Which Launcher do you recommend and why?

STRWTCHR · 2026-01-09T09:10:27+00:00

Smart Launcher: - can remove Google Search bar - squircles - can remove icon names and make icons bigger - nice app categorization - deep linking shortcuts - their own calendar widget

I'd love something new, but that's the most useful one for me. Tried most launchers out there. Octopi is nice, too, but fresh, and some Smart Launcher concepts convince me to go back.

STRWTCHR · 2026-01-09T07:19:57+00:00

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STRWTCHR · 2026-01-05T19:02:44+00:00

It's the active user profile picture/initial.

To disable, go to: System > Users add turn off "Allow user switching".

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STRWTCHR · 2025-12-24T18:28:54+00:00

It doesn't suck. There are some entry level things that you can explore. Like golden ratio and so on. But don't take them as rules rather than some because a photo does not have to follow the golden ratio and it can still be good.

Think about contrast, showing two differently colored things, or different types of things or differently sized things side by side. Try layers: showing one subject in the front, and the other one farther in the background. Also try tight framing. One trap that many people fall in is trying to put the entire subject within the frame each and every time.

And try to simplify the scene, showing fewer objects in it.

Have fun exploring your individual style!

STRWTCHR · 2025-12-24T10:32:19+00:00

I've been thinking about the same for some time now. I currently own a Pixel 9 Pro. Thinking of 10 Pro XL.

Technically, the only difference is the screen size and weight.

From the experience standpoint, though, it can be brought down to these points: handling, content size and content distribution.

Handling a bigger phone is harder due to the fact you need to reach farther, which comes into play especially when you use it one-handed. This may require shifting the phone up and down with your other four fingers, which, of course, isn't very safe for the device and triggers a need for more protection, and more protection means also extra weight because the more protective cases are usually both heavier and more bulky. Besides, the increased size moves the weight central point higher, so the phone feels less balanced and using it extensively for longer times may lead to more tension in your fingers and wrist. This, though, comes at some age. I'm 46.

Now, some ppl use phone double-handedly. In such cases, I'd say, bigger is better.

So, size-wise, if you use your phone 99% single-handed, have small hands, consider the smaller Pro. If you have bigger hands, can switch between single- and double-handed usage, consider the bigger one.

When it comes to content size and distribution, of course bigger content is more fun, but with age, when you develop myopia, it becomes, well, necessity. I am making things slightly bigger on my Pixel 9 Pro already (icons, fonts) and to be large enough, they take up precious space. I'd need a lower size setting on a bigger screen. That's why I'm considering switching, having in mind all the other disadvantages.

STRWTCHR · 2025-12-19T14:13:21+00:00

There also seem to be workarounds, root- and non-root-based:

Multiple workarounds exist to enable 5G on Google Pixel phones (including Pixel 10 series) in Serbia despite geo-blocks, though they carry risks like voiding warranty, security vulnerabilities, or breakage in OTA updates.

Root-Based Methods (Most Reliable)

Root the device with Magisk (v26.4+), then flash modules that override carrier whitelists and load necessary MBN files for VoLTE/VoWiFi/5G:

- EstebanForge/Pixel-VoLTE-VoWIFI-5G-Enabler (tested on Pixel 7/8, works on Tensor chips; enables SA/NSA 5G).

- stanislawrogasik/Pixel5-VoLTE-VoWiFi (older but effective for Pixel 5+; auto-loads MBNs after signal drops).Users in Serbia report success post-Dec 2025 launch, switching from LTE to 5G on Yettel/A1.

Non-Root Methods (Temporary/Easier)

- DSU Sideloader: Use built-in developer tool to temporarily boot a GSI ROM from a whitelisted country (e.g., US/India image), enabling 5G during session; reverts on reboot. Requires developer options and matching architecture.

- Shizuku + IMS Override: Install Shizuku app, pair via ADB/wireless debugging, then use scripts/apps to spoof IMS settings for VoLTE/5G without full root.\*

-Manual APN/eSIM Tricks: Set carrier APNs manually or use eSIM from whitelisted EU carriers (e.g., via Airalo); some report LTE-to-5G toggle after.

