[Q] Effect of different launcher on GS4 features? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

What effect does using a different launcher have on the S4's features? If, for example, I used Nova Launcher, would I still have access to all the camera modes? The "touchless" actions? Would the phone seem faster, smoother?

RobertR3750 said:
What effect does using a different launcher have on the S4's features? If, for example, I used Nova Launcher, would I still have access to all the camera modes? The "touchless" actions? Would the phone seem faster, smoother?
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Yeah, core functionality wont be affected. As long as you use stock gallery, the functions like hover to expand etc will remain unaffected and will work just fine.
Main thing with custom launcher is customisation. I can have 6x5 grid on home as well as app drawer. Have other custom gestures etc. And unlike other skins like Sense, the samsung widgets work fine with custom launcher as well. So you lose very little and gain a lot using custom launcher.
Nova is smooth. Haven't tried others.

Funkym0nkey said:
Yeah, core functionality wont be affected. As long as you use stock gallery, the functions like hover to expand etc will remain unaffected and will work just fine.
Main thing with custom launcher is customisation. I can have 6x5 grid on home as well as app drawer. Have other custom gestures etc. And unlike other skins like Sense, the samsung widgets work fine with custom launcher as well. So you lose very little and gain a lot using custom launcher.
Nova is smooth. Haven't tried others.
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Thanks so much! I've been using Nova for quite some time with my HTC Sensation, and I love how it functions, the customization, etc.

I've been using Apex on mine for the past week, definitely an improvement on TouchWiz. As Funkym0nkey says, I think most (if not all) the Samsung widgets are working, certainly the email one and browser bookmarks are.

Nova launcher seems to work the best but as for unread badges Apex launcher seems to support more apps.
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This is my first android device ever, started off using nova launcher and loved it, the other day I bought action launcher it's perfect for the minimal look especially with its smart cover feature that adds an extra dimension to widgets.
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Related

