But what exactly does RCS mean, and how does it differ from SMS/MMS and other instant messaging platforms?
We will explain everything below.
What Is RCS Messaging?
RCS also mimics Apple’s iMessage in some ways.
RCS is based onGSMA’s Universal Profile, an industry agreed-upon standard for deploying RCS.
Fast-forward a few years, and RCS is now available globally, thanks to the accelerated rollout pace.
RCS Messaging Features
RCS chats introduce several exciting features that make SMS irrelevant.
Also, it’s possible for you to react to messages you receive over RCS.
RCS also works differently relative to SMS.
It sends messages over cellular data or Wi-Fi as long as the other person also uses RCS.
This contrasts with SMS, which is sent over your mobile carrier’s web link.
RCS vs. SMS Messages
There’s a bigdifference between RCS, SMS, and MMS.
SMS has its own features that make it different from modern instant messaging platforms and even RCS.
For example, you do not need a mobile data or Wi-Fi connection to use SMS.
It has a minimal barrier for entry, with only a cellular connection and signal needed.
For RCS, you’ll need to connect to the internet first.
Another distinctive feature is that you don’t need to download an additional app to use SMS.
Virtually all phones, including feature (“dumb”) phones, come with a dedicated SMS app.
However, not every Android unit comes pre-installed with an RCS-compatible app like Google Messages.
Another difference between RCS and SMS is that each SMS message is limited to 160 characters.
This explains why longer texts are split into segments by default when sending a message via SMS.
With RCS, you might send lengthy messages well past the 160-character limit.
Sharing multimedia files is also not possible with SMS.
This is done using MMS, or Multimedia Messaging Service.
MMS has a meager file limit, which is why shared images are typically blurry.
How Do I Get RCS Messages on My Android Phone?
Plus, some carriers still don’t support RCS, so it’s a waiting game in that case.
Remember that this might not work in all situations, depending on your equipment and carrier.
Check back often if it doesn’t work now.
