Nathan Drescher / Android Authority
We’re probably a lot alike when it comes to launchers. I’ve been bouncing between them for years, trying each one out, getting excited about updates and then being let down when they offered nothing new. I’ve paid for pro launchers and tried going with the locked down stock launcher on a Google Pixel, but nothing really stuck, until Smart Launcher 6.
My Redmagic 10 Pro is my current daily driver. However, its stock launcher is the definition of “just good enough to get by.” It works, but it is bland. I did what every Android owner does and went on a launcher spree. I wasn’t expecting much when I landed on Smart Launcher 6. I had skipped it in the past, but this time, it clicked. Now it’s my go-to launcher.
Which launcher do you use? 47 votes Stock / the one that came with my phone 49 % Smart Launcher 6 4 % Nova Launcher 23 % Niagara Launcher 13 % Lawnchair 4 % Other 6 %
What is Smart Launcher 6? The launcher is developed by a group called The Smart Launcher Team, based out of Italy. They’ve been at it since 2014 and have somehow managed to remain completely independent and unfunded. The team consists of around 50 people working remotely across the world, according to their website.
They make several interesting apps in addition to Smart Launcher 6. There’s Icon Pack Studio, where you can design your own icon packs. And one of my favorites is The Drums, a groove station app that does nothing but provide amazing background beats.
Smart Launcher 6 hits different
Nathan Drescher / Android Authority
The first thing that stood out when I loaded the launcher was the app drawer. Smart Launcher 6 doesn’t dump all your apps into one never-ending list (one of the curses of Android). Instead, it automatically organizes them into categories like Communication, Web, Games, Productivity, and so on. I can even create new categories if I want, but I’m happy with the default setup.
The search bar allows me to search everything, from the web to files on my device.
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