Should I try a launcher?

[ergalthema]

I don't really know anything about launchers, but I keep noticing people recommending things like Nova Launcher, Google Now Launcher, Buzz Launcher, etc.

Personally, I'm happy with the stock Android that I use on my Nexus 7. I just got a S5. I don't totally hate TouchWiz, but I'd prefer to not have it. I don't crave any wild customizations like I see with the Buzz Launcher promo video. If I would like to get rid of the extra stuff from TouchWiz and blue tint that it adds to the notification dropdown and menus - if it's not difficult or potentially affecting the performance of the phone negatively.

Any general info about these types of launchers would be much appreciated.

Edit: Oh, I really would like to change the lock screen.
Edit 2: Never mind, I see how to change the lock screen.

 

[MLSS]

I would recommend Nova, it's lite and fast. Very customizable with active development.
You can use almost any icon pack in the play store. Give it a try, heck try a couple different launchers til you find the one that works for you.

 

[Sandroidfan]

Holo Launcher HD and KK launcher are worth trying too. They are very light and smooth. Should be good for minimalists.

 

[ergalthema]

If I uninstall a launcher, will the phone go right back to the way it was?

 

[DragonSlayer95]

If I uninstall a launcher, will the phone go right back to the way it was?

It sure will.

However you had touchwiz set up pre launcher is how it'll go back to post launcher.

Think of a launcher as a skin on top of the original skin/ui.

 

[PainFX]

I don't really know anything about launchers, but I keep noticing people recommending things like Nova Launcher, Google Now Launcher, Buzz Launcher, etc.

Personally, I'm happy with the stock Android that I use on my Nexus 7. I just got a S5. I don't totally hate TouchWiz, but I'd prefer to not have it. I don't crave any wild customizations like I see with the Buzz Launcher promo video. If I would like to get rid of the extra stuff from TouchWiz and blue tint that it adds to the notification dropdown and menus - if it's not difficult or potentially affecting the performance of the phone negatively.

Any general info about these types of launchers would be much appreciated.

Edit: Oh, I really would like to change the lock screen.
Edit 2: Never mind, I see how to change the lock screen.

If you like Touchwiz and would like to enhance the fun, try Nova or Apex. I've actually tried Nova first, but ended up like Apex. Try both, it's free.

 

[ergalthema]

I'm trying Nova and I like it because it's closer to pure Android by default.

Do any of the launchers affect the notifications window? I'd love to get rid of the clutter and change the color.

 

[so crow]

Just joined samsung think are give one of these a go.

 

[Carpe Nocturnal]

I tried Nova, it was okay but I personally like Apex Launcher better, it has more options available if your are trying out before buying. imo

Bear

 

[victek]

I'm trying Nova and I like it because it's closer to pure Android by default.

Do any of the launchers affect the notifications window? I'd love to get rid of the clutter and change the color.

Unfortunately a launcher doesn't change other areas of the UI. I've love to change the bright colors in the dialer and contacts, but there are no options AFAICT. You can install a different dialer and contacts manager though; I used the "Go" products on my last phone and they are highly customizable. By the way Verizon recently offered an update for its SMS app that enables the colors to be customized.

 

[BRAINZ2013]

Yes the new go prime is really nice only thing it leaves a paper trail . everything you do it makes a folder or a file other than that its good and fast .