In this article, we have compared the best messaging apps - Google v.s. Samsung messages.
Text messages or SMS are a major part of online communications in our everyday lives. With the invention of messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, it is believed that text messaging services have decreased over the years. However, it isn’t true. Amidst the rise of third-party applications, texting remains a popular way of connecting. Over 6 billion SMS messages are sent daily in the US. This demonstrates having a fast, and easy-to-use messaging app can help in several ways. Moreover, people are also inclined toward secret texting apps that allow them more privacy while protecting their identities. You can explore these apps if you are into texting.
In this article, we will explore two popular apps: Google messages vs. Samsung messages. If you own an Android phone, you’ve heard of Google messages, the default messaging app for Android. However, the platform allows you to select any messaging app of your choice. Meanwhile, Samsung is the default messaging app exclusively available on Samsung smartphones.
Both apps perform the same function but are different in various ways. So, which is better, Samsung messages or Google messages? What are the differences? This article will compare both apps in terms of UI, features, speed, specifications, and more to better understand the app. So, without further ado, let’s start with the review of Google messages vs. Samsung messages.
For over half a decade now, Google has tried to pursue manufacturers to use Android Messages as their default. But given the fragmentation in the Android system, it has been a challenge to address them. On the other hand, we have Samsung, which continues to reject these offers and still uses its own messaging app called Samsung messages. With this, let’s compare Samsung vs. Google Messages to understand the core functionality and their look and feel.
Both Google and Samsung Messages apps look exactly the same except for a few minor differences. The Google Messages app shows a single line of the latest text under each conversation, whereas Samsung displays extended length in two lines. Upon launch, Samsung messages arrange conversations from the bottom half of the screen for easier one-hand control, and the top half shows unread messages. Google Messages arrange conversations normally from the top. Although, you can swipe up on both apps to arrange them from the top.
Also, Samsung Messages show a small icon beside unread messages with a number of new messages, whereas Google messages simply bold them to stand out by putting a small dot on the side. Samsung Messages show two tabs - conversations and contacts. It also offers an option to add categories. Google Messages identify unknown numbers and simplify them by adding spaces. Samsung lacks this feature, as numbers are displayed without any spacing or formatting.
Swiping a conversation in the Google messages app moves it to the archive folder. However, you can customize it to delete the messages. Samsung messages app lacks this feature as it doesn’t have an archive folder.
Both messaging apps support dark mode, but Samsung messages implement it far better than Google messages. However, in this section of Google messages vs. Samsung messages, the latter wins because of its One UI. Enabling dark mode makes the app turn pitch black allowing users to reap the benefits of AMOLED display. On the other hand, the former (Google messages) simply turns to a dark gray background preserving its Material You design. Google messages offer a separate option to enable/disable the dark mode, whereas the Samsung messages app relies on the device’s display mode.
Both apps support the MMS protocol for multimedia communications. You can send images, videos, recordings, emojis, GIFs, stickers, and more. But the Samsung messages app forces you to use a Samsung keyboard instead of a Gboard to send stickers. Moreover, you can share your location and contacts, schedule messages, save drafts, and add subject lines to both apps. However, only Google messages allow sending documents up to 307KB and even mark your messages as urgent. With Samsung messages, you can send calendar invites via text or a VCS file and send respond with quick response messages.
Out of 15 features given below, Samsung messages support 13 features, where two run with the help of other Samsung apps, and Google messages support 12 overall features. Here’s a table that entirely shows the supported options during messages.
The chat features in the best messaging apps (Google and Samsung) are the same as both apps support sending messages on the internet. However, a few tweaks are required to deliver a 100% success rate. Google Messages can use the internet to:
Depending on the device, the android messages app can be expected to show full support from Google messages to Google Messages, partial support from Google Messages to Samsung Messages, and minor support from Google Messages to iMessage.
Coming to the Samsung Messages app, it uses these features but isn’t as advanced as the Google Messages app. You need to register in the Samsung Messages app before using this feature. However, Samsung Messages automatically confirm you, unlike Google messages which verify your number separately.
