Why would you NOT use the stock messaging app?

[bigskytool]

I am new to Android and bought the Note 8. One thing about the stock messaging app that I find annoying is that when you click to compose a new text it brings up the contact list? Why would it not just start a new message putting the cursor in the "To" field instead of making you search for a contact, click the contact and then start typing the message?

 

[mary beth hale]

I am new to Android and bought the Note 8. One thing about the stock messaging app that I find annoying is that when you click to compose a new text it brings up the contact list? Why would it not just start a new message putting the cursor in the "To" field instead of making you search for a contact, click the contact and then start typing the message?

Yes this is very annoying and a poor choice by Samsung... IMO. Would love to at least have the option to bypass contacts when composing.

 

[jjinal]

I am new to Android and bought the Note 8. One thing about the stock messaging app that I find annoying is that when you click to compose a new text it brings up the contact list? Why would it not just start a new message putting the cursor in the "To" field instead of making you search for a contact, click the contact and then start typing the message?

My Note 8 doesn't do that. This is the screen I see when I tap the new message button.

 

[mysamsungs7e]

no one mentioned go sms. I love their themes.

 

[bigskytool]

That is weird, I looked through my settings to see if I missed something but nothing? When I open "Messages" it takes me to all of my messages and the bottom right there is bubble icon to for new message. It takes me to a screen "Select Recipients" with button on the top right for "Compose". Once I click "Compose" I then get to the screen you show.

I was trying to avoid the first step of clicking the button on the bottom right for "new message" and then having to click again the "compose" button.

Not a deal breaker but just a bit annoying. I tried Textra and Google Messages and both have a 1 click to create. Thanks for your input.

 

[GregMargie]

I have never been a fan of the 'stock' text message apps (Samsung Notes have been my past 3 phones)..... I like more customization and in stock app it is so confusing as to who is who in the message thread.

I have used Textra for many years now; when it was first offered and as free, when they offered a "Pro" paid version, I was happy to pay the $1.99 for it! It offers way more custom features. The developer is extremely consistent with updates and improvements! If I have a question or suggestion, they always respond quickly and effectively.

 

[amyf27]

While at work I've been using my Bluetooth keyboard with my Note and love it.

 

[sandra_17]

I probably have one of they weirdest reasons for my choice in texting apps. I've never used stock Android. First was Textra. Besides the zillion customizations was my main reason - the ability to choose square contact images. I LOATHE circles! (Wish AC gave us a choice... hint, hint!)

One of Textra's updates removed that feature for some reason, so I switched to Chomp (same devs). But over time it started constantly crashing and updates were too infrequent.

I discovered Yata right around the time I got my N8 (Sept). It's a TON more customizable than Textra or Chomp. So far I haven't any issues at all.

 

[missionsparta]

how about gif support is no where to be seen?

 

[Jewels81]

Works great for me

 

[chyeo1979]

Do people still use sms to communicate nowadays? Mine is only for receiving automated messages from banks, services etc.

 

[Dooki]

every single person I know used sms. imessage is a big reason because why would they want to stop using a perfectly good app just because Android users are put out.
when the 40% that use a single app and the fragmented mess that is Android collide, imessage wins.
We used WhatsApp for work and every iPhone user was happy to get it off their phone, every Android user didn't care when we stopped using it.

 

[Kendahl Titcomb]

Do people still use sms to communicate nowadays? Mine is only for receiving automated messages from banks, services etc.

Seriously are you that our of touch..sms is still huge.. Yes apps like WhatsApp, Hangouts, Allo and others exist but sms as a whole far and above all out paces these texting apps

 

[muzzy996]

On average I have about 50 active conversations in my messaging application most of which are group chats. So yeah, I can't live without SMS and MMS.

 

[Brew Swayne]

I think the stock app is great. Nothing fancy, but a simple and clean interface. Used it on my S5, Note 4, and up until a few days ago, my Note 8.

Currently giving textra a try. I like it but not sure if I like it enough to replace stock. Having a tough time getting it to work with Bixby as well, so that may be a deal breaker.

 

[jjinal]

every single person I know used sms. imessage is a big reason because why would they want to stop using a perfectly good app just because Android users are put out.
when the 40% that use a single app and the fragmented mess that is Android collide, imessage wins.
We used WhatsApp for work and every iPhone user was happy to get it off their phone, every Android user didn't care when we stopped using it.

I just bought an iPhone 8 Plus basically because of iMessage and FaceTime. I have a Note 8 but everyone in my family uses Apple products including my 5 year old daughter (iPod Touch). She knows how to iMessage and FaceTime so I really needed an iPhone.

 

[Trees]

I just bought an iPhone 8 Plus basically because of iMessage and FaceTime. I have a Note 8 but everyone in my family uses Apple products including my 5 year old daughter (iPod Touch). She knows how to iMessage and FaceTime so I really needed an iPhone.

I think that's a compelling reason. Add on to that with Family Sharing as it is a relatively safe and easy to setup a kid for an Apple ID so they can use Messages and FaceTime, control app purchases, etc.

 

[jjinal]

I think that's a compelling reason. Add on to that with Family Sharing as it is a relatively safe and easy to setup a kid for an Apple ID so they can use Messages and FaceTime, control app purchases, etc.

Yeah, I laughed about iMessage when Apple released it. Boy was I wrong. It may be the most brilliant move they've ever made in the mobile space.