Launcher choices

What's everyone using and why? I ran launcher pro free before I rooted long ago. After that I switched to adw ex, I love adw! The options for screen transitions are awesome, seems to be very fast and light. Recently ive been trying aosp launcher, which I just can't seem to fall in love with, doesn't seem like there is any options for customization, mainly for the dock, as I don't like having the browser on my dock. What other options are there? I don't really remember what launcher pro was like, thinking about buying it to try it out. Whose still using touch wiz?
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I'm using Launcher Pro, I was using touch wiz untill I discovered that you could change the dock with LP... that's what sold me really. Cosmetics lol. Another feature I like is being able to hide apps in the listing.. it's nice if your using the bloated froyo, like I am at the moment, and don't want to go through and uninstall everything.
I was loving adw ex as well ... then launcher pro added the screen transitions in its last release. I REALLY like the Widgets it comes with . And you can download a modded version on xda that changes the look of them making them much more attractive.
I still have adw ex installed. But probably won't go back unless it adds something new. I just find launcher pro to be smoother. And being able to make your own dock really makes it your own.
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I'm still rocking the TouchWiz. I've tried out several of the others, but I just can't stand the vertically scrolling list (it makes it much harder to find anything IMO). I just hugely prefer the horizontal pages (a la iOS). The homescreens themselves I really don't have much of a preference about, they're all fairly similar in how I use them (basically just the Google News & Weather widget at the top, Android 2.3 music player control under that, then browser/gmail/camera/battery widget under that, and FB + LED Torch widget on the bottom right (with 2 empty spots). I switch around applications too frequently to really be able to have a list of apps that I use a lot that wouldn't really end up being most of my apps.
Every time I try something else out, I keep coming back to LauncherPro Plus -- in no small part due to the absolutely awesome widgets.
ADW used to run a little quicker than LP, but ADW seems to have gotten slower over time as more features were added. ADW EX was supposed to be a big improvement, but I don't think it actually is (and it's more confusing to use).
At this point, the only thing ADW (both regular and EX) has that LP doesn't is the TouchWiz homescreen re-sorting interface. That doesn't bother me at all, though, as once my homescreens are set up they stay that way.
And, the LP developer is working on a complete, from-scratch re-coding (all the current launchers are based on Google's launcher code with modifications and stuff added on, so there's only so much they can do to them) that's supposed to be dramatically speedier and more flexible... so I don't see myself switching to ADW or any other launcher in the near future.
Launcher Pro <3
I bought the plus version but mostly as a way to support the developer. I don't even bother unlocking it half the time
ADW is nice, too, I just prefer LP. Either is worlds better than TWiz. The latest version of LP adds several transition options, and a major rewrite of the whole thing based on newer code is in the works (at least that's my understanding)
Launcher Pro is my favorite so far. I tried ADW but like being able to side scroll and have transparent shortcuts on my homescreen. The only thing I dont like is that I'm not able access ALL widgets on my phone. I kinda liked the buddies now rolodex. Maybe its user error on my part. Does anyone know about accessing all widgets with LP?
I think I answered my own question about other widgets, in the launcherpro forums is says that some of those TWiz widgets do not and will not work, guess I need to get the donate version. Why not, I love the app.
LP, but people on DL30 might want to try out TouchwizGTG, a modded replacement for Samsung stock. It should let you use all the TW widgets.
I bought launcher pro plus, I like it alright, id be in love if I could do transparent drawer
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And if I could make a swype down gesture open the notification panel
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I'm on Launcher Pro with DL30. Running it for a few days and like it over touchwiz. Before updating to Froyo I was using Go Launcher on DL09 and that one was decent too.
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Go Launcher
Try Go Launcher
I found out about this a little while ago and Its awesome. Its like a little of everything with the best parts of everything.
I tried Go Launcher briefly, but went back to Launcher Pro. Why? Well, the ADW-like features made it tempting, but I immediately missed the widgets. I found some third party ones that are essentially a ripoff of the Launcher Pro ones, but they clearly inferior. Also, screen transitions were much rougher, and its method for adding app icons to homescreens is not very user friendly. There were pluses as well, but overall, Launcher Pro feels much more polished, so I'm sticking with it. I have not tried ADW Ex yet, and it looks enticing, but I'm back to no LP widgets again. I'm content to keep using LP, knowing that a major rewrite is on the way with lots of new features.
Posted from my DL09 SuperClean Fascinate with Voodoo
Launcher Pro Plus calendar widget... done
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The calender widget is awesome, screen transitions seem smoother as well. Can't wait for a transparent drawer, and maybe some more transitions.
I like having just one home screen, and a simple app drawer, that way it's easy to find everything. So for me it's Launcher Pro.

Which launcher and why...

