[Kingstoler]

This is something I've noticed among a lot of Samsung users; "don't use the samsung messaging app, get Textra", etc.

I've been using both extensively and yet I can't see what's wrong with the stock app. 0 issues with either. However, with Textra I have to pay a couple of bucks to get rid of ads so I'm back to the stock app. Screw that kind of practice.

Convince me, why should I choose one app over the other?

[srvctec]

If you're happy with the stock app, why do you need convincing to use something else?

I've never used any messaging app other than stock on any of my Android phones in the last 10 years. Stock works fine for me.

[Kingstoler]

I'm curious why the majority of users seem to have a problem with the stock app, and opt to use something filled with ads instead.

What is it that a third party app do that the stock app don't? What can Samsung do to improve their own messaging app?

[mysamsungs7e]

for the reason that we like Android: variety.

[Kingstoler]

Variety in what? A slightly different font, color at the cost of having your inbox filled with ads unless you pay?

[strikeIII]

The S8+ & Note 8 are probably the first Samsung Devices where I use almost everything stock. And because of another thread I just started using the native email app a few days ago and I'm loving it over the Gmail app. The only reason why I wouldn't use the stock messaging app is because when you click on links they open in a "light" version of the Samsung browser with the option to open in the full Samsung Browser but no option to choose your default browser if you were to use Chrome or something else. In past versions it gave you the option to open in Chrome but I guess Samsung is trying to push their browser. I'm just glad they don't force it with their stock email app. I still use the stock messaging app as I don't receive many links via text.

Chrome is the only thing I don't use stock nowadays on Samsung devices because of all my bookmarks, saved passwords, autofill info, etc that sync between all my devices.

[Almeuit]

Simple.. stock is awful :P.

[strikeIII]

I actually like Samsung's Messaging app over Googles. On my Pixel 2 XL I use Textra.

[gernerttl]

I use Verizon's Messages+ because I can use it on multiple devices like my phone, tablet, Surface, and desktop. Samsung's messaging app won't allow me to do that.

[Almeuit]

Variety in what? A slightly different font, color at the cost of having your inbox filled with ads unless you pay?

Different colors.. fonts.. etc. Also some functionality. Such as I have it set to use MMS if it's over 160 characters.. therefore long SMS messages don't get split up by carriers since it'll send as a file with MMS.

I also like the quick reply function and the customization to how notifications work with Textra over stock.

To me that's worth the little I dished out for the app. I paid a few years ago.. just been enjoying it since then.

[mysamsungs7e]

Variety in what? A slightly different font, color at the cost of having your inbox filled with ads unless you pay?

I use Mood and I love it...no ads and I like the themes

[Dooki]

there is nothing bad about the stock app. it is missing a huge option that all other sms apps have, the ability to add gif from the keyboard.
the only reason I won't use Textra is because no RCS. BTW, giving a couple of bucks to an app developer who HAS to be paid for their work is not something to whine about.
so I user Android messages, RCS, GIF input, and it's clean. zero customization is the only downfall, I would prefer a dark them, but Google hates any theme that isn't brilliant white.

[103Softail]

Total customisation from colours to sounds. Get a long sms.....no problem with textra - but on sammy default I must tap the first part of sms to take me to the next page which shows the full sms???? Weird! Only thing with textra is that I can't read my sms on my gear S3 whereas sammy can. As for the cost of buying apps you're only paying for someone's time & effort so a couple of $ or even a few is nothing.

[Hghlndr]

Stock Samsung SMS is fine... though no good when traveling international with data roaming off and Wi-Fi only on. Samsung SMS app needs cellular connectivity.
I now use VZW's Message+ as it works via cellular OR Wifi.

[andytiedye]

I use Verizon's Messages+ because I can use it on multiple devices like my phone, tablet, Surface, and desktop. Samsung's messaging app won't allow me to do that.

Verizon Message+ WAS the stock message app on my phone. I had to switch to the Google one because Message+ couldn't send to non-Verizon phones.

[frankenhooker]

I use Google's app because it works better with my watch, if it weren't for that I'd probably of stuck with stock.

[notefreak]

I HATE the way you get a delivery report separately as a notification instead of receving it in the app itself. Hate hate hate that.

[Note8uzer]

I use the stock messaging app and I love it.

[naturalguy]

Stock seems to work better for me, I've tried many 3rd party apps and have found stock to work best.

[toenail_flicker]

I just prefer more than stock offers. I haven't used stock since my Evo 4G

[donm527]

I like Textra but I don't care for the dated Material Design look... It looks like it hasn't changed from when I last used it on my LG G2.

Nothing wrong with the stock messaging app and I've been using it since day one. Might not have extra features but it looks clean and a solid performer.

Different colors.. fonts.. etc. Also some functionality. Such as I have it set to use MMS if it's over 160 characters.. therefore long SMS messages don't get split up by carriers since it'll send as a file with MMS.

I also like the quick reply function and the customization to how notifications work with Textra over stock.

To me that's worth the little I dished out for the app. I paid a few years ago.. just been enjoying it since then.

[cwbcpa]

Choice is a good thing. Don't like stock, choose something else. You like stock, stick with it. If an app is good and you find it useful, don't whine about kicking a couple bucks to a developer. They put work in and if they don't get paid for that work, they won't develop better apps.

[Trees]

In the past the stock Messages app had poor auto correct.

[bassjo]

My wife and I both like Textra because you get the ability to reply to texts on the fly without having to unlock your phone. The text pops up on the lock screen and you reply and it's gone... No fuss no muss.

[amyf27]

For me I actually prefer the stock app. I can use any background I choose, color, standard, custom photo, or Samsung theme of choice.