In today’s digital age, creating content is a task that requires careful attention to many details. One of the most important is how your content will be viewed on different devices. Whether it’s a desktop, smartphone, tablet, or even a smartwatch, your content needs to be perfectly tailored. That’s where Mobil FIRST comes in, an iPhone and other smartphone simulator in the form of a Chrome extension that lets you preview your content on a multitude of devices.
Mobile FIRST, a browser extension that acts as an iPhone, Galaxy, Pixel simulator…
If you need to view web content in different ways, Mobile FIRST has a browser extension available for Chrome et Firefox.
Ideal for testing a responsive site, this free extension is very easy to use. Once installed on your favorite browser, a small smartphone icon will appear in the extensions bar.
Then open a new tab browser, go to any web page and click on this icon. The page will then reload and the website in question will be viewed in the dimensions of a smartphone, by default an iPhone 12 Pro simulator (the default model can be changed in the extension settings). The page will therefore be displayed in the dimensions of the device in question and the extension goes so far as to add a representation of the device to really give you the impression of using a mobile device.
You can then navigate the site in question as you wish, as if you were on a smartphone. Scroll through the pages, click on the links… it's a very good testing tool.
If by default, the extension opens an iPhone 12 Pro simulator, it is not the only model available, far from it. Indeed, on the left of the page, a button allows you to select the device with which to navigate: Samsung Galaxy S20, Google Pixel 5, OPPO Find X3 PRO, iPhone 5, iPhone 12 Mini, iPad, Galaxy Tab, Microsoft Surface Duo, Apple Watch… and so on!
All devices can be used in portrait or landscape mode.
Some models are marked “PRO”. These are the devices that require the paid premium version of Mobile FIRST, but all others are free to use!
Mobile FIRST for taking screenshots
But Mobile FIRST is not just a visualization tool. One of the most interesting features of this mobile simulator is its ability to perform screenshot still or animated (in GIF format).
Two buttons available on the side of the screen allow you to perform screenshot with the life of the device being simulated. The camera allows you to take still shots with the terminal visible or not, or even a capture of the entire page.
The camera button allows you to record an animated GIF. Click on it and navigate on the mobile device, everything will be saved and exported in GIF format!
It is really very effective as you can see with this example.
Mobil FIRST offers a free version of their tool, which is supported by ads. However, if you prefer an ad-free experience with additional features, they also offer paid options at very reasonable prices (2.90€ per month).
Free mockups to download on the Mobile FIRST website
In addition to this really cool and handy tool, Mobile FIST offers on his website Mockups (PNG templates) of many mobile devices and computers to download for free. These mockups with transparent background can be used in all your projects where you need to position a device.
In short, Mobile FIRST is proving to be a valuable tool for all digital content creators in particular. Its ability to simulate various devices, such as the iPhone, Galaxy, Pixel, and even the Apple Watch, makes this service invaluable for ensuring a flawless user experience on all media. It also allows you to take screenshots, both still and animated, which allow you to evaluate how your content behaves in real conditions.
And the best part is that Mobile FIRST offers a free version of its tool, which already offers a multitude of features. For those who want additional features, a premium option is also available at a reasonable cost.
Article updated on January 10, 2025 by Byothe