First of all, I should say, if this topic has already been discussed, then I apologise, and pelase just point me to the right direction. If not, let's get the discussion going!
I started this thread really for 2 reasons. One is to find out for myself (and hopefully for others) which launcher app is more suitable for my needs. And the second one is to have a discussion on the pro's and con's of the different launchers available.
For the GNote as a standard there is the TW launcher of course. I haven't seen any real shortcomings with it. I quite like it. it's clean, smooth and it works.
I am aware of three others: ADW, GO launcher, and launcher pro. I think ADW has a free and a pay version, and I assume the pay version has more features.
I haven't used any of the others on the GNote, and I never used the GO launcher. However, I did use ADW and LauncherPro both on my viewsonic Gtab. On that particular device I found launcher pro more suitable for my needs. Again, it was clean, simple and smooth.
I've never attempted using addons for either, and I am now becoming aware of the different ways to change icons, themes, etc. It'd be interesting to know what can be done with which launchers...
SS launcher
Why: cause it doesn't suck
Sorry, all I can write for now
From the Beast : Galaxy Note
If I'm not mistaken, only the stock TW Launcher has true hardware acceleration thanks to Samsung's work on it. Every other launcher should be software driven (i.e., CPU taxing).
Go Launcher Ex. I tried almost all popular ones and Go is just the best IMO. I can resize widgets, easily create folders and it's highly customizable.
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QQLauncher is the beat imho
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ssLauncher
ssLauncher because:
It's truly different
It is completely configurable, down to the pixel
All widgets can be resized (although some get funny)
shortcuts can be of any style whatsoever (individually) making for a unique layout
It does not lag at all on my set-up (although transitions are a bit tricky to set up right)
You can have page names (the main thing I wanted)
It's truly different!
Nova Launcher!
Otherwise ADW, I like it's customizability. Never tried SS Launcher though.
If you use gb i think go launchr is optimal choice, but for ics nova is the fastest one
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sprintuser1977 said:
SS launcher
Why: cause it doesn't suck
Sorry, all I can write for now
From the Beast : Galaxy Note
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Wow you are damn right. This app makes so much sense. very unique indeed.
I personally use now Go Launcher Ex-highly customizable etc...but I recommend you to have a look at the "Post your homescreen" threads where you'll see different types of homescreens and launchers by the users.
Another site which is quite good for this is mycolorscreen.com/ where you'll see different homescreens and normally the Widgets in use with the market link. So you'll be able to learn how to customize your screen on your own
tap*talked via GT-N7000 (GB.XXLA4)
Am I the only one who dislike multi pages launchers? On the Gnote this artifice is not necessary anymore, I just have ADW with only one screen and with some tuning I have enough room for my often used apps, two folders and a off off my kid. I even disabled auto rotate. On such a big screen landscape makes no sense for home screen and most apps but pictures and video.
guibog said:
Am I the only one who dislike multi pages launchers? On the Gnote this artifice is not necessary anymore, I just have ADW with only one screen and with some tuning I have enough room for my often used apps, two folders and a off off my kid. I even disabled auto rotate. On such a big screen landscape makes no sense for home screen and most apps but pictures and video.
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One word: Widgets!
I used to use ADW but it ha gotten too buggy, and it looks like it's not being developed anymore .
These days it's go launcher, but really it's just a place holder until I can load ICS, and the stock launcher
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Am I the only one who thinks the none of the launchers are doing it right?
For all I know, TW launcher is the only launcher that uses hardware acceleration. It NEVER lags. Compared to other launchers, I'd stick with it. (I'm on RR v22, ICS for RR v1.6)
TW launcher on ICS for RR looks so much better than stock TW. It makes it bearable. Plus it doesn't lag.
VTL launcher 1.7.0 with left and right docks active, absolutly the more versatile one!
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AA1973 said:
I personally use now Go Launcher Ex-highly customizable etc...but I recommend you to have a look at the "Post your homescreen" threads where you'll see different types of homescreens and launchers by the users.
Another site which is quite good for this is mycolorscreen.com where you'll see different homescreens and normally the Widgets in use with the market link. So you'll be able to learn how to customize your screen on your own
tap*talked via GT-N7000 (GB.XXLA4)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great site, thanks! Just opened it and found a great homescreen containing several widgets I've been literaly looking for and didn't know they exist. Can't post links yet unfortunately, but you can go have a look and see if it also catches your attention Its on a Note too!
guibog said:
Am I the only one who dislike multi pages launchers? On the Gnote this artifice is not necessary anymore, I just have ADW with only one screen and with some tuning I have enough room for my often used apps, two folders and a off off my kid. I even disabled auto rotate. On such a big screen landscape makes no sense for home screen and most apps but pictures and video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I dislike them, but I'm sure gonna go for as few as I can. Thinking about 2 or so, depends on how many widgets I'm actually gonna need. I don't like to keep scrolling to find what I want.
I installed several launchers and launcher modifiers. Most modifiers sucked. I think they put adware on my phone because once a day or so I get an advert pop up that is not from my provider (I recognise some new type of icons in the notification bar). I uninstalled the launcher modifiers very quickly so I forgot their names. I tried ADW, and so far decided to stick with launcher pro, as it gave me what I needed (customised icons for apps and dock). Anything else wasn't really of interest for me from a functional perspective.
Im using launcher pro on the chinese leak ICS and its so smooth its insane. It looks to be rendering in 60p while using a live wallpaper with absolutely no lag at all. I like the animations and options in it but it is getting a little dated and could do with an upgrade to add some more widgets and functionality.
This was fairly smooth on GB roms pretty much the same as TW launcher but on the ICS leak this flies
You can shrink and zoom all widgets in the paid version from 1x1 to full screen and this works well with nearly every widget I have tried. This is very useful when reducing DPI even though atm I am using the stock 320 incase it breaks something reducing this.
The TW launcher is so low for me when scrolling left and right even though its smooth it just moves across pretty slow, I like to get to where I want quick and launcher pro does this. I havent tried many other launchers lately but tried them all before and keep going back to launcher pro even though it hasnt been updated in a while.
@martcerv: So how is that ICS leak working out for you? Many seem to have problems of all sorts with it...
I have been using spb shell 3d in tablet mode with resizable widgets and for me its the best.
It displays 8 rows x 6 columns and is really suited to the Note. The labels maybe small for some, but not really needed.
For me its the best experience, its compatible with the ICS chainfire release and is very smooth and responsive.
I have adjusted dpi to 213 for better views in gmail etc, but this does not effect shell 3d. At 213 dpi you loose the top bar for some reason, but have put info onto homescreen, see pic
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Most lightweight and fast launcher...any recommendation?

