RCS vs. SMS: How Are They Different?

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between RCS (Rich Communication Services) and SMS (Short Message Service), you’re not alone. Text messaging is an essential part of how we communicate, and while SMS has been around for decades, RCS is a newer technology offering advanced messaging features. So, what exactly sets these two apart? Explore the RCS vs. SMS dilemma, understand how they work and how they impact your messaging experience.

What Is SMS?

SMS is the most common type of text messaging. The first SMS text message was sent in 1992 by 22-year-old engineer Neil Papworth. It was designed to send short messages of up to 160 characters between mobile phones. You’re likely using SMS without even realizing it — each time you send a regular text message without pictures, videos or any special features, it’s probably an SMS.

SMS is simple and reliable, which is why it’s still widely used today. It works across virtually all mobile networks and devices, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility. Whether you’re using an old flip phone or the latest smartphone, SMS will get your message across.

However, SMS does have its limitations. For example, you can’t send larger files like photos or videos, and it lacks modern features like read receipts — which show when someone has read your message — and typing indicators — which show when someone is typing. That’s where RCS comes in.

What is RCS?

RCS is a more advanced messaging protocol that’s designed to replace SMS. It offers a wide range of features that bring texting closer to the capabilities of modern messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage or Facebook Messenger.

With RCS, you’re not just limited to text. You can send high-quality photos and videos, share your location and even create more interactive group chats. Features — like read receipts and typing indicators — make conversations more interactive and responsive.

RCS also supports messages over 160 characters, making it better suited for modern communication needs. If you’ve ever had to split a long text into several parts because of the SMS character limit, you’ll love this improvement.

The Key Differences: RCS Vs. SMS

When comparing RCS and SMS, it’s easy to see how they both serve the same basic purpose — sending messages between phones — but they operate in quite different ways. While SMS has been around for quite some time, RCS is stepping in as a more modern and feature-rich alternative. Here are the key differences between the two:

Message Type and Size

• SMS: With SMS, you’re limited to 160 characters per message, and multimedia support is restricted to very basic options, such as low-resolution photos and videos through MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). MMS is essentially an extension of SMS but still has severe limitations.
• RCS: RCS, on the other hand, allows you to send rich content like high-resolution photos, videos and even audio files without the constraints of character limits. You can also send much larger files than with SMS.

Delivery and Read Receipts

• SMS: SMS doesn’t offer any feedback beyond a simple “message sent” notification, and you have no way of knowing if the recipient has read your message.
• RCS: RCS supports delivery and read receipts, much like instant messaging platforms. You’ll know when your message has been delivered and read, which is a game-changer for anyone who wants more control over their messaging experience.

Typing Indicators

• SMS: With SMS, you have no clue if the other person is in the process of replying until their message arrives in your inbox.
• RCS: RCS includes typing indicators to see when someone is composing a response. This small but impactful feature makes conversations flow more smoothly.

Group Messaging

• SMS: Group messaging with SMS can be quite frustrating. Messages are often sent individually to each person in the group, which can get confusing. They also might not always get delivered to every group member, and there are often issues with keeping track of replies in the right order. 
• RCS: RCS improves on this by allowing true group chats, where everyone can see and respond to messages in real time. You can manage groups more effectively, see who has read your messages and even remove people from group chats without starting a new conversation thread.

Internet vs. Carrier Networks

• SMS: SMS is sent through your mobile carrier’s network, which means you might be charged per text if you don’t have an unlimited plan. This likely won’t be a big deal for those with an unlimited data plan. SMS also doesn’t require an internet connection to work.
• RCS: RCS uses mobile data or Wi-Fi for messaging. If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, you won’t use your cellular data at all, and there’s no worry about running out of text messages. However, if you’re in an area with no internet connection or spotty service, RCS won’t work, unlike SMS. It’s also worth noting that sending high-quality media files through RCS could consume more of your data than you realize. 

Compatibility

• SMS: SMS is universally supported. You can send an SMS to anyone with a phone number, regardless of their device or carrier. This widespread compatibility is one of the reasons SMS has lasted so long.
• RCS: RCS, however, requires both the sender and receiver to have RCS-enabled phones, and it depends on the carriers and messaging apps used. As a result, it’s not yet as widely supported as SMS, although it’s growing in availability. 

Security

• SMS: SMS is not encrypted. This means that your messages can — in theory — be intercepted and read by third parties, though this is generally rare for casual texting.
• RCS: While RCS offers more features, its security is still a gray area. Unlike end-to-end encrypted apps like Signal or iMessage, RCS has yet to universally offer full encryption. Some carriers and services do offer encryption on RCS, but it’s not standard across the board. This is something to keep in mind, especially if privacy is a concern.

How To Use RCS

If you’re interested in switching from SMS to RCS, the process is straightforward — as long as your phone and carrier support it. RCS is typically integrated into Google Messages — the default messaging app on most Android phones. To use RCS, you’ll need to ensure you have an internet connection and that you and the person you’re messaging have RCS enabled. If RCS isn’t available, your messages will revert to SMS.

To use RCS on iPhone with iOS 18, you’ll need to check if your carrier supports it — AT&T and Verizon do. and ensure it’s enabled on your device. Remember, though, that RCS on iPhone doesn’t yet offer end-to-end encryption for messages between iPhones and Android, which may raise privacy concerns.

RCS vs. SMS — Which Is Better?

When comparing RCS vs. SMS, it’s clear that RCS is the future of text messaging. It offers a richer and more interactive experience. However, SMS still has its place, especially when you need a simple, reliable communication method that doesn’t rely on data or modern features.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal needs. If you want more advanced messaging features like high-quality media sharing, read receipts and typing indicators, RCS is the way to go. But if you’re in an area with poor data coverage or need a fallback option, SMS is still a solid and dependable choice.

In today’s messaging world, having both options is nice. So, whether you’re sending a quick text via SMS or sharing videos through RCS, you’ve got the tools to stay connected.