best alternate launcher to touchwiz - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm about to receive my s4 just wanted to know which launcher you guys recommend. I tried touchwiz before and never really liked it so I'm using golauncher.Just wondering if anyone recommends anything better for the s4.

I like Nova and Apex about equally of the free alternatives on the market and better than I do the GO launcher but some of this is going to be subjective. There is what you like personally and also based upon how you go about doing things on your phone some launchers will be a little better suited to you. That said the latest versions of TW are quite a bit better than the older versions and you will be giving up some of the tw widgets by switching up. Most of them are junk but some are not.
Myself I tend to go back and forth between Apex and TW because I like to change it up to keep things fresh. Apex BTW is the only other launcher I have tried with it so far but I'm likely to take a gander at others as boredom strikes.

You don't like Touchwiz

Nova launcher...

Using Apex launcher. It is amazing :-O
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You guys have to try Action Launcher.
Not free but there is nothing better for Android. Use it for a few days and you just can't go back to traditional launchers.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium HD app

sadekmefti said:
You don't like Touchwiz
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I see what you did there

I love Nova, but I haven't tried Action. I'll have to check it out.
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Go Launcher can also be an alternative, i guess Nova and Apex doesn't have lock screen customization feature.

Related

anyone using nova launcher?

Touchwiz is ok but if you want a 'pure Google' experience try using nova launcher. Works great, nice and smooth. Give it a try.
nova or apex. they are the two most popluar stock ics launchers
I received my GS3, rooted, installed TB and restored nova.
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Using apex, working awesome!
Sent from my Obsession
I was using nova but had some lag when opening and closing the app drawer. Switched to Apex and no problems at all.
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Love Nova, but may give Apex a try.
Nova seems to be running smoother for me than apex. Definitely enough to tide me over for some aosp love
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i got apex...came from pure ics on my craptivate so touchwiz kinda sucked...it was kinda billed as really close to ics but not so much i think...
apex/nova should make it liveable until we get a nice selection of ROMs
Nova is a nice launcher....now that I've figured out there are two ways to control the speed of it I am much happier with it today than I was yesterday. Yesterday I was just adjusting the "animations" speed, somehow I missed the "scroll speed"....now that I've got that worked out it's much better, even with power savings enabled.
Anyone have recommendations on settings for apex that make the phone feel faster?
stevessvt said:
Touchwiz is ok but if you want a 'pure Google' experience try using nova launcher. Works great, nice and smooth. Give it a try.
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I downloaded Nova and Apex both yesterday. So far I think I like Nova better. To be honest though I am not sure why people dislike touchwiz. FWIW though I am new to droid coming from iPhone so the learning curve is there either way. I guess it is what you get used to.

best launcher for JB

Hi,
i used for 2 years an htc desire. i used launcherpro because it was fast etc. now ive got a s3 and would like to know if you use thwe stock launcher or if you use another launcher which one?
I'm using nova. Think there is one called apex that a lot of ppl are using as well. Check them both out.
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wileykat said:
I'm using nova. Think there is one called apex that a lot of ppl are using as well. Check them both out.
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Click to collapse
I'm using Nova as well.
botellito said:
Hi,
i used for 2 years an htc desire. i used launcherpro because it was fast etc. now ive got a s3 and would like to know if you use thwe stock launcher or if you use another launcher which one?
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Click to collapse
TouchWiz FTW. I have tried Nova and Apex and ended up back on TW. Sammy have done a good job with their launcher and it's widgets and features.
I like Apex, It has a load of options and is easy to find themes for.... Paid version has a few extras as per normal and works well with JB. Devs seem to jump on any issues pretty quick too...
Kangburra said:
TouchWiz FTW. I have tried Nova and Apex and ended up back on TW. Sammy have done a good job with their launcher and it's widgets and features.
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Me to
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Kangburra said:
TouchWiz FTW. I have tried Nova and Apex and ended up back on TW. Sammy have done a good job with their launcher and it's widgets and features.
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Click to collapse
I completely agree with Kangburra. Stock Touchwiz is excellent.
BUT if you want to use another launcher, go for Apex Launcher. I've used Nova Launcher and I think Apex is much better. Just my opinion.
in terms of features : apex > nova > trebuchet > TW5 > stock android launcher
in terms of smoothness : stock android launcher > trebuchet > nova > TW5 > apex
my 2 cents
Apex
Nova Prime, hands down.
SS Launcher :thumbup:
Apex, Nova
I prefer Nova prime over Apex / TW.
But really looking forward to Action launcher's release. It looks promising.
"Best" <fill in the blank> threads are not allowed. It's subjective and what is personally the best for one person sucks for the other.
Thread closed

