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This Itechguide reviews the 5 best SMS app for Android. The best is reviewed last – starting with the 5th on top of the list.
Handcent Next SMS

Starting my review of the best SMS app for android, at no 5 is “Handcent Next SMS”.
This app has some amazing features. Firstly, it offers messaging on multiple devices. You can link the app on your phone to send messages from your tablet, PC or Mac. This will be very helpful when you are in a work environment.
Secondly, the app features a private box. This is where you can keep your private messages safe with a password. It also offers an SMS blocker – you can use this feature to block unwanted or spam messages.
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- 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.
Finally, this app offers self customization. With this, you can change the theme, background, font, ringtone, and more settings. Furthermore, the app offers SMS backup, support Android smartwatches, and multiple languages.
“Handcent Next SMS” is free to install but contains ads and offers in-app purchases. It has a 4.5 rating on Google Play.
Messages

“Messages” is no 4 in my review of the best SMS app for Android.
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This is a great app from Google with a lot of exciting features. The first feature that caught my attention is its chat option. Other than sending SMS or MMS, you can chat with your friends using Wi-Fi or your data network. You also know when your friends are typing or when your messages have been read.
It also offers quick and fast sharing. You can easily share your pictures and videos in good quality as a message. You can also send audio messages, stickers or your location to your contacts.
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- 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 Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, 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.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- 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)
Finally, the app has a dark mode setting. With this, you can comfortably use the app at night or in low light rooms.
“Messages” is free to install. It has a 4.5 rating on Google Play from over 2 million reviews.
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Textra SMS

Coming 3rd in my review of the best SMS app for Android is “Textra SMS”.
The first most tantalizing feature of this app is its theme design. It has more than 100 available themes. It also has more than 2000 emoji styles from Android, Twitter, Emoji One, and iOS.
Another noticeable and important feature of this app is its message blocker. You can block messages from certain contacts. It also offers quick SMS reply popup, voice memos, GIFs, and more.
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- 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.
The final feature that makes this app unique is its display modes. It offers dark, light and auto-night modes – perfect for use at any time of the day. Furthermore, the app is compatible with Android wear devices.
“Textra SMS” is free to install but contains ads and offers in-app purchases. It has a 4.5 rating on Google Play.
Signal Private Messenger

Taking the 2nd spot in my review of the best SMS app for Android is “Signal Private Messenger”.
The app offers a dark mode theme. This feature makes the app look great and unique when you are using it. The dark theme also reduces your phone’s light effect on the eyes.
It also features alert customization. With this feature, you can set your desired alerts for certain contacts. You can also choose not to apply an alert for all contacts.
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- 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.
Finally, this app caps it up with its privacy mode. This allows you to secure your private conversations from other people who have access to your phone.
In addition, the app offers an image editing tool that you can use to crop, sketch or add words to your photo before sending via SMS.
“Signal Private Messenger” offers free installation. It has a 4.6 rating on Google Play.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.GO SMS Pro – Messenger, Free Themes, Emoji

Wrapping up my review of the best SMS app for Android, at no 1 is “GO SMS Pro – Messenger”.
This SMS app has loads of fantastic features but one of the outstanding of them is its private box. With this feature, you can encrypt private messages on your phone.
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- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
This app also has hundreds of themes and stickers. You can change the background of the messaging app with cool and colorful themes.
There is one additional feature I think will be of interest – its cloud service. The app offers a cloud storage feature to backup all your messages. In addition, the app can identify unknown calls by displaying the caller’s info. It also allows you to block calls.
“GO SMS Pro – Messenger” is free to install but contains ads and offers in-app purchases. It has a 4.5 rating on Google Play from over 2 million reviews.
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