HTML 5 time input crashes Android browser for Samsung Galaxy 2 ICS

[ptolp]

Summary:

Using HTML 5 time input crashes the default Android browser in Samsung Galaxy 2 reliably. Crashing may jam also some other apps on the device, sometimes requiring reboot.

Support for HTML 5 time input was introduced in 4.0.3 (ICS) update for the device. This is device vendor specific issue not present in vanilla Android OS, probably caused by the non-standard version of native time selector launched by the time input element. Issue is worth documenting since this specific model has sold huge numbers.

Platforms:

Android 4.0.3, Samsung Galaxy 2

How to reproduce:

1. Go to http://jsfiddle.net/AprJu/2/ with Samsung Galaxy 2 browser.
2. Tap the time field.
3. Tap button on the time selector.

Reduced Example:

http://jsfiddle.net/AprJu/2/

Bug Tracker ticket(s):

http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=27508

Workarounds:

1. Avoid using HTML 5 time input for next 2-5 years.
2. Sniff the browser OS and vendor and provide text field for Samsung Galaxy 2.
3. Ask time using two separate HTML 5 number fields (hour : min). Number input triggers virtual number keyboard in this device, making number input easier.
4. Use custom HTML based time selector.

[ptolp]

Good news! Samsung has pushed Android 4.0.4 OS update to Samsung Galaxy 2 which fixes this bug.