Best launcher - Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions and Answers

I really don't like the default app drawer, so I am looking for a 3rd party replacement. So far I have used Nova Launcher Prime on the previous phone, which one do you recommend?

i used to use nova launcher on my previous phones ( SG3, OPO...) and now on my S7 : i'm still satisfied!!!!

Smart Launcher or Nova for me. I am currently on Smart Launcher because it has been flawless on my s7 with running the animations in/out of launcher and it is pretty much a single home page launcher, which I prefer.

S Launcher Prime

Nova Launcher all the way! :good:
Have used this launcher exclusively on all my phones for the past many years.

Nova for sure
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Nova launcher. Simple as that!

no doubt!! Nova Launcher Dude!!

No love for apex launcher!? Been using it for years, no complaints. Very customizable.

Nova
Gesendet von meinem SM-G930F mit Tapatalk

I have paid for Go Launcher, Apex Launcher and Nova Prime. Nova Prime hands down!

S-Launcher Prime here (no S7 for me, I'm just lurking)
All the TW devices I've owned (S3/4/5/Grand Prime) stutter horribly with the stock launcher. TW just uses too many resources.
Why S-Launcher specifically? 3 simple reasons:
1 - low storage use. Very small app
2 - low performance impact. Uses next to no ram
3 - "clean ram" button. My favorite feature. Swipe from the left edge and tap the broom next to ram usage. Cleans out any background running apps, freeing up ram and speeding up your device.
Another great launcher to consider is the Cyanogenmod launcher (apk from an actual Rom, not the fake one in the Play Store). Since your on MM, grab the apk online or from any CM13 rom. Very lightweight and also saves on resources.
Y'all S7 owners are lucky with that 4gb ram, so not sure why every video I've seen reviewing the unit (plus having played with it in store) the launcher just chokes.
Nova/Apex/GP Launcher have nice theme options (not GP) but they're just as bad at hogging resources as TW and can stutter under load.

First thing I did was put Nova in there. They have the fastest updates for features that I can remember. Anyone remember the start of this? ADW, LPP, GO for froyo

I used to use Themer by MyColorScreen

Apex!
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Hmmm!! One man's food is another man's poison...
While people are busy hating on the new s7 launcher,i would be very very grateful if someone could just help and extract their TW Home apk(the launcher) so i can try on my phone. Pleeeeeeeeeeeease!!

Apex here. Been using it for years.
What benefits does Nova have over Apex?

i like the CM launcher but could i use it on stock?

Nova launcher
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Why change?
What are you missing out on.
I've owned nova for years but there's almost nothing missing on stock this time. The only thing is pull down notification shade gesture and that's not working properly on nova anyway.
So. What else.

Related

Something better than stock ICS Launcher....

Ok ICS stock launcher is better than HC...but i'm looking for some better.
Any suggest?
I used to have ADW Launcher. Today i discovered Apex Launcher, which is basically the stock launcher with added features. It's mega smooth and stable, and free
The thread is in the Galaxy Nexus forum.
Phlooo said:
I used to have ADW Launcher. Today i discovered Apex Launcher, which is basically the stock launcher with added features. It's mega smooth and stable, and free
The thread is in the Galaxy Nexus forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADW Launcher work fast on ICS?
You should try Nova Launcher i use it both on my Transformer and my I9100, i like it! ;-)
