A question we all have at some point is which are the lightest launchers, specially regarding RAM consumption.
tomb20 has taken most of the guess work here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1691169.
Here's the list with some removed items that are no longer on the market:
· Quick Home = 20MB
· Simple Home (Lite) = 20MB *
· Metro UI Lite = 21MB
· My Home Lite = 22MB
· Lightning Launcher = 22MB *
· Zeam Launcher = 23MB *
· Holo Launcher = 23MB *
· Xperia S Launcher = 23MB
· ssLauncher = 23MB *
· ADW.Launcher = 24MB *
· TwLauncher = 24MB (SGSII themed version)
· LightLaunch = 24MB
· Balancer Launcher = 24MB
· Fast Home = 25MB
· Crazy Home Lite = 26MB
· Rocket Launcher = 26MB
· Nemus Launcher = 26MB *
· Regina 3D Launcher = 27MB
· FTL Launcher = 29MB *
· EZ Launcher = 30MB
· Espier Launcher = 31MB
· MIUI Launcher = 32MB
· 91 Panda Home = 32MB
· Go Launcher EX = 33MB
· QQLauncher = 33MB
· Launcher 7 = 33MB *
· Launcher Pro = 34MB *
· 360 Launcher = 34MB *
· Home++ = 35MB
· Claystone Launcher = 40MB
· MXHome Launcher = 50MB
· SPB Shell 3D = 63MB
*Tested launchers.
**The ones removed are DX Home and iLauncher Lite. The original thread also have clickable links. Go say thanks.
Now for our phone, for whatever reason, launchers report a lower RAM consumption. Don't freak out tho it's only by 1-2MB and the general hierarchy remains true.
Over the last few weeks, I've tried:
· Zeam Launcher
· Launcher Pro
· 360 Launcher
· Launcher 7
· Holo Launcher
· Nemus
· FTL Launcher
· ADW Launcher
· MiHome
And only recently, meaning a few days:
· ssLauncher
· Lightning Launcher
· Simple Home by Digital Guesswork.
The name of the game is scrolling smoothness, size of the app, RAM consumption and redraws.
Starting with scrolling smoothness, you could seriously choose between any of the ones I just mentioned and you would have a smooth experience. Some might give you better responsiveness based on your personal configuration but there shouldn't be a huge difference. Even the big 360 Launcher and MiHome perform well.
Size of the app shouldn't be of big concern. In theory a smaller app should get called quickly but you won't notice any major difference. For whatever, it's worth Lightning Launcher beats everyone with 53k.
RAM consuption has already been discused at the beginning of this post, take your pick. However there's one fluke worth mentioning. Lightning Launcher is reported to be using 18 MB in my phone.
Now we're left with draws and redraws. In practical terms, meaning how fast the launcher takes to load your apps so you can get to them. Now this is where it gets tricky. The launcher has three places to call apps from:
· System partition
· Data partition/sd-ext partition
· Sd-card (.android_secure)
If you're using a sd-ext partition, the data and sd-ext partition can be considered the same. If you're not, why aren't you? But, anyway, the difference is that apps will get called a tad faster if you don't have the sd-ext partition, by virtue of them being directly on the internal memory.
So, apps that are stored in the sd-card will get called slower. And some apps just like being there. Pushing some of this apps back to internal memory will cause problems.
This is where launchers start differing hugely. Some of them will make you wait till all of the apps are ready to be called. For example: ssLauncher and, to some extent, Zeam Launcher. Zeam Launcher will actually make available apps in system and sd-ext partitions rather quickly, then black screen, then all of them.
Some will make apps available as they're being read. For example: Simple Home.
Some will show all apps at once, but with some icons missing until they're fully ready, meaning apps that are in the sd-card will have no icon/a generic icon. For example: 360 Launcher.
Now if you have a fast sd-card the launcher will call the apps faster than with a slow one. This also depends on how many apps you've got installed. If you have a few, you might not notice anything.
For this category, a special reproducible test was made. How fast is the launcher fully ready at boot? How fast is it ready after disconnecting the USB after mounting it on the computer? And, how fast is it ready after killing it?
