Opera Mini on iPhone is fast, but why?
By Thomas Ricker 
posted February 17th 2010 8:01AM
posted February 17th 2010 8:01AM
We came, we saw, and we're still scratching our heads over what Opera is up to with its Mobile World Congress demonstration of its Opera Mini browser running on the iPhone 3GS. But before we get into that, let's talk performance: it's fast. Opera Mini is very, very fast on the iPhone. Loading the New York Times, for example, was about 5x faster than loading the same page in the iPhone 3GS' stock browser. Pages loaded smoothly and were interactive just as quickly as the content began to load -- not unlike the Safari browsing experience. From a functionality standpoint, Opera Mini operates exactly as it does on other, less-contentious platforms. So while double-tap to zoom is supported, pinch-to-zoom is not. The iPhone version does, however, remember the state of the browser when you exit Opera Mini. As such, you'll find your tabs and recent pages right where they were when you last used the app. The impressive performance gain has to do with how Opera Mini works. First, it's not doing any rendering of the pages or code processing locally. Web pages are processed by Opera's servers before sending just the results to the iPhone. Not only does this speed up the local processing but it also limits the amount of data sent -- a potential big money saver for people browsing while data roaming (like us in Barcelona) or for those without unlimited data plans.
Unfortunately, Opera refused to let us or anyone photograph the app or take any video of it in action. We couldn't even photograph the Opera icon in the launch bar or the wallpaper adorned with the Opera logo. Why? It looks just like Opera Mini beta on any other device so it's not like we're exposing any competitive intelligence. And it's not like Opera would be violating any Apple NDA related to the SDK or the app approval process. Unfortunately, Opera was unable to give us a valid reason other than, "you just can't."
So why is Opera making such a fuss about this before it has even submitted to Apple for approval? We have three theories that we discussed with Igor Netto, Senior Product Manager within Opera's Mobile group. Click through if you like conspiracies.
First, the demo is emotive. And what better way to get eyeballs on your products than with scandalous talk? And honestly, how much did you know about Opera Mini prior to all this. At the very least, the whole effort has been one of marketing genius whether intentional or not even if Opera never submits Mini for approval.
Second, Opera legitimately wants to get its Mini browser approved. And why not? While the iPhone only makes up a sliver of the global smartphone device market share, its Safari browser accounts for well over half of all mobile web browser traffic by many estimates. Of course Opera wants a slice of that pie. Igor assured us that Opera will be submitting the app for approval just as soon as the beta tag is removed. And by announcing and demoing its software now to the press, Opera's hope is to develop enough grassroots support that Apple will have a tough time rejecting it. Igor did, however, concede that backing Apple into a corner might not be the best approach.
So what happens if Apple rejects the app, we asked? After all, Apple maintains the option of rejecting any app that "duplicates functionality" of the apps that Apple builds into the iPhone. Igor's response was clear, "There will be very strong discussion internally."
That leads us to the third, and most sinister theory about Opera's intentions: Opera is building a case for litigation. Not that they will litigate, rather, that it's developing a case should litigation be required. Igor assured us that this is not the case. However, it's worth remembering that Apple has been testing the ire of Norway's consumer advocacy groups since at least 2006. More recently, Opera filed an EU antitrust complaint in 2007 against Microsoft aimed at "giving consumers a genuine choice of Web browsers." A move that ultimately forced a "ballot screen" meant to allow EU owners a choice of browsers on their Windows 7 install. Similar language was echoed last week by Opera co-founder, Jon von Tetzchner, in a DailyTech interview. When asked how Opera will get Apple to approve its software, JvT responded using very similar language to the Microsoft anti-trust complaint, "Opera Mini is the world's most popular mobile browser and users on the iPhone deserve a choice."
By hook or by crook Opera?
P.S. We hope Apple approves it.
because its not Apple!
@rhezaganteng did you really just read the title of the article and just went straight into Repy? lol
@IceTheGreat
THe article said 5x ??? that means.. all other browsers on any phone in this observable universe are worse. Meaning that there is still a reson to buy an iPhone over nexus or droid or pre or nokia's phones..
@rhezaganteng
"Opera Mini on iPhone is fast, but why?
By Thomas Ricker posted Feb 17th 2010 8:01AM"
"rhezaganteng Posted Feb 17th 2010 8:02AM"
He couldn't have read the entire article in 1 minute, right guys?
