All phones come with a built-in SMS app, but Android smartphones allow users to send SMS messages through something called RCS. But what is the difference between SMS and RCS messages?
SMS and RCS are communication protocols, and while SMS focuses on simplicity and provides limited functionality, RCS provides additional functionality and a richer messaging experience.
When using SMS, you can only write short, direct texts. With RCS, you can send photos, videos, GIFs, locations, and more. On the other hand, SMS relies on cellular networks while RCS works on cellular data networks or Wi-Fi connections.
Here are some more details to help you understand the difference:
SMS text messages:
SMS stands for Short Text Message Service and is used to send and receive short text messages over cellular networks. No mobile data or WiFi is required for the functionality.
The functionality of this service has become quite obsolete in the age of instant messaging apps and social media. Example: SMS only allows text messages to be sent with a maximum of 160 characters, including numbers and symbols, and you cannot exceed this number in a text message; If it is exceeded, your message will be split into two messages.
However, you cannot send images, videos, audio files, or GIFs via SMS.
RCS message:
RCS, short for Rich Communication Services, is a communication protocol that differs from SMS in many ways, as it allows more characters to be added to each message. You can also add all kinds of media to your posts to share photos, videos, and GIFs. You can also send location data, create group chats, and encrypt your messages.
The only advantage of SMS over RCS is that it can be used by almost any phone, be it a regular phone, an Android smartphone or an iPhone. Use of RCS requires a phone that supports this feature and must work with a wireless service provider that supports RCS. The other party you are messaging with must have the same skills for the conversation to take place via RCS.
On the other hand, iPhones do not support RCS at all, as Apple relies on its iMessage service for text messages between iPhones, which allows all text communication between iPhone and Android phones via SMS only.
What are the advantages of using RCS instead of SMS?
As mentioned earlier, Remote Control Service (RCS) has several advantages over SMS. The main advantage of RCS is that you get a seamless chatting experience, similar to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. In addition, RCS greatly expands the scope of your conversations by allowing you to add photos and videos, share your location, and more.
These features are ideal for companies looking to use RCS for marketing, as they can write more creative ads and promotional materials rather than relying on boring short copy.
On the other hand, RCS messages can be sent completely free of charge, while your mobile operator will charge you for the SMS you send.
Who can use RCS?
RCS is supported by most of the major global airlines. As with smartphones, all Android phones can use RCS, but they must work with a carrier that supports RCS.
As for the messaging app, Google Messages supports RCS and comes pre-installed on the latest Android smartphones. Otherwise, you can download it from the Google Play Store.
In addition, Samsung messages support RCS. iPhone users cannot use RCS because their phones do not support this protocol as mentioned, but they still rely on iMessage for messages.