[Google Messages, with RCS in tow, is now Samsung’s default messaging app in the US](https://9to5google.com/2022/02/14/google-messages-samsung-galaxy-s22-us/)
I think they want it to be the opposite. Since they integrated both their own Samsung Messages app with Google's own RCS Messaging app. Meaning that, the Play Store thinks that you have both of them installed even tho you clearly don't since the S22.
However, prior - the Samsung Messaging app and Google's RCS app were their own apps that you could install individually.
AFAIK, Samsung Message is somewhat discontinued and only serve as legacy purpose. Even the newer Samsung device defaults to Google Message.
If "messaging app" include apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, etc., then use whatever you need/want. But between those two, Google is the obvious choice.
It's terrible! Don't fall for it. It needs way too many persistent permissions (that competitions like signal dont).
Friends dont let friends use whatsapp.... they redirect them to signal.
Anything owned by Facebook is always going to be a hot pile of garbage.
This. I tried all more or less popular texting apps, and Textra is hands down the most customizable and, IMO, still the best. Not perfect, but its pros easily outweigh any cons. I use a Fold 5, and there are only two things that I wish it had. 1. RCS support. This is either Samsung/Google, or AT&T, or the app itself, I'm not sure, but there is no RCS in Textra for me. 2. Better foldable screen support. It scales and looks fine, but I miss the 2-pane layout like you get in Google Messages or Samsung Messages. Other than those two things, I'm perfectly happy with Textra, and it was an easy paid version purchase too. 100% worth it.
I have to agree, Textra may have some issues but the developers are always on top of things and it has continous support. I once had an image rotation problem when using camera and the developer responded within a few hours, and worked out the bug I seemed to have with the app. Customization, nuisance control (block numbers and settings for numbers not in your contact list) to name just a few features, the app is well supported, and since the initial probel I had 2-3 years ago there has been no further issues my side including sending pictures, GIFs, video or just MMS and SMS texts. Works like it should. Free version really isn't invasive with the ads but I did upgrade to the Pro version using balance from Google Rewards program.
Google messages for general SMS messages. Personally, I use WhatsApp to chat with most of my Friends and family circle. Luckily they are also on Whatsapp and yes I'm in the US.
A lot of people say WhatsApp is really good but the only person that has it is my mom and my wife only because we tried it since she's on iPhone and I am now on android. I like but none of my friends have it and they are all Apple people. A lot of people around me hate android and don't want to download a 3rd party app to message me :/
Isn't True caller the best since you can also sreaan fraud calls . You can back up your messages
I also usually like to record phone calls to catch the fraudsters. Can't remember which is the best
Honestly - Google's RCS app. Samsung's baked in messaging app collapses a message if you have more than a paragraph worth of text and that you'd have to manually expand every message that is collapsed (if if you exist and reopen the app).
I think it's a Samsung thing. That's why I stopped using their default messaging app and used RCS instead. Tho usually Samsungs own apps are usually pretty good (even tho how many techies shit on Samsung's apps for whatever reason). Because, Samsung own apps are pretty simplistic (but modern) in their UI looks.
I don't think it'll make a difference for people on iPhone until they switch to rcs, but make sure you have the setting switched off the send photos faster in Google messages. That'll increase the quality.
PSA....I have been using Textra for years, and accidentally I deleted a thread between my husband and me that spanned over 3+ years. Just a warning Textra does not do backup of messages so all of those pictures and threads were gone!!! I did install SMS backup (after the fact, didnt recover my old messages) but now it is taking up so much space on my phone that I can't download videos or save more photos.
Thanks! Also, for OP, I'm having the same problem with my s22 Ultra.
I am not sure about Samsung Messages, but I just accidentally deleted a massive text thread on Google messages with my best friend. Apparently, (and I even posted on Google) You CANNOT back up your texts. ????
That's a huge issue for me and am trying to find a better app that will do backup. 😣😤
SMS Backup and Restore. I use it to backup and transfer messages when I get a new phone. You can select what conversations you want to backup so it doesn't have to be all of them.
Oh snap. I have a Windows laptop. Does Windows have a Google Messages app in the store or on the Google website? I always thought you had to use Phone Link. I never used it because I had iPhone and I didn't like the UI too much
Google messages is a bit smoother and more easier to use. The only problem with them is they give us bs features that nobody wants or asked for but when we want a feature they either take something away or don't give us what we asked for.
If the other person has RCS then you can, but not with SMS. At the moment iPhone doesn't have RCS, but they have said that they are planning on supporting it in the future.
Dang that's annoying. That was a feature I used a lot on iMessage. Hopefully they support it soon so I can use that feature. My wife has an iPhone so that would be useful
I personally like Using Verizon's Messages + app and yes any Android user can use it, however, the only drawback is No mass deleting so I seen. as I have used it for years.
You can like FB Messenger to give your location.
Can confirm. I've used Verzion's app for the last 10 or so years, and I'm not thrilled to have to get used to a new app. I also really liked the ability to send gift cards via text.
Me too with losing the Verizon app! I've tried Google Messages and the Samsung Message app, and they're both behaving strangely. I see everything twice, like all group threads...and can't figure out why. If I type something to a group, I also see my response twice in the thread. Why is Verizon doing this to a soon to be retired old lady? 😕 Shouldn't apps get better not worse? Disturbed and annoyed.
I just changed today to Google. I keep getting pop up msgs that certain things are no longer going to work or be able to use it. I didn't realize it was being discontinued. As soon as gifts were disabled I should have left. My reasoning here is because iPhone pics sent by text are horrible, but I wonder if it's also my phone. I have an S22
My s23 came with Google Messages as the default, I had a Moto G Stylus 4g before and that's all I had and it was good. I currently use Samsungs messaging app mainly because I used to for too long and now all of my messages won't show up on Google's. If you use Verizon then they also have a messaging app, but they all act pretty similar.
Google Messages was mine as well. I heard that Android and Samsung devices are really customizable and I saw so many on the app store, I didn't know what was best to use. I'm really new so I'm just learning
I don't know about you but I'm not going to trust any of the apps on the app store, the only ones I'm trusting for now is Samsungs, Google's, and WhatsApp (which while it does use SMS they other person also has to use it).
Yeah, haven't heard of that one before either, it might be fine but I worked just sick with one of the 2 that comes pre install, if it comes installed in a tech giants phone it is legit so you can trust Google's and Samsungs.
I'm coming from using Textra for many years and just getting into using Google on my new S24U. Textra is really great and highly customizable. I would give it a try. I'm only trying out Google because I'm hoping I can get most of the same functionality as Textra without having to add more apps to my phone. My only option before was Samsung messages on my S9+. That's how I ended up trying out Textra.
Ah, It has been awhile since my comment, I switched to google messages soon after, it supports RCS, which with other RCS users can allow you to do most functions that iMessage already has like read messages, reply to messages, reactions, better group messaging, and better photo and video quality. Samsung messages is basically an archive and is not an updated messaging platform.anynore, which is why google messages comes by default. Also with the RCS thing, iPhones don't have it yet so it will just be normal SMS, but very soon Apple is finally adding RCS to their devices meaning there should be very little disturbance texting iPhones normally and through group messaging (which I have had a lot of trouble with). Anyways I hope you find the right messaging app!
Use Google messages. You can use it through a web browser on your PC also. You can't do it with the Samsung messaging app.
I think the google Messaging app looks better and runs a lot smoother also.
Does Google messages work with the really slick MS app 'My Phone? "? I can receive & reply to messges via my work lwptop via Bluetooth connection to my work computer. Can see the messages, respond to them via computer.
What's the current iMessage situation on Android? I think they shutdown Beeper Mini? How about the other apps like BlueBubbles? Are they reliable? I do have bunch of MacOs devices that I can use as server/relay.
I just use Google messages. Apple is supporting RCS this year so it will be much better to where you wouldn't have to use a 3rd party messaging app as much anywhere depending on where you are located
I just bought the S24 Ultra, and my thing is, is I don't need to be able to reply to a certain message, so that's not an issue for me whether it's Google or Samsung or whatever. What I DON'T like with Google Messages so far is, if I'm doom scrolling through FB Reels or whatever it might be, and I go to share it through text, it won't let me immediately find my group messages to share it to. I have to create a new message, then scroll through my contact list to select the recipients. It didn't do that on my S22! When I "shared" whatever I was watching, it gave me an option to select from my contact list, (which also included my Favorites), and it gave me an option to share to a previous "conversation".
