Action Launcher Plus vs SF Launcher 2

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.

The home screen is organized into cards that can be scrolled vertically. Cards can contain widgets or collections of apps. Swiping from the left gives access to all apps and swiping from the right gives access to all widgets. These can then be added to the homescreen. It's possible to customize the order, color, transparency, size and what how much information or apps a card displays.

The look of the launcher is inspired by Android 5.0 Lollipop and material design. It follows material design color scheme, has a card-based layout and a Google Now-like, header with a stylized image of a city at the top of the homescreen that changes throughout the day.