Are these apps better than Android’s Messages app? Let’s find out here. In this post, we take Samsung Messages and Android Messages to the battleground and see who is more powerful. Let the match begin.
User Interface
Both the apps have a similar yet distinct user interface. While Samsung Messages has a whitish look, Android Messages looks more colorful thanks to the colored contact icons. On the first screen, you will find all your messages in a list format. In Samsung Messages, you get a separate tab for contacts accessible through a swipe gesture.
Archive Messages
In case you don’t want some messages to show up as you scroll, you can archive them instead of deleting permanently. The Android Messages lets you do that. However, Samsung Messages lacks that feature.
Star and Pin Messages
Instead of letting you archive messages, Samsung offers two other features: Star and Pin. Yes, you guessed it correctly. Both work the same way as pinning and starring messages in WhatsApp. When you pin a message, it stays at the top of the list even if you receive or send other messages. Similarly, you can star individual messages from any chat thread. Once starred, they are available under the Starred section. Sadly, Android Messages lacks both these features.
Schedule Messages
One of the reasons that make people switch to third-party SMS clients is that of the availability of the message scheduling feature. Guess what? This is a native feature in Samsung Messages. No need to switch to apps like Textra or others. But, if you are using Android Messages, you cannot schedule any.
Quick Response
Want to save time by avoiding to type out same or repetitive responses? Then you will love Quick Response, a feature exclusive to Samsung Messages. While Samsung Messages has a list of pre-defined replies, you can add your own too.
Customization and Themes
In the previous versions of Samsung Messages, one could change the background and bubble style. Samsung removed them. Now if you want to change the look of the Messages app, you will have to change the overall device theme. Why Samsung, Why? eternal screaming intensifies When it comes to Android Messages, it doesn’t support themes. But if it makes you feel any better, it supports the dark theme. Recently, Google removed the dark theme and then added it back.
Gestures
Unlike other text apps, Samsung Messages doesn’t support any gestures. If you swipe on any message thread, nothing will happen. But if you swipe on a thread in Android Messages, the thread will be archived.
Signature and Web Preview
Sadly, none of the apps let you add a custom signature to your messages. On the bright side, when you get a link in an SMS, both the apps will show a link preview.
GIF Support
GIFs are everything. They convey emotions much better than emojis. Sadly, Samsung begs to differ, as it doesn’t offer GIF in Messages. Sure, you get stickers, emojis and other functions such as voice note and location sharing. On the other hand, Android Messages supports GIFs and even lets you search them right from the app.
Price and Availability
Android Messages and Samsung Messages are free app, that goes without saying. All the features mentioned above are available for free in both the apps. There is no premium version to unlock any extra features. If you like Android Messages, you can install it on Samsung or any other device. But if you fall for Samsung Messages, you will have to become a loyal Samsung customer since you cannot install it on any other Android device. Download Android Messages
Web and PC App
Finally, after years of wait, Google launched the web version of its messaging app. You can now send and receive messages using your computer. While Samsung doesn’t have a web version, it lets you text from PC or Mac with the help of its SideSync program.
The Good and the Bad
While each app has its own perks, they also lack a couple of features. For instance, you don’t get message delay or categorization in either app. However, Samsung Messages is slightly ahead of Android Messages as it offers message scheduling, pin, start, and quick responses. But if you don’t need these features, Android Messages is a good choice. Especially if you love GIFs. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
