Tushar Mehta / Digital Trends

Amid the raise ofthird - party electronic messaging apps , texting remain a popular agency of message in the U.S. If you own an Android phone , you ’ve likely used or heard ofGoogle Messages , which is positioned as the nonpayment text edition message app for Android . It is the apogee of Google’slong historywith multiple messaging chopine . Google has pursued smartphone companies to apply its Dialer and Messages apps as their defaultsince at least 2017and now mandate them to utilize Google Messages as the default messaging app on all devices .

Meanwhile , if you have been a Samsung exploiter in the past , you have probably also known and live the Samsung Messages app , which comes preinstalled on all Samsung phone and can not be uninstalled . This is despite losing its office as the default message app on Samsung Galaxy smartphones .

If you ’ve boughta new Samsung phonerecently , you must take between two messaging apps : Google Messages and Samsung Messages . Each app has its advantage , but you could not habituate both at the same time . In this article , we will facilitate you choose the best messaging app for your Samsung smartphone by highlighting the cardinal differences between Google Messages and Samsung Messages .

Google Messages vs. Samsung Messages: user interface

The user interface on Google Messages has plenty of similarity with Samsung Messages , especially in terms of functionality . There are , however , seeable differences that you remark from the get - go .

Home screen

The first thing you notice on Samsung Messages is that the list of messages starts halfway through the display instead of at the top . This is in adherence to Samsung ’s One UI port , which is designed to facilitate one - handed function . The top half of the port displays the identification number of unread messages , and you’re able to tap on theViewbutton under this counter to look at a list of only unread subject matter . It is worth noting that the Google Messages app also uses the same design where the conversations leaning begins in the midsection of the display — but exclusively on Samsung phone .

On the plate filmdom , both apps group message from the same sender into conversation . Google Messages displays a hunting bar on the top of the welcome screen , along with your Google story ’s profile pic , which you could exploit to open up one of the two overflow menus ( the 2nd can be open up using the hamburger button on the left wing ) . Both apps have buttons at the bottom right to compose unexampled messages .

Samsung Messages has a search push instead of a consecrate bar , but it works similarly . tap either of the elements open a consecrate page in which the search solvent populate as you type . While Google Messages lists results by conversations , Samsung Messages makes finding text easy by list private messages .

Below the search bar , Google Messages displays tags for mechanically sorting subject matter into different category such as Personal , Transactions , OTPs , and Offers . Samsung Messages also lets you separate messages into dissimilar class , but with a significant drawback . You must create categories in Samsung Messages manually and then also add conversation to those family . With automatic sorting , Google Messages take a shit it much well-heeled than Samsung Messages to keep your SMS inbox blank and purposefully dribble .

Google Messages lets you archive subject matter by swiping over them . Like the Gmail app on Android , you could choose different action ( between edit and archiving ) for left and correct swiping . The swipe - to - archive characteristic is scatty on Samsung Messages , which is ironic since Samsung ’s Phone app has supported actions from swiping over contact lens name calling for nearly a decade .

Lastly , Google Messages allow you prefer between the weak and dark themes for the user interface if you do n’t care for it to be synchronized with the system theme . Just like other Google apps , its Messages app also uses a drear gray tint for the dark musical mode .

Meanwhile , Samsung Messages does not give you the alternative to choose between light and dark mode manually and automatically contemporise the app ’s theme with the rest of the sound . Samsung employ a dual - shade background , including a dark ghost for the empty area and a light shade behind the listing of messages .

Composing and replying to messages

Google Messages and Samsung Messages have alike method of initiate a unexampled chat . You lead off by rap the button at the bottom and then choose the recipient from your touch list — or manually enter their mobile telephone number or email ID ( only on Google Messages ) to begin a conversation .