@Makanator
Maybe he was using Opera Mini? :)
@quakerface
What?
You Opera Mini browser is already avaliable for other mobile platforms. So no, you wouldn't need to get an iPhone to use that. Is there some confusion about the writer saying that the Opera browser was 5x faster than the iPhone stock browser?
@quakerface
I am sorry but did you know Opera Mini and Opera mobile are available in almost every single mobile aside from the iPhone? You are contradicting yourself..
@commenter7 Correct but so far mobile Safari has been the fastest web browser on any mobile device. So they must have made some adjustments that aren't yet available in other versions for other platforms. I just don't understand why they are even trying this for the iPhone. There is almost a 100% chance Apple will shoot it down in the approval process for mimicking current iPhone functionality. Seems like a waste of time to me although it is pretty cool.
ah, your link as a foot note the popularity of safari, as I read it, contradicts your assertion:
"While the iPhone only makes up a sliver of the global smartphone device market share, its Safari browser accounts for well over half of all mobile web browser traffic by many estimates. (http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/03/28/mobile-web-traffic-reports-show-symbian-os-x-on-top/)"
I think that's a weird thing to have done. It's also odd to foot note something that once again contradicts your assertion but then to follow it up with 'by many estimates'. Is it by 'many estimates' or is it according to http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/03/28/mobile-web-traffic-reports-show-symbian-os-x-on-top/ (which it isn't)
It's very similar to fox's 'some people say'...but with a foot note, but it doesn't back up your statement...but...it's just an odd thing to have done. That's all I'm saying.
Best
@rhezaganteng
Fanboys trolls are trolls....and random.
@moose0422
Actually Safari is far from the fastest. Even the browser on the Zune is faster than mobile Safari.
This version of Opera Mini is not optimized just for the iPhone. Opera Mini is fast because Opera's servers do all the hard work. Opera Mini is fast on all phones. I know living in the walled garden that is the App Store makes you oblivious to what's actually out there, but there are many many great things that will never get in because of the control that Apple has. This alone should make you loathe the closed ecosystem.
@Makanator ha ha thats funny
@WKCptton
Maybe what he meant was , "While the iPhone OS only makes up a sliver of the global smartphone device market share."
Also, in the link, they talk about the three top smartphones in the US not on a global scale. Same for the web traffic, it's only for US, but it does says 50% so it might be over 50% in the world.
@EAgle I guess he could have mis-spliced a sentence. But the end of the article does cover global stats.
Thanks.
K
@insky
Wrong on all counts. You fail at reading:
"Web pages are processed by Opera's servers before sending just the results to the iPhone. "
That is not the same thing as doing all the work on the phone, which is what Mobile Safari and every other browser does. You understand that the Opera Mini browser isn't doing ANY rendering, right?
Mobile Safari is the fastest mobile browser out there to date. Opera Mini isn't a web browser, it's just a viewport for a web browser that's hosted on Opera's servers.
@insky
You "everything-but-Apple-Fanboys" need to get your head on straight about whos browser is the best mobile experience. http://www.gsmarena.com/browser_shootout-review-448.php
they did a very competitive comparison and although lacking in features the Safari mobile browser loads sites the fastest
@moose0422: "Correct but so far mobile Safari has been the fastest web browser on any mobile device. So they must have made some adjustments that aren't yet available in other versions for other platforms."
Consider yourself corrected...
My old 400MHz HTC Vogue on CDMA regularly beats my friends iPhone 3GS on render speed, with Opera Mobile 10 on WinMo, making use of the same "turbo mode" that Opera Mini for iPhone uses (Opera servers handling the rendering). Under WinMo, it's an option that can be disabled by the user.
So that functionality DOES exist for other devices. The other thing is that, other than screen resolution, the interface on the two devices looks identical, and the way it handles tabs is fantastic.
In the end, I think there'd be a LOT of happy iPhone users if they could install Opera on their devices, and I hope you all get the chance to use it.
@Engadget
I dunno if you've seen it but there's a browser called PerfectBrowser.. it's got more functions without losing any :)
@insky We have Opera Mini now :-)
Interesting...very interesting.
@Jack Bauer
yep. lawsuits were flying when IE was shipped with windows. but nothing is said when Safari is the one and only on apple.