Which launcher do you prefer and why?

Title says it all. I am currently using Apex, but have wondered about Nova, Trebuchet etc...
Is there much of a difference between them? Also, if you select 'always' when asked which launcher to use (if you have more than one loaded) is there anyway to reverse that to use a different one?
BTW, I am using TWA_privs latest (0223) ROM and its unbelievably good...
Thanks....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I use the stock CM10.1 launcher. Trebuchet, I like the layout and settings for it. And t change launchers, go to setting an find the launcher you currently use user apps. And click clear defualts
For CM7 I prefer ADW EX and for 4.x.x+, I prefer Trebuchet I try to avoid launchers that will show up in the running category under Settings- Apps like Go Launcher and the newest ADW. The less running processes the better IS MY OPINION because the Kindle's limited memory.
I have grown to love Trebuchet because it usually is included as the stock launcher for JB ROMs. The reason I like ADW EX for CM7 is because ADW was included on the CM7 ROMs and one day I wanted to try the EX version of it and it was quite nice with the density hack to make the icons appear bigger.
bflobills said:
Title says it all. I am currently using Apex, but have wondered about Nova, Trebuchet etc...
Is there much of a difference between them? Also, if you select 'always' when asked which launcher to use (if you have more than one loaded) is there anyway to reverse that to use a different one?
BTW, I am using TWA_privs latest (0223) ROM and its unbelievably good...
Thanks....
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Apex for it's ease in customization.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I also use apex. I feel it is the smoothest and most fluid.
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using xda premium
holo launcher hd
I use holo launcher hd. It looks and acts a lot like apex and trebuchet, but has HD in the name (so its gotta be good!).
Try chameleon launcher..u would not come back to apex or trebuchet pr anything..and spb shell 3d is also a great launcher..very smooth..keep in mind that chameleon launcher is landscape only..
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Chameleon Launcher is a good concept, but it never quite caught on. At first they released it for $12 in the play store. I got it and it need a lot of work it was still betas. I got a refund and haven't tried it since. I was reading reviews and it still is not up to par, with little actual customization and limited widgets. Makes it almost seem like ios
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I use Go launcher ex because it's only laucher can run on my kindle.
I use rom Modaco 6.3.1.
Nova Prime :good:
FearIsTheMindkiller said:
Nova Prime :good:
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Me too :thumbup:
Go Launcher on stock and Trebuchet on JB
I like Holo launcher because it is smooth like butter.
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TrojanDad said:
I like Holo launcher because it is smooth like butter.
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I use action launcher pro on my phone and on my kindle running JB. I've bought the full versions of nova and Launcher, but keep going back to action launcher. The shutters feature is awesome
I use Apex because t is super light and buttery on CM9
shravancodes.nudgepad.com
my new homepage
Atom Launcher
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Nova launcher or Touchwiz

