Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchFor U.S. Galaxy owners using Android 12 or later, Google Messages is the clear choice in 2026. Samsung says Samsung Messages is no longer supported on those devices starting in July 2026, and that ordinary message sending stops after July 6, 2026, with an exception for emergency numbers or contacts. Samsung’s notice is U.S.-specific; it does not establish a retirement date elsewhere.
Outside the U.S., check Samsung’s local support status before changing apps. For either app, the practical questions are whether RCS works with your contacts, what transfers when you switch, and whether your watch or tablet supports the setup you use.
How the two apps compare
| What matters | Google Messages | Samsung Messages |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. support | Samsung recommends it as the default; RCS is available where supported. | Samsung says support ends for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher starting July 2026. After July 6, 2026, ordinary sending is unavailable, except to emergency numbers or contacts. |
| SMS/MMS history | Google says changing your default app does not erase existing SMS/MMS. Samsung says conversations transfer automatically when switching. | Existing conversations are the starting point for Samsung’s transfer process. |
| Richer messaging | RCS can support read receipts, typing indicators, richer group chats and high-resolution media when the participants, devices, carriers and regions support it. | Samsung Messages has supported RCS, but support varies by device and region; U.S. retirement changes its practical usefulness on affected phones. |
| Encryption | Google says RCS chats between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. Cross-platform Android–iPhone encryption is subject to a limited rollout. | Google identifies Samsung Messages as an RCS-capable app but does not establish that its encryption or data handling is identical to Google Messages. |
| Watches and tablets | Google documents messaging across selected Samsung devices. Galaxy Watch4 and newer support Google Messages; tablet continuity has device and carrier limits. | Samsung Messages continuity is affected by the U.S. retirement. Older Tizen watches will not show full message history after it ends. |
Samsung’s U.S. support notice sets out the retirement and migration details: Samsung Messages discontinuation and switch guidance. For selected Samsung devices that preload Google Messages and support messaging across Galaxy devices, see Google Messages on Samsung devices.
What happens when you switch?
Changing the default messaging app should not delete your SMS/MMS history. Google says existing SMS/MMS messages remain, and Samsung says conversations transfer automatically. Samsung estimates that a complete transfer can take approximately 24 hours, depending on the amount of data.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
That does not guarantee every app-specific feature or format will carry over. Google warns that proprietary features or formats unsupported by the new app may stop working. Samsung also says RCS may pause temporarily on devices released before 2022; it may resume if both people use Google Messages. SMS/MMS remains available during that pause.
Before changing the default
- Make sure you can open the conversation list in the new app and allow time for the transfer to finish.
- If RCS pauses, check again after the switch; both participants may need Google Messages for RCS to resume in the described situation.
- Do not assume that a proprietary feature from Samsung Messages will have an equivalent in Google Messages.
Samsung’s migration steps and exceptions are in its U.S. discontinuation FAQ; Google explains app switching and RCS behavior in its RCS chats FAQ.
What RCS adds—and when it falls back to SMS/MMS
RCS is the richer messaging option, not a guarantee that every text thread gets every feature. When supported and enabled, it can provide sent, delivered and read indicators, typing indicators, richer group chats and higher-resolution media. Samsung’s September 8, 2026 overview also describes emoji reactions and cross-ecosystem group chats when RCS is enabled; Samsung notes that image quality can vary. In Google Messages, the image preview includes an “Original quality” choice.
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.
RCS availability depends on the people in the conversation and on device, carrier and regional support. If someone does not have RCS, the conversation can use SMS/MMS instead; typing indicators and read receipts do not apply to that fallback. RCS uses Wi-Fi or mobile data, so mobile-data charges depend on your plan.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
For Google’s feature and availability details, see its RCS FAQ. Samsung’s feature description is in its September 8, 2026 RCS overview.
Are RCS messages encrypted?
Be precise about which apps are in the conversation. Google says RCS chats between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. That claim should not be generalized to every RCS conversation or every RCS-capable app. Google says its service uses TLS when end-to-end encryption is unavailable, and directs users to other apps’ documentation for their own settings and data handling.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Google announced on May 11, 2026, that end-to-end encrypted RCS between Android and iPhone users was beginning a beta rollout. The stated conditions include supported carriers, iPhones on iOS 26.5 and Android users on the latest Google Messages. Google said encryption is on by default and would be enabled over time for supported new and existing conversations. The announcement does not establish that the feature is available to every Android–iPhone pair.
Read Google’s explanation of RCS security and data handling and its May 11, 2026 cross-platform rollout announcement.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Will your Galaxy watch or tablet still work?
Google Messages supports messaging across selected Galaxy devices, but exact behavior depends on the model and carrier. Samsung says Galaxy Watch4 and newer support Google Messages. Older Tizen watches will not show full message history after Samsung Messages ends, although they can still read and send texts.
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.
Tablet continuity also has limits. Samsung identifies carrier and model restrictions, while Google notes that some legacy tablet and watch use cannot use RCS for one-to-one conversations or create new RCS groups. Check the support information for your exact device rather than assuming that phone, tablet and watch features match.
See Google’s Samsung-device compatibility guidance and Samsung’s discontinuation and migration FAQ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which app should you use?
If you are in the United States
If your Galaxy runs Android 12 or later, use Google Messages as your default. Samsung’s U.S. notice says Samsung Messages is no longer supported on those devices starting in July 2026 and that ordinary sending stops after July 6, 2026, apart from the emergency exception. Check that RCS is active if you want richer chat features.
Best Value
- 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.
If you are outside the United States
Do not assume the U.S. retirement date applies where you live. The cited Samsung notice does not set a non-U.S. timetable. Check Samsung support for your country and device, then compare the RCS and multi-device features available with your carrier.
If you are deciding on features rather than support
Choose based on the people you message and devices you use. RCS features require compatible support on the other end, and Google’s strongest encryption statement applies specifically to RCS chats between Google Messages users. If your workflow depends on an older watch, tablet continuity, or a Samsung-specific feature, verify how it behaves after switching.
Quick Recap
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.
