Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 5 hrs ago
Writer says replacing Chrome made his Pixel phone faster
A writer who uses a Google Pixel phone says some Google apps can use significant storage and system resources.
He says Chrome was the biggest problem on his phone, with background activity and ads contributing to slowdowns.
He replaced it with Firefox Focus for private, casual browsing and Samsung Browser as a lighter everyday option.
Firefox Focus clears tabs, logins and history when closed, while Samsung Browser supports add-ons such as ad blockers.
On his Pixel 9 Pro XL, he says the switch freed 300 to 500 MB of storage.
He also criticizes Gboard for data logging, but the available information does not explain what he replaced it with or what happened next.
Android Police writer Jade Bryan says replacing Chrome with third-party browsers made his Pixel phone feel faster.
He says Chrome used extra system resources in the background and could make pages stutter.
Bryan says Firefox Focus and Samsung Browser used fewer resources and less storage than Chrome.
On his Pixel 9 Pro XL, he says switching browsers saved 300 to 500 MB of storage.
Firefox Focus clears tabs, login sessions and browsing history when closed, while Samsung Browser supports add-ons such as ad blockers.
- Who
- Jade Bryan, a feature author at Android Police.
- What
- He says replacing Chrome with third-party browsers made his Pixel phone faster and saved storage.
- When
- The article was published on October 11, 2026. Bryan says he had used a Pixel phone as his daily driver for more than a year.
- Where
- On Bryan’s Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- Why
- He says Chrome used extra system resources and storage, and pages could stutter because of ads.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
the difference was immediately noticeable.
Chrome is the biggest offender
Bryan says he identified Google apps on his Pixel phone that he wanted to delete or put to sleep.
Bryan says the difference in his phone’s performance was immediately noticeable.
Android Police published Bryan’s article about replacing Google apps with third-party options.
- Phone
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Storage saved
- 300 to 500 MB
- Browsers named
- Firefox Focus and Samsung Browser
- Article publication
- October 11, 2026
Sources
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