Microsoft's strategy no longer goes through its own operating system, but the leading PC company is having to find another way to survive in the jungle of smartphones. In this way, those of Redmond are directing their gaze towards Android, placing themselves in the Google ecosystem with their own applications. To consolidate this strategy, Microsoft has launched a beta version of Edge, your current and main browser, for Android.
Competing in the mobile browser market is equally difficult, and if not, tell Mozilla and its Firefox. But Microsoft takes advantage of the fact that it has left behind the old burden of Explorer and that Edge is positioning itself as a stronger brand. Another of its bases is synchronization with the PC (something emphasized with its new Microsoft Launcher launcher). Also, to get you off to a good start, the version available of Edge on Android right now is a beta version, for users to experience and get a sneak peek at first-hand. You can download this version at the following link:
Once downloaded, we get to work with our analysis of Edge to see what it offers.
Microsoft Edge: no barriers between your PC and your Android
The first thing Microsoft Edge asks you on Android is sign in to your Microsoft account. As we have said, the company wants to promote the symbiosis between your computer and your mobile, and its browser is the door to do so. If you log in, your favorites, your history, your readings ... Everything will sync in your favor for a smoother experience. It will also ask you to share your history and data to offer you personalization in searches like other browsers do.
Once you do these steps, you will find a very familiar home. You will already have several shortcuts available with the search bar in the middle. Not only does it include text input, but you can search by voice tapping into the microphone, but only in English at the moment. The last option is a QR code scanner it doesn't hurt to have on hand.
At the bottom we have the rest of the interface. Previous page, next page, a middle button to send your content to your PC (although only if you have Windows 10 Fall Creators Update), a button to see your open tabs and access to the rest of the options. A look identical to that of its older brother in Windows.
Within the settings, known options. We can configure the appearance to suit the color of the theme of each site, as well as show reading view button when the page you are on is suitable. We'll talk about this later, but suffice it to say, it's worth having it turned on. We can also configure the default search engine, autocomplete, home, saved passwords, activate a do not track mode… Everything you could hope for.
Turning to navigation itself, the The experience seems quite smoothIt works without apparent problems and is comfortable for the average user. There wouldn't be much to mention in this section, and it wouldn't stand out if it weren't for the aforementioned reading mode.
On pages where it can be activated, like this one you are reading, Edge can apply a mode in which texts and images are loaded, but not the rest of the page. Take only the essentials and it offers it to you like other apps like Pocket or Instapaper do. The result is customizable, being able to change the background color, the font and the size. You can also save it on your mobile and keep reading on PC, or vice versa. It works wonders and it is undoubtedly one of its strengths.
Key new features: Copilot, Rewards, and extra functions
Beyond synchronization, Edge adds differentiating elements. The button of AI-powered copilot It allows you to ask questions, summarize pages, or generate drafts directly within the browser. While its access is quite noticeable, you can adjust its presence in the settings so it's not intrusive.
Another practical incentive is Microsoft RewardsWhen using Edge and setting Bing as a search engine You accumulate points daily, with additional streaks that increase your balance. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or service subscriptions, an extra that turns everyday browser use into a small rewardFor many users, this is sufficient to cover part or all of a digital service.
In productivity, it stands out DropA synchronized space between your mobile and your PC for sending files, notes, or links with the ease of a chat. It's a direct way to move content without relying on external apps, and complements the native option to send pages to your computer.
Finally, Edge integrates block trackers and adsWith strict tracking prevention enabled, you'll see fewer cookies and less cross-site tracking, which brings peace of mind without having to install extensions.
Android extensions: what you can already try
Edge for Android is experimenting with the possibility of install desktop extensions through its Canary channel. Activation is not enabled by default and requires logging into edge: // flags and enable the option Android Extension SearchAfter restarting, in the extensions section you will see a new search bar that opens the desktop catalog.
Microsoft warns that these extensions are not optimized for touchscreens and can cause instability. Even so, in controlled tests, plugins such as Proton Pass o Keepa...with proper functioning in simple scenarios. It's a clear sign of where Edge wants to go in enhancement of the mobile version, with a view to bringing the flexibility of the desktop to your smartphone.