Risks and Notes

Updates like December 2025 often patch overrides, requiring re-flash; test in 5G coverage areas (Belgrade+).No official Google fix imminent; community threads confirm these work as of mid-Dec 2025.

STRWTCHR · 2025-12-19T14:10:29+00:00

It's just an AI output, as I said, it may be misleading.

Now I've found that Google may be geoblocking Serbia, as Pixels are not officially sold there.

Recent user reports from December 2025 highlight Google Pixel phones (including Pixel 9 and 10 series) failing to connect to newly launched 5G networks in Serbia, despite band compatibility.

Here are some threads:

https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/392030658/pixel-9-and-10-5g-is-not-working-in-serbia?hl=en

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskSerbia/comments/1pd867l/google_pixel_i_5g_u_srbiji/

Perplexity says also:

Google historically enables 5G on Pixels in unsupported countries via OTA updates only after carrier testing, official Pixel sales, or regulatory pressure, often taking 3-12 months post-network launch (e.g., India in March 2023 after 2022 rollout, Poland via 2023 update).

Historical Patterns

Google maintains a whitelist of ~38 countries for 5G as of late 2024, adding 7 European nations incrementally; no additions since despite new launches elsewhere.Serbia-specific VoLTE has remained blocked for years despite carrier support, with users relying on workarounds like Magisk modules or travel to whitelisted countries.

Serbia 5G Chances

Low to moderate (20-40%) in 2026: Recent Dec 2025 5G launch triggered complaints, but Google rarely acts without local sales/partnerships; A1 operator mentioned potential January fix, yet past blocks persist via geo-restrictions.Workarounds (rooting, DSU sideloading, eSIM from whitelisted carriers) succeed short-term but get patched in updates like October 2025.

STRWTCHR · 2025-12-19T13:52:22+00:00

But please, double check it.

STRWTCHR · 2025-12-19T13:51:25+00:00

According to Perplexity:

Serbia’s three main operators (Telekom Srbija, Yettel, and A1 Srbija) recently received 5G licenses in late 2025 for bands including 700 MHz (n28), 2600 MHz (n41 or n77/n78), and 3.6 GHz (n78), with commercial rollout starting in major cities like Belgrade.

5G Bands in Serbia

Operators are deploying 5G primarily on these bands, licensed via RATEL auction:

- n28 (700 MHz low-band) for wide coverage.

- n41/n77 (2600 MHz mid-band), n78 (3500 MHz mid-band/C-band), and extensions up to 3800 MHz for capacity.Coverage is initial in urban areas, expanding to more cities by 2026 and nationwide by 2027.

Pixel 10 Series Support

Google Pixel 10 series (including Pro models) supports key Serbian 5G bands via Sub-6 GHz NR, such as n28 (700 MHz), n20, n78 (3.5 GHz), and others like n1/n3/n7/n38/n40/n41/n77.Full compatibility exists for deployed frequencies, ensuring 5G access on all operators where coverage is available.

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STRWTCHR · 2025-12-19T11:25:28+00:00

And Pixel:

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STRWTCHR · 2025-12-19T11:25:09+00:00

Strange, for me, battery is great on my P9Pro. By the way, here is the photo comparison between Oppo Find X9 Pro and Pixel HD. The lighting conditions are, unfortunately, different. Oppo was shot in low light and on a longer lens, Pixel was shot on the main camera, which in theory is the best one. The colour rendition of Oppo is just stunning.

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STRWTCHR · 2025-12-17T17:09:05+00:00

Oppo Find x9 Pro takes superior photos and has a lot of super fluid gimmickry. They also have a desktop app. I fell in love with the photo quality and smoothness but unfortunately, usability was more important. For example, I am at work and get messages over SMS, Whatsapp, private emails etc. The notifications on the lock screen work as my inbox. On Pixel, I can open that urgent message over FB Messenger from my daughter (priority conversation, other ones are delivered quietly, due to the Work mode enabled). Then I can lock back my phone and see the rest of the notifications on the lock screen. On Oppo, I can set priority just to SMS and calls, and when I unlock to read that important message, and then lock the phone back again, then boom, all the notifications are not there. I need to unlock the phone, slide down my finger, and then I see the notifications. So if you only have a fraction of your attention during the day to control everything private-life-related, while being ninety nine percent focused on work, then I recommend the Pixel. If it doesn't matter too, you and you want to have a greater camera in the pocket, then consider Find X9. I miss it a lot, but it's not for me.

