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In Google Messages, the icons beside an RCS message show its status: one check means sent, two checks mean delivered, and two filled checks mean read. Google does not show these icons for SMS or MMS. To see which type you’re sending, check the compose bar: “RCS message” means RCS, while “Text message” means SMS/MMS.
What the check marks mean in Google Messages
Look next to the message in the conversation. Google’s status icons distinguish sending, sending completion, delivery, and reading:
- Timer: The message is still sending.
- One check: The RCS message was sent.
- Two checks: The RCS message was delivered.
- Two filled checks: The RCS message was read.
These are RCS status indicators, not SMS/MMS receipts. Google explicitly notes that the icons “won’t show on SMS or MMS messages” (Google Messages Help). No RCS icon therefore does not tell you whether an SMS was read.
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Check before sending
In Google Messages, read the label in the compose bar. “RCS message” indicates RCS; “Text message” indicates that the message will go through the carrier as SMS/MMS. The conversation may also show “SMS” or “MMS” beneath the send icon (Google Messages Help).
#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.
Check RCS availability in Google Messages
Tap your profile icon, then open Messages settings → RCS chats. This shows whether RCS is available or connected. RCS requires support and activation for the relevant devices and services; everyone in a Google Messages conversation must have RCS turned on, and availability varies by region and carrier (Google Messages Help; Google Messages Help).
What the colors and receipts mean on iPhone
Apple Messages displays RCS in green bubbles, but SMS/MMS is green too. Green tells you the conversation is not using iMessage; by itself, it cannot distinguish RCS from SMS/MMS. Apple says RCS supports delivery and read receipts and typing indicators, but the availability of those features depends on carrier and device support (Apple Support).
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.
Apple says RCS on iPhone requires iOS 18 or later and a text-messaging plan with a carrier that supports RCS on iPhone. Activation may take a few hours. Check with your carrier if you need to confirm whether RCS is enabled for your line; support can vary by region and carrier. The cited Apple and Google support pages do not establish a universal carrier-by-carrier receipt policy.
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Why an RCS message may be sent as SMS/MMS
Google Messages can fall back to SMS/MMS when RCS is unavailable. RCS uses mobile data or Wi-Fi; a lack of data or a recipient who is not online can affect sending, and SMS/MMS may still be available. To review the fallback option, open profile icon → Messages settings → RCS chats and inspect Automatically resend as text (SMS/MMS) (Google Messages Help).
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.
If the compose bar says “Text message,” or the conversation shows SMS or MMS under the send icon, the message is going through SMS/MMS rather than RCS. RCS delivery and read icons do not apply to that message.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check if RCS is unavailable or stuck
For Google Messages, Google recommends these checks when RCS is unavailable, stuck connecting, or having trouble verifying:
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.
- Update Google Messages and make it the phone’s default SMS app.
- Open Messages settings → RCS chats and check the displayed status.
- Confirm the phone number is correct and that the phone can receive SMS verification messages.
- If the phone has two SIMs, check that the intended data SIM is selected.
- If the app says RCS is “Not supported,” check with the carrier about RCS availability.
These steps may identify a local setup or verification issue, but they cannot resolve every carrier-side problem (Google Messages Help). On iPhone, check that the phone runs iOS 18 or later and ask the carrier whether it supports RCS on iPhone; allow for Apple’s stated activation time of a few hours (Apple Support).
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.
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.