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium HD app
I just started using ADW Launcher EX, paid the $3.00 for it, and love it so far but haven't even begun to scratch the surface...
Apex Launcher. Best ICS launcher hands down.
Nova launcher has been pretty sweet so far, similar to stock which I like with added features. Silky smooth, not too many transitions though.
Sent from my cold as Ice Tranny
Nova launcher! Best out there
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
woundedworld said:
Nova launcher has been pretty sweet so far, similar to stock which I like with added features. Silky smooth, not too many transitions though.
Sent from my cold as Ice Tranny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova Launcher is available in the Android Marketplace?
At present I'm using Nova on both the TF-101 and the SG2. Liking it (esp the ability to save the configuration).
I do have ADW EX (got it on the US$0.10 sale) but have never actually used it.
Have heard good things about Apex Launcher though.
And then there is always Go Launcher....
Oh, and yes, Nova is available in the Market.
Adw Launcher Ex
highest level of customization
Not ICS exclusive (not sure if it affects performance on ICS)
the only launcher I know that can handle HD live wallpapers without scrolling lag.
Doesn't show widgets in app drawer
Apex
ICS exclusive
decent amount of customization
can't customize folder icons
icon labels disappear if you set desktop grid rows to 8 or higher
Shows downloaded apps and widgets in app drawer if rooted and the launcher is installed as a system app
Nova
ICS exclusive
less customization options than the other 2
can customize folder icons
icon labels disappear if you set desktop grid rows to 8 or higher
background for app drawer is black. Can't make it show the wallpaper
most simple and easiest to set up out of the 3
Shows widgets in app drawer if rooted. Doesn't require installation as a system app
I used ADW on honeycomb. Now I am using Nova. It would be perfect for me if I could remove the black background in app drawer. I tried apex and it felt too much like a beta, which it is. I will most likely switch to apex when it matures.
best for ICS are Trebuchet, Nova, or Apex
BULL3TPR00F said:
best for ICS are Trebuchet, Nova, or Apex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I use trebuchet on my atrix as well as my tf. Its really smooth. Nova is nice too.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
ADW looks slow.
Tonight i'll try Nova vs. Apex
Using ADW EX right now. I like to keep my home screen to a minimum and since titles me maximize the screen I can put the widgets and app shortcut I need all in one screen. Also it lets me change the drawer background with I set to about 60% transparent.
On my nexus I use Nova.
Sent from my Transformer TF101
Noticed a problem with Nova. When you shift the tablet to portrait the screen real estate is not so great and you lose a lot of space at the bottom and top.
I know you can change the row amount, but anything over 8 and when in landscape you don't get the app name showing up or the widget is slightly cut off.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Nova for me!
using it for a while now and it's smooth as butter, but i read good things about apax too, you should try them both and decide what works for you
I use apex, it's the best.
Wysłane z mojego GT-I9100
When i originally tried Apex i didn't like it. I gave it another go but this time pushed out to system/app instead of just installing as a regular app. Seems to work much better for me that way.
In apex I change the change screen method to cube. This is very smooth in portrait.
Wysłane z mojego GT-I9100