@dark star Yea, because you really care what Apple does. It's about scale and most Apple users know what and how to get FireFox unlike the millions of PC users still no IE 6.
@Kid Red
When Microsoft forces something through Windows, the vast majority of the computer using population are affected. When Apple forces something on its users, a couple latte's are spilled in surprised anger and that's about it.
Does anyone really think that Apple could get away with half the shit they pull if they held 98% market share globably?
@ Kid Red
Most of the users still on IE6 aren't there by choice. Most are on locked down PCs at work.
@Kid Red
I highly doubt that the majority of the Apple users know what is firefox or opera web browsers! If we had a measurement for geekness it would go like this: Linux users = very geeky > Windows users= moderate geeky > Apple users= They know where the power button is.
This is from what i have understood not from the users (which sometimes their comments make me doubt their knowledge about tech) but from all the commercials that Apple made.
@Jack Bauer
So what happens when Opera goes to AT&T and says this will save your networks?
@Sor1 everybody I know that has an apple uses firefox or opera. Personally, I use firefox. I believe it is a far superior browser, and it acts differently than safari and I like it. And i bet the same argument could be made for most people using Windows as well. I know a lot of people who just use IE because they aren't that in tune with the Internet. It is the same across all platforms.
But, I must say that saying windows users are more geeky than apple users is more than likely false. If you look at the numbers, a majority of the people have windows. There is a large amount of people who don't know anything about a computer, and choose to get a cheap e-machine or something along that line to work with. They wouldn't go out and purchase a 2 thousand dollar computer. Also, a majority of the graphic design work is done on Apple, which is more than can be said about Windows.
@Delta
iPhone is more of an appliance like device with the hardware and software being built by Apple including the app store (save the apps). This must be the card they are ready to play when/if a lawsuit arrises.
It certainly sucks when a competitive app is rejected...
@dark star
Not the mention their sneaky way of slipping Safari and MobileMe on to PCs through Apple Software Update.
@dark star
What lawsuits? No one sued MS. Someone reported MS to the authorities for violating the law, but that's a different thing.
@jonathanp
I really hate the fact that every Apple-favored comment is about graphic design or video editing.
Have you ever in your life used Windows for such tasks? It's more possible than on any other machine, because people other than Apple and Adobe actually write software for Windows.
@tiliv Yes i have, and my Mac runs much smoother than windows. I also don't have to restart as soon as I am finished using photoshop on my mac like i do when I am on windows. My Mac will go at least 7 days before i restart it because I don't notice any lag in performance, but when I am in windows I must restart in 2 or 3 days because the resources are gone and the computer is lagging.
And despite being tired of hearing it, that is the way of the world. It is the same as saying that we have to pay taxes. We might not like the amount we pay, but it is still there. Most graphic design firms will use Apple. Most schools that teach graphic design use Apple (my whole college actually uses iMacs now). It has been like that for a while, and it will be until Windows breaks away from the stigma of being a 2nd rate graphic creating computer.
@jonathanp
"Also, a majority of the graphic design work is done on Apple, which is more than can be said about Windows."
Sadly enough i work for a computer rapair company and I get to see many people that are into freelance photography and art design. Most are using Windows. Im glad you have some real world experience to backup your statement.
@jonathanp
what on earth are you running? Win 3.1 on a pentium 1?
For years now, Windows machines can fly through graphics programs with ease. The PC I am writing this on is 3 years old and hasn't been turned off in over a month. I Photoshop, flash, DTP etc etc... and on top of that, it runs my MMORPGs at max settings at least 8 hours per day. There is nothing that I can throw at photoshop & my dtp suites that can tax my machine like the modern MMORPGs can. It does not need turning off except for a software update.
@jonathanp
Yeah and because it runs "smoother" every 2 years apple will send a "firmware update" to help you buy their newest version on Mac Hardware. You fanboys are sometimes pathetic. How dare you say Mac runs smoother than Windows? if when you mean smoother you talk about the blurry anti-aliasing look that OSX has then I agree with you. Windows with BSOD and Mac with Panic "attacks." have you played flash based games on mac? have you used a video background? have you played any need for speed without it crashing it? when you do all that with outstanding results (like windows) then you comment.
@Sor1
I'm a Mac user.
