Its better then the standard VZ browser. It will allow you to see flash images as stationary images, unlike the standard browser they won't even show up. Its also smoother, you can zoom in and out and its more reliable. Has more features for image quality. I have mine on the lower side, but my buddies on the Curve have it set for best image quality since they have larger screen. For example, I cannot get nascar.com to load in the VZ so I check it out in Opera. Also I watch the traffic cams on the way in to work to see which way to go, they load much faster in Opera.
Weatherbug is also a great application too!
There is so much you can do with it. I have several themes for mine. I modded mine out. Since VZ has not released OS 4.5 for it yet I went and DL another carrier and installed it.