Highly recommend Nova Launcher for S3

Hey folks,
I highly recommend replacing the touch Wiz launcher with nova launcher. I have found it much more intuitive, and much easier to use. (I am not affiliated with Nova in any way.)
Several advantages:
1. The bottom bar (dock) of apps is highly customizable, with as many apps as you choose. You can also create multiple pages of docked apps, so it's possible to access 10 or 15 apps on the lower dock.
2. The App drawer is automatically alphabetized, unlike touch Wiz, which I find so much easier to use. There are of course workarounds on touch Wiz, but why bother? I just dock the icon for the app drawer on the lower dock so it's always available.
3. Nova has one step back up of your screen layouts so that if you are wiping your phone regularly in order to reflash ROM's, it's trivial to reset your screen layouts by doing a restore from nova. This saves a lot of tweaking time.
4. You can customize the layout of your desktop with variable margins, a persistent search bar on all pages, gestures, and with nova launcher prime ($4), you also get unread counts for SMS, missed calls, and Gmail, which is very nice.
5. Basically everything is customizable and modifiable. I greatly prefer it over the stock touch Wiz launcher. Check out the free version of nova, as it has virtually all the features other than the unread counts.
I personally prefer apex but I can see the appeal in nova. They are pretty similar.
jsb5388 said:
I personally prefer apex but I can see the appeal in nova. They are pretty similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried Apex but had a super annoying rendering hug that would display a box on the main home screen for a split second...
Not even considering that I spent a few hours tweaking Apex for a few hours (loved that it had so many options) but 90% of the Nova defaults were perfect for me and after going from Apex to Nova was convinced that it was right for me.
Sent from my Galaxy S3
android94301 said:
Hey folks,
I highly recommend replacing the touch Wiz launcher with nova launcher. I have found it much more intuitive, and much easier to use. (I am not affiliated with Nova in any way.)
Several advantages:
1. The bottom bar (dock) of apps is highly customizable, with as many apps as you choose. You can also create multiple pages of docked apps, so it's possible to access 10 or 15 apps on the lower dock.
2. The App drawer is automatically alphabetized, unlike touch Wiz, which I find so much easier to use. There are of course workarounds on touch Wiz, but why bother? I just dock the icon for the app drawer on the lower dock so it's always available.
3. Nova has one step back up of your screen layouts so that if you are wiping your phone regularly in order to reflash ROM's, it's trivial to reset your screen layouts by doing a restore from nova. This saves a lot of tweaking time.
4. You can customize the layout of your desktop with variable margins, a persistent search bar on all pages, gestures, and with nova launcher prime ($4), you also get unread counts for SMS, missed calls, and Gmail, which is very nice.
5. Basically everything is customizable and modifiable. I greatly prefer it over the stock touch Wiz launcher. Check out the free version of nova, as it has virtually all the features other than the unread counts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*1. Love Nova
lowg said:
I tried Apex but had a super annoying rendering hug that would display a box on the main home screen for a split second...
Not even considering that I spent a few hours tweaking Apex for a few hours (loved that it had so many options) but 90% of the Nova defaults were perfect for me and after going from Apex to Nova was convinced that it was right for me.
Sent from my Galaxy S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried Go launcher?
Just fyi... the "work around" to get the app drawer alphabetized is clicking the menu button with the app drawer open and then clicking, "view type" and switching to alphabetized. Not exactly complicated. Or even a work around.
Nova is great, but I'm actually enjoying touchwiz. I do want to switch over and play with nova more... But eh, not seeing a huge need. Coming from sense (which I hated) I'm quite happy on tw.
Though I do miss being able to back everything up
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
How does ADW work on it. I have been rocking them for a while. I am picking my S3 up next weekend when I get back in town. My wife already has hers though and she is rubbing it in my face lol.
adw for ics is apex, is it not?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
doeboy711 said:
How does ADW work on it. I have been rocking them for a while. I am picking my S3 up next weekend when I get back in town. My wife already has hers though and she is rubbing it in my face lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i start to use ADW ex on my old EVO and is really good launcher, by personal reasons i movo to iphone and now that i back to android i found more launchers, and Nova is really good maybe even better than ADW ex, IMO
Using Apex launcher plus. I tried Nova first, but Apex has a few more features. Just my opinion. Coming from my Dinc running Holo launcher after a VERY long run with LauncherPro (rip).
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
badseed767 said:
Using Apex launcher plus. I tried Nova first, but Apex has a few more features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, I prefer Apex Plus also.
Installed Nova and noticed it was killing my batter so I uninstalled it.
Apex here... Nova didnt impressed me
Sent from Verizon Galaxy S 3 w/ XDA APP
I've been using nova launcher for about a week and I like it a lot. It's very smooth and very fast. It is easily customizable as well.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I noticed Nova was a bit smoother than Apex for me, so I've been using Nova and loving it
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA App
Any idea what's up with the widget selector for Nova? I click on the widgets tab and instead of the expected widget drawer I get a list of widgets similar to ginger bread.
Is this a feature that's unlocked with nova prime? Or is that widget drawer option something different? Other than that Nova is pretty sweet!
tars16 said:
Any idea what's up with the widget selector for Nova? I click on the widgets tab and instead of the expected widget drawer I get a list of widgets similar to ginger bread.
Is this a feature that's unlocked with nova prime? Or is that widget drawer option something different? Other than that Nova is pretty sweet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this? On my last rooted phone, Droid Incredible, it worked perfectly. Haven't tried it on this phone though cuz I don't feel the need to root. REQUIRES ROOT:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=780828
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
piiman said:
Have you tried Go launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running GL - i like it allot.. runs great on the sgs3 with/ICS theme
Apex and Nova are both based on the stock 4.0.x ICS launcher, so they're very similar, but Apex gives more features for free.
You're definitely making a mistake if you use Go Launcher or ADW or LauncherPro on this phone, since those are Gingerbread-based. The ICS launcher is just a much, much better base.
tars16 said:
Any idea what's up with the widget selector for Nova? I click on the widgets tab and instead of the expected widget drawer I get a list of widgets similar to ginger bread.
Is this a feature that's unlocked with nova prime? Or is that widget drawer option something different? Other than that Nova is pretty sweet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need root.
If you have root you can go to Nova Settings... Drawer and enable Widgets in Drawer.
Sent from my Galaxy S3

Nova vs. Touchwiz?