Other than visual distinctions , Google Messages and Samsung Messages officiate similarly . Besides school text , you’re able to broadcast emojis , GIFs , stickers , and spokesperson message on Google Messages . Besides the standard medium attachments , you may send single file , contact , and your fix with Google Messages by using a rich messaging protocol calledRCS ( Rich Communication Services ) . Like Apple ’s iMessage , RCS do work over the internet instead of SMS or MMS and is , therefore , instant . The only requirement is that both the sender and the receiver must have RCS - enabled gadget . We talk about RCS features in detail below .

Samsung Messages offers similar support for attachments that can be sent along with the message . This includes photograph , GIFs , video , voice content , emojis , etc . Samsung also allows you to send stickers in chats , but only if you use its own keyboard app . Samsung Messages has similar features for RCS chats that enable it to send to multimedia now .

In addition to diverse attachment options , Google Messages also offer “ Smart Replies ” power by Google Assistant . These responses are mechanically return by AI base on what it finds worthy and come out as release for light tapping .

you may practice the template “ speedy response ” school text on Samsung Messages as well . For fast access , you may also add custom text edition to the list of Quick responses . However , unlike Google Messages , the list of suggested response only contain a set of stock replies not customized by Google Assistant . Nor does it use the company ’s virtual supporter , Bixby .

Both messaging apps allow you to schedule a message to be sent in the future and offer direct button to call a mortal using the phone over Google Meet ( previously twosome ) . Both apps also let you schedule messages for sending at a later clock time .

If your smartphone is running Android 11 and above , conversations in Google Messages can be viewed as collapsible bubbles , similar to the Facebook Messager Android app .

Google Messages vs. Samsung Messages: RCS chat features

RCS   is a message communications protocol envisioned to be the replacement to SMS and MMS . Although the standard was first described by the GSM Association in 2007 , it did not become commonplace until 2015 whenGoogle bought Jibe Mobile , which used to provide back - death services for RCS to roving carriers .

In 2018 , Google introduced Chat , an RCS - backed service that would allow users to send and get rich multimedia such as emojis , HD videos , GIFs , and share read receipt , and even show the other person as typing in existent time . At the clip , all of these feature film were either limited to internet courier like WhatsApp and iMessage . But unlike Apple ’s iMessage , RCS was not singly have by one company and , therefore , became wide useable for use by every carrier and Android earphone manufacturer .

To spur the growth of RCS , Google introducedChat features in Messages on Androidin 2018 and then partnered withcarriers in the U.S. to enable these Chat featureson smartphones . It has also partnered with Samsung to enable cohesiveRCS messaging across Samsung and other Android devices .

Currently , RCS - based messaging is more widely present in many part of the world across legion carriers and Android devices than before . However , Google Messages and Samsung Messages are still the only first - company electronic messaging apps support RCS electronic messaging . Since RCS is interoperable , it also works between Google Messages and Samsung Messages .

Multimedia support

RCS similarly empowers both Messages apps , add together the ability to portion out metier instantly . With RCS functionality turned on , you may send images , stickers , GIFs , emojis , audio frequency , video , text file , location , calendar entries , inter-group communication , and voice message across supported devices . The current file size of it limit is 100 MB , which may not be not as impressive as WhatsApp ’s 2 GB data file size of it limit , but will serve for a big variety of files .

Since RCS messages are channel over the internet and not through your carrier ’s electronic connection , you’re able to send them even without an active service — so long as you are connected to Wi - Fi or any other net source . Reliance on the internet ensures that RCS messages are delivered instantly .

Meanwhile , Samsung Messages prompts you to take the media quality while share , allowing you to pull through datum if you ’re on a metered cellular web .

Read receipts, typing indicator, and group chats

In addition to expanding support for dissimilar file type , RCS enables a typing index and read receipts on Google Messages and Samsung Messages . you may also love multimedia - rich chemical group New World chat with other people who have RCS - enabled devices . Google Messages also allows you to respond to messages with emojis , while Samsung Messages lacks this feature .

