Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Open the iPhone’s Messages app, start a conversation with the Samsung user’s phone number, and send your message. Depending on your iPhone, carrier, region, and the recipient’s setup, it will use RCS or SMS/MMS—not iMessage. A green bubble means the message is using a carrier messaging service; it does not reveal which one.
Send a text from the iPhone’s Messages app
- Open Messages on your iPhone.
- Tap the compose button, or open your existing conversation with the Samsung user.
- Enter their phone number, or select their contact, then write and send your message.
If RCS is available for the conversation, the iPhone can use it. Otherwise, SMS/MMS may be used if your cellular plan and service support it. Messages to Samsung phones are not iMessages.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
RCS or SMS/MMS: what changes?
| Feature | RCS | SMS/MMS |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-platform texting | Works with non-Apple devices when the iPhone, carrier, region, and participants meet RCS requirements. | Works with non-Apple devices when the plan and service support SMS/MMS. |
| Media and chat features | Can support high-resolution photos and videos, delivery and read receipts, typing indicators, and links. | Supports text, photos, videos, and links; feature behavior may be more limited. |
| End-to-end encryption | Apple documents support only in the iOS 26.5 beta with a participating carrier, with availability dependent on supported providers and the other participant’s provider. Check for the “Encrypted” lock indicator in that conversation. | Not end-to-end encrypted. |
| Availability | Depends on iOS version, carrier, region, and RCS configuration on both participants’ devices. | Depends on cellular messaging service and plan. |
Apple’s overview of RCS and SMS/MMS explains the distinction. A green bubble alone does not confirm that a conversation is using RCS or that it is encrypted.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsTurn on RCS messaging on your iPhone
RCS on iPhone requires iOS 18 or later and a text-messaging plan from a carrier that supports RCS on iPhone. Availability varies by carrier and region.
#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
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then Messages.
- Tap RCS Messaging and turn it on.
Those are Apple’s current steps for setting up RCS on iPhone. Give the feature time to activate after switching it on. If RCS Messaging is missing, Apple says RCS may not be available for your carrier or region.
Check the Samsung recipient’s messaging setup
RCS requires all participants in the conversation to have RCS enabled. Samsung’s US support guidance recommends Google Messages as the default SMS app. Ask the recipient to check which messaging app is active and whether RCS is enabled if the conversation does not connect over RCS.
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.
Samsung says Samsung Messages was discontinued for the US market in July 2026 and directs users to Google Messages, with an exception for users on Android 11 or lower. Samsung also notes that RCS may pause temporarily while users on pre-2022 Galaxy devices switch apps; SMS/MMS remains available during that disruption. This notice is US-specific, so it should not be assumed to apply to every country or Galaxy model. See Samsung’s messaging-app guidance.
Troubleshoot when RCS is not showing on iPhone
- Check iOS and your plan. Confirm that the iPhone runs iOS 18 or later and that your carrier and text-messaging plan support RCS on iPhone.
- Look for the setting. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging. If it is absent, check your carrier’s current RCS availability for your country and plan.
- Wait for activation. RCS may take time to become active after you turn it on.
- Check the Samsung phone. Ask the recipient to confirm their active messaging app and RCS setting. Samsung’s US guidance recommends Google Messages.
- Use the available fallback. If RCS still is not available, SMS/MMS can carry basic texts when the relevant plan and service support it. Do not expect SMS/MMS to provide RCS features or end-to-end encryption.
Apple’s RCS availability guidance notes that carrier and regional support varies.
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.
Understand privacy before sending sensitive information
SMS/MMS messages are not end-to-end encrypted. RCS encryption is not universal: Apple documents end-to-end encryption only in the iOS 26.5 beta with a participating carrier, and says rollout depends on supported providers and the other participant’s provider. Treat a specific RCS conversation as end-to-end encrypted only when Apple’s “Encrypted” lock indicator is visible. See Apple’s RCS setup and availability information.
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.
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.
