Why would you NOT use the stock messaging app?

[Scott C3]

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.

i have no problem whatsoever sending to non verizon phones using Verizon message + and this app is the only reason i dont use the stock app. this app allows me to send and receive messages from my computer and all my other devices, so its a no brainer.

 

[Almeuit]

This is a partial answer to your question....Textra has a built in function that will switch off your wifi, send the MMS, and then switch it back on. It works good for me, but if you're somewhere where you have no cell service or don't want to use your data, then it's still a problem.

When I had T-Mobile I had no issues sending MMS over WiFi when WiFi calling was enabled.

 

[kirksucks]

I switched to Android Messenger a couple phones back because the stock SMS app sucked. Stuck with it while it changed to Google Messenger. Only recently with Note8 switched to stock because it keeps the theme of the phone.

I'd like to use the Stock keyboard too for this reason but nothing can tear me away from Swiftkey.

Also, you CAN send gifs from the keyboard with stock messenger....with Swiftkey anyway.

never used Textra.

 

[strikeIII]

Ah yep forgot that stock can't even handle the insertion of GIF messages. That is another positive for using another .

With SwiftKey you can insert GIFs into the stock messaging app. Not sure why you can't with gboard.

 

[Almeuit]

With SwiftKey you can insert GIFs into the stock messaging app. Not sure why you can't with gboard.

I use Textra -- no issues with whatever keyboard I use .

 

[strikeIII]

I use Textra -- no issues with whatever keyboard I use .

Oh I know. Just making sure people see that it's still possible.

 

[muzzy996]

I don't use stock because I want to be able to send/receive texts while i'm using one of my other devices (tablet, macbook, workstation at work) without having to pull my phone out. For me, Pulse SMS fits the bill perfectly. Prior to switching to it the combination of Textra + MightyText was my go-to. MightyText just wasnt as reliable as Pulse is.

 

[anon(123856)]

The simple answer is because it doesn't suit my needs. If the stock app floats your boat, fine. Be happy. As another poster said Android is about having options. I tried Textra and found a lot of customability and useablity options and I don't mind paying a dev a couple of bucks. I always try the stock app but always end going back to Textra.

If devs don't make money then they stop making apps.

 

[Ryano89]

This is a partial answer to your question....Textra has a built in function that will switch off your wifi, send the MMS, and then switch it back on. It works good for me, but if you're somewhere where you have no cell service or don't want to use your data, then it's still a problem.

Thank you, but That's my problem, I have little to no data service at home so I'm always on WiFi.

 

[Ryano89]

When I had T-Mobile I had no issues sending MMS over WiFi when WiFi calling was enabled.

Its weird I know, but it's not working with the stock app unless I turn WiFi off, and happen to be getting a data signal. I can't figure it out.

 

[justafew]

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?

Well, for me it's all about customization. And Textra just works and the developer is always extremely responsive and friendly if you ever encounter any issues.

Here is another reason I like Textra - persistent reminders and customization per contact.

For example, if my wife texts me, it will remind me 10 times every two minutes in case I stepped away from my phone and didn't check it when I came back.

Yes, I know I can set notification reminder in Accessibility for the default app, but if I use that it only uses the default phone notification (not the notification tone set within the app) and it is a blanket reminder, meaning it will do it for every single message not checked. I don't need it for every message.

My default is to ring and vibrate for all messages, with one reminder at 2 minutes if I haven't checked it.

For a group chat with my siblings, who love to text at all hours, I have that conversation muted where I will get a different colored notification icon at the top of my screen, no LED flashing light and no ring or vibrate. That way I can still see if I get a message, but it won't bug me unless I look at my phone.

In Group Messages, I can set the contact color for each person, so that the message bubbles are a different color for each person.

As others have said, being able to reply on the lockscreen w/o ever having to unlock the device is one of the main reasons. I hate having to unlock the device just to respond with Yes or something simple.

Now, as for the cost let me give you a tip. Download the app Google Opinion Rewards. it gives you occasional surveys and as you complete them (typically no more than 1 or 2 questions), it gives you a credit in your Play Store account to use. Just be sure you are honest in your response. For example, if it asks if you have been to a few places and you haven't, don't say you have. If you do, you will stop getting surveys. I started using this app approximately 4 years ago and I have now accrued over $150 in Play Store credits. This is great to use for app purchases, in-app purchases, movie rentals, movie purchases, etc.

 

[Almeuit]

In Group Messages, I can set the contact color for each person, so that the message bubbles are a different color for each person.

Oh wow I never explored doing this ... That will make things WAY easier. Thank you! ^_^.

 

[anon(8453378)]

The Samsung messages app has always had issues with replies to mms group messages. Even though the setting is set to "send messages as group conversations by default", it frequently only replies to 1 person.

I have never had the same issue with android messages, so that's what I use. I do like some of the stock features, but can't deal with the group messaging issue.

 

[pool_shark]

As stated above, the stock app can send GIF with a different keyboard.

The app isn't the problem with auto correct, that's the keyboard.

Messages over 160 characters will send as mms if you add a subject.

Samsung flow allows me to respond to text from my tablet.

I prefer stock because it works with the Samsung themes.

I can't stand the emojis on messages + and it doesn't offer enough customization to compete with the themes.

I still go back to it from time to time, but I always switch back to stock.

 

[axllebeer]

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.

I set it up and linked my other devices. Then switched to the standard Google messaging app but leave the Verizon one installed and keep it up-to-date. All my messages still sync fine and I can use whatever I want now.

Flicked via the BlackBerry keyboard on my Pixel 2

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[anon(7901790)]

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.

That's odd. I have no problems texting to people on other carriers. I'll look around and see what I can find. Verizon Message+ is designed as a SMS/MMS app.

 

[Carrie Greicar]

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.

I use the stock ap. I downloaded tenor gif keyboard and when I want to insert a gif I just type a hashtag or click the little keyboard at the bottom right hand corner, change it to tenor, then change it back. It's a couple more step then normal but it works and it doesn't take that long.

 

[Carrie Greicar]

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.

It does that with the stock ap also.

 

[dlalonde]

I use the stock messaging app simply because I absolutely hate having two apps that do the same thing on my phone (yeah and I bought a Samsung device, I know). Given I'm not a power SMS user and don't need any bells and whistles it suits me just fine.

 

[Morty2264]

I think you should choose what works best for you! My mom has a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and she really likes her default messaging app. I don't mind it as well. I just like having a lot of customization options at my fingertips - and having a built-in notification assigned to each significant contact I have, so I know who's texting me - so I've been using the Textra Pro version for years.

But, if stock texting apps work for you, do not feel like you need to be convinced to switch! If you like it, go for it!