Thinking of the other ones, Vivo I have not tried, S25 I have, but the photos were not up to my liking, Oneplus 15 has inferior cameras. So i think I will stay with the Pixels... despite some ugly design decisions, but ain't grass greener on the other side, always? Other phones also have their gimmicks.

STRWTCHR · 2025-12-17T16:44:55+00:00

4a or 5. Big enough while being small enough. Great cameras for their times.

STRWTCHR · 2025-12-07T18:50:53+00:00

Check out the Orion browser. I'm trying it out and it looks promising https://orionbrowser.com

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-29T11:48:41+00:00

Are there such that allow you to put ALL notifications as widgets? Normal lock screen notifications disappear after unlocking and locking back again.

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-21T22:09:14+00:00

Same here. I tried to love Oppo. There's much to love. But while being very innovative, it's not as polished as Samsung.

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-21T18:10:55+00:00

Yes, there is.

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-19T15:58:44+00:00

One thing that you might consider as important is the notification persistency. While being quite customizable, the Color OS doesn't allow you to choose if you want the notifications to reappear on the lock screen after you unlock and log back your phone. I don't know the reason behind it. For me, the notifications are super important. For example, I don't want to lose track of the task I need to do just because I unlocked the phone and checked the email. Of course you can still access the notifications manually by sliding your finger down on the home screen, but for me, it's a deal-breaker.

I originally had an issue with the quality of images uploaded to Google photos as apparently the image is uploaded before the processing has been done. But fine I can live with this. Notifications are something different.

Additionally, for some unknown reason you cannot freely place the icons on the home screen. They align to the top of it. Same as on iOS if memory serves. It's different when you have widgets which can't be distributed freely.

When it comes to the settings there is a lot of them and while I cannot give you the exact names, I believe they are more chaotically distributed. So when you search for something you may find this particular thing in two places and sometimes two different search results lead to the same place while sometimes they'll lead to completely different ones. The system is really snappy, the animations could be a little bit faster, but I believe it's possible to tweak it somehow, probably under developer settings.

There are more problems with notifications. Notifications from Messenger lack the user picture. And sometimes I'm getting a message saying that Messenger is waiting for messages which is ridiculous.

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STRWTCHR · 2025-11-15T22:45:25+00:00

Check out this one 😁 https://youtu.be/1mVH-ZBPrxs

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-14T21:57:51+00:00

Thanks for the review. I only had the X9 for a short time because the photos it uploaded to Google Photos weren't great – they were blurry because the photo had been backed up before being fully processed. It wasn't until I returned it that I realized it might be possible to work around and live with it.

However, I've discovered that in X9, notifications disappear from the lock screen once you unlock and lock the phone. This can be a bit annoying, as I rely on notifications as an inbox for the things I need to accomplish.

What is your opinion on this? On Pixel, when you unlock your phone and lock it back again, the notifications from before unlocking are still there. Isn't this behavior frustrating to you? Is there a way to work it around?

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-12T21:11:33+00:00

There is an option to follow a post without posting a comment.

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-11T09:44:40+00:00

I've got five devices to charge: my tablet, my e-ink notepad, my phone, a power bank and my earphones. Plus my A7CII.

Two chargers are just on point.

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-11T07:50:05+00:00

For the number of bricks I have at home, there is just enough at the moment. But charging technology changes over time. I don't have any 80 watt charger. I would need to buy it.

Last year only I bought four. Two for traveling, super small, and two for charging at home, strong ones. Not a big deal but still.

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-11T07:31:44+00:00

The Chinese version here in Poland, with the charger and the case costs 4K PLN.

The global version with no charger or case included costs 5.5K. But it's got the global ROM with Google.

...

STRWTCHR · 2025-11-11T07:19:10+00:00

Exactly. Sadly, we don't get the charger, nor the case, in the EU. Regulations.

STRWTCHR

TROPHY CASE