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If you want to keep texting people by phone number, Google Messages with RCS is still the most clearly documented route to richer photo and video sharing; RCS availability depends on both people’s devices and carriers, with SMS or MMS fallback where supported. If your contacts will use a separate internet messenger, Signal is an alternative for sending media—but it does not send SMS or MMS. The right choice depends on whether you need to replace carrier texting or simply want another way to share media.
Choose based on how you communicate
- Keep phone-number texting: Use an SMS/MMS app. Google Messages supports RCS where available and can fall back to SMS or MMS. [Google Messages: Send photos, videos, or files]
- Use a separate messaging service: Signal sends photos, videos, and files over the internet, but both you and your contacts need Signal for those conversations. It cannot replace carrier SMS or MMS. [Signal: Media viewer] [Signal: SMS and MMS]
There is no broadly established third-party Android app in the consulted official sources that preserves Google Messages’ RCS behavior. Treat claims of RCS compatibility as something to verify with the app maker and your carrier, rather than assuming any SMS replacement will support it.
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How Google Messages handles photos and videos
Google Messages can send photos, videos, audio, and GIFs through RCS, and its instructions include HD and HD+ quality controls. Google says the image and video feature also works in RCS and MMS, but that does not mean MMS provides the same quality as RCS. [Google Messages: Send photos, videos, or files]
RCS availability and behavior depend on the recipient’s device, provider, and carrier support. Google’s help information describes support for Android and select iPhone devices, not every phone or network. When RCS is unavailable, the conversation may use SMS or MMS instead; do not assume that a message sent over that fallback will retain RCS media quality or features. [Google Messages: Turn on RCS chats] [Google Messages]
#1 Best Overall
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Google has announced a beta rollout of end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest Google Messages. This is a limited rollout, not evidence that every RCS chat is end-to-end encrypted. [Google: RCS encryption beta for iPhone]
Signal: a media-sharing alternative, not an SMS app
Signal supports photo, video, and file attachments, and offers controls for automatic media downloads over mobile data, Wi-Fi, and roaming connections. Because attachments use internet connectivity, sending or downloading them may use your data plan. Signal removed SMS/MMS support from its Android app, so it cannot take over carrier-text conversations with people who do not use Signal. [Signal: Media viewer] [Signal: SMS and MMS]
Rank #2
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When view-once media helps
Signal lets you send photos or videos as view-once media. After the recipient views it, it leaves the conversation; unopened view-once media is removed after 45 days, or sooner if a disappearing-message timer applies. This controls what remains in the chat, but does not guarantee that a recipient cannot capture or copy the content outside the app. [Signal: View-once media]
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Another Android SMS app may give you a different interface for carrier SMS or MMS, but that alone does not make it an RCS substitute. The official sources consulted do not establish a broadly available third-party Android client with parity for Google Messages RCS. Before switching, check the app maker’s current documentation for RCS support and confirm compatibility with your device and carrier. [Android Central: Apps and software] [TechRadar: Best messaging apps]
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 is not a dependable long-term alternative
Samsung’s US support page says discontinuation of Samsung Messages began in July 2026. It says SMS/MMS remains available during the transition and recommends Google Messages. Samsung’s cited notice is for the US; owners elsewhere should check the transition prompts and local Samsung support information rather than assume the same timing or availability. [Samsung US: Samsung Messages discontinuation]
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
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- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- 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
Which option fits your situation?
| Option | Phone-number SMS/MMS | Photo and video route | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Messages with RCS | Yes, with SMS/MMS fallback | RCS supports high-quality media; HD/HD+ controls are documented | RCS availability and features depend on the recipient, carrier, device, and rollout. [Google] [Google] |
| Signal | No | Internet-based photo, video, and file attachments; optional view-once media | Recipients need Signal; it does not send SMS or MMS. [Signal] [Signal] [Signal] |
| Other SMS-oriented Android apps | Potentially, for carrier SMS/MMS | Depends on the app and carrier | Verify current RCS support with the app maker and carrier; broad RCS parity is not established by the official sources consulted. [Android Central] [TechRadar] |
| Other internet messengers | No | Separate services may support photo and video attachments | Sender and recipient generally need the same service; check that app’s current features and privacy model. [TechRadar] |
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