Samsung Messages Discontinued on July 6. FREE / BASIC / SMS text msg app recommendation.

My knowledge of smartphones can be written (with a crayon) on a piece of paper the size of the ball on a ball point pin.

I have some crap smartphones (Samsung A13 5G = SM-A136U) w/USMobile (2GB/month. "Darkstar" ATT network.) with WiFi and mobile data TURNED OFF. They are just smartphones used as flip phones. I don't need, want or care about having more. At least for now.

I currently use the included Samsung Messages APP for SMS text messages. The APP is being killed off. (see pic below). Should I just switch to Google or what?!? Don't want the "powerful features" of Google. I simply want to send free SMS text messages (NOT USING WiFi or MOBILE DATA). Pics are cropped to 720 pixels on long end. That's fine. (Bigger would be nice if ATT allows it as free SMS text message).

Something I can simply grab and go from the Galaxy Store. (going to create an account now)

Suggestions. Comments. Advice.

I’d honestly just use Google Messages. It works well, and you can turn RCS off. If you decide to get more data you’ll get the most widely used RCS support available.

Aurelius said:

I’d honestly just use Google Messages. It works well, and you can turn RCS off. If you decide to get more data you’ll get the most widely used RCS support available.

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/rant

OK. So do my texts now have my gmail name attached to it? Already 5 seconds in and I hate the fuck'en thing. Maybe just me being dumb but how do you delete parts of a text chat instead of just trashing the whole thing?

I hate learning new shit when the old shit just worked and was easy to use.

I used verizon messenger for 10 years, and they killed it off last year. I had to bite the bullet and go with google messages too.

Just check if Google Messages RCS works in your region; it's disabled in some areas.

kindasmart said:

/rant

OK. So do my texts now have my gmail name attached to it? Already 5 seconds in and I hate the fuck'en thing. Maybe just me being dumb but how do you delete parts of a text chat instead of just trashing the whole thing?

I hate learning new shit when the old shit just worked and was easy to use.

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SMS is SMS here — your Google account isn't attached to that or RCS. To delete individual messages you can usually press and hold on them to get the option.

I've never understood a proprietary SMS/MMS app to begin with. These things usually follow standards. Just use the Google one.

Textra was my go to for years, but Google Messages is where it's at for Android now.

Starfalcon said:

I used verizon messenger for 10 years, and they killed it off last year. I had to bite the bullet and go with google messages too.

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Are carriers and phone mfg killing off their proprietary message app to save money? It's just an expense? Selling out to Google? Did you check out any other message app or just went Google? Interesting article here.

AVATARAT said:

Just check if Google Messages RCS works in your region; it's disabled in some areas.

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I don't want any "Rich Communication Services." I only have 2 GB data (for extreme emergencies only) and I don't want to turn on WiFi, unless I have to. I already give Google too much info and I want to avoid any more, if possible.

Aurelius said:

SMS is SMS here — your Google account isn't attached to that or RCS. To delete individual messages you can usually press and hold on them to get the option.

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Good to know. Thanks for the quick response. I tried "press & hold" on a message and I only got a bunch of emojis. Then figured out I have to "press & hold" then click the trash can. THANKS. Little things annoy the F out of me.

OFaceSIG said:

I've never understood a proprietary SMS/MMS app to begin with. These things usually follow standards. Just use the Google one.

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Isn't SMS/MMS the standard for "normal" plain text texts. Seems all the other app clients are their own standard. At least as far as my 15 seconds of research goes. I know group chat can be a nightmare. I got included on one and could not get the F out of it. Kept getting CC:'d random texts between two people talking to each other. PITA.

Mad Maxx said:

Textra was my go to for years, but Google Messages is where it's at for Android now.

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Is Google Messages the only real choice? I want: 1) FREE. Free APP and Free usage. 2) NO mobile data and NO WiFi required. 3) Privacy, or at least the least invasive as possible. 4) Simple & Easy enough for a retard (aka ME) to use. I want to send the actual TEXT message and perhaps a pic (can be low res 720p or 1080p). THATS IT. Nothing else. No group chat, video, hires pics, files, emojis, links, maps, pins, etc, etc, etc.

A plus, so far with Google messages that I have encountered is that is has an included camera app. And it seems the pics it sends via SMS (not mobile data or WiFi) are 1080x1440 and not limited to 720p when using the Samsung message app. I thought that might be an MVNO or carrier ATT restriction on pic/attachment size? or is it file size limit? or?