End-to-end encryption

set about in August 2023 , Google hasenabled end - to - destruction encryptionfor RCS chats through Google Messages . However , it does not explicitly say whether encoding applies to RCS across the board or only to conversation between Google Messages user .

How to activate RCS messaging on Google Messages or Samsung Messages

To enjoy RCS Chat features on either Google Messages or Samsung Messages , you must enable them manually . Here ’s how to can do it :

Note : If you apply a double - SIM headphone , you could only enable RCS chat on the first SIM . You might have to verify your number manually if the apps do n’t automatically enable it .

Both apps also allow you to disable RCS or default to beam a subject matter as SMS or MMS if a substance can not be sent over the net .

Special features in Google Messages

Apart from a great business deal of similarity in basic functioning , Google Messages and Samsung Messages apps propose unique features not usable on the other . Here ’s a summation of those distinction .

Automatic Sorting

Google Messages offer automatic categorization of subject matter into the following class :

For some user , this categorization may be limited to only two groups , Personal and Business , ground on placement .

In Google Messages , you’re able to also choose the primary family that appears when you launch the app . you may also choose the choice to enable auto - delete for OTPs 24 hour after receiving them to reduce the clutter in your inbox .

Google Assistant-powered suggestions

Google Messages expend A.I. to offer an array of hint in messages . Besides the Smart Replies we mentioned above , Google Messages suggests emoji , GIFs , and sticker that are contextual to the subject matter . Google says these suggestion aregenerated on the deviceinstead of being processed on the cloud , thereby stay private to you and others in the New World chat .

Other than suggestions , Google Messages will help you produce Calendar events or set monitor if you receive a message about an effect . This , again , happens totally offline and without Google prying on you . If you incur a locating ( or a Google Maps link ) in a content , Google Messages will offer a quick trailer of that area on Maps and also countenance you to navigate to that place . last , Google Messages can provide reminders for birthdays if the other contact has a Google story associate with their turn . If you find these suggestions intrusive , you may grow them off from the Suggestions carte inside the app ’s options .

Emoji responses

Emojis have become the more ceremonious way of life to route small talk of the town , and reactions show really utile here . Like WhatsApp , Instagram , iMessage , etc . , Google Messages also allows you to react to messages with a broad range of emojis . These reaction are only available as part of RCS - enabled chats and require others to also habituate Google Messages .

The Samsung Messages app does not support emoji reactions and will display your reaction as a new substance highlighting it .

Sending medium through MMS can accrue an additional price , especially if you ’re not on an straight-out cellular plan . To prevent that , Google Messages automatically converts medium shared with non - RCS users into lineal web links , which allow you to open media in a web web internet browser . For secrecy , these tie-in are only valid for 72 minute .

Desktop continuity

Google Messages allow you to view and reply to message from your phone on a reckoner by using the “ machine coupling ” choice from the three - window pane menu on the welcome CRT screen . Just like on WhatsApp Web , you have to openGoogle Messages for webon your PC web browser and join up your phone . It must be noted that to send or receive message now from the PC , your sound must also be connect to the internet . Samsung Messages does not have such a feature .

you’re able to , however , use Microsoft’sYour Phone Companion appto mirror your Android gimmick to your Windows PC ’s covert . Besides consider and responding to messages , you may also make call , see and manage notifications , written matter or drag and drop text or files across your phone and microcomputer , access your phone ’s store , and even cast the phone ’s display onto the PC ’s screen . It must be remark that Your Phone Companion is not limited to Samsung devices and can be used with any Android machine , including those unravel Google Messages . Unfortunately , this will not be possible on a Mac without third - political party tools likeAirDroidorKDE Connect .

Special features in Samsung Messages

Those are the special features you get in Google Messages , but what about Samsung Messages ? Samsung ’s list of single features is n’t quite as exhaustive , but there ’s still some interesting stuff to check out .

