Adobe Flash vs. HTML5 on Mobile

Forgive the headline, but I’m just going to come out and say it right now: Adobe Flash video has beaten out HTML5 in a smartphone demo. The test, which seems almost like it was conducted by Adobe (it was done by Chris Black, an ActionScript dev) and published on the Adobe blog, unsurprisingly shows Adobe Flash outperforming HTML5.

The following is what resulted from the test:

HTML5 Canvas on iPhone 4: 22fps
HTML5 Canvas on Nexus One: 40fps
Flash Player 10.1 on Nexus One: 57fps

Surprised? Also, despite what has been casually thrown around on the web as gospel, it seems like Adobe Flash also ate up less battery life than HTML5. However, Adobe kept it classy and didn’t use this opportunity to trash HTML5 or to lambast Apple as Steve Jobs is prone to doing when it comes to Flash:

Now, does this mean that HTML5 sucks or shouldn’t be used? Of course not! As Chris points out in the comments, it may be possible to tune this Canvas implementation to run better on mobile. He also points out ways that Flash could run better on mobile. All these implementations are new, and I expect they’ll all improve, especially as developers figure out what techniques work best for each.

Competition is great. For things that HTML5 does best, use it; same goes for Flash. Focus on your viewers’ needs, and Adobe will step up with great tools no matter which technolog(ies) you choose.

Fair enough, but we’ve seen reports across the web showing Flash’s very clunky and undesirable performance on Android handsets. One little test is probably not going to negate those user experiences, but it’s probably nice for some to see that Flash is chugging right along and that the platform is constantly being optimized for mobile use.

If you own both an Android device and an iOS device, feel free to chime in and let us know how you feel about HTML5 versus Flash. Personally, I’ve found the HTML5 video experience on my iPad to be more than adequate.

[Via: Adobe]

About The Author

Marc Flores

Marc has been a mobile fanatic for the better part of a decade and has had more devices pass through his hands than he would care to count. Originally from Los Angeles and briefly in San Francisco, Marc now lives in Brooklyn where, unlike Will Park, he longs for simpler times and simpler technology. All the while, he writes about gadgets and wireless technology as he tinkers, hacks and ultimately breaks most of his gadgets in the process. Marc has written about the mobile industry for Boy Genius Report, MobileCrunch, Laptop Magazine and has had his work appear in the Wall Street Journal, Gizmodo, CrunchGear and more.

Kevin

Flash runs great on my Incredible, and has allowed me to see sites I would normally avoid. At least I have the choice.

When the iPhone first came out, even Apple-lover Walt Mossberg talked about the lack of Flash suport, and predicted its appearance in short order.

Not having Flash on the iPhone is clearly a political decision.

Steve Jobs is not an engineer… he’s a salesman, and he he only pushes what he himself sells.
http://twitter.com/davidmccormack David McCormack

Woah there…what you’re seeing in this clip is not HTML5 video vs Flash video! You’re seeing a javascript test app rendering to HTML5 canvas compared to the equivalent actionscript test app rendering to a Flash canvas (or whatever they call a canvas in Flash). Not only is this clear from his commentary, it is stated in the description of the YouTube clip. Very misleading headline and analysis. That’s sloppy tech reporting – I expect more from you guys.
http://technoracle.blogspot.com Duane Nickull

I work for Adobe and can say that we would never trash HTML5. Why? We love it. Not only are we actively participating in helping develop the spec itself, but we are one of the leading companies in implementing the functionality within various runtimes and products. HTML has simply stagnated far too long and it is good for everyone in the industry to see HTML evolve. There is an HTML5 pack for CS, HTML5 support in the next version of AIR and much more.

As far as the tests go, also remember that HTML5 implementations are relateively new. I’m sure they will imprvove as time goes by. The biggest mistake many people make is comparing Flash to HTML5 directly. HTML5/JavaScript/CSS vs SWF would be a better comparison if one wanted to have a rivalry. Flash is more than just the file format, it represents a complete platform, complete with servers, sideband protocols fro dynamic bandwidth detection and mitigation, security, development tools and much more.

Choice is good for everyone!

/dn
GL

I second David call. Change the title. How embarrassing it is to share this and have the title be misleading.
http://theinnercircle.wordpress.com Joseph

Well the HTML5 Canvas certainly won’t beat the Stage of Flash! and no one does these animations or rather more complex programatically… The Flash Professional IDE is the most effective way (by a long shot) in doing these animations, and RIA development (by the way).

But I agree, I think There should be a thorough demo on Flash Video vs. HTML5 Video, but this is not it. I suggest as well rephrasing the Subject and Intro of this post.
http://twitter.com/theinnercircle Lebanese InnerCircle

With the release of Flash 10.2 and the Stage Video, I think the community needs a solid Test for the HTML5 Video vs Stave Video of Flash 10.2