Both message apps allow notifications whenever a new message is received. Google messages certainly win this due to the more AI options it offers. The first is automatically copying the OTP message code to the clipboard whenever you mark the message as read. Also, Google Messages give the option to delete OTPs after 24 hours. On the other hand, Samsung Messages notification shows message details, mark them as read, and view message options.
Additionally, Google messages support text bubbles just like the chat heads in messenger, offering a unique texting style to end users. Samsung messages do not support text bubbles but can open a small popup to respond to messages. Also, both apps support pop-up notifications on Samsung smartphones and Galaxy watches.
Samsung vs. Google Messages comparison becomes more interesting as we learn more about the search features in the apps. Samsung Messages app offers a search icon, whereas the Android Messaging app (Google) offers a search bar. While using the search bar option in the best messaging app for Android, you can see two rows- People and Categories. Under the people section, you can check out the recent users you’ve interacted with and tap on anyone to search through that conversation. The conversations option in the Android Messages app shows starred images, videos, places, and links. By touching on any options, you can open up conversations with that particular category. For instance, tapping on starred messages will show all the messages that you have starred.
While exploring the Samsung messages app, you can see it shows offers, transactions, and upcoming events under its useful cards tab. Also, it allows you to create more categories according to your preferences and usability manually. Also, the contact tab allows easily finding and texting your favorite contact.
Let’s check out some additional features offered by these apps that make them classify as the best messaging apps for Android -
You can see spam detection in both Google vs. Samsung messages apps, but Google messages are ahead in this game. Google uses its own service to identify spam messages and send them to the spam folder. Whereas Samsung messages take the data from Hiya. Although it allows users to report spam messages in the app, it can be noticed that segmentation is sometimes missed, and spam can be found in conversations.
The Samsung messages app does not have a video calling feature in its messages app. However, it can be found in its phone calling app. You can switch to video calling if your carrier supports it. On the other hand, Google messages offer a video call option that uses Google Meet to call the person. However, the video call feature via Google meet is only possible if both the sender and the receiver have the app installed on their devices.
Both Google and Samsung Messages apps support link previewing, and it falls under a standard feature. Google messages come with link filtering options allowing users to filter out what’s necessary, can be used, and trash. It also allows downloading over Wifi. On the other hand, Samsung messages only offer to enable and disable this feature.
The apps support messages for the web. However, Cross-platform sync is better on Google messages. To access your messages on the web, like WhatsApp web, you can visit messages.google.com/web on your laptop or PC and scan the QR code to enjoy texting on the web. Samsung does not offer a built-in web messaging service but by using Samsung SideSync, you can send messages from the PC or laptop.
One additional feature offered by Samsung is the ability to add categories manually. Samsung messages' main UI offers the option to add categories manually. With this, you can separate your personal and professional life by creating different categories and adding contacts distinctively to those categories.
Both apps allow you to pin conversations to the top. Pinning a conversation allows easy access to it and saves time when you are in a hurry. Google message allows pinning a maximum of only three conversations, while the Samsung messages app allows up to 20. Also, both Google and Samsung messaging apps allow starring messages and support group texts of up to 20 recipients.
The last thing to compare in this Samsung Messages vs. Google Messages review is the app's settings. In the Google messages app setting, you can explore and change functionalities for chat features, notifications, and ongoing sound, change the user’s country, deliver reports, manage group messaging (MMS), auto-download MMS, and auto-download while roaming. On the other hand, the Samsung Messages app allows you to manage notifications, MMS, broadcast channels, message center, input mode, quick responses, and delivery reports.
Hope you liked the information shared above and it helps you finalize which messages app you should choose between Google messages vs. Samsung messages. Certainly, Google messages apps offer more functionalities than Samsung text message apps. However, people choose to use the Samsung messages app due to its efficient One UI as it increases the bar for Google messages too. Apart from these, several top messaging apps are available on the marketplace that you can try out to have an ultimate texting experience. These apps are free to use and help revolutionize our social circles with additional features and enhanced calling qualities.
Aparna is a growth specialist with handsful knowledge in business development. She values marketing as key a driver for sales, keeping up with the latest in the Mobile App industry. Her getting things done attitude makes her a magnet for the trickiest of tasks. In free times, which are few and far between, you can catch up with her at a game of Fussball.
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