So far, I have tried Apex, Google Now, Nova, and Smart Launcher 2; however, none of these are as smooth as the built-in TouchWiz Home. I like to keep my homescreen simple with a nice wallpaper and four mostly used app icons at the bottom. What I hate about TouchWiz Home is that it puts that ugly page indicator right in the middle even if you just have one page. Since I'm not rooted (AT&T), there is no way to get rid of it. So, are there any launcher that is very lightweight and fast?
Heh... this is the first guy who says tw is smoother than nova or apex
I have Apex, Nova, ADC, and have tried a bunch of others. Experienced using them on my ASUS tablet so they aren't new to me. I'm still using TW on my Note4 because I don't want to lose functionality of some stuff, most notably s-pen. Oh... and paid versions of all of those if there is a paid version. I guess I'm not after something that people will envy when they see it. I just want to learn to use all the stuff my new phone can do! heheheh.... coming from a moto Razr. I tried Themer and I really like the concept, but it was a bit overwhelming. Maybe I just need to spend time with it. My s-pen still worked but I didn't explore what DIDN'T work, so... *shrug* .... still on TW.
bat0nas said:
Heh... this is the first guy who says tw is smoother than nova or apex
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Click to collapse
Trust me...after disabling bunch of craps on my Note 4, TW launcher actually has been very smooth for me.
cjparker said:
I have Apex, Nova, ADC, and have tried a bunch of others. Experienced using them on my ASUS tablet so they aren't new to me. I'm still using TW on my Note4 because I don't want to lose functionality of some stuff, most notably s-pen. Oh... and paid versions of all of those if there is a paid version. I guess I'm not after something that people will envy when they see it. I just want to learn to use all the stuff my new phone can do! heheheh.... coming from a moto Razr. I tried Themer and I really like the concept, but it was a bit overwhelming. Maybe I just need to spend time with it. My s-pen still worked but I didn't explore what DIDN'T work, so... *shrug* .... still on TW.
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Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong but you loose nothing with nova. S-pen works perfectly there. I didn't find any differences.
bat0nas said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but you loose nothing with nova. S-pen works perfectly there. I didn't find any differences.
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Click to collapse
Same with apex, been running fine since launch day.
sherpa said:
So far, I have tried Apex, Google Now, Nova, and Smart Launcher 2; however, none of these are as smooth as the built-in TouchWiz Home. I like to keep my homescreen simple with a nice wallpaper and four mostly used app icons at the bottom. What I hate about TouchWiz Home is that it puts that ugly page indicator right in the middle even if you just have one page. Since I'm not rooted (AT&T), there is no way to get rid of it. So, are there any launcher that is very lightweight and fast?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about lightning launcher. The only problem I have with it is the app drawer can be a bit slow to launch. Otherwise, as the name suggests, lightning fast and ultra customisable!
Nova
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stock touchwiz is the best. nova was super laggy when i tried it. stock touchwiz has no lag once you switch animations/transitions etc off in developer options.
I always used Nova on my previous devices (s2, s4).
For now on my note 4, I'm still on TW...
There were some reports here on xda that TW gives the best battery life... [emoji15]
Nova.
Since SGS2 through SGS4 and N4 now i`m using Go Launcher EX and it`s the best, the most featured, most customizable launcher in my opinion and btw i don`t have any regrets for speed/lags.
gabi11 said:
I always used Nova on my previous devices (s2, s4).
For now on my note 4, I'm still on TW...
There were some reports here on xda that TW gives the best battery life... [emoji15]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then I choose customizability and functionality over the few % of battery life.
Nova. Have never experienced lag. Maybe it's because I have Aggressive Desktop selected. S-Pen works fine with it, too. Didn't really give TW a shot because I love the gesture control and infinite scrolling on Nova. I swipe up to open my house alarm app and double tap to turn off the screen. Also, holding the Recents button brings up a sub menu that links to Nova settings, system settings and app list, rather than just settings for the launcher. And just a theory, but I think "OK Google" hotword detection with the screen off works better with Nova.
I've usually stuck with Nova, but find myself using TW for the Note 4. I've purchased Nova and Apex. For fast light launcher, use Hola. It's still installed on my Note 4 while Nova got the boot already
Whilst I'm another Nova fan, and TW this time is pretty decent, I'm a converted Dodol user. Very fast and light (85mb for two screens) even with themes and gestures and many other customisation options. Also has some nice built in widgets.
Sent from my SM-N9100
For light use smart launcher is the pinnacle of light, and remarkably easy to use, however using the GEL has to be my favourite, different strokes for different folks though. Used apex and nova for years, have both pro versions, apex for me is the better of the two. I also have the spb shell 3D, quite heavy, loads of eye candy, also very expensive and hasn't had an update in years. So much potential though.
If you decide to install cm12 then launcher 3 with lollipop is fantastic, I wouldn't swap it.
cjparker said:
I have Apex, Nova, ADC, and have tried a bunch of others. Experienced using them on my ASUS tablet so they aren't new to me. I'm still using TW on my Note4 because I don't want to lose functionality of some stuff, most notably s-pen. Oh... and paid versions of all of those if there is a paid version. I guess I'm not after something that people will envy when they see it. I just want to learn to use all the stuff my new phone can do! heheheh.... coming from a moto Razr. I tried Themer and I really like the concept, but it was a bit overwhelming. Maybe I just need to spend time with it. My s-pen still worked but I didn't explore what DIDN'T work, so... *shrug* .... still on TW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I originally tried Themer with my HTC One and also thought it was overwhelming. But really just don't like TW so I tried it again and spent a weekend setting it up. Wow! I love it. I easily customized a theme, and lag is minimal. It has gesture control and I've completely eliminated the bottom bar as I use Swapps sidebar. All Spen functions are working.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4
Howie Dub said:
Nova. Have never experienced lag. Maybe it's because I have Aggressive Desktop selected. S-Pen works fine with it, too. Didn't really give TW a shot because I love the gesture control and infinite scrolling on Nova. I swipe up to open my house alarm app and double tap to turn off the screen. Also, holding the Recents button brings up a sub menu that links to Nova settings, system settings and app list, rather than just settings for the launcher. And just a theory, but I think "OK Google" hotword detection with the screen off works better with Nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you get hotword detection with screen off?
jh787 said:
How do you get hotword detection with screen off?
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Google Now voice settings