Is there a file size or resolution limit for a pic attached to a SMS message? Does this chart seem correct for you and your carrier?

kindasmart said:

Are carriers and phone mfg killing off their proprietary message app to save money? It's just an expense? Selling out to Google? Did you check out any other message app or just went Google? Interesting article here.

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I did look around, but there wasnt a lot to go with. Plus at least with messages it would move all my old texts from verizon messenger to it so I still had access to them. That was the main thing I liked about verizon messenger is I switched phones several times, and it was able to move all my texts from former phones with no issues. I text some people infrequently, so it was nice to have a new phone and have my old texts to keep track of things.

Starfalcon said:

I did look around, but there wasnt a lot to go with. Plus at least with messages it would move all my old texts from verizon messenger to it so I still had access to them. That was the main thing I liked about verizon messenger is I switched phones several times, and it was able to move all my texts from former phones with no issues. I text some people infrequently, so it was nice to have a new phone and have my old texts to keep track of things.

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Thanks for the reply.

Makes sense if you have older txts you want to keep. 90% of my txts are just chit-chat with sister about mom and how she's doing. Nothing I need to keep archived. The rest random Walmart or Costco txts letting me know something shipped/arrived. Again nothing I need to keep.

kindasmart said:

I don't want any "Rich Communication Services." I only have 2 GB data (for extreme emergencies only) and I don't want to turn on WiFi, unless I have to. I already give Google too much info and I want to avoid any more, if possible.

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It has nothing to do with your subscription plan.
In some EU countries, it's just an issue with Google's infrastructure or something like that.

I've been using Fossify Messages, since the previous app I liked became abandonware. There's a whole collection of basic apps from them, if you're looking to de-Google further.

kindasmart said:

I want: 1) FREE. Free APP and Free usage. 2) NO mobile data and NO WiFi required. 3) Privacy, or at least the least invasive as possible. 4) Simple & Easy enough for a retard (aka ME) to use. I want to send the actual TEXT message and perhaps a pic (can be low res 720p or 1080p). THATS IT.

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If you are not paying for a product, you are the product.

Google gives their quality apps for free because the customers are actually the people buying our data. We are the product.

You want free and private. Those two things are unlikely to be in the same app at the same time.

Welcome to smart phones. "Dumb" phones are making a comeback. You might prefer to explore that option.

Textra was awesome when I used it for years, and I paid a small amount for the pro version. Maybe it's still around and worth looking into.

Edit: after re reading my response, I think that came off as condescending. That wasn't my intention. I hope you find a solution that works for you in the end.

Gemini: Yes, everyone please use Google Messages. And thanks Tim. I'm glad that all worked out between you and Sarah.

AVATARAT said:

It has nothing to do with your subscription plan.
In some EU countries, it's just an issue with Google's infrastructure or something like that.

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Thanks. Me being dumb and paranoid. Mostly dumb.

ProfessorUtopia said:

I've been using Fossify Messages, since the previous app I liked became abandonware. There's a whole collection of basic apps from them, if you're looking to de-Google further.

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Thanks for the Fossify Messages tip.

SticKx911 said:

If you are not paying for a product, you are the product.

Google gives their quality apps for free because the customers are actually the people buying our data. We are the product.

You want free and private. Those two things are unlikely to be in the same app at the same time.

Welcome to smart phones. "Dumb" phones are making a comeback. You might prefer to explore that option.

Textra was awesome when I used it for years, and I paid a small amount for the pro version. Maybe it's still around and worth looking into.

Edit: after re reading my response, I think that came off as condescending. That wasn't my intention. I hope you find a solution that works for you in the end.

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Regarding you Edit. NO WORRIES! I agree 100% with your first four points above and me being naive, asking for "free" and "private," well I deserve a reminder, "If you are not paying for a product, you are the product." I'll check Textra out.

kindasmart said:

Thanks. Me being dumb and paranoid. Mostly dumb.

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Keep care of yourself; nowadays it is better to be a little paranoid than to fail at something.

kindasmart said:

Thanks. Me being dumb and paranoid. Mostly dumb.

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Nah, in the shitstorm of the android play peddleware and the maffia phone companies one should always attribute problems to malice on their part.

Another vote for fossify apps here. On a sidenote: In general, I tend to browse f-droid for android applications.