Samsung releases own version of Opera Max browser for Galaxy smartphones

Sammsung has rereleased the Opera Max browser under its own name and exclusively for Galaxy smartphones. (Source: Google Play)

Samsung has released an adjusted version of Opera Max, a mobile browser with a heavy focus on saving data by using compression techniques. Opera discontinued the browser last year, but it appears Samsung has given it a second life on its Galaxy smartphones under the name Samsung Max.

Jonathan Maes, Published 02/24/2018

Opera Max was a mobile browser that was introduced in 2014 and features built-in compression techniques to save mobile data. The company decided to discontinue the Max browser as their focus shifted towards their other browsers. Samsung has just released a seemingly rebranded version of the app as the URL in the Google Play Store still refers to the Opera Max app. The data-friendly browser is now simply known as Samsung Max.

Unlike the original app released by Opera, Samsung Max does have one important limitation: it's only available to download on Samsung Galaxy smartphones. The browser remains identical to the discontinued Opera Max and offers compression methods to save data as well as the possibility to scan your smartphone for apps that could be a privacy risk. It's possible that Samsung has acquired the rights to the Opera Max app, although this hasn't been confirmed by either party.

A caveat of Samsung Max is the inclusion of advertisements in the browser, which are needed to fund the compression techniques according to the company. A Premium version of the app also exists in order to access extra privacy features, but this does require you to allow ads on the lock screen when your phone is charging. This brings the app in an interesting situation, as Google has previously stated to remove most apps which use lock screen ads as a monetization method.

You can download the Samsung Max browser for Samsung Galaxy smartphones on the Google Play Store.