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The right alternative depends on what you mean by “texting.” If you want to keep sending messages to phone numbers through your carrier, Google Messages with RCS is the most clearly documented route for richer media; SMS/MMS remains the fallback when RCS is unavailable. If you mainly want to share photos and videos with people willing to use the same internet messaging service, Signal is an option—but it does not send SMS or MMS.
Choose based on whether you need carrier texting
Google Messages combines carrier messaging with internet-based RCS where supported. That lets you continue conversations by phone number, with SMS/MMS available as a fallback. Signal works differently: messages and attachments travel through Signal over an internet connection, and both people need to use the service.
- Need to reach people by phone number without asking them to install another app? Keep a carrier SMS app. Google Messages is the strongest documented option here for RCS media, but RCS features depend on the other person’s device, carrier, and availability.
- Want a separate messaging service for contacts who will use it too? Consider Signal for photos, videos, and files, while recognizing it cannot replace your SMS/MMS app.
- Considering another SMS app? Confirm its current RCS support with the app provider and your carrier before switching. The available official documentation does not establish a broadly available third-party Android app with Google Messages’ RCS behavior.
How the options compare
| Option | Replaces carrier SMS/MMS? | How media is sent | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Messages with RCS | Yes; SMS/MMS can serve as fallback | RCS supports high-quality media, with documented HD and HD+ controls. Google says its image/video feature also works with RCS and MMS, but MMS should not be assumed to deliver RCS-level quality. | RCS availability and behavior depend on the recipient, device, provider, carrier, and feature rollout. Google Messages help; Google Messages; RCS help. |
| Signal | No | Internet-based photo, video, and file attachments; optional view-once media and media-download controls. | Recipients need Signal. It does not send SMS/MMS. Signal media and files; Signal SMS/MMS support; Signal view-once media. |
| Other carrier SMS apps | Potentially, for SMS/MMS | Depends on the specific app and carrier. | Broad RCS parity with Google Messages is not established by the available sources. Check vendor and carrier documentation before switching. |
| Other internet messengers | No | Separate services may support photo and video attachments. | Usually both people need the same service; compare the specific app’s current features and privacy model before choosing. |
Google Messages with RCS: best fit for phone-number texting
RCS is the richer-media path when it is available to both ends of a conversation. Google documents high-quality photo and video sharing and HD/HD+ quality controls. If RCS is not available, a conversation may use SMS/MMS instead; media quality and behavior should not be presumed identical across those transports.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBefore switching away from Google Messages, check whether RCS is active for your conversation and whether the people you message can use it. Google describes RCS availability as conditional on device, provider, and carrier support. Its current help information specifies Android and select iPhone devices, so cross-platform support should not be read as universal iPhone or carrier compatibility.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Encryption is also not uniform across every RCS conversation. Google announced a beta rollout of end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest Google Messages. That limited rollout does not establish that all RCS chats are end-to-end encrypted.
Signal: best when your contacts will use a separate service
Signal supports photo, video, and file attachments, with settings that let you control automatic media downloads over mobile data, Wi-Fi, and roaming. Because attachments use internet connectivity, they can consume data depending on your connection and settings.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Signal removed SMS/MMS support from its Android app. Installing it therefore does not replace your carrier texting app or let you send ordinary SMS/MMS to people who do not use Signal.
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When view-once media helps
Signal offers an optional view-once setting for photos and videos. Signal says sent view-once media leaves the conversation after it is viewed; unopened media is removed after 45 days, or sooner if a disappearing-message timer applies. This is a viewing feature, not a guarantee that a recipient cannot capture or copy the content by other means.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Other SMS apps: verify RCS before you switch
An SMS-oriented Android app may be able to take over carrier SMS/MMS, but that alone does not make it a substitute for Google Messages’ RCS capabilities. The available official sources do not identify a broadly available third-party Android client with equivalent RCS support. Treat claims of RCS compatibility as something to verify for your exact app, device, carrier, and recipient—not as a default feature of SMS apps.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Samsung owners: check the transition notice
Samsung’s US support page says discontinuation of Samsung Messages began in July 2026, notes that SMS/MMS remains available during the transition, and recommends Google Messages. Because that notice is specific to the US, check your phone’s transition prompts and local Samsung support information rather than assuming the same timing or availability in every region. Samsung US discontinuation information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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