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Best SMS Apps

What are the best SMS apps, of any variety and quickly why?
such as for backing up sms, using sms in general, etc.
I have heard of handcent and chompSMS so far as two good ones for overall SMS use.
If the app costs $, be sure to say so!
Current Result: GoSMS

Go sms.
Its new and popular.
Really light
Backs up sms
Can turn its whole system off(silent) when i want to use something else.

Yeah I really like GO SMS. you should try them all if you can because each has its strengths but my fave is GO.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk

I've tried a couple of them myself and I must say GoSMS is the best!

I've tried chompSMS, Handcent, and GO SMS (in that order)...I used each for about 1-2 weeks until they irritated me. I have stuck with GO SMS and I'm not looking back. For backing up sms I only use SMS Backup and Restore.

lnkn said:
I've tried chompSMS, Handcent, and GO SMS (in that order)...I used each for about 1-2 weeks until they irritated me. I have stuck with GO SMS and I'm not looking back. For backing up sms I only use SMS Backup and Restore.
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Thank you so much for the info. SMS Backupa nd Restore is a godsend!

I agree with everyone else, Go is my favorite messaging app if I'm not using the stock app.

I like GoSMS too.. but now that Handcent has emoji support, I'm switching back to HandcentSMS cos' I can send and receive smiley icons to/from my wife (who's using an iPhone).
I think it really depends on your need..

I recommend GO SMS... =)

The only problem is the Go sms icon, its hideous!
Sent from my HTC Hero using XDA App

I'm also going to go with GO SMS. It has the functionality of pretty much every other popular sms app, and it seems to get an update every week.

I use Go SMS.
And for backup I use both SMS Backup and Restore and SMS Backup+ that lets you archive your SMS in Gmail.

Handcent. Nothing is more customizable. And to me, that's the heart of Android. Also, the devs are great, constantly adding features. Its been very reliable for me. It others online features for back up.
Sent from my HTC Vision using a last second field goal!

GoSMS.. I've used them all w/ Handcent being the longest but once I tried GoSMS, I haven't wanted to try anything else.

Omnichron said:
Thank you so much for the info. SMS Backupa nd Restore is a godsend!
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Amen to that. I tried the GO SMS built in backup and it messed up my sms order, missed many others. Good thing I had another backup via Backup and Restore.

fakenjones said:
The only problem is the Go sms icon, its hideous!
Sent from my HTC Hero using XDA App
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If you're using a custom launcher, don't drag and drop to the Home screen. Instead long press on home screen to get the menu, then click shortcut, select application and you can have an option to change icon (by clicking on the icon) during the rename stage before finalizing by clicking done. This was for Launcher Pro BTW. Hope that helps.

I love GoSms

GOsms... lighter/ great sms app alternative.. beenHandcent user before.

My top:
#1 Handcent SMS
#2 Go SMS
The only problem with Go SMS is that it need the standard massaging apk to work. Sounds maybe weird, but why do I need two loading apps (one in background) on incoming sms? This takes memory. Not much, but for me - xperia e10i - it's kinda problem.
Handcent in the other hand use the stock massaging app only in case of mms in/out.
Handcent is slower, thats for sure, maybe not much, but you can tell why using it.
Go SMS got mega support from the devs - very often updates, and thats a great deal.
For now, like at the top of the post - first place Handcent, and second Go SMS - for me ofc

Go over Handcent
I prefer Go having used both.
One issue I have is I so far have been unable to stop the integrated text app from collecting and alerting me about new texts.
Am I being a donkey?
Tom

Previewing Texts

Early apologies if this is in the wrong section but i couldnt find anything when i tried searching this topic.
Anyway, my old htc phones (windows mobile), the screen would turn on and i would get a preview of a text i just received.
on the inspire, the screen remains off even though the notification noises and vibrations play.
is there any way to make the screen turn on as well ?
it drives me nutts that i cant just glance at my phone!! i have to turn it on then do the unlocking, etc.
any help is much appreciated!

I don't know about the stock HTC SMS app but there's an option for this in GoSMS. I highly recommended it.

Or you can try sms popup.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

dooyoo222 said:
Or you can try sms popup.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
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+1 - Great app!

