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You can’t react to a text in Samsung Messages: Samsung says emoji reactions such as a thumbs-up or heart aren’t supported in that app. To react on a Galaxy phone, use Google Messages instead. Open the conversation, touch and hold the message, then choose an emoji. Samsung’s Messages guidance confirms the limitation, and Google’s instructions explain how to add, change, or remove a reaction.
How to react to a message with Google Messages
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Open Google Messages and select the conversation.
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Touch and hold the text message you want to react to.
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Choose an emoji from the reaction options.
To change your reaction, touch and hold the message again and choose another emoji. To remove it, touch and hold the message and tap your highlighted reaction. These steps apply to Google Messages; they do not reveal a hidden reaction option in Samsung Messages. Google’s expressive-features instructions
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Google documents SMS and MMS reactions as available in the United States, France, Canada, and Australia. For SMS and MMS, reactions apply to text, not media such as photos or videos received through MMS. RCS reactions and other RCS features have separate device, carrier, and regional requirements, so the available options may differ by conversation. Google’s reaction guidance and its RCS FAQ describe these limits.
#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
Set Google Messages as your default SMS app
If Google Messages asks to become your default app when you open it, follow the prompt and confirm the selection. You can also set it in Android settings:
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Open Settings.
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Tap Apps, then Default apps.
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Tap SMS app and select Google Messages.
Menu names can vary by device and Android version. Google’s setup instructions cover getting started with the app.
Rank #2
- 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.
What happens when you switch from Samsung Messages
Samsung says messages and conversations transfer automatically when switching apps, but the transfer may take up to approximately 24 hours, depending on the amount of data. Its discontinuation guidance also says that on Galaxy devices released before 2022, RCS conversations may pause temporarily during the switch. Samsung says they can resume if both participants use Google Messages; SMS and MMS remain available during the pause. Samsung’s US transition notice
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In Google Messages, open the profile menu, then go to Messages settings > RCS chats to check the connection status and settings. RCS requires participating users to have the feature enabled, and availability depends on region and carrier. Google advises against repeatedly turning RCS on and off. If you have recently switched messaging apps, review Google’s RCS troubleshooting guidance rather than toggling settings repeatedly.
Rank #3
- 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.
Samsung Messages availability depends on your market and Android version
Samsung’s discontinuation notice is specific to the United States: it says Samsung Messages was discontinued on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer starting July 6, 2026. The notice says devices running Android 11 or lower are not affected by that end of service. This is not a worldwide availability statement; check Samsung guidance for your country and device before assuming the same policy applies. Samsung also notes that features and screens can vary by software version, carrier, and device. Samsung US discontinuation notice and Samsung Messages support
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
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.
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