Hi people...im using nova launcher for a long time... in relation the battery is better option using touchwiz? Any another good launcher...?
What launcher you use?
thanks!
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tutufjv said:
Hi people...im using nova launcher for a long time... in relation the battery is better option using touchwiz? Any another good launcher...?
What launcher you use?
thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, there are many lauchers out there, in my opinion, Nova/Apex Launcher is the best one, because of it's customizability.
Touchwiz Launcher isn't bad, but there aren't much options to customize it, like larger app grid.
If you want to try a comletely new Launcher, you should try out Themer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mycolorscreen.themer).
Agreed
Shad0wKn1ght93 said:
Well, there are many lauchers out there, in my opinion, Nova/Apex Launcher is the best one, because of it's customizability.
Touchwiz Launcher isn't bad, but there aren't much options to customize it, like larger app grid.
If you want to try a comletely new Launcher, you should try out Themer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mycolorscreen.themer).
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Click to collapse
Themer is quite good, but annoyed me that it has no "keep in memory" option, as I'd press home and wait for it to load. Currently I'm using, and loving, the Google Experience Launcher. Aviate is also quite good.
Nova launcher is my main primary launcher, it's speedy and timely updates. The customisation is excellent to although I use the prime version. I've got Apex as well but prefer Nova. Aviate as mentioned above is unique but still needs further development before I contemplate using it primarily.
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Alternate launcher...please.

Ok my GS4 is 100% stock running 4.4. I haven't rooted and all that jazz yet...but for rite now I'm looking for some newer launchers that are nicely layer out for this phone. I love samsung but Touchwiz makes me feel like I shopped in the junior section lol. I'm pretty familiar with most popular launchers but I'm not really feeling how they feel or look on this phone. Anyone tested any similar to buzz launcher? (I know there's another launcher similar but I can't find it). I've searched high and low in the apps section but can't really find what I'm looking for. Maybe one of you are OCD about how your launcher layout looks on your phone too and I'm not just crazy lol. Thanks for any assistance!
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I really like Google's stock Google now kitkat launcher. I would like a bit more customization and have considered giving Nova launcher a try but the new Google search is really nice and would be hard to give up.
Sent via mobile
Running stock as well even though tempted to root except for stupid Knox. However this 4.4.2 was the reason I had rooted my GS3 but now not sure why. Enjoying Google launcher w/OK Google for ease but have been going back and forth with EverythingMe. Favorite launcher has been Nova Prime but I'm trying to make things a little simpler so with OK or EverythingMe.
My thought has been who has deeper pockets to do things right Google or app co's? For that reason been trying to utilize stock items to see how they compare. Google Now, Maps, Chrome beta, Photo etc.... In that case EverythingMe has been great because it anticipates what I will use.
As with anything always comes down to personal preference.
REALLY wish Google (OK Google) Launcher could just be added to different launchers that feature is what I like but prefer other launchers.
Nova Launcher, Apex, Lightning.... Just to name a few!
Tried Go Launcher, Apex, Nova, Go Prime, and a few others but my favorite is Hololauncher.
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optimummind said:
Tried Go Launcher, Apex, Nova, Go Prime, and a few others but my favorite is Hololauncher.
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I'll second Holo, but does nova and apex do tabbed app drawers?
brd912 said:
Ok my GS4 is 100% stock running 4.4. I haven't rooted and all that jazz yet...but for rite now I'm looking for some newer launchers that are nicely layer out for this phone. I love samsung but Touchwiz makes me feel like I shopped in the junior section lol. I'm pretty familiar with most popular launchers but I'm not really feeling how they feel or look on this phone. Anyone tested any similar to buzz launcher? (I know there's another launcher similar but I can't find it). I've searched high and low in the apps section but can't really find what I'm looking for. Maybe one of you are OCD about how your launcher layout looks on your phone too and I'm not just crazy lol. Thanks for any assistance!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
Kk launcher is the best
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+1 for Nova
I've tried mostly all the launchers from the store and keep coming back to Nova. I'd say Apex is a close second for me. Never really got into Next or Go myself.
Sent From My Verizon S4
+1 Nova and i use the kitkat experience theme
I like golauncher because of how much customization you can do. I'm ocd with wanting everything a specific way
There was a time when golauncher was spamming with nags like crazy, but that seems to be a lot better now. If you haven't looked at it lately, it's come a long way from what it used to be.
my personal preference is that Nova launcher is the best
esp when you flash roms and it remembers all your widgets and stuff
Been using Nova forever. Nice updates, smooth and clean.
SayWhat10 said:
my personal preference is that Nova launcher is the best
esp when you flash roms and it remembers all your widgets and stuff
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Yeah, golauncher has a backup and restore feature also and it is very handy

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