We have a clear winner: Lightning Launcher. It will make your apps ready to be used almost instantly. If you're already on a system with lots of apps, the first time might take a few seconds, but afterwards it will be f-a-s-t.
Then will come the other launchers with a special mention to Simple Home, coming just ahead of the bunch, but nowhere near Lightning Launcher.
Now let's share a few words about customization. You're on your own here. You might like pre-made packages, flexibility... or, you might not be interested at all in customization of the launcher beyond some widgets.
However, for ultimate customization you might want to go with ssLauncher. It allows you to do somethings that would otherwise require Desktop VisualizeR.
Now let's zoom in my pick: Lightning Launcher. Customization-wise, it does offer some interesting possibilities:
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Albeit, only one screen, this one screen is scrollable and zoomable. With the right amount of patience you could do some rather interesting screens. It can also make using some setups that depend heavily on backgrounds, such as some of the ones seen at MyColorScreen.com, easily configurable*.
It does however have some quirks. You basically need three apps: the launcher itself, the app controlling its configuration and the app controlling the widgets. They work together seamlessly and won't see three icons in your app drawer by the way. This offers, for example, some extra RAM when you're not using the setup. Or that in the event of redraws, you get to your apps as soon as possible, with the widgets getting called later.
*I might take a shot at recreating one screen just for fun and to call it quits with the phone.
Related
Hi Devs
Is there a way to increase the number of Sense Panels from 7 to 9.
I know that with different luncher we can achieve more panels for widgets, but we loose HTC widgets
Best regards
Vitor
I know it's not what you're looking for (i don't know if what you want can be done) but launcher pro has some excellent widgets that match the sense ones easily (i use bookmarks, contacts and calendar (wich is alot better than sense!!!)) apart from fixing other sense issues (like the laggy app draw) and can be very very pesonalised!!! Try it out, i did and never came back!!!
PS: to get the launcher pro widgets you have to get the paid version but it's very cheap and well worth it!!!
PPS: if you miss the sense clock, fancy widget is a clock widget that is at least as good as senses and can be personalised alot more!!
I agree. I've been a die-hard LauncherPro user since its early days
However, the maximum number of homescreens is still 7 with LauncherPro. Although I love the customisation options that comes with LP.
Much snappier than Sense too
Work around
Some launchers can use more that 7 homescreens but do not have sense widgets.
And as started before, LauncherPro has some sense style wigdets.
I use LauncherProPlus with 7 homescreens, so if in the future I require more homescreens, I can just tap the red android on my main homescreen to quickly switch to original sense set-up. You could use it the other way around, with sense as your main launcher and LauncherPro as your secondary launcher., giving you a maximum of 14 homescreens.
Unfortunately I can not remember if LauncherPro (free market version) has the option I am about to describe, you would have to try it.
To set this up, you would need LauncherPro (possibly paid version LauncherProPlus), Desktop VisualizeR (free market app) and a .png image of your choice (in my case, the red android) copied to you sdcard.
Set-up using sense launcher
After installing Desktop VisualizeR and LauncherPro, set sense as the default launcher for when you press your home button.
In sense launcher. Long press a homescreen and choose "Widget" under the "Add items to Home" section.
Choose the size of Desktop VisualizeR widget you like.
Click "Select Icon" and pick "Image File". Find the image you wish to use.
Back on the Desktop VisualizeR menu screen click "Select Action", then "Other", then "Activities". Wait while LauncherPro compiles the list. Scroll down to the first "HTC sense" submenu and choose "HTC Sense/ com.htc.launcher.Launcher".
The other options I chose in Desktop VisaulizeR were:
"Label" = None, just tap the "Clear" button.
"Label Color" = Not used so ignored.
"Touch Effect" = None, the available colours do not suit my theme.
This how both launchers main homescreens look for me.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Sense Launcher
LauncherProPlus
So, I've tried alot of apps lately.
And I've come up with the best apps that i found,
and wanted to share a nice and fast list for u, so sit back and enjoy.
Think I'll start with categorize the apps!
This might help you out to find the best apps suited for you.
Clock
- mClock
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
This clock is unique! You can customize Date/Clock/Week bar,
in every way you want it to be! Fonts, colors, the transparency,
gradient, blur and shadow. you can choose between lots of combinations
for your screen 1x1,2x1,2x2,3x1,3x2,4x1,4x2,4x3,5x1 and 5x2.
