Apex or nova? Possibly other launchers?

**GB_Meneses** · 01-06-2013, 07:32 AM

Which is a better launchers for the N4? Apex or Nova? I already have the full paid version of Apex but wanted to know if Nova was worth another 4 bucks. Or maybe other launchers anyone might like on the N4?

**ffejjj** · 01-06-2013, 08:09 AM

ADW.EX launcher. I had adw for a long time with no updates so I went to go launcher. In the last few months adw.ex has made a huge update once again becoming my favorite launcher to use

**dedduck0121** · 01-06-2013, 08:19 AM

Dont have a Nexus 4 but if Nova Launcher is like it on my other devices you will be thrilled. Super fast and smooth. Icon packs can be downloaded to customize the look. The new update to nova gives you many more options like icon size changes.

How this helps!
Sent from my Galaxy Note II

**AbuYazeedUK** · 01-06-2013, 08:30 AM

Nova for the win

**Peacen1k** · 01-06-2013, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by dedduck0121

Dont have a Nexus 4 but if Nova Launcher is like it on my other devices you will be thrilled. Super fast and smooth. Icon packs can be downloaded to customize the look. The new update to nova gives you many more options like icon size changes.

How this helps!
Sent from my Galaxy Note II

Apex does all of that also. And it's been super-smooth on my GSII with the 4.1.2 rom (SuperNexus). Is there anything that Nova does that Apex doesn't?

**Mugler Infusion** · 01-06-2013, 10:19 PM

Look into MIUI, they have nice themes, they are not launchers I don't think but they are nice.

**gone down south** · 01-06-2013, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by Peacen1k

Apex does all of that also. And it's been super-smooth on my GSII with the 4.1.2 rom (SuperNexus). Is there anything that Nova does that Apex doesn't?

Potayto pohtahto

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**Lanhoj** · 01-06-2013, 11:01 PM

Personally I choose Nova Prime but only because it's the sole Launcher I've found that supports GLOBAL Badge Notification (SMS, GMail, Calls aren't enough). Here's how--> [HOW-TO] Guide to Global Badge Notifications
If not for that feature, it'd be a toss-up between Nova & Apex.

Also works independently if you use WidgetLocker as your Lockscreen & want a different Launcher.

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**teletraan1** · 01-07-2013, 07:56 AM

Nova Prime all day. Looks stock but with much more customizability. Guesture shortcuts are key! Especially with folders.

**multo** · 01-07-2013, 09:24 AM

Nova prime all the way

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**kmcochran** · 01-07-2013, 12:02 PM

Is there a beginners guide for using Nova Launcher somewhere? I can't figure out how to create folders. I downloaded the free version, and maybe that's the problem. Is that only available with the paid version? I just can't figure out how to do some of the customizations that others have done.

**Peacen1k** · 01-07-2013, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by kmcochran

Is there a beginners guide for using Nova Launcher somewhere? I can't figure out how to create folders. I downloaded the free version, and maybe that's the problem. Is that only available with the paid version? I just can't figure out how to do some of the customizations that others have done.

If it's anything like Apex (and from what I've been reading it's exactly like Apex) all you do is drop one app icon onto the other app icon and this should automatically create a folder with those two apps inside.

**kmcochran** · 01-07-2013, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Peacen1k

If it's anything like Apex (and from what I've been reading it's exactly like Apex) all you do is drop one app icon onto the other app icon and this should automatically create a folder with those two apps inside.

Thanks! That worked. Should have known it was something that simple.

**badbrad17** · 01-08-2013, 01:59 AM

Nova. Apex is okay but not as flexible as Nova. And I think it sucks more battery. GO is a memory hog. Haven't tried ADW.

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**badbrad17** · 01-08-2013, 02:00 AM

Originally Posted by Peacen1k

If it's anything like Apex (and from what I've been reading it's exactly like Apex) all you do is drop one app icon onto the other app icon and this should automatically create a folder with those two apps inside.

you can do that with the stock launcher.

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**Peacen1k** · 01-08-2013, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by badbrad17

Nova. Apex is okay but not as flexible as Nova. And I think it sucks more battery. GO is a memory hog. Haven't tried ADW.

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Can you elaborate on the flexibility?

Also, I've been using Apex for several months and have never seen it in the battery users status report. What's your evidence of its higher battery consumption?

**badbrad17** · 01-08-2013, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by Peacen1k

Can you elaborate on the flexibility?

Also, I've been using Apex for several months and have never seen it in the battery users status report. What's your evidence of its higher battery consumption?

I can't guarantee that it sucks more battery but I just noticed that it got better after I uninstalled it. Could be totally unrelated. Both launchers are good but, there are a couple of things I like better about Nova.

1. You can multi select icons when adding to your screens.

2. You can have multiple backups.

There is another thread where these things were discussed in more detail. Nova Launcher on Nexus 4 - Any users?

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**Peacen1k** · 01-08-2013, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by badbrad17

1. You can multi select icons when adding to your screens.

Interesting. How does that work in practice?

Edit: from reading the other thread you linked looks like the two significant differences between Apex and Nova are the multi-select for icons and more than one backup (just one backup for Apex). Also looks like the ADW is more feature rich than both when it comes to actual customization options.

**badbrad17** · 01-08-2013, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by Peacen1k

Interesting. How does that work in practice?

Well if I am adding all my icons for games to one screen. I have the option to choose multi select from within the app list. This way I can just scroll through all my apps and select the ones I want. They are all added in one go rather than having to do them one at a time.

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**badbrad17** · 01-08-2013, 09:52 AM

Here's a screen shot. See the bottom text?

Apex or nova? Possibly other launchers?-uploadfromtaptalk1357660335616.jpg

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**Peacen1k** · 01-08-2013, 10:11 AM

Thanks man! I may have to try Nova at some point.

**badbrad17** · 01-10-2013, 02:07 AM

I am trying a new layout and am wondering how to get a different wallpaper for each screen. I swear I've seen the setting for it but I can't find it in Nova or Apex.

Anyone know how to do this?

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**GB_Meneses** · 01-10-2013, 02:31 AM

Originally Posted by badbrad17

I am trying a new layout and am wondering how to get a different wallpaper for each screen. I swear I've seen the setting for it but I can't find it in Nova or Apex.

Anyone know how to do this?

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I would love to know as well. Someone reply quick!
In regards to the subject of the thread, I decided to go with Apex. I have been using it for a while and I already purchased the full version when I had my Samsung Galaxy Nexus. However, I might have to try Nova sooner or later as well. Thanks for the replies guys

**Michael Rodgers** · 01-10-2013, 09:49 AM

I'd like to start using Nova as well, but I've delayed it because I've already become so habituated to starting Google Now by sliding up from the home button. Does anyone know how to launch Google Now with Nova? And can you set it to copy the stock approach?

**m3lover1** · 01-10-2013, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by badbrad17

I am trying a new layout and am wondering how to get a different wallpaper for each screen. I swear I've seen the setting for it but I can't find it in Nova or Apex.

Anyone know how to do this?

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I think you need a 3rd party app for it. Download multipicture live wallpaper from app store. I used that for a while