I barely notice the difference between Chrome and the Android Browser on Nexus 7. Will reinstall it again if you say it is easier on the battery though
I hated the Nokia browser on the N8 and I hate the Android on my Sony Xperia. I use Opera (not Chrome, although I have it installed just for the sake of carrying all my bookmarks all the time) in all my mobile devices.
True that, Opera was king. Now unfortunately will be just another Chrome-clone. People are screaming bloody murder, and the old version was put back on the store.
The very ONLY thing where the stock browsers are above the others is the start up time. It bugs me A LOT that Chrome and Opera take soooooooooooo loooooooooooooooong to load. If I open the browser it's always for a quick search on something. Taking 20 or more seconds to start up ain't quick, mr Opera. I have found myself using the android browser more often lately due to that reason.
Dont remember Opera being that slow on my N900 and on the N7. Slower yes, but thaaaat slow definitely not.
Wish Windows Phone 7.8 has some nice browser alternatives, but no joy. Only when jailbroken there is some old Opera version that kinda works. Unfortunately most WP devices need special hardware to root :/