Download Here
[This is to much for you? Then There is a simple solution!]
- Digital Clock Widget
This is a very simple clock, it has time and date.
You can still customize it, but in a less professional way,
change colors of the clock and date and,
choose if you want a background and the color of it.
Download Here
Lock Screen
- WidgetLocker [The best of the best!]
WidgetLocker have to be the best Lock screen app out there.
You can do so much with it, have your own widget on the lock screen,
change slider layout from Iphone, Sense Ui, Froyo and Motorola.
To top it off, it can be customized! Every slider can be edited with
a png edit program like Photoshop or Gimp. Just replace the images in
the .APK and push it over wia ADB or use Root Explorer.
NB: This is not a free app, this is a paid app.
Example Here: Clicky
Buy and Download Here
[If you do not wanna pay for the app there is an alternative,
But not that good!]
- LockBot Free
LockBot is totaly useable! It has some nice customizations and great layouts,
but i think its not that good due to the WidgetLocker App has so many more features. But this will do the work if you want a simple Iphone, Froyo Slider,
Circle Lock, X10 or even Galaxy. But i Recommend WidgetLocker.
Download Here
Folder Customization
- Apps Organizer
This app is great for folders! You can choose whatevever icon you want,
to make your homescreen awsome and great looking.
The main feature is folders, you manage what apps you want in
each groupe and what name the groupe has. Example i want an media folder,
i just Create one in the apps organizer, and choose what apps i want in
that groupe and pesto! you got it. Very easy to use and very usefull.
Download Here
- Desktop Visualizer
This is the most usefull app you can get when making your home screen
look awsome! you can choose whatever icon/image u want as an icon,
choose whatever app/action it should do. There are lots of sizes to choose,
and that fits your needs. There is unlimited what u can do with this app.
Example here: Clicky
Download Here
Launcher
When it comes to launchers, there are no god.. you simply choose what
fits you best.
- LauncherPro/Plus[Paid]
With this Launcher there are so many things u can do,
how many screens, docks, rows and lines you want.
There are a few features in LauncherPro Plus thats not in free version.
There is Resizing widgets, LauncherPro Widgets/shortcuts, and popups!
But the free version does the job! It is great and gives you a fast experience.
Choose to have a 3D app drawer or the normal app drawer,
hide or show your notification bar, you name it.
Example with customization: Clicky
Download Free Version Here
Download Paid Version Here
- ADW Launcher/EX[Paid]
This launcher is just as good as LauncherPro or Plus.
But to top it off, it is free like LauncherPro BUT you can resize in this launcher
without paying nothing for it. Its a great launcher,
it can do all the things stated in launcherpro launcher. But you have an alternative choice,
you can get a pad version "ADWLauncher EX" this one has alot of
new features and gives you a faster experience and better feel.
Download Free Version Here
Download Paid Version Here [Recommended]
Better Background Quality
- Wallpaper Set & Save
After............................................................................................................................................Before
This app just makes your wallpaper Pop out! gives it alot better quality
than the standard phone wallpaper selector. This is a MUST have to your
android app collection.
Download Here
Well thats it for now, sorry if there is any wrong words in there.
But thats just how my english works anyway.. Enjoy this thread.
It's not a secret that bare android is not very convenient for using on Tv Boxes with remote controllers. So, from time to time, some people try to raise up usability making some add-ons and launchers. Now Ugoos team announce about their work in this direction.
On Ugoos blog there is a fresh pre-announce obout their own built launcher for TV Boxes.
New solution for customizing your TV Box visualization
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it seems to me this launcher will be free for downloading on other non-ugoos TV boxes.
Start menu shows us a category slider from the left and app icons in the category from the right.
Slider moves up and down and has 8 categories which has their own original icons:
Internet
Iptv
Media
Apps
Games
Tools
Settings
Options
In every category can be chosen one default app.
This app can be activated by one click on slider menu with focus staying on slider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At first start all the pre-installed apps already divided on their categories. Besides, launcher has information about more than one hundred most frequently used apps, so when user will install one of them, it will appear in appropriate category. If launcher doesn’t have any information about app, then puts it in “apps” category, so user can move it to another category as well as every installed app before. All this manipulations will be able to activate with RC navigation buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope developers not forget about this feature.
