Android Messages vs. Textra?

[jhilker]

I think the Sprint G6 comes with Android Messages as the default messaging app. I've used Textra for years, but since I noticed that Android Messages comes with an app for Android Wear 2.0, I thought I'd give it a try. I do like being able to browse through all my messages right on my phone. However, AM doesn't have a dark theme, text size isn't adjustable, and Textra just has more perks. On the plus side, AM does let you archive messages.

Still on the fence on this one. If Textra had an app for my watch, I think it'd be a no-brainer.

What are you doing?

 

[Jazzamuffin]

I think the Sprint G6 comes with Android Messages as the default messaging app. I've used Textra for years, but since I noticed that Android Messages comes with an app for Android Wear 2.0, I thought I'd give it a try. I do like being able to browse through all my messages right on my phone. However, AM doesn't have a dark theme, text size isn't adjustable, and Textra just has more perks. On the plus side, AM does let you archive messages.

Still on the fence on this one. If Textra had an app for my watch, I think it'd be a no-brainer.

What are you doing?

I use mood...but thinking of Textra again.

 

[Louiemacgoo]

I've used Android messenger for a while now but recently switched to Textra and I like it much better than AM and I can still use my wear watch to read and answer texts.

 

[Morty2264]

I can understand your hesitation, OP. I've been using Textra off and on for years - actually, I just converted my mother to it on her Edge! - and can certainly get what you're saying about its perks.

Certainly give Android Messages a try, and see how you like it! The good thing about Textra is that it's always there if you change your mind, and the Pro version is phenomenal.

 

[jhilker]

I can understand your hesitation, OP. I've been using Textra off and on for years - actually, I just converted my mother to it on her Edge! - and can certainly get what you're saying about its perks.

Certainly give Android Messages a try, and see how you like it! The good thing about Textra is that it's always there if you change your mind, and the Pro version is phenomenal.

Yeah, I've used the pro version for years. It's one of the first things I get in place on a new device. I'm hoping to see RCS on AM before too long.

 

[Morty2264]

Yeah, I've used the pro version for years. It's one of the first things I get in place on a new device. I'm hoping to see RCS on AM before too long.

Pro Version is definitely worth it! Textra is one of my necessary apps! How are you liking your Gear?

 

[jhilker]

I actually have a Huawei watch, first gen. I previously had a Moto 360, but when u realized that wouldn't get AW 2.0, I sold it to get the Huawei. But I do love it!

 

[ffejjj]

I never really cared to change my messaging app. 2 weeks ago I downloaded Textra and I'm giving it a go for now...

 

[Thud Hardsmack]

Every time I read one of these threads I get curious and try one or more of whatever I read about, and always wind up sticking with what's now Android Messages. Stop making me curious people!

In all seriousness I stick with AM mostly for the archiving, and a little bit that I like the various colors option for different people/conversations.

 

[Joshua Luther2]

I keep trying to use LG messaging app and Google messages but keep​ coming back to Textra. I love the notifications and customizability of it over any other.

 

[imnjs]

I love Android Messages and would use it if it would allow you to change the MMS size limit. Any time I would send a pic it would be so compressed and small.

 

[Mike Dee]

Since I'm on Verizon I stick the Verizon Message Plus because I can install it on other devices like my iPad and synch between units. It also allows me to make WiFi calls from my IPad.

 

[Almeuit]

Textra is my go to -- everytime .

 

[Jazzamuffin]

Anyone hear of mood? It has dynamic emojis.

 

[j_grouchy]

I tried AM when it first came out. Like the look of it and the performance, but I had problems getting MMS messages when on wifi (back on my old LG G3), so I switched to Textra. I'm a Textra convert now and I'm not really likely to try any other messaging app unless I'm given a compelling reason to switch. I'm sure AM has improved, but SMS/MMS apps aren't really something I'm interested in changing up unless I run into problems with the one I'm using.

 

[jhilker]

Well, I've moved back to Textra, hoping they will develop an app for Android Wear 2.0, but I'm leaving AW installed so I can watch for updates. One other thing I missed was ability to increase font size. These old eyes aren't what they used to be!

 

[Morty2264]

Well, I've moved back to Textra, hoping they will develop an app for Android Wear 2.0, but I'm leaving AW installed so I can watch for updates. One other thing I missed was ability to increase font size. These old eyes aren't what they used to be!

It's hard to stay away from Textra!

 

[djrakowski]

It's hard to stay away from Textra!

What makes Textra so compelling? I've never used anything but stock (and I don't believe RCS works on anything but stock, but I'm open to correction on this point) or Google Messenger.

 

[TylerLV76]

What makes Textra so compelling? I've never used anything but stock (and I don't believe RCS works on anything but stock, but I'm open to correction on this point) or Google Messenger.

The biggest one for me, besides the customization of the look, is notification sounds while in a message. I constantly read a text and set my phone down and my wife has a habit of sending another one before the screen times out. In regular messaging apps you wont get a notification if the conversation is still open and Textra allows me to have one. I also like that I can use ios emojis in Textra as I dont like android emojis at all.

 

[jhilker]

What makes Textra so compelling? I've never used anything but stock (and I don't believe RCS works on anything but stock, but I'm open to correction on this point) or Google Messenger.

There are a number of features I like about Textra.

-dark theme
-set messages to go at a specific time
-resize font

I haven't been able to get RCS working on Android Messages, but I think both sender and receiver have to be on it, so that's why it may not work for me.