My comparison is iPad Mini Chrome to Nexus 7 Chrome, have to agree that Chrome on Nexus 7 is not up to par with iOS. But I do strongly prefer Chrome's UX over Safari's.
Primary issues with Chrome on Nexus 7:
- Scrolling performance is much slower, especially while loading larger pages.
- I have a much harder time opening links on the N7 on pages like HN front page where there are clusters of links with fairly small text. The pointer algorithm seems to be all wrong.
- Android Chrome's popup bubble when clicking links seems cool, and seems like it would solve the previous issue, but it's completely erratic for me. Often doesn't come up at all, unlike the article which says it always comes up.
In Chrome for Android beta they've implemented some changes that are suppose to improve scrolling, especially on large pages, and they've adjusted the tap disambiguation popup. If you don't want to use the beta these changes should filter down to the stable release at some point.
In my experience the tap disambiguation popup is worse in Beta, not better. They managed to break it so half the time when it pops up, it's empty instead of containing a zoomed version of what you tapped on so you have to tap away to dismiss it and hope it works the next time you open it.
I've noticed that I always need to aim high when I try to click on a link on the Nexus 7. If I tap where the link is, either nothing happens or I get the magnifying glass. If I tap higher than where the link is, then the link works.
Of course, I get used to aiming high on the Nexus 7, and then get screwed up when I switch to a device that is more accurate...
I have to second the whole link clicking thing. I can't believe how utterly broken clicking links is in Chrome on Android. My wife's GS3 is practically unusable compared to my iPhone4.
Microsoft's browser doesn't get much love here but browsing is a lot of fun on Surface. First its a full desktop class browser with flash support (albeit only on some sites) the second is the full screen dedicated to browser as opposed to space eaten up chrome around the client area. It matters when your screen is small. And finally buttery smooth scrolling as good if not better than iPad.
Primary issues with Chrome on Nexus 7:
- Scrolling performance is much slower, especially while loading larger pages.
- I have a much harder time opening links on the N7 on pages like HN front page where there are clusters of links with fairly small text. The pointer algorithm seems to be all wrong.
- Android Chrome's popup bubble when clicking links seems cool, and seems like it would solve the previous issue, but it's completely erratic for me. Often doesn't come up at all, unlike the article which says it always comes up.