So you can change amount of rows and columns in app icons net. These parameters are limited by 5 elements in a row and column as well. Next parameter can change transparency rate for tiles in menu. 255 is a maximum level and tiles become totally transparent. Another parameter control screensaver appearing time. One more parameter allows you to change interval between two neighbor tiles. Last parameter allows you easily to change background wallpaper or get back to system wallpaper if you want to use you own picture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, ugoos team announce Launcher for next month. If this app allows me to stop using a mouse and all everyday functions will be able for using with Remote controller there will be very convenient.
I get all the materials from Ugoos Blog
Such_A_Victor said:
It's not a secret that bare android is not very convenient for using on Tv Boxes with remote controllers. So, from time to time, some people try to raise up usability making some add-ons and launchers. Now Ugoos team announce about their work in this direction.
On Ugoos blog there is a fresh pre-announce obout their own built launcher for TV Boxes.
So it seems to me this launcher will be free for downloading on other non-ugoos TV boxes.
Hope developers not forget about this feature.
So, ugoos team announce Launcher for next month. If this app allows me to stop using a mouse and all everyday functions will be able for using with Remote controller there will be very convenient.
I get all the materials from Ugoos Blog
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks really good! When it is released I will try it - currently I'm using SquareHome on my TV boxes, which is OK, but a bit of a pain to setup initially
jimac said:
looks really good! When it is released I will try it - currently I'm using SquareHome on my TV boxes, which is OK, but a bit of a pain to setup initially
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are You talking about this launcher?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ss.squarehome&hl=ru
Launcher Video preview appeared in Ugoos blog yesterday.
Said they will give us to try in a week or about.
Ugoos released first firmware with Ugoos Launcher
http://ugoos.net/blog/rk3288-ut3-ut3s-um3-beta-android-lollipop-5.1-firmware_v3.0.4-lightbiz-ugoos_launcher
Now it's availiable on rk3288 devices like UT3s UT3 or UM3
Now Ugoos TV Launcher released in Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ugooslauncher
Impressions?
Ugoos launcher 1.4 update
UGOOS LAUNCHER 1.4 UPDATE DETAILS
Ugoos Team had released update on 9/6/2017
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Changelog Version 1.4
1. Launcher animation and logic reworked
2. Added weather detection for chosen area/city
3. Loading theme packs support added
4. Categories customization added
5. Small bugs and fixes
Seems the most atractive changes are weather widget and theme packs loading, making launcher more customizable.
Here is what Ugoos said:
"This update main idea is raising customization abilities. We added many new settings making launcher more flexible and user-friendly. Now our users get new tools making launcher more individual and useful.
We tried to put even more support for different devices even before including old and slow devices based on android 4.4 firmwares.
Change animation mechanism in order to perform more smooth and quick reactions on RC or air mouse."
More details in Ugoos blog
Play Market Link
UGOOS LAUNCHER 1.4.6 Release
Big release after Beta version and Play Market release.
Details:
Categories customization
Launcher settings give ability to add, create, delete and rename groups. There are several main categories(All apps, Options) users can’t delete, in order not get rid of all apps, but all other groups fully moderated.
Weather
Weather is a pretty simple function. Just need to input your city name and upper bar will start showing current forecast and temperature (degrees can be Celsius or Fahrenheit). You can choose frequency when launcher will update weather (half, one or two hours). Information about weather imported from public weather services. Weather settings located in “Options” category.
Ugoos Launcher already available in Google Play and will be updated automatically on Ugoos Brand devices.
More details in Ugoos Blog
Does anyone have any suggestions on good looking icon packs? I'm using the Samsung Themes app to apply them but when sorting by "top" most of them look kinda cheesy. I'm not looking for anything crazy, just crisp, clean looking set of icons.
Rev_Nev said:
Does anyone have any suggestions on good looking icon packs? I'm using the Samsung Themes app to apply them but when sorting by "top" most of them look kinda cheesy. I'm not looking for anything crazy, just crisp, clean looking set of icons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want ultimate customization, use NOVA Launcher and then you just have unlimited customization and icons aglore!!
