Launchers

**nyry** · 10-22-2012, 12:39 AM

Hey all
Ever since I got my SG3, I actually thought that touchwiz was pretty decent for a stock UI and Launcher so I stuck with it but am wondering about other options for a Launcher.

Do you guys use TW still or did you go with another launcher? If so which one?

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**badbrad17** · 10-22-2012, 12:49 AM

I use Go launcher. There are some other good ones but I like the additional Go apps and widgets and themes.

Check this guys YouTube channel out. He is the master of launchers and customization. There are so many cool things you can do.

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**ThePurpleAndroid** · 10-22-2012, 02:24 AM

Big Go Launcher fan here. I have tried other launchers but I always end up going back to Go Launcher

~°~HTC Evo Design~°~

**smooth4lyfe** · 10-22-2012, 02:28 AM

Nova Launcher is amazing it very customizable and it even has Jelly Bean features

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 Boyyyyyy!

**vegan411** · 10-22-2012, 02:51 AM

I've used Go launcher for a while, pretty nice. ssLauncher is really fast and smooth but so many custom option drive me nuts.

My choice: Apex Launcher, because...

- Look and feel of ICS/JB (menus, animations, etc.)
- Convenient gestures: Swipe up for menu
- Swipe down for notifications
- Double tap homescreen for recent apps
- Adjustable grid (6x6, 7x7, or even bigger)
- Resize Widgets (unlike TouchWiz, at least my version on Note)

Bottom line: Familiar style, pretty decent customizability but not overload, and more free features than Nova, Holo)

**paintdrinkingpete** · 10-22-2012, 08:50 AM

Nova launcher is pretty good, that's what I use. To be honest, I don't really have a problem with the default TW launcher in terms of usability, but the main reason I prefer to use Nova is because I can backup and restore my homescreen configs, which is a HUGE time-saver when installing new ROMs.

I've been very happy with Nova, and it doesn't seem to cause any noticeable lag or have any affect on performance... I haven't used Go Launcher or Apex recently enough to give a justified comparison, however.

**s14tat** · 10-22-2012, 10:31 AM

Touchwiz launcher will have the smoothest transition effects. Right now I'm using Nova because it just looks better. I have tried Apex and I could not believe how laggy it was.

**psyjohn** · 10-22-2012, 11:11 AM

I've been using TSF Launcher for a while now. The UI is a little different than typical launchers and it's kind of pricey, but it is fast and smooth.

**frankspin** · 10-22-2012, 12:41 PM

Was on Apex but switched to Nova. I found Nova to be just a tad bit smoother and quicker.

**jneusch** · 10-22-2012, 01:00 PM

Nova for me. I love the customization, look and feel. Go would be my second choice if I had to choose.

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**HalizDad** · 10-22-2012, 01:17 PM

To sum up and agree with everyone else basically...

Go Launcher is fantastic, and FREE! I used it all the time on my other phones, including Touchwiz and Sense.

Nove Launcher is amazing also, and I've heard good things about Apex, too.

You can't go wrong with any of them, so it boils down to personal choice.

**leroybrute** · 10-22-2012, 02:27 PM

I have always used golauncher in the past but since ICS came around go hasn't done it for me. Though i havent used go for awhile it may be better now. I have both paid versions of Apex and Nova and as they are both great launchers Nova is the smoothest and has better customization and the ability to import other launcher layouts etc.
Tsf shell is nice and very fast but its a very busy launcher and not for the faint of heart. Learning curve and price. I have used tsf shell for a few months now but I usually only use it on tablets. Easier to get around on the bigger screens (big thumbs).
My opinion is to get a few of these launchers loaded and use home manager from the market to switch between launchers, and play with em. That will help you decide what's best for you. Some work but this is the best way to decide which is best for you. Everyone has their own opinion on which is best, not necessarily what would be best for you.

**sparesr4sissies** · 10-22-2012, 02:47 PM

I liked touchwiz more than the average guy you'll find on here, but I like having more customization options like with Nova. I was able to get Nova Prime for 25 cents a few weeks ago and I love it!

**HalizDad** · 10-22-2012, 02:50 PM

Yep, that 25 cent sale is why I bought it.

**badbrad17** · 10-22-2012, 04:49 PM

Me too.

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**ItnStln511** · 10-22-2012, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by HalizDad

Yep, that 25 cent sale is why I bought it.

I couldn't pass that up at all.

**mike340t** · 10-22-2012, 09:55 PM

Other than Stock, I like Nova. Especially having 30 apps right on my home screen without losing wallpaper view..

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**bigslam123#AC** · 10-23-2012, 09:10 AM

I have tried Apex, Nova, Go, and WinPH8, and I find that Apex runs the fastest and smoothest.

**badbrad17** · 10-23-2012, 03:28 PM

I would probably use Apex but the Go calendar widget is a must have for me. I haven't found anything I like as much.

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**droid83** · 10-23-2012, 09:12 PM

I bought SBP shel almost 2 years ago when it came out. I finally got a chance to use it daily. It work perfect with 4.0 Before it used to be a data hog. Now its sweet. No more Go launcher. Finally getting my $14 worth out of it after 2 years

**jam4775** · 10-24-2012, 12:20 PM

I really like the customization on both Apex and Nova, they're both very similar. But I ended up going back to TW because I use Exchange email and calendar very heavily on my phone and I don't like not having the icon notification on the mail icon and I also really like the TW calendar widget and that doesn't work on other launchers either.

**nyry** · 10-25-2012, 12:00 AM

Gotta say... Ive become a big fan of Nova for its speed, interface simplicity and customization

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**badbrad17** · 10-25-2012, 01:43 AM

Looks like a iphone. Lol. Jk.

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**nrm5110** · 10-25-2012, 01:49 AM

I'm a fan of Sony's launcher go ahead and hate

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**HalizDad** · 10-25-2012, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by jam4775

I really like the customization on both Apex and Nova, they're both very similar. But I ended up going back to TW because I use Exchange email and calendar very heavily on my phone and I don't like not having the icon notification on the mail icon and I also really like the TW calendar widget and that doesn't work on other launchers either.

I use Touchdown for my exchange email, it is better than the stock email app. Nova has a downloadable plugin that tells you numbers of emails, calls, voicemails, and sms waiting your attention, and you can change the view back to a monthly, full-screen view on the calendar making it identical to the touchwiz one. Touchwiz is a good skin, and I'm not arguing your decision process. I'm simply rebutting what you claim to be shortfalls in Nova.