For Galaxy owners in the United States with Android 12 or newer, Google Messages is the practical choice: Samsung says Samsung Messages will be discontinued on those devices starting July 6, 2026. Elsewhere, check local support and your device’s software version before deciding. For features, Google Messages offers broader RCS support; Samsung Messages retains useful organization and customization options on devices where it remains supported.
Samsung Messages vs. Google Messages: key differences
| Feature | Samsung Messages | Google Messages |
|---|---|---|
| Support on Galaxy devices | Samsung’s US guidance says the app is discontinued from July 6, 2026, on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer. Devices on Android 11 or lower remain functional, according to Samsung. This does not establish a worldwide retirement date. Samsung Support US | Samsung recommends Google Messages for Android 12+ devices affected by the change. The app is available for Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 8.0 or later. Samsung Support US Samsung setup guidance |
| SMS and MMS | Supports standard SMS and MMS, subject to carrier service. | Supports SMS and MMS. When RCS is unavailable, messages can fall back to carrier-delivered SMS/MMS. Google Messages Help |
| RCS | RCS depends on carrier support and may not work across carriers or include every feature. Samsung Support US | Supports RCS across carriers, though actual availability depends on carrier, region, device, and recipient settings. RCS can add high-resolution media, typing indicators, read receipts, and group controls when participants have it enabled. Google Messages Help Google Messages Help |
| Distinct conveniences | On supported devices, Samsung documents conversation categories, scheduled sending, and per-thread wallpaper or background customization. Its guidance does not promise every RCS feature in this client; for example, it says message reactions are not supported. Samsung Support US | Offers Google Messages for Web and Smart Replies, alongside its RCS features. The available documentation does not establish a complete, current feature-by-feature comparison for every personalization option. Samsung Support US |
| Encryption | May connect to RCS by Google if the client supports RCS, but Google’s end-to-end encryption claim applies specifically to Google Messages users. Google Messages Help | RCS chats between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. Cross-platform Android–iPhone encryption began a conditional beta rollout on May 11, 2026; it is not universal. Google Messages Help Google Blog |
Which should you use?
Choose Google Messages if you want broad RCS support
Google Messages is the stronger fit if you message people on different carriers or want RCS features such as read receipts, typing indicators, high-resolution media, and group management. These features work only when RCS is available and enabled for the conversation participants; otherwise, SMS/MMS remains the fallback. Standard SMS/MMS may incur carrier charges or use your messaging plan.
Keep Samsung Messages only where it is supported and suits your habits
On supported legacy devices, Samsung Messages may better suit you if you rely on conversation categories, scheduled messages, or thread-specific backgrounds. Those conveniences do not outweigh the US discontinuation for Galaxy devices on Android 12 or newer. If you are outside the United States or use an older Android version, check Samsung’s local guidance and your device before making a choice.
Does Samsung Messages support RCS?
It can, but support is conditional. Samsung says RCS in Samsung Messages depends on carrier support and may not work across carriers or provide every RCS feature. Samsung’s guide lists capabilities such as typing indicators and large attachments, while also explicitly noting that message reactions are not supported in Samsung Messages. Do not assume that a feature available in Google Messages will behave the same way in Samsung’s app.
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- 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
Google Messages has broader RCS support, but RCS is not a universal replacement for texting. Country, carrier, device compatibility, and participant settings affect whether a chat uses it. If RCS is unavailable for a conversation, SMS/MMS can still send through your carrier. Google explains RCS features; its RCS FAQ covers availability and fallback.
What happens to encryption when you switch?
Google says RCS conversations between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. That assurance should not be extended to Samsung Messages simply because it may connect to RCS by Google; Google’s stated encryption scope is Google Messages users. Google’s security explanation
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.
On May 11, 2026, Google announced the start of a beta rollout of end-to-end encrypted RCS between Android and iPhone users. Google’s announcement makes availability conditional on supported software, carrier, and Google Messages configurations. It is not a guarantee that every Android–iPhone RCS conversation is encrypted. Google Blog, May 11, 2026
Will you lose your texts if you switch to Google Messages?
Samsung says conversations automatically transfer when Google Messages becomes the default app. The transfer may take up to approximately 24 hours, depending on message volume. Samsung also says RCS can pause temporarily on pre-2022 phones during the change; it resumes if both people use Google Messages. SMS/MMS remains available during that pause. Samsung Support US
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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
How to switch your default messaging app
- Open Google Messages. Install it if needed, then launch the app on your Galaxy phone.
- Accept the default-app prompt. When prompted, choose Google Messages as the default SMS app.
- Or set it in Android settings. Go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then select Google Messages.
- Allow time for conversations to appear. Samsung says transfer can take up to approximately 24 hours, depending on message volume. Samsung switching instructions
What about tablets and watches?
Google Messages supports messaging across selected Galaxy devices, including tablets and watches, but capabilities vary. Google’s legacy Samsung-device guidance says RCS one-to-one conversations and creating new RCS groups are not supported on Galaxy tablets and watches. Samsung’s Call & text on other devices feature also has restrictions: Samsung says it does not currently work with Verizon or AT&T phones and may be unavailable on some models with other carriers. Samsung Support US Samsung device guidance
Quick Recap
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.
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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