Smart Launcher 5 vs Action Launcher Plus

One of Smart Launcher 2's ways of keeping things simple is to categorize your apps. The categorization is quite accurate and is very useful once you learn the categories.

Smart Launcher uses very little resources which is good for performance and saving battery power.

If you have tons of apps that clutter your app drawer even after they’ve been categorized, you can choose to hide certain apps from view.

As soon as you open Smart Launcher 3 for the first time you will begin the setup process. The steps are easy and you will be up and running in no time.

There is an extra download called Plugin Notifications that allows for the function of notification counts on the users app icons in the drawer and shortcuts on the home screen. It is available for free for Smart Launcher 3 and 2.

Smart Launcher supports using icon packs that are meant for ADW Launcher, Apex Launcher, Nova Launcher, and LauncherPro. You can also change icons on a per-app basis.

Smart Launcher 3 provides a lock screen which helps to maintain an overall cohesive design on your Android device. It is optional for those that still want to use their stock lock screen.

One search for apps, contacts and web browsing. Also lets use of Google Now.

Smart Launcher uses a simple circular layout of apps. It display 6 user-selected apps, date and time and hides everything else from view.

Smart Launcher is designed with both Portrait and Landscape modes in mind, which means no matter the orientation one wants to use it in it adapts well to either.

The themes change icons, wallpapers, and colors. Each has its own unique feel, but they all adhere to the same layout.

There is an optional function (on at stock start) that allows users to set their own widgets on extra home screen pages.

Gestures can be enabled to perform Smart Launcher actions or just to open apps. Smart Launcher actions include but not limited to: open app drawer, show/hide status bar, show notifications panel, and show toggle panel.

Users can add "Okay Google" support for voice search by downloading the Plugin Extra plugin from the Play Store.

Smart Launcher 2 offers a selection of themes that change the look of the homescreen.

Live wallpapers are a special type of wallpaper that is animated. Despite the simple and sleek design of Smart Launcher, you can still make it look and feel great, and live wallpapers are just one in a few ways for doing so.

Smart Launcher has HD wallpaper. Very impressive

A more powerful alternative to folders, Covers allows the user to disguise what would normally be a folder as an app one of the apps in the folder. One tap opens the app normally, but swiping up on the icon reveals the folder that the icon is covering. The use of covers is also optional for those that would rather use a regular folder.

The action bar and search bar change colors according to the wallpaper, making for a great way to have a consistent color theme.

The dev constantly releases betas and trials new features. Bugs are found and sorted out quickly. App innovations are often ahead of the curve -- e.g., quickdrawer, instant theming, pixel integration before Nova, gesture integration. When upgraded from AL2 to AL3, the dev also explained the rationale behind the move to a whole new app and payment, and discounted supporters.

Use swipes, pinches, and multi-finger gestures on the homescreen as shortcuts to your favorite features. A favorite is a down swipe anywhere on the homescreen, to bring down the notification tray so users don't have to reach up to the top of their screen. Additionally customise double- and triple-taps on the homescreen to launch a variety of options.

Use the Pixel theme to add a dock background, and add a Google pill button instead of the search bar. this way users can mimic the look of the Pixels launcher.

With a companion app Action Launcher, you gain access to the Google Now page.

The quick drawer allows for quick access to apps, from anywhere on the device. This way users do not have to go to the home screen in order to open the app drawer.

Shutters is a feature that allows the user to swipe up on an icon to load the app's widget in a small window, and then hide when done. Saves tons of screenspace without losing the functionality of your favorite widgets.

Action Launcher 3 supports Google Now "Ok Google" voice search allowing users to voice search from the home screen.

Action Launcher has the option to enable a vertical grid app tray that acts like most menus that slide out from the left of the phone's screen. Apps are organized alphabetically, and touching a letter will take you to apps that start with that letter.

Action Launcher 3 feels like it was made for curved displays, like the Galaxy S6/7 Edge, BlackBerry Priv, and Nexus 4. Swiping in from the edge for the vertical app drawer or quickpage feels even more natural on these phones.