Google Chrome: the mold that measures the rest of browsers
Before launching into the final comparison, we have to stop for a moment on what Chrome means. On the desktop, Google had to gradually gain ground in a territory that Mozilla Firefox had dominated. Despite its flaws, the Google long ago won that battle and he is the clear dominator, despite the efforts of his rivals.
On mobile, however, Google is the ecosystem. Chrome will come installed standard and for most users it is the basic browser, the mold and the limit with which it is compared to the rest. Its dominance is caused by its own pulling force, and its synergy with the rest of your smartphone puts it in a privileged position. Measuring yourself against Chrome is difficult, although not impossible.
Gestures, immersive reader and ergonomics in Edge
Edge takes care of the ergonomics with accessible menus at the bottom. Among its most useful gestures is swiping on the top bar to switch tab, the downward gesture to see all tabs and the gesture of pull to reload The page. Everything runs instantly, which reduces touches and speeds up interaction.
El immersive reader It simplifies any compatible page and allows you to adjust font size, typeface, and background. The option Read out loud It offers a hands-free experience ideal for long articles or for improving accessibility. You can also save pages to read later and resume from your PC.
Under the hood, Edge uses Chromium (Blink engine)This ensures excellent compatibility with websites and top-notch performance when loading pages, forms, and modern web apps. Those coming from Chrome will notice minimal friction, with the added benefit of proprietary features that enhance the experience.
Performance, consumption and privacy: points to compare
In everyday life, Edge is perceived agile and with low resource consumption. In scenarios with many tabs, numerous users report that Edge manages the RAMThis is crucial on mobile devices with limited resources. Cold boot times and tab switching are less affected under heavy loads.
In terms of privacy, Edge offers three levels of traceability prevention and shows the count of trackers blocked on each site. Additionally, Microsoft Defender Smart Screen It analyzes potentially dangerous downloads and URLs, increasing protection against phishing and malware. It also supports Do Not Trackalthough its effectiveness depends on each website.
If your top priority is privacy, browsers like Brave or Firefox They remain benchmarks. However, Edge achieves a solid balance between comfort and control without resorting to complex configurations.
Default search engine and comparison with Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo and Bing
Edge is a navigatornot a search engine. By default it uses Bingbut you can easily switch to Google, DuckDuckGo o Yahoo in the settings. If you're interested in rewards, Bing awards points with Microsoft RewardsIf you prioritize privacy, DuckDuckGo reduces tracking; if you want familiar results and a large infrastructure, Google remains the most popular option.
Edge's advantage lies not in the browser itself, but in how integrates search, reading, and productivity (Copilot, immersive reader, sync, Drop). Whatever your preferred engine, Edge lets you use it seamlessly.
Edge vs Chrome: which browser is better on Android?
There is a basic way to stand out above Chrome: have unique aspects. Microsoft Edge for Android has them. Although still in beta, Edge demonstrates a number of features that put it in a very good position. The connection with its older brother on the desktop and the reading mode, great attraction in the mobile market, make it a contender with a good punch.
It's hard to compare to the full on all-around experience of its rival, but Edge starts off well. Yes, right now Chrome is better, it would be surprising otherwise. But once I move on Edge will be the choice of many usersEspecially those already familiar with Microsoft tools. We won't say Google's throne is in danger, but the battle has certainly become much fiercer.
For businesses: management and deployment with Intune
In corporate environments, Edge shines for its double identity (isolated personal and professional profiles) and through integration with IntuneAdministrators can apply protection directives (cut/copy/paste, prevent screenshots, force opening in managed apps), define managed favorites and direct access to the on their homepage Homepage, or list Blocked URLs in the workplace.
Furthermore, the integration with proxy It allows you to control access to SaaS apps and corporate websites so they can only be used in a secure edge environment, inside or outside the company network. With Intune's guided scenario, this is possible. assign Edge automatically to Android and iOS/iPadOS users and maintain an experience aligned with the organization's brand and policies.
Microsoft has released its Windows 10 browser, Edge, for Android and iOS mobile devices. We've tested it. several days as default browser And with Windows 10. We'll tell you about our experience.