Recycle bin

The Recycle Bin inside Samsung Messages hold messages and conversation cancel by you in the last 30 days . If necessitate , you’re able to restore those subject matter or leave them as they are for automatic deletion after the 30 - day window . The Recycle Bin can be good for scenarios when you blue-pencil messages by misapprehension .

Chat screen customization

Another interesting feature on Samsung Messages that ’s leave out on Google Messages is the power to customize a New World chat ’s setting and subject matter house of cards colour . you’re able to select a impost color for the chat background or apply a picture as the setting to alter the feel of the chat all . The background and custom colouring material can be chosen for a exceptional conversation or applied to all chats with a single dab . you could also tweak the visibility of message bubbles and text edition base on the wallpaper .

Shared document overview

When using Samsung Messages for an online RCS - base chat , you get an overview of the previously share text file . Head to the specific conversation , knock the three - dot push button on the top - right field , and then tapShared affixation .

Google Messages does not offer a similar ability to consolidate shared media in one seat , leave you to scroll while searching for a previously portion out file , image , or video .

Smart actions

superposable to Google Messages ’ paint a picture actions , Samsung Messages gets smart suggestions based on certain triggers within message , such as a date or a location . Samsung Messages offer verbatim buttons to append an event to the calendar or navigate to a position . The suggestion , however , do not experience as thorough as with Google Messages .

Google Messages vs. Samsung Messages: availability and device support

As mentioned above , Google Messages has become the default SMS app for Android . you could select various third - party apps from the Google Play Store , but most users are unlikely to take that route , primarily due to privateness concerns and a deficiency of trust of third - party service . If you have buy an Android phone since other 2022 , it likely come preloaded with the app . However , if you have an quondam gimmick — or it does n’t come with the app preinstalled , you candownload Google Messages from the romp Store . No flat - out minimum requirements exist , and the app should puzzle out on any phone bought within the last five years .

Samsung Messages is exclusive to Samsung devices and will not puzzle out on phones from any other make . Even if you attempt to sideload the app using an APK , the installation wo n’t complete . If you own a Samsung phone ( preferably running One UI ) , it will get with the late app preinstalled . But if for some reason it does n’t , you candownload Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store .

Notably , RCS features on both messaging apps will depend on support from your carrier . In the U.S. , leading providers , including Verizon , AT&T , T - Mobile , and Sprint , support RCS . In addition , you may savor RCS with Google Fi and mickle of prepaid providers . At Google I / O , Hiroshi Lockheimer , senior vice United States President , announced that RCS has over800 million usersworldwide — a number that remain exclusive of Apple users .

Google Messages vs. Samsung Messages: Which is better?

The choice between Google Messages and Samsung can be consuming . While we hope our compare help facilitate the decision , here ’s a fast recap that will help you peck the correct app .

Google Messages has become the default app for text messaging on Android . Despite being mean to process in the first place for SMS - based messaging , the app also facilitates sharing multimedia through a modern protocol telephone RCS , like to Apple ’s iMessage . Alongside text messages , RCS let you to send out media in real time . It also supports emoji reaction to messages , as well as an crying typing index number . Besides RCS , Google Messages automatically get up message into class to facilitate you separate conversations with hoi polloi and concern . last , it also offers smart hint , such as prompts to sum up calendar events or reminders , powered by Google Assistant ’s AI , while processing this data completely on the gadget .

Samsung Messages also supports RCS - establish messaging , just like Google Messages . In addition to the regular media format in Google Messages , Samsung Messages also bear out custom sticker and GIFs throughSamsung ’s AR emojis — selfsame to Apple ’s Memoji , but set up manually — andBitmoji . You also get the option to customize the chat blind for individual conversations ( or all at once ) . Lastly , you’re able to call back incidentally deleted subject matter through the Recycle Bin , which is not available on Google Messages .

So to sum it up , Google Messages ensures a smarter experience through AI suggestions and automatic brass , while Samsung prioritizes personalization and integrate fun features such as AR stickers . you’re able to select the good app for yourself base on the features you trust from an idealistic messaging chopine .