With the S24, (and using Google Messages), not only does it not give me the option to choose a previous conversation, but it doesn't even give me the option to choose from my Favorites list. I ONLY get the regular-ass contact list to scroll through to choose the recipients.
Is there a messaging app for the S24 where I can share a video I'm watching to a previous conversation???
You can set different defaults for sharing. You have to remove the ones that are default and leave the apps or convo's that you want to see. I ran into this trying to share IG post to a group chat.
Ohhh good to know! I didn't even think about that, I was going straight towards "which messaging app is right for me?" to find the one with that option.
Thank you!!
doesn't even Samsung want us to stop using Samsung Messages??
I'm not sure. I just switched over for the first time
[Google Messages, with RCS in tow, is now Samsung’s default messaging app in the US](https://9to5google.com/2022/02/14/google-messages-samsung-galaxy-s22-us/)
I think they want it to be the opposite. Since they integrated both their own Samsung Messages app with Google's own RCS Messaging app. Meaning that, the Play Store thinks that you have both of them installed even tho you clearly don't since the S22. However, prior - the Samsung Messaging app and Google's RCS app were their own apps that you could install individually.
AFAIK, Samsung Message is somewhat discontinued and only serve as legacy purpose. Even the newer Samsung device defaults to Google Message. If "messaging app" include apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, etc., then use whatever you need/want. But between those two, Google is the obvious choice.
I heard WhatsApp is good but not everyone uses it. It seems that WhatsApp isn't huge in the US like it is everywhere else
It's terrible! Don't fall for it. It needs way too many persistent permissions (that competitions like signal dont). Friends dont let friends use whatsapp.... they redirect them to signal. Anything owned by Facebook is always going to be a hot pile of garbage.
Textra
That's why I'm here. I have a hard time sending pictures using Textra.
What's the issue? I use Textra as well.
If you are taking super high res pics your going to have issues with any messaging app.
This. I tried all more or less popular texting apps, and Textra is hands down the most customizable and, IMO, still the best. Not perfect, but its pros easily outweigh any cons. I use a Fold 5, and there are only two things that I wish it had. 1. RCS support. This is either Samsung/Google, or AT&T, or the app itself, I'm not sure, but there is no RCS in Textra for me. 2. Better foldable screen support. It scales and looks fine, but I miss the 2-pane layout like you get in Google Messages or Samsung Messages. Other than those two things, I'm perfectly happy with Textra, and it was an easy paid version purchase too. 100% worth it.
I have to agree, Textra may have some issues but the developers are always on top of things and it has continous support. I once had an image rotation problem when using camera and the developer responded within a few hours, and worked out the bug I seemed to have with the app. Customization, nuisance control (block numbers and settings for numbers not in your contact list) to name just a few features, the app is well supported, and since the initial probel I had 2-3 years ago there has been no further issues my side including sending pictures, GIFs, video or just MMS and SMS texts. Works like it should. Free version really isn't invasive with the ads but I did upgrade to the Pro version using balance from Google Rewards program.
Google messages for general SMS messages. Personally, I use WhatsApp to chat with most of my Friends and family circle. Luckily they are also on Whatsapp and yes I'm in the US.
A lot of people say WhatsApp is really good but the only person that has it is my mom and my wife only because we tried it since she's on iPhone and I am now on android. I like but none of my friends have it and they are all Apple people. A lot of people around me hate android and don't want to download a 3rd party app to message me :/
Yeah I understand, unfortunately the messaging app you use depends on what your social circle uses.
Ain't that s24 ultra somethin'?! 🤩
Isn't True caller the best since you can also sreaan fraud calls . You can back up your messages I also usually like to record phone calls to catch the fraudsters. Can't remember which is the best
Absolutely. Fraud calls are not a problem anymore. Idk why apple hasn't added that yet.
Honestly - Google's RCS app. Samsung's baked in messaging app collapses a message if you have more than a paragraph worth of text and that you'd have to manually expand every message that is collapsed (if if you exist and reopen the app).