Handcent has screen wake option. And it by far is better than stock messaging app anyway, a billion options to use.

RogerPodacter said:
Handcent has screen wake option. And it by far is better than stock messaging app anyway, a billion options to use.
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Can't get into handset, it just looks too ugly - even with the skins.
They need to update handcrnt for higher resolution/larger displays.
Sent from my HTC Inspire using tapatalk.

What he said!
Handcent, second to none for SMS!

thanks a lot guys!
i will definitely try out the apps you've mentioned.

umm?
im loving go sms pro. very clean interface.
however, i accidentally deleted some text messages.
and i dont see a deleted items folder.
is there any way to recover deleted texts??

another vote for handcent here..

Go SMS Pro seems pretty promising thus far. I hated Handcent because of the overall 'old' feel and sluggish performance. Go SMS was a little laggy but I bumped the performance down to the "middle" level and it seems to work quite well now.
idkjack said:
im loving go sms pro. very clean interface.
however, i accidentally deleted some text messages.
and i dont see a deleted items folder.
is there any way to recover deleted texts??
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If you didn't use the backup that Go SMS offers I don't think you can get them back. Maybe they're hidden somewhere but I wouldn't know how to go about finding them.

If you don't want to change messaging apps, you might want to look at SMSawake or SMS Screen WakeUp.

I'm using Chomp SMS. Let's you preview text and lot's of other options.

[Q] Handcent vs Built in messenger?

Which do you all prefer?

Definitely stock. On every rom always. It just works better in my experience

Chomp sms
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Go SMS pro
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Love Handcent

I like the quick reply pop up of handcent, I'll try chomp n go too

Stock doesn't lag at all when scrolling with pictures. I tried to keep using it, but there were some annoying things. The text box was too big to start with. For some reason it was delaying text messages or not sending them correctly.
THe fact that INSIDE the bubble it displays the other person's name, kinda bothers me. The fact that there is no quick reply was a turn off. Although you could download sms pop up, I found that the communication between both programs was not the best.
Go is super, but... its REALLY over crowded. Too many options and extremely easy to hit the button you do not wish when in a rush. Other than that, its great. I liked specially from this one that you had the call button on the top of the contact and you do NOT have to hit 3 taps to call anyone from the app (Pic-Call-confirm).
THe one I am using is CHOMP. It's the one that most resembles the iPhone and bitesms (same makers). Its being updated CONSTANTLY. So it's the most promising. You can one click call the contact through the quick reply. The only thing I miss from Chomp that go has is the call short cut in the message thread. Its light and its fast.

SMS app replacement

Anyone here can recommend a non-laggy sms replacement app for the note's default one? GoSMS Pro is good, but it's laggy, and i rather some more feedback from the forum here regarding other apps before i go and try them, namely handcent, chompsms, etc..
your input is appreciated. thanks!

jeremy.chan said:
Anyone here can recommend a non-laggy sms replacement app for the note's default one? GoSMS Pro is good, but it's laggy, and i rather some more feedback from the forum here regarding other apps before i go and try them, namely handcent, chompsms, etc..
your input is appreciated. thanks!
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I've used Handcent before, but my current favorite is Go SMS Pro.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jb.gosms

If only we could use the stock CM7 SMS App (and dialer, for that matter)! Tried installing it, it starts but FCs when clicking Compose.
Pete

Basically I used ChompSMS and Go SMS Pro. ChompSMS is for the quick reply window which I prefer to hide the text until I press Show and Go SMS is for Private Contacts which I did not want it to show at all in any of the SMS applications.

Handcent is really good with different theme to choose from and have a widget also

Don't forget about jaxtrsms. It let's you send free sms's...

GO Sms is a good choice! Love using it

The OP already said he tried GO but was laggy... and it is very laggy. I'd like to know of something similar too but will actually run well?

BigsyBiggins said:
The OP already said he tried GO but was laggy... and it is very laggy. I'd like to know of something similar too but will actually run well?
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I didn't notice that! Actually, another 'choice' that is super fast would be the Go Widget that comes with Go Launcher. It isn't a full-fledged SMS app, but rather a Messages widget that you can add to a homescreen. Since I started using it, I rarely use the actual messaging app on the system. You can view and reply to messages directly from the widget through a popup window. I think the only time it uses your messaging app is when sending a "new message". It is easily the fastest messaging solution out there.

