SMS vs RCS: What’s the Difference and Which Messaging Technology Is Better?

Communication fundamentally involves a basic desire to connect and communicate information in a rapid, reliable and cost-effective manner. In the case of text messaging, we would mention two protocols that tend to take the center stage, which are SMS and RCS. But they are very different and have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The workhorse of the mobile phone, SMS, has been able to withstand time, providing universal interoperability and ease. RCS, on the other hand, is the new entry to the market with high features, although very few have adopted it.

In this blog, you will get a summary of these two protocols, and it will be easier to make your decision. You will see which is the better choice in the end.

What is SMS?

SMS is an abbreviation of short message service. It is an ordinary text message used by mobile phone users and generally known as such. Although most individuals make use of different forms of mobile messaging as text, SMS can be described as 160-character, text-only messages that are transmitted through a cellular network. As an illustration, the iMessage of Apple is not an SMS message since it can be delivered using Wi-Fi or data rather than a cellular network.

SMS has since emerged as the most popular texting technology, even as more methods of communicating using digital messages are increasing. It is estimated that user-to-user messages sent via SMS have reached 2 trillion in 2024.

Text messaging Technology, SMS messaging technology, is the default and the older text messaging tool used in mobile devices all over the world.

Features & Characteristics of SMS

These are some of the unique features and characteristics of SMS text messages :

Text length: The text length in SMS is 160 characters.

Universal compatibility: SMS is compatible with practically any mobile phone, both smartphones and entry-level mobile phones.

Affordability: The cost of the SMS messaging is always affordable to businesses and consumers. The normal charges of sending text messages are applicable, although they are normally covered in the mobile phone packages.

Plain text: SMS messages are not accompanied by photos or any other form of media.

Transmitted through a cellular network: SMS messages are transmitted on a cellular network rather than WiFi or cellular network.

Pros and Cons of SMS

The following are some of the major strengths and weaknesses of utilizing SMS :

Pros of SMS

Short and to the point: SMS messages need to be concise and to the point, thus digestible and easy to read.

Adoption and Reach: SMS is supported by all mobile devices and cellular providers. This form of messaging is also a good alternative when phones used by the sender or receiver are not connected to the internet, or the phone does not support any modern standard such as RCS.

Convenient and reliable: Mobile phones have inbuilt text messaging applications, which are SMS friendly. The user does not have to switch on a setting or install an additional application to receive text messages. SMS is also sent through a cellular signal. This assists in providing messages in the absence of data or Wi-Fi.

Simple and commonplace: SMS messages are simple to compose and common to everyone.

Cons of SMS

Character limit: Short character limit may pose a problem in expressing the message and tone.

Poor media support: SMS messages do not have multimedia attachments (images and videos). Remark: It is important to remember that MMS messages are a decent alternative.

Limitations in features: When using SMS messages, there are no read receipts, typing signs, or delivery messages.

What is RCS?

RCS is an abbreviation of Rich Communication Service. It is a new generation communication protocol developed in 2007, which provides an enhanced messaging platform for mobile-to-mobile text messaging. The point is that RCS will become a replacement for SMS as a standard experience of exchanging messages between two mobile devices.

RCS enables sophisticated capabilities that are befitting the smartphone age, such as extended messages and high-quality multimedia messages. It is also capable of enabling interactive features such as reactions, read receipts and increased branding opportunities.

RCS implementation is gaining momentum, although Apple was initially pushing back. These projections are confirmed by Google which stated that there is no less than 1 billion RCS messages sent each day in the U.S. by May 2025.

Features & Characteristics of RCS

These are some of the distinguishing features of RCS and SMS :

Support of rich media: RCS allows sharing high-resolution multimedia content such as images, videos, and GIFs in messages.

Interactive elements: RCS messages may include interactive elements such as reactions, buttons, suggested actions, and forms, and the user can interact with the content directly in the message.

None of the restrictions: RCS does not have a fixed number of characters. This will enable you to send longer messages.

Messages read: The RCS messages have the read receipts and the typing indicators that show when your contacts are typing a response.

Sent through the Internet: RCS messages are sent through cellular data or Wi-Fi, unlike cellular networks, like the iMessages.

Group messaging: In terms of group texting, RCS has more features to deal with. As an example, the number of individuals who can be included in a group chat can be increased when using RCS.

Pros and Cons of RCS

The following are the pros and cons of RCS messaging :

Pros of RCS

High-quality multimedia: This is one of the strong points because you can easily send and receive high-quality multimedia messages. These videos and pictures can enhance the interaction of the message.