Launcher/Interface discussion.

I have been reading a lot of negative comments on the launcher in some of the reviews I have read and thought a discussion of features and quirks might be a good topic.
Personally I have been a TouchWiz fan for a while but lately I have been using Nova. I really like the Asus' customization abilities. If you are in the app drawer, you can click on the 3 vertical dots in the upper right of the screen. There you can change all sorts of characteristics of the drawer like grid size and folder icon options.
Anyone figure out how to change the icon grid for the home screen?
Personally, I use and recommend ActionLauncher 3. Best Lollipop launcher available, IMO! The QuickTheme feature is brilliant and the side drawer is faster than navigating through drawer pages.
Pretty sure the asus launcher doesn't allow changing the grid size.
Just got mine yesterday, but been using Google Launcher. Coming from a Nexus 5, and a Nexus 4 before that, it's what I'm used to. That being said, I'll probably switch to nova launcher, because there are a number of Asus apps you can't get rid of. So I'll use nova launcher to just hide the from the app drawer, and it will be like they don't exist!
nathan118 said:
Pretty sure the asus launcher doesn't allow changing the grid size.
Just got mine yesterday, but been using Google Launcher. Coming from a Nexus 5, and a Nexus 4 before that, it's what I'm used to. That being said, I'll probably switch to nova launcher, because there are a number of Asus apps you can't get rid of. So I'll use nova launcher to just hide the from the app drawer, and it will be like they don't exist!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using Nova Launcher on all of my phones for along time.. Decided to try out Action Launcher 3 that rlaw recommended and after trying it out a bit, it just became my new launcher (paid the $5 for the plus version).
I really like the screen swipe to bring up the quick app list (instead of digging thru the app drawer) and the Shutter function in the paid version is really neat take on folders. It also has the ability to hide apps like nova launcher has..
I recommend checking it out, it has the best features in the plus paid version but IMO it's worth it to support apps that make my experience better :good:
I was using nova launcher prime up until I got this phone, and the only thing making me want to switch back is that I could have 6 apps in the dock on nova. On a screen this size, you'd think they'd let you do that.