Oh wow. That must be so annoying. iMessage never did that for me. Google seems like the best bet
I think it's a Samsung thing. That's why I stopped using their default messaging app and used RCS instead. Tho usually Samsungs own apps are usually pretty good (even tho how many techies shit on Samsung's apps for whatever reason). Because, Samsung own apps are pretty simplistic (but modern) in their UI looks.
I don't think it'll make a difference for people on iPhone until they switch to rcs, but make sure you have the setting switched off the send photos faster in Google messages. That'll increase the quality.
PSA....I have been using Textra for years, and accidentally I deleted a thread between my husband and me that spanned over 3+ years. Just a warning Textra does not do backup of messages so all of those pictures and threads were gone!!! I did install SMS backup (after the fact, didnt recover my old messages) but now it is taking up so much space on my phone that I can't download videos or save more photos.
Thanks! Also, for OP, I'm having the same problem with my s22 Ultra. I am not sure about Samsung Messages, but I just accidentally deleted a massive text thread on Google messages with my best friend. Apparently, (and I even posted on Google) You CANNOT back up your texts. ???? That's a huge issue for me and am trying to find a better app that will do backup. 😣😤
SMS Backup and Restore. I use it to backup and transfer messages when I get a new phone. You can select what conversations you want to backup so it doesn't have to be all of them.
Thank you SO much. That is extremely helpful! You saved me. 😃
You're very welcome!!
I like being able to send SMS/MMS messages from my laptop via Google Messages on phone, so I am sticking with Google Messages.
Omg I didn't even realize I could use Google Messages on my other devices. Thanks for posting this!!!
Protip: it also works on Mac. Download free app called Texty.
This works with Samsung messages too
Oh snap. I have a Windows laptop. Does Windows have a Google Messages app in the store or on the Google website? I always thought you had to use Phone Link. I never used it because I had iPhone and I didn't like the UI too much
You can use either phone link (with any messaging app) or Google message web. If I remember correctly, all Google stuffs are web apps
You can also use the open source KDE Kconnect
Google messages is a bit smoother and more easier to use. The only problem with them is they give us bs features that nobody wants or asked for but when we want a feature they either take something away or don't give us what we asked for.
I heard you used to be able to reply directly to a specific message but now you can't. Is that true?
If the other person has RCS then you can, but not with SMS. At the moment iPhone doesn't have RCS, but they have said that they are planning on supporting it in the future.
Dang that's annoying. That was a feature I used a lot on iMessage. Hopefully they support it soon so I can use that feature. My wife has an iPhone so that would be useful
I still can but maybe for the people who use the beta it doesn't work.
I shouldn't be on a beta. It came with my phone so maybe I am? I'll check but I'm almost sure Im not. Maybe it's a new update for it?
Are you using RCS? Make sure that's turned on
I think so. Let me check. I'm new to Samsung so I wasn't sure. I thought it was on by default. Checking now. Thanks! Checked. It is on!
Ohh gotcha and try texting another person with Google or samsung messages. When you see "RCS chat" you'll be able to use the feature. *
I personally like Using Verizon's Messages + app and yes any Android user can use it, however, the only drawback is No mass deleting so I seen. as I have used it for years. You can like FB Messenger to give your location.
I think Verizon Message+ is going away June 2024. that's why I am looking for a new app
Can confirm. I've used Verzion's app for the last 10 or so years, and I'm not thrilled to have to get used to a new app. I also really liked the ability to send gift cards via text.
Me too with losing the Verizon app! I've tried Google Messages and the Samsung Message app, and they're both behaving strangely. I see everything twice, like all group threads...and can't figure out why. If I type something to a group, I also see my response twice in the thread. Why is Verizon doing this to a soon to be retired old lady? 😕 Shouldn't apps get better not worse? Disturbed and annoyed.
I just changed today to Google. I keep getting pop up msgs that certain things are no longer going to work or be able to use it. I didn't realize it was being discontinued. As soon as gifts were disabled I should have left. My reasoning here is because iPhone pics sent by text are horrible, but I wonder if it's also my phone. I have an S22
Google Messages hands down. Google often makes better apps in my personal opinion.
IMO I find it inferior to Samsung Messages, I can do grouping, searching is much faster, UI is much snappier
Textra ftw
Textra has lost touch. It kinda sux now comparatively.
