Do I still need a third-party launcher for Android?

The operating system’s endless adjustability, with the ability to change its appearance, customize functionality and navigation, and add new features, is at the very heart of what makes Android unique. While it may not be the only difference between Android and iOS, the ability to make your phone your own is definitely a driving force behind the OS’s popularity.

The key to its functionality is installing one of the best Android launchers. It’s often argued that custom launchers are no longer necessary. Many, but not all, out-of-the-box launchers pull functionality from alternative launchers or bring their own unique spin on the user experience. But I think custom launchers will be just as important, if not more so, in 2024.

endless customization

Create an aesthetic that reflects your personality

Source: Niagara Launcher

You see, personalization is important to me. I love the fact that my Android phone is an extension of myself, unlike the one-size-fits-all style imposed by iOS. While the default launcher on most phones allows you to adjust quite a bit of the interface, you can do even more with third-party launchers. Third-party launchers allow you to adjust every aspect of your phone’s interface, including installing the best icon packs, new ways to launch apps, upsized widgets, and even an app drawer. Recently I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It’s one of the best Android smartphones out there, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t get used to the horizontally scrolling app drawer.

My personal favorite, Nova Launcher, allows you to switch to vertical scrolling of your choice. More than just an app drawer, a launcher gives you more control over your home screen. For example, I like to change the grid size on my home screen to maximize the number of icons I can place in a more information-dense dashboard. Meanwhile, other launchers, such as Niagara Launcher, emphasize minimalism by placing a set of your favorite apps on your home screen.

If you’re feeling nostalgic, alternatives like Launcher 10 let you recreate the Windows Mobile experience on your phone. Completely revamp your smartphone’s interface with any of the best Android launcher apps with a simple installation from the Play Store.

Rich features

Enhance your interface

Of course, installing a third-party launcher isn’t just for aesthetics. Custom launchers give you the possibility to add all kinds of features to your phone. As mentioned before, I prefer information-dense grids of icons and widgets. Nova Launcher allows you to go far beyond the functionality of the default OnePlus Launcher in OnePlus Open. His 10×7 grid on my lock screen may be too much for some, but it’s unique to me, and more importantly, it’s not possible without a third-party launcher.

Similarly, we’ve set up a series of gestures on the lock screen that trigger specific short actions, like a swipe to launch your favorite playlist in Spotify or create a new note in Google Keep. These power user features are the main reason I keep returning to my favorite third-party launcher.

Faster user experience

Breathe new life into your old phone

If you’re the type of user who sticks with your phone for years, a third-party launcher could be your best friend. After years of using and installing apps, widgets, etc., it’s inevitable that your phone’s default launcher will feel a little slow. Additionally, not all brands are willing to port the latest additions to their older phones’ launchers. A third party launcher will solve your problem.

Apps like Action Launcher, OLauncher, etc. are built with frugal RAM requirements in mind. Apps can jumpstart your aging Android smartphone and breathe new life into your hardware. Additionally, these launchers can add new features like gestures and the Google Discover feed if your phone doesn’t support it. This is the simplest and easiest way to extend the life of your favorite smartphone.

friendliness

Consistent interface between phones

It may be a controversial opinion, but in a world where smartphones have achieved some degree of standardization, sticking to a brand for the sake of familiarity is not a good enough reason. There’s a world of great hardware to explore, from the Pixel’s great camera to Samsung’s S Pen capabilities to Vivo’s amazing bokeh. Or maybe you’re a technology enthusiast like me and always want to upgrade and juggle multiple phones at the same time. Custom launchers allow you to maintain a familiar setup no matter which smartphone you choose.

In my case, I’ve been on the Nova Launcher bandwagon for years, and I keep a backup set of icons and widgets ready to use on any device I need to set them up. It only takes a few seconds to get your new phone up and running. It’s exactly what I like. Sure, most launchers will preserve your layout as long as you’re moving between the same ecosystem, but if you want to try a new phone or hardware, you might want to use a third-party launcher for consistency. That’s your best bet.

Yes, a third party launcher is still required

Essential to the Android ecosystem

There’s no getting away from the fact that third-party launchers add excitement, personalization, and a certain amount of fun to the Android experience. Even if you’re not the type to tinker with new icons and custom gestures, third-party app launchers add value through faster updates, a lightweight interface, and the ability to easily switch between smartphones, making them an essential part of Android. It has become. Ecosystem. Indeed, many users will be completely satisfied with using the built-in launcher. However, considering how easy it is to get started with a custom launcher, every Android user should give it a try.