© 2023 SamMobile
SamMobile has affiliate and sponsored partnerships. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn a commission.
Last updated: November 8th, 2023 at 13:39 UTC+01:00
Google might be paying Samsung a lot of money to push the Google Messages app as the default option on Galaxy devices, just like it did for Chrome and Search. But whether or not it does matters not. For many Galaxy users, the fact is that Samsung Messages is the superior solution. Why? The keyword is “simplicity.”
Even though Google Messages might have more options and be a more complete messaging app under the hood, there’s value in the simplicity of Samsung Messages. It’s an SMS app, after all, and it doesn’t need to go overboard with complex web-integrated features and extras.
Unlike Google Messages, Samsung Messages doesn’t have a UI that looks almost like Gmail. It doesn’t have an integrated Camera button for no apparent reason. It’s not intertwined with your Google account. It doesn’t need an understanding of Google’s often annoyingly-obfuscated app ecosystem to get it to work as you want it to.
Which one is “bloatware?” The purpose-built app or the bloated one?
Samsung Messages is as straightforward and functional as it gets, even if it’s missing all those fancy features Google Messages has. If Google Messages feels like a web app with SMS functionality attached to it, Samsung Messages is just a good old messaging app for your Galaxy phone. It has an option to create groups, it has a “Contacts” tab, and it has regular conversation threads.
Sometimes, simplicity is key. And even though Samsung seemingly keeps tweaking and improving its Messages app with every major One UI update, it doesn’t feel like the company has an ulterior motive for pushing the simple SMS app (and its users) outside the comfort zone.
While some Android users who probably haven’t used Galaxy phones in years would call Samsung Messages “bloatware,” it’s the other way around. For many Galaxy device users who have made Samsung Messages app their default one, Google Messages feels like a bloated SMS solution designed to drag users more into the search engine giant’s ecosystem.
You can’t argue. that Samsung Messages isn’t true to its name and origins. It’s just a clever SMS app and doesn’t need to be much more than that. And that’s why many Galaxy device users love it the way it is.
You might also like
Samsung revealed earlier this year that it is collaborating with Google and Qualcomm to bring an XR (Mixed Reality) device. It is expected to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which was unveiled a few months ago. While Samsung didn’t reveal a launch time frame for its XR headset, it is reported that the company […]
Android is not only a smartphone operating system, it also extends over to smartwatches, smart TVs, and vehicles. Since it is an open-source OS, developers can create apps for any device and post them on the Play Store. As of now, you can remotely install apps on any of your connected devices via the Play […]
Samsung started rolling out the November 2023 security update to its smartphones a few days ago. However, it did not reveal which security flaws have actually been fixed with its new security patch. Now, Samsung has revealed more information about its November 2023 security patch for Galaxy phones and tablets. Samsung’s November 2023 security patch […]
Android Auto has received several design improvements over the years, but most of those improvements have been minor ones. The updates that brought major improvements to Android Auto have been few and far between. Now, Google is bringing a minor design improvement to Google Maps to make it look a little more modern. As spotted […]
During the antitrust trial that Google is currently going through in the US, several of its trade secrets have been revealed, including how much it pays other brands to stay as the default search engine on mobile devices. It has also been revealed that Google might be paying Android smartphone makers, including Samsung, to push […]
A couple of days ago, Samsung unveiled its new 50MP ISOCELL camera sensor. It brings improved autofocus performance and better HDR support compared to previous sensors in the lineup. It is called the ISOCELL GNK, and it is the successor to the ISOCELL GN1 that was launched three years ago. It is now being reported […]
Best picks
Devices
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
SM-A146B
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
SM-S711U
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
SM-X510
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 5G
SM-X516B
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
SM-X610
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ 5G
SM-X616B
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
SM-R400
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
SM-X110
November 2023 security patch
Social media
Reviews
Notebook
TV
© 2023 SamMobile