Microsoft Edge may not have many followers in its desktop version, both because it is little known and because of some compatibility issues that have not yet been refined. Edge for Android uses the Chrome engineIt's called Blink, and it belongs to the open-source Chromium project. This means that in terms of loading speed and compatibility, it offers the same features as Google Chrome.
Microsoft attributes this decision to the fact that Android's WebKit engine is not as fast as Chromium's. And its own engine, EdgeHTML, is designed to integrate with the operating system. It can be fully integrated in Windows 10, but not in Android.
Complete, although in English
The browser is quite complete and doesn't lack any features, at least not those used daily. Edge for Android includes all functions Features found in the Windows 10 version include reading mode, which simplifies websites to show only the text, and saving pages to read later.
It's not a full version yet, with the book reading function still not workingThis feature will allow you to read books you have purchased from the Microsoft Store.
If we look at the options, we also have a complete collection of them, such as the possibility of enabling "Do not track", an option that allows the browser to send a request to web pages so they can't track youThis option is useful, for example, to avoid advertising related to what you're viewing. However, it's a request, and it's up to the website whether or not to comply.
One feature missing from Edge for Android, but present in its desktop version, is... ability to draw on the pages and share the resulting image. However, this feature is very much geared towards styluses, and on Android, we only find the Samsung Galaxy Note8 with it.
Clear, fast interface, consistent with Edge for Windows
If you have used or use the Microsoft browser on a computer, you will have no problem identifying the Edge options for Android. The icons are the same and their arrangement as well. We found two bars, one at the top and one at the bottom, but the bottom one disappears when using landscape mode to give more space to the website.
At the top we have the address and search bar, the page reload button, and a button that's also present in Edge for Windows 10. Clicking on this button gives us access, just like in Windows, to the Favorite pages, saved list, history, and even downloads from the browser.
The placement of the buttons is perfect for using the browser comfortably.
The navigation arrows are located at the bottom, very close at hand And next to the button to open the view of open tabs. We also find the menu in that area, which, when opened, quickly reveals the very useful buttons to add to favorites, add to later list, and share.
Gestures here and there
Certainly one a smoother way to use an application on a mobile device It's by using gestures. We're used to gestures like swipe to dismiss, and Edge for Android also takes advantage of them.
We can Switch tabs by sliding the top bar Swiping left or right allows you to quickly switch between open pages. Swiping down on this same bar reveals all open tabs, which can be dismissed with a simple swipe to the side. And of course, there's the swipe-up gesture to refresh the page.
All these gestures are executed instantly, so they are very useful and help more than they slow down the work.
Windows 10 compatibility, the strong point
Undoubtedly, Edge for Android's strongest point is its ability to connect to your Windows 10 computer and send open web pages to it. A dedicated button for this purpose is located in the bottom bar.
Clicking on that button will open a floating window that will show us the devices to which we have connected our mobile phoneWe can select one and it will open in it, using Edge, the same page we were viewing on the mobile.
The favorites and later lists sync with Edge for Windows 10, but not the history.
This process has sometimes taken him a little while, but no more than a few seconds and It has generally always been almost instantWhat if your computer isn't turned on? You can send the page to the Windows 10 notification center on all your devices, and when you pick one up, you can open the page with a single click from there.
Edge on Android, a very useful browser
If you have a Windows 10 computer that you use frequently and don't mind using a browser with English options, Edge for Android is a good choice. very good option for your mobile and/or tablet.
Chrome isn't everything on Android, and as we mentioned at the beginning, in the end Edge and Chrome on Android use the same engine achieving the same performance in loading web pages. Of course, if you don't want to use Edge on your computer, not even to open a page, you won't like this alternative as much.
Fortunately for most Android users, Microsoft hasn't mandated the use of Bing, so We can use Google without any problems.It's just like using any other browser, but with the great added benefit of gestures and synchronization with Windows 10. Without a doubt, for the time being, I will continue using it.
Edge for Android presents itself as a browser that It integrates productivity, reading, and security. Uncomplicated, ready to compete with Chrome, and with extras like Copilot, Rewards, Drop, and extension trials that anticipate a more powerful future on mobile.