I agree use NOVA launcher it's amazing and the amount of icon pa is out there will amaze you
I use Nova Launcher and the icon packs PixUI or Pixelful. If staying on the Samsung Launcher, try Pixelize or "Stock UI" which has round icons.
Does nova launcher support swiping to the Google feed?
beta546 said:
Does nova launcher support swiping to the Google feed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does with Nova Google companion.
raul6 said:
It does with Nova Google companion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for letting me know ? It was the only thing stopping me from getting nova.
I'm using pebbles Apex/Nova icon Theme
It's a very different / special designed icon pack.
love it.
I'm a fan of Nova launcher and just moved to Note 9. One thing that distract me is the font widget with nova launcher looks bigger than stock launcher. Is there any way to resize the widget fonts? thanks.
I use cobalt icon pack.
EQxzt said:
I'm a fan of Nova launcher and just moved to Note 9. One thing that distract me is the font widget with nova launcher looks bigger than stock launcher. Is there any way to resize the widget fonts? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what you mean by widget fonts, but you can adjust the overall size of the widgets with nova Launcher settings. Set desktop grid numbers higher and it will then allow you to resize the widgets in more ways than the stock Nova settings. Also long pressing on widget will allow you to select padding which sometimes slightly changes the overall widget size. Last of all use the "sub-grid" option to allow even more adjustment sizes. Hope I'm understanding your issue correctly and maybe these suggestions will help you achieve your goal!
Cheers.
TWiiTCH said:
I'm not sure what you mean by widget fonts, but you can adjust the overall size of the widgets with nova Launcher settings. Set desktop grid numbers higher and it will then allow you to resize the widgets in more ways than the stock Nova settings. Also long pressing on widget will allow you to select padding which sometimes slightly changes the overall widget size. Last of all use the "sub-grid" option to allow even more adjustment sizes. Hope I'm understanding your issue correctly and maybe these suggestions will help you achieve your goal!
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I mean.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Resize the widget just change the widget composition instead of the font or widget size. It happen for all widget, not only samsung stock widget.
I use the Stealth icon pack. Bought it a few years ago, but had forgotten about it til recently.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=stealthychief.icon.pack.stealth
Pixip Icon Pack at the moment.
Rev_Nev said:
Does anyone have any suggestions on good looking icon packs? I'm using the Samsung Themes app to apply them but when sorting by "top" most of them look kinda cheesy. I'm not looking for anything crazy, just crisp, clean looking set of icons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use these. They're from the Samsung theme store. There is a ton. Find some paid ones that you really like then click on their developer's name and go to their page. You'll find free icon packs there that are really good. View attachment 4697355
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Rev_Nev said:
Does anyone have any suggestions on good looking icon packs? I'm using the Samsung Themes app to apply them but when sorting by "top" most of them look kinda cheesy. I'm not looking for anything crazy, just crisp, clean looking set of icons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend Nova Launcher Prime as it looks like most others do as well, customization is practically only limited to what you can't figure out how to do yourself, Nova Rock's.
As for a nice icon pack I use Oxygen Icon Pack by Chris87. Here is some info...
INFORMATION:
* 7195 Icons Resolution 2K SuperHD+(350 X 350)Pixel!
* 7000+ Supported Applications!
* 60 HD Wallpapers with Resolution 2K (1440x2560) Pixel!
* Each icon has been designed with extreme care of the details!
* Triple Icons Render Process!
* New Icons Saturation System!
* Detail Cleaning and Sharpness of Icons!
* Dynamic Calendar for App Stock & Google Calendar!
* Inquiry Icons Missing directly through the app (3 Free for each release)!
* Update Periodicals Guaranteed!
* Support, Support & Info on Future and Future Projects on My Site
Find it here...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cris87.oxygen
Best icon pack.
IntroWelcome to the last Part 3 of my OPPO Find X5 review! In this last part I would like to go over my favourite ColorOS 12 features as well as some things I wish it included.
