There are a lot of great Android launchers aimed at different audiences, from some that offer more customization to those that are simple and minimalist. After trying out a bunch of launchers, many people decide to go back to the default launcher that came with their phone.
1. Seamless integration with the operating system
Other launchers may have more surface-level features, but many people prefer the default launcher that comes with their phone because it’s built for the device and is well-integrated. It works well in every aspect, from widgets to transitions and animations. Plus, using the default launcher provides a consistent experience from the user interface (UI) to the user experience.
If you’ve used third-party launchers, you know that the main change they bring is the ability to customize the look of your app drawer and home screen while leaving everything else the same. As someone who has taken lessons in UI design, switching between two different design languages on your phone’s main interfaces can be frustrating.
2. No compatibility issues
The great thing about using your phone's default launcher is that you won't run into many compatibility issues. Since the launcher is created by the same company, more resources are put into its development, ensuring that it will still work well even with a new major version of Android.
This has significantly influenced the decision to use the default launcher. Many people prefer to update their phones as soon as an update is available instead of waiting for a compatible third-party launcher first.
In the past, many people have encountered issues with widgets not running properly after upgrading to a new major version of Android, forcing them to revert back to the default launcher instead of spending hours customizing a third-party launcher.
3. Long-term reliability and support
For smartphone manufacturers, the launcher is an integral part of the device and therefore a unique selling point. That is why you rarely see smartphones sold with Stock Android . Unlike third-party launchers, the default launcher is not at risk of being abandoned or bought back.
Case in point: Branch Metrics acquired Nova Launcher in July 2022 and laid off almost everyone in August 2024, except for one full-time developer who was also the original creator. So if you've been using Nova Launcher and haven't received an update since May 2024, that's why.
That's also why many of the issues affecting Nova are happening on Android 15, as it hasn't been updated to fully support it.
If this can happen to one of the best third-party Android launchers, then there is no safe alternative. On the other hand, default launchers are updated along with the operating system, thus making them more reliable.
And thanks to the large budgets dedicated to the teams working on the default launcher, there is great support, unlike third-party alternatives, which can be developed by a handful of developers or worse, one person, making support sometimes more difficult.
4. The simplicity of the default launcher is remarkable
The main advantage of Pixel Launcher is its simplicity and fast updates, which has been around for a long time. If you are a fan of simplicity, Pixel Launcher will meet your needs.
The interface is simple and key features are just a swipe away or in front of you. For example, you can instantly access Google Discover by swiping right from the home screen.
The At a Glance feature shows you relevant content on your home screen, like upcoming tasks and events. You can also search for various things on your phone using the universal search feature on your home screen or at the top of the app drawer.
Pixel Launcher isn't the most customizable or feature-packed launcher on the market, however, but prioritize simplicity over everything else every time.
Third-party launchers can offer a lot of customization features, but many people still prefer to use the default launcher on their phone. The default launcher may not be fancy, but it is simple, integrates seamlessly with the operating system, provides a consistent user experience, and is guaranteed to be reliable and supported over the long term.
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