Samsung Galaxy S3 (4.3 firmware) & Best KitKat Launcher

Those who are still on the 4.1 Android version stock firmware should update their S3 to version 4.3 via Samsung firmware OTA. Though there are plenty of complaints about S3 on the 4.3 update, one should not be deterred.
The reason is clear, if your update process includes the full wipe (factory reset and cache data wipe) then things will be very OK.

The key advantages of updating your Samsung S3 to version 4.3 stock firmware are,

As abovementioned, there are quite some new features from the S4 and Note 3 Samsung to be ported over. So your new Touchwiz UI has improved tremendously as compared to the old one.
Surprisingly, the new Touchwiz seems to be significantly LIGHTER and launches the UI and Apps very smoothly without issue. This is probably the work of newly included OS feature – TRIM SUPPORT. (Read above notes).
That’s one good and solid reason why you should update your stock rom S3 to version 4.3 by Samsung OTA.

The following benchmarks show impressive system improvement on the Galaxy S3 on 4.3 firmware. It is even better than some S3s on Kitkat custom rom.

Now, talking about 3rd party launchers for S3, there are many options around. Here’s some of the recommendations:

However, based on my personal experience, I am using the KK (KitKat) Launcher with my Galaxy S3 LTE (4G, 2 GB ram, 4.3 firmware); hence I rip the benefits of much improved Touchwiz Setting (S4 features) combined with KK Launcher’s Google Now and many UI tweaks. (You have to try the KK Launcher to believe it, can be downloaded from Google Play).

The new Samsung Touchwiz software proves to be superior especially in the following departments:
–  effective camera software
–  Smart screen
–  Trim Support
–  fast

KK Launcher screenshots,
You can choose between the Touchwiz and KK Launcher and switching back & forth easily

Above:  the KK Launcher has the setting for vertical scroll of app drawer. (Like HTC One)
Below:  it comes with all the tweaks for icon, desktop, status bar, translution, icon sizing etc.etc. truly the most feature-rich customized Launcher. And it is extremely stable and fluid.

Afternote:
Besides the above update on Samsung firmware, I have also rooted my S3 LTE in order to further expand the horizon of customisation. Such as Xposed and cleared off boatware in the system.

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