I have a hard time sending pictures using Textra
My s23 came with Google Messages as the default, I had a Moto G Stylus 4g before and that's all I had and it was good. I currently use Samsungs messaging app mainly because I used to for too long and now all of my messages won't show up on Google's. If you use Verizon then they also have a messaging app, but they all act pretty similar.
Google Messages was mine as well. I heard that Android and Samsung devices are really customizable and I saw so many on the app store, I didn't know what was best to use. I'm really new so I'm just learning
I don't know about you but I'm not going to trust any of the apps on the app store, the only ones I'm trusting for now is Samsungs, Google's, and WhatsApp (which while it does use SMS they other person also has to use it).
That was my main thought. I read another thread that said Textra is good but I'm nervous because ived never heard of them before
Yeah, haven't heard of that one before either, it might be fine but I worked just sick with one of the 2 that comes pre install, if it comes installed in a tech giants phone it is legit so you can trust Google's and Samsungs.
I agree, I think Google seems the best. Thank you!
Your welcome. I think with the 2 pre installed just go whichever one looks better to you because that's mostly the only difference.
I'm coming from using Textra for many years and just getting into using Google on my new S24U. Textra is really great and highly customizable. I would give it a try. I'm only trying out Google because I'm hoping I can get most of the same functionality as Textra without having to add more apps to my phone. My only option before was Samsung messages on my S9+. That's how I ended up trying out Textra.
But the Verizon app is being shut down this month. I guess we weren't paying them enough. 😠🤬
Ah, It has been awhile since my comment, I switched to google messages soon after, it supports RCS, which with other RCS users can allow you to do most functions that iMessage already has like read messages, reply to messages, reactions, better group messaging, and better photo and video quality. Samsung messages is basically an archive and is not an updated messaging platform.anynore, which is why google messages comes by default. Also with the RCS thing, iPhones don't have it yet so it will just be normal SMS, but very soon Apple is finally adding RCS to their devices meaning there should be very little disturbance texting iPhones normally and through group messaging (which I have had a lot of trouble with). Anyways I hope you find the right messaging app!
Thank you!
Google message works just fine.
Google looks like the popular choice!
Going with Google Messages tbh
That seems to be the popular choice. Everyone has been saying the same thing
Google messages
Use Google messages. You can use it through a web browser on your PC also. You can't do it with the Samsung messaging app. I think the google Messaging app looks better and runs a lot smoother also.
Google Messages seems like the majority pick. I think I'll stick with Google. Thanks!
Does Google messages work with the really slick MS app 'My Phone? "? I can receive & reply to messges via my work lwptop via Bluetooth connection to my work computer. Can see the messages, respond to them via computer.
Google message is my default, but as of recent I'm using Whatsapp more.
Google Messages by far.
Google Message. You can text via laptop (either Windows or Mac).
What's the current iMessage situation on Android? I think they shutdown Beeper Mini? How about the other apps like BlueBubbles? Are they reliable? I do have bunch of MacOs devices that I can use as server/relay.
I just use Google messages. Apple is supporting RCS this year so it will be much better to where you wouldn't have to use a 3rd party messaging app as much anywhere depending on where you are located
I just bought the S24 Ultra, and my thing is, is I don't need to be able to reply to a certain message, so that's not an issue for me whether it's Google or Samsung or whatever. What I DON'T like with Google Messages so far is, if I'm doom scrolling through FB Reels or whatever it might be, and I go to share it through text, it won't let me immediately find my group messages to share it to. I have to create a new message, then scroll through my contact list to select the recipients. It didn't do that on my S22! When I "shared" whatever I was watching, it gave me an option to select from my contact list, (which also included my Favorites), and it gave me an option to share to a previous "conversation". With the S24, (and using Google Messages), not only does it not give me the option to choose a previous conversation, but it doesn't even give me the option to choose from my Favorites list. I ONLY get the regular-ass contact list to scroll through to choose the recipients. Is there a messaging app for the S24 where I can share a video I'm watching to a previous conversation???
You can set different defaults for sharing. You have to remove the ones that are default and leave the apps or convo's that you want to see. I ran into this trying to share IG post to a group chat.
Ohhh good to know! I didn't even think about that, I was going straight towards "which messaging app is right for me?" to find the one with that option. Thank you!!