I have a Master's degree in Nanotechnology from one of the Top 3 Universities in the world. There are quite a lot of Macs in the department; I even spotted a G4 Cube the other day.
You are very wrong.
@KarlW
Oh man, A 17 year old with Master's degree in Nanotechnology.
It was almost believable before I remembered you were iKurt.
@jonathanp: "They wouldn't go out and purchase a 2 thousand dollar computer. Also, a majority of the graphic design work is done on Apple, which is more than can be said about Windows. "
Conversely, there's a large number of Windows users who actually build their own computers. Even if this is 5% of the Windows market, this is still about the same real number as Apple users in total, so instead of creating a false dichotomy, can we just say that there are geeks in both the Windows AND Apple crowds?
Anecdotal evidence is just that.
@Jack Bauer
Dude don't you have to save the world in like 3 hours? (P.S. you didn't hear it from me but Dana Walsh is working for the Russians)
@Jack Bauer
Hahahahahahaha, don't you love fanboys?
Yes, your iMac can is better than Cray XT5 and your PC can cure cancer; just stop making yourselves look ridiculous.
I feel very conflicted about this. OperaMini circumvents SSL by necessity so it shouldn't be used for those kinds of things (unless you don't care about Opera's servers acting as a man-in-the-middle). However I used to use it back before everyone and their mother had a data plan.
However, I'd want to make absolute sure that a 3rd party browser doesn't open any security holes in my iPhone, which now handles every bit of private data that my computer does.
That's the one good thing about Apple's closed, tightly held development environment (in my opinion) it's much easier to ensure security.
@JoeRodricks
I thought the handling of private data is the job of the carrier, do different phones on the same network have different levels of security?
In the case of private data and Opera though, the data is processed and rendered on their servers, so that does make your private data exist in one extra place than it would usually.
@uShak
In order for OperaMini to display, say Gmail, to you, they must see gmail as you would on a computer.
Think of it as OperaMini being a real computer that sends a screen-shot to your computer. It's obviously more sophisticated than that as there's interaction and the such. However the same idea holds true for your data. In order to send your (for example) password to gmail, it has to be read by their servers and sent onward.
For non-private stuff it's a great solution. For private data, it's a hole. This isn't to say anything of Opera as a company, just that they have access.
As for handset security, I'm thinking of things like my IMAP email password and server settings that are stored on the device. This is independent of the carrier (which is another potential vulnerability).
If a 3rd part browser does something that let's a malicious script access data on my device, it's a problem. I'm sure it's under that guise that Apple won't allow it in. However, I wish Apple would just test the hell out of it and explain that if a vulnerability is found, they'll flip a kill bit.
@JoeRodricks
A closed system does not necessarily ensure security. It does make it easier to -manage- security problems. But there are plenty of 3rd party programs on open systems which are just as if not more secure than their closed counterparts (just look at default vs 3rd party browsers on Windows).
On the other hand, a closed system does help ensure -trust-, eg: "I trust my security with Apple more than I do a 3rd party developer"; but trust alone doesn't necessarily correspond to greater security.
@fh
You're completely correct. In my case, my line of thought is more like "I'd rather just trust Apple and have to trust all the devs. Simple, non-malicious mistakes can lead to huge security problems.
It's the same part of my that wishes everything was locked down or open source (that of course assume enough eyes look over something thats open sourced).
@Darkroom
You, too are correct. But, assuming (and this is an assumption) Safari is secure, forcing other apps to use it's engine forces that part of them to be secure.
If OperaMini where properly sand-boxed- which it would have to be to be a legit App store app- that would assure that non-OperaMini data on the iPhone would be safe.
@JoeRodricks Well it has been proven that Apple computers and hardware are not more secure they are actually the easiest to crack. Its just that because of Apples market share Hackers have mostly focused on Windows, think about it 1000's try to crack windows software. How many actually waste there time on Apple's
@TheOne
It has nothing to do with the fact that it's Apple. If Android was closed and all Android apps where sanboxed and given a limited set of APIs to use, the same would still apply.
In a closed, tightly controlled system there is the potential for greater security. In **my particular opinion** I trust Apple with that security.
@JoeRodricks Is more easier for a hacker to get into your stuff since all their products have the same security...username:root/password:alpine...ring,ring dont be a fool.
Give me pinch-to-zoom and I'll switch.