Since Android introduced gesture navigation in 2019, third-party launchers like ours have faced some issues, from broken animations to bugs that affect the user experience. These problems come from how Android handles third-party launchers, making it hard for us to offer a smooth experience.
A few months ago, we ran a survey to learn more about how these issues affect our users.
The results, shown in the chart below, reveal some interesting insights. Not all brands are affected equally, and these differences can help you make a better choice when picking a device.
Here’s what we found:
- Google devices are at the bottom of the list, which might be surprising since they run “pure” Android. One reason could be that Pixel devices are often the first to get new Android versions (and sometimes beta versions), which come with new bugs. Android 15, for example, has a known issue that can make launchers freeze randomly. (Smart Launcher users should not be affected by this, thanks to a workaround we recently implemented.) Pixel users may also have high expectations for a smooth experience, making them more likely to report issues.
- Xiaomi is also near the bottom because they still block third-party launchers from using gesture navigation, which is a big issue for many users. If you plan to use a third-party launcher, keep this in mind before choosing a Xiaomi device.
- Nothing, Samsung, and Motorola are at the top for offering a smoother experience. These brands have the highest percentage of users reporting “no issues” at all. Motorola and Samsung stand out, with most of their users saying they had no problems. Great job to them for supporting third-party launchers well!
We’re sharing this data to highlight which brands make it easier for third-party launchers to work smoothly and to help our users make informed choices. Choosing a brand that supports a better experience with third-party launchers can make a big difference in your daily use, while certain other choices might come with more limitations.
As developers, we do our best to raise these issues, but ultimately, we’re not the ones buying these devices—manufacturers often have no interest into prioritize our concerns. Your feedback, however, has real power. If you're not happy with how your phone handles third-party launchers, make sure to let your manufacturer know. Contact their support or mention it in your reviews; your voice can help drive improvements and make a better experience for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who joined our survey and supports us. We hope this data will be helpful as you choose your next device!
