Help Android 4.3 update for Galaxy S3 i9300

[s1mon87]

I have just updated a brand new Galaxy S3 to the 4.3 version (it's the unlocked international version so it was automatically pushed to the device) and I can't believe how bad the homescreen looks since the update! I seem to have a huge gap between the top widgets and the notification bar on each screen. I think it makes it look a mess. I'm a bit of a perfectionist so it's really annoying me!
Anyone else had this problem and is there a fix for this issue?

Thanks.

 

[funkylogik]

Hey mate. Sorry to hear that. A lot of people dont like the update.
Does it look broken or like its supposed to be like that.
Could you post a screenshot? :beer:

 

[s1mon87]

Hey mate. Sorry to hear that. A lot of people dont like the update.
Does it look broken or like its supposed to be like that.
Could you post a screenshot? :beer:

Hey. I've taken a screenshot of both my S3 and my S4 (one is a work phone hence why I have two phones) but under the original 4.1.2 software which was on the S3 when I bought it, it was as high as it is on the S4, now the top widget is much lower than it should be. If you really look close you can just make out the outline of where the widget should be on the S3 screenshot.

 

[s1mon87]

It makes no difference what widget is there, it's still as low as that. I know it's nothing major and it wouldn't bother some people but it's annoying me! Haha

 

[Phantogenic]

I'd recommend using a different launcher. I personally use Apex Launcher (Pro) from the Play Store and I'd never use anything else. You can hide the notification bar completely or alternatively remove the margins on the homescreen so widgets sit where you want. It's by far the best launcher I've used - and I've used a fair few.

 

[xtronwest]

It looks fine to me my s3 is the same way i don't see anything wrong with it look at my screen shot

 

[s1mon87]

It looks fine to me my s3 is the same way i don't see anything wrong with it look at my screen shot

Is yours running 43 too? My widget was definitely higher before it upgraded.

 

[s1mon87]

It looks fine to me my s3 is the same way i don't see anything wrong with it look at my screen shot

I'd recommend using a different launcher. I personally use Apex Launcher (Pro) from the Play Store and I'd never use anything else. You can hide the notification bar completely or alternatively remove the margins on the homescreen so widgets sit where you want. It's by far the best launcher I've used - and I've used a fair few.

I think I've realised what the issue is! It's not the widgets (silly me lol) it's the notification bar it's not black anymore, it's transparent and it makes the widget look further down because there's more wallpaper showing above it now lol

Can I get a black notification bar again? I prefer it to be black anyway.

 

[philayl]

I think I've realised what the issue is! It's not the widgets (silly me lol) it's the notification bar it's not black anymore, it's transparent and it makes the widget look further down because there's more wallpaper showing above it now lol

Can I get a black notification bar again? I prefer it to be black anyway.

Hi, I know what you mean about the notification bar, I too prefer it black, the icons show up so much better, if you find how to revert it to black please let me know, I've had no luck tracking anything down to change it. Phil

 

[xtronwest]

I think I've realised what the issue is! It's not the widgets (silly me lol) it's the notification bar it's not black anymore, it's transparent and it makes the widget look further down because there's more wallpaper showing above it now lol

Can I get a black notification bar again? I prefer it to be black anyway.

Mine is the same way the only time I get the black notification bar is when im looking at web sites, messages, and the others app. U won't get the black notification bar on ur home screen. Im running 4.3 as well im not rooted too. I dont believe u can change it unless someone does know how to do it and i don't know about it.

 

[funkylogik]

On my phone the 3rd party launcher app Nova Prime can make it black.
Im not sure if the free version of Nova will do it or if it works on a stock samsung.
Could anyone try it?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher
(In Nova settings, "look and feel", uncheck "transparent notification bar)
Cheers :beer:

Nova launcher is smoother/faster and more customisable than the stock one and you can "import" your current layout to make the switch easier.
And the developer is an Android Forums guy so i definitely recommend paying for the Prime version if you like it