5 Best Smartphones for Internet Browsing

smartphone
  • 1 hours
  • Beginner
  • 200-900

Smartphones are officially the norm in the larger consumer market. Even for those who don't rely upon heavy internet usage for mobile banking or business, even simple texting, data, and app downloads are functions that can be achieved online when not on your provider's network.

While it's no longer a distinguishing factor among models to access the internet or not access the internet, there are other things to consider to get high-speed browsing capabilities. After comparing a number of other specifications, here are the top five smartphones that are best suited for mobile web browsing.

1. Apple iPhone 6S

As with all web-enabled Apple devices, Safari is the default internet browser for the iPhone 6s. The latest iPhone operating system allows you to open up to 36 tabs or pages simultaneously in Safari whether you're connected to a wireless internet router or using the 4G LTE network.

With its bright display and impressive battery life, the 6s are ideal for web browsing.

2. Samsung Galaxy Note 5

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 similarly connects to the internet via proximity to an accessible wireless router and can also use the4G LTE data network. Its screen is marginally larger than the iPhone, which is a big deal when speaking about internet browsing specifically as opposed to texting or mobile gaming. It allows you to read articles, Facebook pages, and books with ease.

One area where consumer reports have been unhappy with Note 5, is the non-removable battery. Also, the battery life is less than desirable. However, the amount of time it takes to recharge that same battery is much faster than with competitors. Depending on your web browsing habits, this may or may not be the right fit.

3. Huawei Nexus 6P

This phone uses the most current Android operating system and can connect to the internet in the same manner as the Note or the 6S. It supports Wi-fi, 3G, and 4G LTE network connections and has a screen size that is comparable to the Note 5.

One difference here is that while the other phones mentioned on this list thus far are available for purchase from many carriers, the Nexus 6P is only available through Google's online store at this time. However, this does not impact this model's reliability as a web browsing device. It simply means that if you really want it, there's only one specific place that you can get it.

4. Motorola Moto X Play

This Motorola model is another on the Android operating system and has Google's Chrome as its default browser. It boasts all of the same network connectivity and screen size as the Note 5, with the difference here being that the X Play is extremely durable. If you do your web browsing not only on the go but also in unpredictable, haphazard circumstances, this may be the phone for you.

It's comparatively lower price also makes its durability a plus. If by chance it does suffer damage or break, it's less costly to replace.

5. OnePlus 2

This phone has relatively high performance across the board. It's non-web browsing specifications put it on par with some of the top phones on the market, and it has good battery life. Additionally, its 5.5" screen size puts it in the same territory as the iPhone 6S, but its curved back and unique design have made many users more content with that screen size.

When looking solely at its internet browsing capability, the OnePlus2 holds up well, but it is not perfect. For average to moderate web browsing, there is not much noticeable difference between this model and others on this list, but over extended use, there was slowing and instances of jerkiness when scrolling.

Other sources have said that only the Dolphin and Chrome browsers were problematic. Using a Firefox browser on the OnePlus 2 eliminated sluggish scrolling.

Important Consideration

As illustrated by OnePlus 2, not all web browsers are finite. For example, while the default browser for any Apple device is Safari, you can download a Google Chrome or Firefox app to use instead. So don't let default browsers make up your mind for you.