Textra SMS vs. Google Messages

SMS is still one of the prominent written communication methods, with over 18 billion daily texts.

Google Messages is the default messages app even on Samsung devices, but is it the best? Today, we have Textra SMS vs. Google Messages comparison to help you decide between the two.

Interface

Both have the same options on the main interface. You will find a search bar on the top with a new chat button on the bottom. Textra SMS offers a search icon, while Google Messages displays the search bar.

Dark theme

Along with the basic theme options, Textra SMS offers two additional features. It can use your location to auto-switch between light and dark modes.

It also has a black mode which makes the background completely black.

Google Messages uses your device’s theme, but you can manually choose a mode. Like standard apps, the dark mode has a dark background, and the light mode has a white background.

Winner: Tie

Customization

Customization is where Textra SMS is the king. It offers a wide range of options to make the keyboard your own. Some of those are:

• Theme colors to adjust the default app color
• Bubble colors to adjust the default chat bubble color
• App icon colors to change the app icon color
• Auto theme colors to let Textra SMS choose colors for your contacts
• Seven bubble styles to choose the default bubble style
• Six emoji styles, including the latest Android, default, and iOS
• Default emoji skin tone
• Three text font options: Textra, Gilroy, and System
• Text font size

Furthermore, each conversation comes with a customize option to customize that chat.

Winner: Tie

Differences

Timestamps: Both show timestamps above the chat. Textra SMS also offers to show the exact time by swapping left in a conversation. Google Messages shows the exact time in the chat info. Winner: Tie

Search: Textra SMS automatically searches and displays results as you type, while Google Messages shows results when you press the enter button or tap on the search row. Winner: Tie

Bubbles: When you respond to a chat in the Textra SMS bubble, the bubble disappears. In Google Messages, you have to close the bubble pop-up manually. Winner: Tie

iMessage reactions: Textra SMS supports message reactions from iOS devices, while the latter displays a message with the emoji’s name. For example: Liked “I’m coming.” Winner: Textra SMS

Copying text: Textra supports copying part of the text. In comparison, Google Messages copies the whole text. Winner: Textra SMS

Swipe options: Textra SMS offers to swipe a chat to call the recipient or delete it. Google Messages supports archiving the chat. Winner: Textra SMS

Smart reply: Both show suggestions to reply, but Google Messages is unavailable everywhere (personal experience).

The system used to work on my Nokia 8.3 in Australia, but it’s not working on my Vivo phone in my home country.

However, Google Messages offers more options, including emojis, GIFs, and text options, whereas Textra only supports text replies. Winner: Tie

Message scheduling: Textra SMS’s scheduling feature is found by clicking on the plus icon to the left of the message field, whereas holding the send button on Google Messages schedules the message. Winner: Tie

Archived: Google Messages can archive messages. The archived messages are not completely deleted. Winner: Google Messages

Code copy: If you get a code, Google Messages adds a button to quickly copy the code (example image).

Other sending options

You can take and send photos in both apps. Both also support GIFs, contacts, and sending gallery images.

Textra SMS offers eight emoji categories, while Google Messages offers 9. It can also send files and your current location.

Winner: Google Messages

Related: Signal vs. Google Messages

Settings

As both offer many small features, I have covered the settings of both apps separately. The blue color features are unique to the app.

Textra SMS

1. SMS delivery reports
2. SMS character counter option
3. Split send long messages
4. Convert long SMS to MMS
5. Delivery reports for MMS
6. Autosave image to gallery
7. Option to save storage space by compressing the sent images
8. Modify carrier send limit for MMS (message size)
9. Group messaging (chat or bulk)
10. Send the message using the enter key
11. Send after delay
12. Message signature
13. Close the keyboard after sending
14. Options to limit the total messages
15. Lock messages to prevent deletion
16. Create multiple signatures
17. Link previews
18. Block contacts

Google Messages

1. SMS delivery report
2. SMS (individual replies) or MMS (reply to all in the group)
3. Auto-download MMS
4. Auto-download MMS while roaming
5. Use simple characters options
6. SMS delivery reports
7. Receive service messages option
8. Show or hide iPhone reaction emojis
9. Wireless emergency feature for emergencies
10. Google Fi (network) settings to sync texts across your devices
11. Star messages
12. Block contacts
13. Link previews

Winner: Textra SMS

Use of the internet

Chat features

This is where Google Messages shines. It offers chat features that use the internet to send and receive messages.

It works with Samsung Messages, but all options activate when both users use Google Messages.

This feature shows delivered, seen, and typing labels in the chat. It can also be used to send and receive high-quality images and videos.

The only drawback is that it requires you to verify the phone number.

Winner: Google Messages

Device pairing

Another option that Google Messages brings is using the service on another device, such as a PC.

The Messages for Web website offers a QR code that can be scanned from your phone. The web version uses the same settings and can be used to send and receive messages.

Related: Google Messages vs. Samsung Messages

Spam detection

Google Messages takes the cake if we talk about spam protection. Textra SMS offers to block messages that contain spammy words, but its spam detection is nowhere close to its opponent.

Google Messages uses machine learning models to detect and block spam messages. Their system is solid and works pretty much all the time.

You get a message notification, but the notification disappears within a second. All the spam messages are found in the spam and blocked section.

Winner: Google Messages

Usage cost

Both are free, but Textra SMS occasionally shows an ad while using the app. You can set the ad position if you like. To get rid of ads, you can purchase a lifetime license of PRO for $4.49.

Which one is for you?

If you just want a messaging app, Google Messages is fine. It does its job. You can also benefit from its spam protection and chat features.

If you want advanced customization options with basic SMS features, Textra SMS is the one you need. The app is full of features.

Textra SMS vs. Google Messages: Links

Summary

So, this is all for the Textra SMS vs. Google Messages battle. I hope the article helped to find the best messaging app.

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