Table of contents
Part 1: Build Quality & Design, Performance & Gaming, Display
Part 2: Camera, Battery
Part 3: ColorOS Features (Currently reading)
At the end of each part I will also include the conclusion of the part and the index for navigation.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
ColorOS FeaturesOverall I really do enjoy the experience of ColorOS 12 on the Find X5. The system feels very refined and smooth. While I do prefer a system that is closer to stock Android, or similar I did like all the extra features ColorOS bright. Also especially with the 120hz enabled this is a great user experience as you would want to expect from this high performance chip and display.
Lock screenLockscreen has a very minimal design and is useful with customisable quick access buttons. I have mine configured to a payment card and camera. I especially like that you can swipe up to the pin code, and from there can swipe up again to get back to fingerprint unlock. Another good detail is after 72hr you are required to enter your pin if you only have been using your fingerprint so you do not forget it.
Notifications shadePulling down the notification shade, either from the lock or home screen allows for a very convenient access to the quick access toggles which also are super customisable. I enjoy small details such as a blurry background, nice font spacing and a very easy overview. For example when toggling on the flashlight you get a notification that easily lets you disable it, or enable it. Something that did take getting used to however was the way you dismiss notifications: Using other devices it was common to simply swipe to the right to dismiss, but on ColorOS you always get the settings toggle and bin icon, forcing you to stop the swipe and initiate a second longer swipe. This can be avoided by swiping left, it dismisses the notification immediately, but I found it a bit odd. Example: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ipMmiCtBAJCHU16M8
Extra featuresFurthermore the system has a lot of powerful features built into it such as flexible windows, a feature I found particularly useful when multitasking. It allows you to pop over small windows of apps such as chrome, calculator, etc. These can even be combined while watching YouTube picture in picture.
Widgets & HomescreenMost widgets that are available in Android 12 are present, which also comes with the Material You colour theming. What I noticed however there are still some bugs with for example the official google clock widget not scaling properly, or the missing google weather widget. For other widgets I had no issues. Example: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LyCHWwc6J4HwVyCS7 However, this can be resolved by using a different launcher. In Lawnchair I had no widget issues.
Another ColorOS specific thing I have noticed, is that you cannot swipe up on widgets on the home screen. While this is not a big issue for me it can be a slight inconvenience as I like to access the app drawer from anywhere on the homescreen and having a widget placed at the bottom area where your thumb rests makes it slightly harder to open.
CustomisationMy first customisation was to disable the search to allow for access to swipe down to the notification shade. Swipe up to enter the app drawer. My only issue I encountered was that you can not swipe up/down to enter either when you initiate the tap from a widget. Instead you scroll inside the widget view, which can be a bit irritating but is easy to get used to.
Customisation doesn't stop there, you can long press to enter the edit mode and change everything from the layout grid such as 3x5 to 5x6 and also transitions which have a few choices such as roll, cube, flip, card and tilt. Of course you can also access the widget drawer, change wallpapers or icons.
Unfortunately one thing I was missing from the customisation was in the icon field: there is no support for material you icon theming or system colour palette choosing. Supported apps are able to pick the colours from the wallpaper but it sadly ends there. For me this would have been very nice to have, as it allows for even more personalisation which has so far been great!
HapticsOther details I really did enjoy were the great use of the built in haptics engine, which provided a very satisfying feedback when scrolling to the end, using sliders in the system such as the volume or brightness, or while typing.
BonusA bonus feature that I did enjoy a lot was when using my OPPO Enco Buds, they immediately connected each time and when opening the case you get a pop up view showing the battery status of each earbud and the case. It’s similar to what AirPods do and seeing this built into the system is extremely cool! Unfortunately, when using other buds such as the Galaxy ones you do not get any pop up animation and need to rely on the galaxy app, or use the widget to see the battery status of each bud individually.
Conclusion Part 3Overall I did really enjoy ColorOS, it's well optimised and in my opinion adds a bunch of extra features that are helpful, a bit unexpected which feels innovative and runs overall smoothly. There are also a lot tweaks done to make things easier which I did quite like such as extra customisation. But also a few things did bother me such as not a full integration of Material You theming and how the launcher handles widgets or certain interaction patterns like notifications. However these smaller details are things that I could get used to and was able to enjoy the experience it provides!
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Part 1: Build Quality & Design, Performance & Gaming, Display
Part 2: Camera, Battery
Part 3: Currently reading