The phone comes with TW obviously but I just switched to Nova since it allows you to use a 5x4 icon configuration on all your home screens.
But apart from that, is Nova better or should I go back to TW?
Nova (Prime) is way better. Solo launcher is freakn sweet as well.
I agree. Nova Prime has been my overall favorite. There are a lot of options to tweak your home and drawer screens...and more. Here's a quick example:
Sent using my SGS5 w/Ttalk 2
MrSamEpic said:
I agree. Nova Prime has been my overall favorite. There are a lot of options to tweak your home and drawer screens...and more. Here's a quick example:
Sent using my SGS5 w/Ttalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why choose Nova Prime over free Nova?
Ive always been an apex guy, dont ask we why specifically as it is very close to Nova, but I use Alex Pro personally and include Apex free in all my roms.
So check out apex as an option as well I would say
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I have always been a Nova Prime person, but since the S5, I made the switch to touchwiz because I wanted to keep the Google Now always listening. So far, I am pretty happy...it offers folders and such that the Google Now Launcher does not yet offer.
Nova Prime
Nova Prime user for last year or so.. Used TW for few days to try it out but couldn't wait to get back to Nova just for all the customization options I use 7x5 home screen and app drawer grids, 6 icons on dock instead of 4, custom gestures, and it's nice to be able to backup and restore home screen setup after flashing new ROMS..
My personal opinion yours will vary..
Nova Prime>Apex>Google Now Launcher>Sense>TouchWiz
Prime offers more useful options to the mix...not things that are useless like some apps when you buy the "paid" version.
Sent using my SGS5 w/Ttalk 2
MrSamEpic said:
Prime offers more useful options to the mix...not things that are useless like some apps when you buy the "paid" version.
Sent using my SGS5 w/Ttalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another random question, but how do I put a shortcut to the settings menu? For example, I want to check the "battery page" of the settings menu (but make that into a shortcut and place it on the homescreen). You could do that on the S3 with Nova but "settings" is now NOT part of the shortcuts menu when you long-press.
How can u disable the touchwiz launcher before gong to nova so that ram isn't wasted
I love Nova! I've been an avid user for 4+ yrs now
Just my two cents,
I have been using Apex Pro ever since I owned an Android device. Used Nova, very similiar, did like it, but had already paid for Apex so I stuck with it.

Which Launcher are you using on MAX 2?

Hey guys, I am still on EUI Laucher, but i wana change. Have you tryed Google PIXEL Launcher, there is no official support, but you can downloand apk. ANy tips od experinece?
I am using stock launcher I do not see anything bad with it, personally I do not like the app drawer , however before using stock launcher, I used to use next 3d lsuncher, and google now launcher which was really smooth, I did like it.
The stock launcher is fine but I use Go Launcher mainly to eliminate the live button.
I have tried Pixel Launcher and its nice.
But my preferred Launcher is NOVA because it have many useful customisation and drawer tab support.
Sent from my Le X821 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Google Pixel launcher
I have been using SquareHome forever now. Before that Lightning Launcher. Both very customisable, SquareHome is Windows 10 style with tiles rather than icons.
I like that a lot - Notifications on the tile, live tiles, great overview, easy on resources.
I am on 21S and currently using the Pixel launcher. I'd prefer to use Nova launcher because it can mimic Pixel launcher and has the added advantage of nougat-like long press functions and you can use a Pixel icon pack to get all round icons. But I find that Nova launcher has issues with the multitasking selection cards on this phone - it won't show a card for the homescreen like it does on other launchers, so you can't close the last open app/page. Anyone else found this? It also has weird scaling compared to other launchers - at 100% all the icons are much too small. To get them at what I'd consider a normal size you need to set them at about 125-130%.
kanagawaben said:
I am on 21S and currently using the Pixel launcher. I'd prefer to use Nova launcher because it can mimic Pixel launcher and has the added advantage of nougat-like long press functions and you can use a Pixel icon pack to get all round icons. But I find that Nova launcher has issues with the multitasking selection cards on this phone - it won't show a card for the homescreen like it does on other launchers, so you can't close the last open app/page. Anyone else found this? It also has weird scaling compared to other launchers - at 100% all the icons are much too small. To get them at what I'd consider a normal size you need to set them at about 125-130%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get the 21s firmware?
Amowagou said:
Where did you get the 21s firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the ROM section.
Trebuchet or CM standard
I got tons of Android devices and I'd go crazy if each and every one was different. So I not only try to use a stock Cynogenmod launcher but also make sure that applications are in the same place across devices.
I'm even using Trebuchet on my Note 3, which uses a hybrid Note 3/Note 7 TouchWiz ROM somebody put together to offer Marshmallow features on the Note 3, which has long since been abandoned by Samsung.
Not only is Trebuchet available on all devices, it also has the minimal amount of "Google" in it.
I value my privacy far more than Google's "added value". So no "Google now", no Google search on the phone, nano GAPPS. Essentially I just want the Play Store, nothing else from Google.
Too bad they are not satisfied with that...
The best is nova launcher, fast and very recomendable
Enviado desde mi Le X820 mediante Tapatalk
kanagawaben said:
I am on 21S and currently using the Pixel launcher. I'd prefer to use Nova launcher because it can mimic Pixel launcher and has the added advantage of nougat-like long press functions and you can use a Pixel icon pack to get all round icons. But I find that Nova launcher has issues with the multitasking selection cards on this phone - it won't show a card for the homescreen like it does on other launchers, so you can't close the last open app/page. Anyone else found this? It also has weird scaling compared to other launchers - at 100% all the icons are much too small. To get them at what I'd consider a normal size you need to set them at about 125-130%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah for the same very reason iam using the pixel launcher in place of Nova. Very annoying bug !
I am using Cm13 with pixel launcher and everything is working well
Nova Launcher= The Best
I used nova launcher for a long time but now I am using smart launcher and it's super cool....
Sent from my Le X821 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Been using ZenUI launcher and really like it on this phone, great performance, lots of good features and looks good imho.
Anyone know how to delete this Google thing from Home desktop in Pixel Launcher? I'm talking about this: http://screenshot.sh/oe2vMFKzqiQEB
When I click this it's showing for 0,1s App Details...
Arrow from Microsoft, smooth and laconic, light and elegant.
slawin wynterz said:
Arrow from Microsoft, smooth and laconic, light and elegant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well
Apex