Rich in features: RCS messaging has numerous features as compared to SMS including longer messages, read receipts, and typing indicators.

Encryption: The producer of RCS, is attempting to encrypt it end-to-end. The initial version of RCS to be launched on iPhone is based on the RCS Universal Profile, however, this is not end-to-end encrypted.

Verified senders: Using RCS business messaging, you can add verified senders. This will enable you to show your logo and business in your profile as an added security to the customers.

Improved analytics: RCS chat has read receipts which allow monitoring the engagement rates better.

Cons of RCS

Adoption and reach: RCS is an offering of the carrier providers and not all carriers support it. Also, RCS is compatible with smartphone devices that are more recent and modern mobile operating systems which may limit its coverage.

Enabling process: To enjoy the features of RCS, the two mobile phone users must have it enabled in their gadgets. Also, to allow RCS messaging on an Apple device, one has to have iOS 18 installed on their device and enable it through settings.

Complexity: RCS is more feature-rich, which can be interpreted as more complexity and additional effort to establish campaigns.

Costliness: In terms of business messages, due to its advanced features, it can be more expensive to transmit and receive messages. You might also require programmers and designers to assist you in creating RCS messages.

Internet dependency: RCS messages are dependent on the internet or data connectivity. This implies that your recipient should be connected and be in a sound data-supported region.

Compare RCS vs SMS

Being a subscriber, there can be a significant difference between an RCS message and SMS message. To start with, whereas SMS is delivered by the cellular network, RCS content needs a mobile data network or internet access.

Other major differences are reduced to reach, the capabilities of the media and branding. Compared to a quick check out the table below!

	RCS	SMS
Network dependency	Before a message can be sent, it requires an internet connection (5G, LTE) or data connectivity.	Sent over the infrastructure of a mobile network provider, i.e., no Wi-Fi connection is needed
Reach	Exceeding one and a half billion active Android users and growing with further support of Apple devices.	A hundred percent of the mobile phone users worldwide (est. 7.3 billion individuals).
Text capabilities	RCS messages are restricted to 3072 characters in the text portion.	As many as 160 characters on one SMS message.
Media capabilities	Favours rich cards, buttons, images of maps, video and audio, GIFS etc.	It is not possible to add any multimedia materials or recommended actions, but MMS accepts pictures and links.
Security and encryption	The flow of messages is encrypted, and the Android P2P messages are encrypted end-to-end (soon to be available on iOS).	SMS, as well as MMS, is not encrypted.
User experience	Offers will have such functionality as interactive buttons and quick-reply buttons.	Offers text chat features.
Engagement	Very high – 90 percent of rich media messages are opened in 15 minutes or less with a maximum of 45 seconds being used.	Very high – has an open rate of more than 90% historically.
Branding opportunities	Every message will contain a brand, name, logo and information of a verified sender.	Alpha Sender IDs are available in a few countries but not all.

Final Words – SMS vs RCS

When it comes to the matter of SMS as a means of communication, there are numerous advantages to this choice. Since the possibility of SMS is disregarded since a new, shiny alternative in the form of RCS having appeared, there is a risk of missing opportunities and poor communication. SMS, when optimally used, can simplify your communication business process, increase customer satisfaction, and greatly enhance your correspondence.

FAQs – SMS vs RCS

Q1. What is the distinction between RCS and SMS?

SMS is a standard text messaging platform applicable to all mobile phone models, whereas RCS (Rich Communication Services) is an enhanced standard that allows high-res images, videos, branding, analytics, and interactivity on compatible smartphones.

Q2. Is RCS more secure than SMS?

RCS supports encrypted transmission, and 1-1 Android chat is end-to-end encrypted. SMS is not encrypted. In the most sensitive business scenarios, use secure messaging or other authentication.

Q3. Can RCS replace SMS?

The adoption of RCS is hastening, particularly when supported by iOS 18, but SMS is needed to make it universal, urgent, and fallback in places where RCS does not exist.

Q4. Is RCS available on iPhone?

Yes – iOS 18 (2024) started introducing RCS support to Apple products in some markets, although complete functionality and business messaging might not be as compatible across all carriers and countries.

Q5. Why is RCS not functioning on my phone?

Ensure that your carrier and device support RCS, and that Chat features or RCS are enabled in your phone’s messaging app preferences. In the event of a lack of RCS or its non-support, your messages will be sent in the form of SMS/MMS.