Textra is a messaging app for Android phones and tablets. It has many different themes, colors, and styles for the user interface, so users can make their messaging experience unique. Textra lets you send SMS and MMS messages, as well as group messages, share rich media, schedule messages, and get read receipts. It also has features like quick compose and blocklisting. It is known for the many ways it can be changed and how easy it is to make the messaging app fit each person’s needs.
Google Messages, which is also called Android Messages, is an app for Android devices that lets you send and receive messages. It’s the app that most Android phones use by default to send and receive messages. Google Messages lets you send and receive SMS and MMS messages and has a clean, easy-to-use interface that is based on Google’s Material Design principles. It has features like group messaging, sharing rich media, read receipts, pop-up notifications, and integration with Google services like RCS and Chat. Google Messages also has a web interface that lets users check their messages from a computer or other device.
Textra vs Google Messages Pricing
Textra is free on Android, but you can make in-app purchases to get rid of ads and get access to more features. The free version of Textra is supported by ads, so you might see them inside the app. But if you’d rather not see ads and have access to extra features like custom themes, quick compose, and more, you can make an in-app purchase to get the ad-free version.
Google Messages, on the other hand, is also free to use on Android devices. Advertisements help pay for the app, but they aren’t too annoying and don’t show up in the messaging screen. Google Messages also works with other Google services like RCS (Rich Communication Services) and Chat to offer better messaging features like high-quality media sharing, read receipts, and indicators that show when someone is typing. There is no extra charge for these extra features.
Textra vs Google Messages Comparison table
| Feature | Textra | Google Messages |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Availability | Android | Android and Web |
| User Interface | Highly customizable themes and UI | Material Design-based interface |
| SMS/MMS Messaging | Full support for SMS and MMS | Full support for SMS and MMS |
| Group Messaging | Supports group messaging | Supports group messaging |
| Rich Media Sharing | Share photos, videos, audio, and other file types | Share photos, videos, audio, and other file types |
| Read Receipts | Provides read receipts for messages | Provides read receipts for messages |
| Scheduled Messaging | Schedule messages to be sent later | Schedule messages to be sent later |
| Dual SIM Support | Supports dual SIM functionality | Supports dual SIM functionality |
| Emoji and Stickers | Extensive emoji and sticker library | Built-in emoji and sticker support |
| Backup and Restore | Allows backup and restore of messages | Allows backup and restore of messages |
| Pop-up Notifications | Provides pop-up notifications for incoming messages | Provides pop-up notifications for incoming messages |
| Spam Protection | Basic spam protection features | Advanced spam protection with Google’s algorithms |
| Integration with Google | No direct integration with Google services | Integrated with Google services like RCS and Chat |
| Additional Features | Quick compose, blocklisting, GIF support, and more | SMS encryption, message reactions, and more |
| Cost | Free (ad-supported) with an optional ad-free upgrade | Free (ad-supported) |
Textra vs Google Messages User interface
Textra and Google Messages have different ways to use them, so they can suit different needs. The user interface of Textra is very flexible, so users can change the look of the app with a wide range of themes, colors, and styles. This gives users the freedom to create a messaging experience that fits their own preferences. Textra also lets you change font sizes, bubble styles, and notification sounds, among other things, to make the user interface more to your liking. Because of these features, Textra is a popular choice for people who like to make their messaging app fit their own unique style.
Google Messages, on the other hand, uses the principles of Material Design, which focuses on simplicity, easy navigation, and a clean look. The interface is made to be easy to use, with a focus on being easy to read and navigate. Google Messages has a modern, clean look that fits with Google’s overall design language. This makes sure that the experience is the same across all of Google’s apps.
Textra vs Google Messages Platform
Textra is only available on Android devices. It is a messaging app that is designed to work well with the Android operating system. It has a lot of features and customization options that fit the needs of Android users and let them make their messaging interface look the way they want it to. Google Messages, on the other hand, is also mostly made for Android devices, but it also works with other platforms. In addition to the Android app, Google Messages has a web interface that lets users send and receive messages from their computers or other devices. This cross-platform feature makes it easier and more flexible for people to move between their Android devices and web browsers.
Google Messages also works with other Google services like Chat and RCS (Rich Communication Services). RCS has advanced features for messaging, such as read receipts, typing indicators, and sharing high-quality media. Chat, on the other hand, has features like reactions, smart replies, and more that are used in modern messaging. These integrations take advantage of the power of Google’s ecosystem and make messaging better for users as a whole.
Textra vs Google Messages Integration
Textra is mostly just a messaging app that works on Android devices by itself. It has a lot of features and ways to customize it within its own ecosystem, but it doesn’t have a direct way to connect to other services or platforms. Textra’s main goal is to give you a powerful messaging experience with a lot of ways to customize it. However, it doesn’t have any built-in ways to connect to Google services or other third-party apps.
On the other hand, Google Messages works well with other Google products and services. It works with RCS (Rich Communication Services), which improves messaging by letting you do things like get read receipts, see when someone is typing, and share high-quality media. Google Messages also works with Google Chat, which is a modern messaging service with features like reactions, smart replies, and more. This integration lets users enjoy a better messaging experience and use the advanced features that Google’s ecosystem has to offer.
Textra: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Highly customizable user interface with various themes and styles.
- Extensive customization options to personalize the messaging app.
- Supports SMS and MMS messaging, group messaging, and rich media sharing.
- Features like read receipts, quick compose, and blocklisting.
- Optional ad-free upgrade available.
Cons
- Limited platform availability, only available for Android devices.
- No direct integration with Google services or other third-party applications.
- Basic spam protection features.
- Lacks advanced messaging functionalities like RCS and Chat.
Google Messages: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Clean and user-friendly interface based on Google’s Material Design.
- Default messaging app on many Android smartphones.
- Supports SMS and MMS messaging, group messaging, and rich media sharing.
- Integration with Google services like RCS and Chat for enhanced messaging features.
- Cross-platform functionality with a web interface for accessing messages on other devices.
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to Textra.
- Ad-supported, although the ads are generally not intrusive.
- Advanced features like RCS and Chat depend on carrier and device compatibility.
- Some features may be exclusive to Google’s ecosystem and not available on other platforms.
Which one should you consider?
Textra and Google Messages are two different ways to send and receive messages. Textra’s main goal is to give Android users a powerful messaging app with a user interface that can be changed easily. On the other hand, Google Messages has a clean look, works with other Google services, and can be used on multiple platforms. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to customize (Textra) or use Google services (Google Messages) and use it on multiple platforms (Textra).
FAQs
Textra SMS has also been around for a long time. It is one of the oldest and most reliable text messaging apps available right now. It’s easy to change and comes with a lot of options for themes.
Both Google Messages and Samsung Messages are good apps, but Google Messages is the clear winner. Samsung Messages has a few features that aren’t found in Google Messages. Not only because it has more features, but also because it is easier to set up as a universal messaging solution.
