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For Galaxy owners in the US using 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 your region and Android version before switching. For supported devices, Google Messages has the broader RCS feature set, while Samsung Messages offers useful organization and customization tools on devices where it remains available.
Samsung Messages vs. Google Messages: what is the difference?
Both apps handle ordinary SMS and MMS through your carrier. The main differences are Samsung’s US discontinuation guidance for newer Galaxy devices, the reach and features of RCS, and a handful of Samsung-specific organization options.
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| What matters | Samsung Messages | Google Messages |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung US support | Samsung says it will be discontinued on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer starting July 6, 2026. Devices on Android 11 or lower remain functional under the notice. Samsung Support US | Samsung recommends it for affected Android 12+ devices. It is available for Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 8.0 or later. Samsung Support US |
| SMS and MMS | Supports standard carrier SMS and MMS. | Supports SMS and MMS; when RCS is in use, SMS/MMS delivery remains available through the carrier. Google Messages Help |
| RCS | Availability depends on carrier support, and Samsung warns it may not work across carriers or support every feature. Samsung Support US | Supports RCS features when the carrier, region, device, and conversation participants support and enable RCS. Google Messages Help |
| Distinctive features | Samsung documents custom conversation categories, scheduled messages, and per-conversation backgrounds on supported versions. | RCS features include high-resolution media, typing indicators, read receipts, group controls, and messaging over Wi-Fi or mobile data when participants have RCS enabled. Google Messages also offers Messages for Web and Smart Replies. Google Messages Help |
Is Samsung Messages discontinued?
Samsung’s current discontinuation notice applies to Galaxy devices in the United States running Android 12 or newer, with discontinuation beginning July 6, 2026. Samsung says devices running Android 11 or lower remain functional. The notice does not establish a worldwide retirement date, so users outside the US should check Samsung’s support information for their country and device.
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Samsung says the change is intended “to maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android” and directs affected users to Google Messages. The relevant practical distinction is your device’s Android version and region, not simply whether it is a Galaxy phone.
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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
Does Samsung Messages support RCS?
It can, where the carrier supports RCS for Samsung Messages. Samsung cautions that availability can vary and that conversations may not work across carriers or include all RCS features. Its guide names capabilities such as typing indicators and large attachments, but also states that message reactions are not supported in Samsung Messages. Do not assume that an RCS feature available in one app will appear in the other.
Google Messages offers broader RCS support, but RCS is not universal there either. Carrier, country, compatible device, and recipient settings all matter. Google lists high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, group-chat management, and messaging over Wi-Fi or mobile data when all participants in the conversation have RCS enabled. If RCS is unavailable for a conversation, SMS or MMS can still carry messages through the carrier. Check Google’s RCS feature guide and its RCS FAQ for availability details.
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- 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.
How do the apps compare on privacy and encryption?
Google says RCS chats between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. That claim is specific to Google Messages users; it should not be extended to a conversation merely because one participant uses Samsung Messages or another RCS client. Google notes that compatible RCS messages can connect with other providers, but encryption protections depend on the app and conversation configuration. Google’s security explanation
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Google and Apple began a beta rollout of end-to-end encrypted RCS between Android and iPhone users on May 11, 2026. Google’s announcement describes the rollout as conditional on supported iOS 26.5, carrier, device, and Google Messages configurations; it is not a guarantee that every Android–iPhone RCS conversation is encrypted. Google Blog, May 11, 2026
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- 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
Which app should you use?
Choose Google Messages if you are affected by the US discontinuation
If your Galaxy device is in the US and runs Android 12 or newer, Samsung’s guidance makes Google Messages the sensible default. It is also the stronger fit if you want the broader RCS feature set and cross-platform messaging where supported.
Keep Samsung Messages if your supported device benefits from its tools
On devices where it remains supported, Samsung Messages offers custom conversation categories, message scheduling, and per-thread wallpaper or background customization. Those are concrete advantages for users who organize or personalize conversations that way. Confirm app availability and RCS support for your exact model, Android version, carrier, and region.
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.
Use SMS/MMS expectations as the fallback
Neither app can make RCS available when a carrier, region, device, or recipient does not support it. Ordinary SMS/MMS remains the fallback, delivered through the carrier; standard carrier charges or data policies may apply.
How do I switch to Google Messages?
- Open Google Messages on your Galaxy phone. If it is not installed, install it from the official app store for your device, then open it.
- Set it as the default SMS app. Accept the prompt shown by Google Messages. If no prompt appears, go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then select Google Messages. Samsung documents this setup for Galaxy devices. Samsung’s switch guide
- Allow the transfer to finish. Samsung says conversations become available in Google Messages once it is the default app. Depending on message volume, transfer may take approximately 24 hours.
- Check RCS status separately. SMS/MMS remains available during a temporary RCS pause Samsung says can affect pre-2022 phones. Samsung says RCS resumes if both conversation participants use Google Messages.
Will I lose my texts if I switch?
Samsung says conversations automatically transfer when Google Messages becomes the default app; it does not describe the change as deleting SMS/MMS history. The transfer may take approximately 24 hours, depending on message volume. A temporary RCS interruption on pre-2022 phones is separate from SMS/MMS availability: Samsung says SMS/MMS remains available, and RCS resumes if both participants use Google Messages. Samsung Support US
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- 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.
What about Galaxy tablets and watches?
Cross-device messaging depends on the device and feature involved. Google supports messaging across selected Galaxy tablets and watches, but its legacy-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 has model and carrier restrictions; Samsung says it currently does not work with Verizon and AT&T phones and may not work on some models with other carriers. Check Samsung’s discontinuation and device guidance before relying on a particular tablet or watch workflow.
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