Chrome for Android achieves double speedometer performance

Google recently announced a significant milestone for Chrome on Android—the browser has doubled its Speedometer score, showcasing major performance gains over the past two years. Here’s a breakdown of how Google achieved this improvement, making Chrome faster and more efficient for Android users.

What Is Speedometer and Why Does It Matter?

Speedometer is a benchmark tool used to measure how quickly a browser can handle common web tasks, like rendering HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This score reflects real-world performance, helping developers track improvements and identify bottlenecks in browser speed.

Massive Gains in Speed

Since April 2023 (Chrome 112), Google has reported significant boosts in Speedometer 2.1 scores for Android devices. For instance:

• Loading a Google Docs file on the Pixel Tablet is now 50% faster.
• Devices powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform have set new performance records for mobile browsers.

In some cases, Speedometer scores have more than doubled, delivering a smoother and faster browsing experience.

Three Key Areas of Improvement

Google attributes these advancements to optimizations in three core areas: build structure, JavaScript and rendering engines, and hardware collaboration.

1. Optimized Builds for Android Devices

Google introduced a high-performance build of Chrome specifically for premium Android devices, departing from its earlier “one-size-fits-all” approach. Key changes include:

• Focus on ARM64 architecture: Utilizing advanced ARM64 features and 64-bit operations, which are faster than ARM32.
• Prioritizing speed over size: On high-end devices with more storage and RAM, Chrome is now built using speed-optimized compilers (-O2 / -O3) instead of size-focused ones (-Oz).
• Better inlining and profiling: By tweaking compiler settings and using Profile-Guided Optimization (PGO), Chrome processes critical tasks faster.
• Improved code order: Google aligned Chrome’s code layout with the latest ARM64 build to enhance performance further, factoring in Speedometer 3, the latest browser benchmark standard.

2. Enhanced JavaScript and Rendering Engines

The V8 JavaScript engine and Blink rendering engine received several updates to improve performance and energy efficiency:

• Faster HTML parsing: A new fast-path parser speeds up handling of HTML attributes.
• Sparkplug and Maglev compilers: These new compilers improve the way Chrome processes JavaScript by balancing speed and optimization levels, reducing delays.
• Smarter memory management: Garbage collection now happens during idle times or page navigation, minimizing disruptions.
• Incremental improvements: Small but impactful upgrades were made to the parsing, styling, layout, and text rendering processes.

3. Partnering with Android Hardware Makers

Google worked closely with partners like Qualcomm to ensure Chrome makes the best use of device hardware. For example:

• The Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform achieved a 60–80% performance boost in Speedometer 3.0, thanks to optimized thread scheduling and hardware tuning.

What This Means for Users

These advancements mean faster page loads, smoother browsing, and better battery life for Android users. Whether you’re using an entry-level phone or a high-end device, Chrome’s tailored improvements ensure a superior browsing experience.

With these changes, Google demonstrates its commitment to keeping Chrome at the forefront of browser technology, delivering speed and reliability to billions of users worldwide.