Apex Launcer is really a must have for every M7 owner

In desperate attempts for making this somehwat slow and laggy phone faster and bring it to life I have spent much time trying out different browser.
Most of the more popular launchers today are kind of customizable.
my main focus has been on opening app animations, and how fast apps are opening and if the animations are both FAST and Smooth with no stutter, this is where most launchers fail but where apex succeed, it seem to work very well with the weak gpu of M7. WIth Apex it has become a totally new phone my faster user experience and to switch between apps is a lot faster and the animations finally look good as they should, the animaions I use are Lollipop style animations.
I do not care much of lollipop anymore to be honest I have all what I need now a fast phone thanks to apex laucnher and also heads up notifications thanks to a google play app.. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=codes.simen.l50notifications&hl=en (I recommend using it with black color and kind of a lot of transparency) add c notice https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ccs.notice&hl=en for even better switching between apps and superior multi tasking
When you install the Apex Laucnher what you need to is to go the mange apps in settings then press the default app settings at the bottom to the left then after that set apex laucnher as default, this will mean that when you press the home button on your M7 you will not come back to Huawei laucher but you will come back to apex home screen.
Yes what can I say...I am really surprised that the launcher had so much impact. the biggest problem with the Mate 7 has been opening apps slow, and the animations apex laucnher fix this, and I have tried many laucnhers and Apex is the only one that also have fast animations when opening and switching between app. When it comes to animations in home screen and drawer most lancuhers are fast.. it is when you switch between apps and go back to home screen for instance the the differences are biggest.
Launchers I have tried before coming to this conclusion
APUS Launcher, Nova Launcher, 360 Launcher , go Launcher , action Launcher 3, CM Launcher , Buzz Launcher , Dodol Launcher, Hola Launcher ,
What settings did you use ?
Sent from my HUAWEI MT7-L09 using XDA Free mobile app
Well, I bought Apex launcher for my previous phone and it worked great. But with this huawei device, i'm afraid that 'll loose the good features of the chinese manufacturer... All the ios like features like the search panel or the use without the app drawer wich is, for me, completly useless
Hi
I am using Nova Launcher and I wonder what are the benefits of Apex launcher over Nova?
Thanks.
I'm using Nova and it has been perfect.
apopet26 said:
What settings did you use ?
Sent from my HUAWEI MT7-L09 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use no speciel setting besides keeping apex in memory.
.Other parts are more of the appearance. the animations I use I think is default (which is lollipop animation which means apps open from bottom and up)
Otherwise I prefer to use more folders in the home screen since the folders open very fast and does not take much space either when folders are expanded..I prefer that then using the drawer all the time.. I use black background with kind of high transpercy in folders and drawer.
The speed increase you get with default settings.. but there is a lot more settings that affect the appearance.. which is more about taste.
phrozenflame said:
I'm using Nova and it has been perfect.
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Click to collapse
Yeah but compare aphex with nova especially after a few hours of heavy use, you see the nova animations will start to lag after a while, while in aphex they are always consistent. .. one reason might be aphex is not as function packed.. which means it is heavier on the Mate 7.
I use the 2 GB version.
Kalemucu said:
Hi
I am using Nova Launcher and I wonder what are the benefits of Apex launcher over Nova?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The benifit is faster and more consistent animations, to my eyes is without question faster and more consistent over time.. Nova animations are not as smooth and does not work as fast and consistent on the M7 GPU that is my opinion.. It took me one week of trying all different launchers to realize the difference... my main eye was on how fast and smooth and consistent animations are..
