I've noticed that some people use services like social networks through their phone's browser instead of installing the official apps. I tried doing this too, but the browser versions seem to have fewer features and add the pages to my browsing history. What are the main reasons people prefer the browser experience?
4 Answers
I don’t want an app installed for every website I visit. Apps use storage, clutter the phone, and may request permissions or collect more data than the browser version. If the website provides everything I need, installing another app doesn’t seem worthwhile.
The browser gives me more control. I can use an ad blocker, open several pages in tabs, zoom in, copy text or links, and reduce tracking. Dedicated apps often push more notifications and make some of those basic actions harder.
Using the browser can be better for privacy. An app may have access to more device information and can collect additional usage data. Browsers also make it easier to limit tracking and avoid unnecessary notifications.
That’s a major reason for me too. I prefer giving a service access only when I’m actively visiting it instead of keeping its app installed all the time.
Sometimes the less polished website is actually useful because it discourages endless scrolling. I might open it to check a message or look something up, then leave, whereas the app is designed to keep me engaged for much longer. Ad blocking and translation tools are extra advantages.
Same here. I already have plenty of apps, and most of them are essentially wrappers around a website anyway.