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For most people, a carrier number is the safer primary number for texting, and Google Voice works best as a second number for ordinary person-to-person conversations. The deciding factors are whether you need short-code and verification texts, how you want messages delivered (data or carrier), and whether you rely on carrier-supported RCS. Google Voice is fine for routine chats over Wi-Fi or mobile data. It is a poor fit if your bank or subscription services must reach you by text.
The short version
| If you mainly need… | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Texts with friends and family over Wi-Fi or data | Google Voice works well |
| Bank, subscription or other verification codes | Carrier number |
| Texts from five- or six-digit short codes | Carrier number |
| Carrier SMS/MMS and carrier-supported RCS | Carrier number |
| A separate number for some conversations | Google Voice alongside your carrier number |
How each option delivers texts
Google Voice: data, not your text plan
Google states that messages in the Voice app are sent with data, not with your text messaging plan. Texts use Wi-Fi or mobile data, and your data plan’s limits and rates still apply. Google says texts to US and Canadian numbers do not use Voice credit or your mobile plan’s text allowance. See Google Voice’s text-message help.
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Carrier number: SMS, MMS and possibly RCS
Google says SMS and MMS are always sent through your carrier, and that this does not change when you use RCS chats (Google Messages RCS explanation). RCS is a separate industry-standard protocol that runs over mobile data or Wi-Fi. It can add read receipts, typing indicators and high-resolution media. It only works when the participants have RCS enabled, and it can be provided by a carrier or, in some cases, Google (Google’s RCS overview).
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Having a carrier number does not guarantee RCS on every conversation. Your device, messaging app, provider and the other person all matter. The sources reviewed do not establish that Google Voice supports RCS, so don’t assume it does.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Where Google Voice falls short
Short codes and verification texts
Google says Voice cannot send texts to five- or six-digit short-code numbers. It also notes that some websites, including banks and subscription services, won’t send texts to Voice numbers. In that case Google advises using your mobile operator’s number. Acceptance varies by service, so a Voice number may work for one site and fail for another. Avoid making it the only number tied to important accounts.
Not for bulk or spam-like messaging
Google says Voice texting is for interactive personal conversations. It may block activity that looks like spam, such as sending the same message to many recipients, sending links, or sending many messages quickly. Quotas can apply, but Google’s help page gives no single fixed number. If you text in a way that resembles broadcasting, expect friction.
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 Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, 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.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- 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)
Privacy and safety notes
Google’s Voice privacy explanation says Voice stores, processes and maintains call history, voicemail, SMS messages, recorded conversations and related account data to provide the service. You can delete some content through your account, but some information may remain temporarily for billing or business purposes, and residual copies may persist in backups. That describes how Voice handles data. It does not prove Voice is more or less private than a carrier, whose practices were not compared here.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallFor RCS, Google says chats between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. Google’s personal Voice terms also say Voice cannot place or receive emergency-services calls, so it shouldn’t be your only phone line.
Rank #3
- 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.
Which should you choose?
- Use a carrier number as your main number if you receive codes from banks, delivery apps or subscriptions, or want carrier SMS/MMS and RCS where supported.
- Add Google Voice if you want a second number for certain conversations and are happy to text over Wi-Fi or data.
- Test before you commit if you plan to move an existing number’s duties to Voice: try the verification flows for your most important accounts first, and keep the carrier number active until they work.
The sources reviewed do not support claims about reliability, overall cost or universal two-factor acceptance, so the choice rests on the compatibility limits above.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Rank #4
- 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.