My first thought when install aphex was that it more or less looked like a clone to Nova, but the main advantage seem to be better performance in Apex most likely cause it is more lightweight compared to nova.
Apex has the most well optimized Lollipop animations I have seen.. the animations are such important part of the phone..it have a really impact on the user experience since all you do all day with your phone is mostly switching app constantly..so it is important the it looks good and smooth and lagfree.. Apex is the only launcher that worked good for the Mate 7 2GB model.
Thank you.
I will try Apex when i have some time
Been on Apex for few days, generally liked it but there are better launchers in my opinion. CM launcher is to recommend, definitely brings speed back to Mate 7, it's got some useful tools as well(like antivirus, app protector etc, speed booster). However, if you're really looking for light launcher that is quick on mate 7 Xperia launcher is the choice. My phone is flying now(even on super laggy b312), i've been using Xperia z2 before and i loved it's launcher. It's minimalistic yet super functional, it's very light and clean looking, got great app drawer. There's few versions to download on xda forum( won't find it in play store), however older version seems to work better on Mate7 and has more launcher options and tweaks. Only with this launcher i can see 1 GB free RAM again on lollipop.
muzammil84 said:
Been on Apex for few days, generally liked it but there are better launchers in my opinion. CM launcher is to recommend, definitely brings speed back to Mate 7, it's got some useful tools as well(like antivirus, app protector etc, speed booster). However, if you're really looking for light launcher that is quick on mate 7 Xperia launcher is the choice. My phone is flying now(even on super laggy b312), i've been using Xperia z2 before and i loved it's launcher. It's minimalistic yet super functional, it's very light and clean looking, got great app drawer. There's few versions to download on xda forum( won't find it in play store), however older version seems to work better on Mate7 and has more launcher options and tweaks. Only with this launcher i can see 1 GB free RAM again on lollipop.
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link?
I personally prefer Action Launcher, as the 'covers' and 'shutters' are truly useful features that I couldn't do without after spending some time with them. Haven't really used Apex Launcher since the Galaxy S II, as I ran Nova. However, I wanted to try something new when I switched to the Ascend Mate 7, and haven't regretted the decision since. If you're not a fan of a vertically scrolling list of apps, it won't be your cup of tea. The aforementioned covers and shutters definitely merit a glance on the Play Store, though. 11/10 would recommend.
I managed to download xperia z3 launcher. As I've owned previously z ultra this is perfect launcher for me. Simple, elegant and mostly it works better than apex, nova or s launcher. Thanx for the tip.
Where. Can I download Xperia launcher?
Also why does not asus launcher turn up on Google play? When I search?
Asus launcher have very good reviews and their asus phones have very weak intel cpu and low memory despite that all reviewers are vet impressed with the speed and flow of the phone .... I hope asus launcher works with Mate 7
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...her&pcampaignid=APPU_1_koXYVayAD8WSsAGT0p74DQ
Is one of you know how to keep the "search module" of the Huawei launcher on Apex ? You Know when you solide down and it appears with icons of récent apps ! I really love this feature and i don't want to loose it !
I hope some one can link to the xperia launcher in question, however I am still questionable, the biggest is the difference in opening/switching app animations, if they are not fast and fluid then it means it is not a good optimized launcher, how fast it is in the home screen and drawers are not as important since almost every launcher is fast in this area...

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