiwi browser supports the installation of Chrome extensions.
  3. One aspect of Kiwi browser that I am not satisfied with is the lack of QR code scanning support, but the latest version of Via makes up for this.
  4. You can also try another simple browser called Via.