Nova Launcher vs One Plus Launcher

Do you like the One Plus Launcher ?
I always use Nova Launcher I like the Google integration which I think you can not do with the native launcher ?
Lean launcher or Lawnchair are both better than either.
Nova is better but if the op launcher had the search in the doc like the ones in pixel then i would gladly use op launcher till then Nova ftw.
So, what about the 1+6 launcher? The title of this post brought me here, hoping to get some info on it. Never tried op1 launcher, anything exciting? I see their icon groups in my phone apps, very colorful.
I like the side drawer for widgets on the 1+ launcher, but the search and icon packs in Nova
I use Apex because I prefer a minimalist shell. It is one of the first things I load on to a new phone. I was so glad to come back to that after spending a (horrible) year on an iPhone 8+. That was a Truly Awful Experience. I couldn't even tell you how malleable the OnePlus shell is- I just never tried. Can it be made rather simplistic- removing the search bar, full monochrome icon branding, etc.? Apex is skinnable like Nova is- same skins work for either I'm told.
I prefer to use Nova due to its customized gesture features. I only have 8 folders and no dock on my home screen, so Nova is the only 1 that allows me to dbl tap the home screen to open up dialer, or anything else that i set it to. Something i do often when driving.
Definitely Nova Launcher. By far the most customizable launcher out there and very theme or icon pack works with Nova. Smooth, snappy and if you sing up for the beta program, you get fairly frequent updates with newest stuff all the time.
Nova...
still not replaceable for me
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk
i buy this phone for its laucher...
Evie launcher over Holo, Nova and basic oneplus launcher
Try the Evie launcher, if you are like me and want to have most important items on the main home page.
in comparison to the oneplus launcher, you can remove the bottom row icons, which take too much space.
I'd rather have a newsfeed in the bottom to stay up to date, above that a smaller app drawer with more apps to reach quicker with my thumb, and above an agenda and todo widget, with on top time and weather.
And in the upper left a moon phase widget, to know when there will be full moon with all the water in our body getting all over the place making most of us feeling funny
here is a screenshot:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hhmmibrxb0gde77/Screenshot_20181003-112143.jpg?dl=0
what would you prefer on your home screen, and left and right screen(s)?
Nova Prime...ftw
Lawnchair v2 CI on PIE (rooted). A lot better than OP.
OP launcher is awesome: fast and clean but with some useful features added. I just get nervous about the fact that I can't hide the app names
I am a big fan of Nova Launcher Prime and have always installed this launcher as my first app on my new phone. Since I updated to Pie, no matter what scrolling/App animation I select in Nova, it's not smooth. What I mean is switching/closing the apps are "jittery" and/or bouncy. I have tried switching to different animation speeds in Developer option. The only setting that gives me acceptable animation is at 1.5X which I have never have to use to tame the animation. I tried even switching the animations off but no go. Anybody else feeling that switching from one app to another is not smooth. For example, if I open chrome browser and switch to Gmail-the first screen (with chrome) sort of bounce before Gmail opens. I have tried switching to stock animation in Nova as well but no effect on smoothness. I do use gestures only for navigation. and not navigation buttons.
AstroDigital said:
Do you like the One Plus Launcher ?
I always use Nova Launcher I like the Google integration which I think you can not do with the native launcher ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've always used Nova in the past on every phone I had, but since I've changed to OnePlus in May, I have to say I haven't missed Nova for a second. OnePlus Launcher is very smooth and everything I need.
Nova Launcher Prime. Can replicate same config between different phones.
NOva since ever....
Must be the first thing i do after buy or flash a phone...
Mord0rr said:
NOva since ever....
Must be the first thing i do after buy or flash a phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Best Launcher!
Gesendet von meinem ONEPLUS A6003 mit Tapatalk
quimbexa said:
OP launcher is awesome: fast and clean but with some useful features added. I just get nervous about the fact that I can't hide the app names
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can... Very easily

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