Nexus 5: Best Alternative SMS App

[AstroVince67]

I am inquiring about the possibility of replacing "Hangouts" in my Nexus 5 with a different SMS app. I have read on several SMS app, but would like inputs from experience users. I would like the SMS app to have the following features:
1. "Time stamps" for every text messages sent and received
2. Picture icon of the two conversation parties
3. Supports picture texts (video and audio too maybe)
4. Customization of notifications (for each contacts would be awesome!)
5. Customization of background and "message bubbles" (style and colours)
6. Able to back-up all your texts and import/export contacts
7. Must be free (lol)
8. Good emoticons *updated
I know, I know, I'm asking a lot here, not sure if such an app exist... nevertheless, thank you in advance for your input

 

[Gekko]

http://forums.androidcentral.com/go...-mms-really-going-take-some-getting-used.html

 

[AstroVince67]

some... time? lol
And okay I agree, but that barely touches on my question

 

[ShazPrimus]

I'm using 8sms and so far i like it but i don't think you can customise the background/bubbles... Something that i was spoiled with on my samsung but other than that i like... think textra ticks all the boxes along with sms pro but i read wat folks had to say about 8sms and i like it plus it has all they emoji icons too which i never had on any previous phone. Hope that helps. Hangouts is not for me and gathered it was more popular in US rather than in the UK

Posted via Android Central App

 

[AstroVince67]

I'll wait for more inputs before making a decision lol
I also had and enjoyed a Samsung before (the little galaxy Q) and its SMS was good too
Emoticons!! Of course, I forgot to add that to my "wish list"
I'm in canada...
Maybe I'll get use (accept) Hangouts before I decide

 

[ShazPrimus]

You sound like me...very particular about what you need in an app/phone lol i read up on most of the sms apps available before i got my nexus...didnt want to be forced to use hangouts personally oh and think there one called chompsms which i also heard is good. Hope you find the one that fits cause i wanted a no fuss app that acts like stock and would give me wat i enjoyed from Samsung. Tbh i look at the text app on my pals HTC and it made me glad i chose samsung before i jumped to nexus and is good to know there are choices if it don't fit your needs unlike BB/iPhone (BB was my first introduction to smart phones lol)

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Gekko]

some... time? lol
And okay I agree, but that barely touches on my question

let me translate it into canadian for you - the thread i posted above lists various alternatives and their pros and cons.

 

[AstroVince67]

LOL wow

 

[socaljoe42]

LOL wow - that's exactly what I thought about the OP's avatar image.

 

[kd0h]

Textra has most everything you are looking for...

 

[crxssi]

Textra has most everything you are looking for...

I came from HTC's/Sense and have been trying Textra for a few days. Textra is close but can be a bit frustrating (like opening the keyboard when I click on a text notification and lose more than half the screen and can't read the message without closing the keyboard.... and no setting to control that)

 

[AstroVince67]

I know eh... my Avatar is F-ing wow

 

[AstroVince67]

Thanks for the Textra suggestion. I may give it a shot. I've been using 8sms for a while now and it fairly does the job. Although I must admit that I use Whatsapp almost all the time!

 

[YoramEl]

I checked a few alternatives i believe that Textra is the best sms app that is free and with no adds

 

[lui22]

I'm using chompsms used it with my Evo it's the only thing I think I'll ever use

-Yar I be a pirate because according to Phil & CO. Over at Android Central because I run 10.2 and I sideload.

 

[crxssi]

I checked a few alternatives i believe that Textra is the best sms app that is free and with no adds

And I just now switched from Textra to 8SMS. They both have some interesting advantages and disadvantages. But the gesture support in 8SMS is really cool, and I love that it doesn't pop up the keyboard in the way when I am trying to read incoming messages like Textra does. I think I will probably stay with 8SMS... it is great having choices!

 

[dave3389]

i am using evlove sms seems to have most of the list

 

[samuel.b.sandoval]

I use Hello. It is very clean and modern.

Best New Apps: Hello SMS | The Verge

 

[joselito76]

Textra

Posted via Android Central App

 

[pseudoware]

I sideloaded the stock (i.e. AOSP) text apk. No BS, does the job.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk