Since the very beginning of the mobile phone revolution, text messaging or SMS has remained an integral and exceptional feature. Over time, the features of text messaging have improved and have started to offer much more. Initially, it was only text messages limited to certain characters, then came MMS, then the exchange of audio and video files became possible.
The “smartphone” revolution has brought about a paradigm shift in the way these SMS and MMS platforms are managed. From the operating system and OEMs to service providers, everyone offers messaging apps that let you do more than was possible before.
The main applications in this regard are Android messages – now Google Messages, Verizon Messages – now Message + and Samsung Messages. Android devices have the largest footprint, as more and more OEMs are opting for the operating system for different reasons. Given all the flexibility offered by the platform, many manufacturers stick to the basic functionalities of the operating system which contribute to the proper functioning of the devices.
After that, Verizon, the most active and important service provider. With their exclusive agreements with almost all manufacturers, the company goes the extra mile to facilitate its customers. One of these services is Messages, which has been popular with its subscribers.
Then we have Samsung, the largest of all OEMs. It would not be wrong to say that Samsung and Android go hand in hand. With this, the company benefits from the flexibility to develop most of its applications in-house. If you have a Galaxy S10 or even a Galaxy S9, then you should enjoy an improved user experience with these custom apps. Samsung Messages is the default application on all Samsung devices.
These applications and their functionalities are so effective that in certain fields, they even compete with other messaging applications such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Now let’s go through these three main messaging apps and try to find out which Android messaging app is the best.
Now let’s take a look at Android vs Samsung Message vs Message + messages.
Android messages
This is the official Google app for SMS, MMS and RCS (chat). With its sleek, intuitive and comfortable design, you can connect with anyone, anytime and anywhere. The app combines the reliability of texting and the richness of conversations, providing a better user experience by allowing them to send individual or group text messages, share images, GIFs, emoticons, stickers, videos and sound. It provides instant notifications and an intelligent response function.
The app also works in dark mode for comfortable use in low light. In addition to multimedia content, Android Messages allows you to send and receive payments via Google Pay. One of the exceptional features of the application is its powerful search. By simply tapping the search icon and selecting a specific contact, their complete messaging history is available. Some operators also support the connectivity of the application over Wi-Fi or data networks. With this you can see when your friends are typing, get reading receipts, share better quality pictures and videos and much more.
Messages was introduced with Android OS 5.0 – Lollipop and has been available since then. Most Android phones and tablets have a higher operating system version than that given.
Benefits
- Simple and easy to use user interface
- Better integration with other applications
- Being part of the Google suite works effectively
The inconvenients
- Small input area makes editing messages difficult
- Chat features are disabled on certain brands by certain ports
- Message blocking function is not present
Verizon Messages (Message +)
Verizon Messages is a text message application that allows you to integrate your messages on compatible devices. So if you have an Android phone, tablet and PC, you can sync all of your messages using the app. Message + lets you make and receive calls on tablets. With customizable conversations, you can easily stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues, individually or in a group. The best part of the app is the eGift Cards feature. Message + also provides access to additional functionality from conversations. These features include Yahoo Media Search, Glympse, Yelp, Kanvas and more. The app also supports location tracking services, attractive public profiles and driving mode.
So why are there two applications? What is the difference between Verizon Messages and Message +? The application was launched with Android OS 4.2. Later, after the launch of Android 8.0, the app also underwent a major overhaul and was relaunched as Message +. As the name suggests, the latter offers a few additional features that support cats, which did not exist before.
Benefits
- Synchronization of messages on all devices
- Works on all device platforms
- Rich in features with WiFi support
The inconvenients
- Only works if you have a US number
- Support for Galaxy S9 and S10 is complex
- For RCS (chat) to work, the application must be present on both sides
Samsung messages
Samsung Messages is the default tool for sending and receiving text on all official Samsung devices. The app provides comfortable, safe and easy access for users to send SMS, MMS and even chat messages. The best part is that all of the features are preinstalled and users don’t have to sign up for additional service features. It is a feature-rich application that allows users to access text and multimedia messages, extended search, message blocking and protection, dual SIM support, URL previews, mark messages as read, support Talkback. Since Samsung traditionally develops most applications for its devices, integrations and operations are therefore flawless.
Benefits
- Synchronization of messages on all devices
- Rich in features with WiFi support
The inconvenients
- Many features depend on the device, work on Samsung devices
- Poor support for desktop browsers
After having reviewed all the features offered by all these applications, we can notice that there is not much difference in this area. It all comes down to user experience and support outside of a particular brand or carrier. Keeping this in mind, Android Messages seems to be the winner. However, with support for other devices and media, you should at least try each of the apps.
I hope you find our Google Messages vs Verizon Message vs Samsung Messages review helpful.