I use metro messanging beta and it is smoth like hell ;-) although it looks like messanging app on windows phone 7. If u like the look try it. I love it
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

GoSMS is good but the the current update (v4) is a huge letdown... Lots of Bugs (themeing and color customization), no lite mode, a lil laggy... im still using the v3.72...

Thanks all. I Am trying Handcent now, and nt as friendly when coming to individual sms tones, and especially when there's no options for group sms tones
Might have to try the others listed here.. Completely uninstalled gosms even the new version is still laggy compared to Handcent
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

[APP][2.2+]: Sweep Texting

Sweep Texting allows users to receive, view, and send text messages, all without touching their phones. It uses the proximity sensor to implement intuitive gestures: you can sweep down your screen as though you're giving permission for the app to "come" to you and display itself. An alert dialog will then pop up with the text message and you can reply to it within the dialog itself (you don't have to switch out of the app you're currently using). Then, when you want to send the message, you simply sweep up as though you're commanding the text message to "go away" and send itself.
Since the app is completely touch-free (with the exception of typing in your actual message), it is extremely useful in hands-free situations where looking at the screen and switching through multiple screens to access messages may be a hazard (driving, for instance). The app also gives users a nice futuristic feel to their text messaging experience and allows them to customize it with multiple color schemes.
FULL LIST OF FEATURES:
--Sweep down to view a text message after it arrives.
--Sweep up to send your reply back to whoever you're texting.
--Tap on your message to go directly to your Inbox.
--Supports multiple messages from different senders.
--Supports messages longer than one text message.
--Hide a message and then sweep down to view it again at a later time.
--Choose between Holo styled (ICS only) or five different dialog colors.
--Choose between five different text balloon colors.
--Toggle to disable in Landscape mode.
--Toggle to enable/disable "Message Sent" sound.
--Enable/Disable toggle so you can turn off the app's features when you don't need it.
APP: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.FlightGear.SweepTextingFree

UPDATE: More color schemes added! Check it out!
APP: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.FlightGear.SweepTextingFree

Sony Ericsson Arc S isn't a supported device. Do you know why? It's got a proximity sensor and all

jman2131 said:
Sony Ericsson Arc S isn't a supported device. Do you know why? It's got a proximity sensor and all
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Unfortunately, the app is only available in the United States for now (due to export tax law issues). I'll be rolling the app out to other countries soon, though!

Really like this app though sadly it doesn't work with 3rd party messaging apps specifically sliding messaging (what I'm using) only seems to work with stock :-\
also can't reopen text a after dismissing..
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

deathblade said:
Really like this app though sadly it doesn't work with 3rd party messaging apps specifically sliding messaging (what I'm using) only seems to work with stock :-\
also can't reopen text a after dismissing..
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
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Yeah, I could only find Intents that work with the stock messaging app when a text comes in. I'm actually working on porting it over with Google Voice and other 3rd party messaging apps are on my to-do list. I'll let you know when the updates become available.
And "Dismiss" is supposed to mark a message as read (so you won't be able to access it). If you want to be able to access a message after you view it, you should use the "Hide" button (that's what it's for). Glad you like the app though!

FlightGear said:
Yeah, I could only find Intents that work with the stock messaging app when a text comes in. I'm actually working on porting it over with Google Voice and other 3rd party messaging apps are on my to-do list. I'll let you know when the updates become available.
And "Dismiss" is supposed to mark a message as read (so you won't be able to access it). If you want to be able to access a message after you view it, you should use the "Hide" button (that's what it's for). Glad you like the app though!
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thank you for your speedy response I don't see a hide button when I use it only a dismiss I'm using an infuse 4g phone running beanstalk custom rom 4. 2. 1 jelly bean(which is cm based) stock dpi (240 I believe) not sure if any of that is helpful at all but I hope you can figure it out cuz this app is very nice
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

deathblade said:
thank you for your speedy response I don't see a hide button when I use it only a dismiss I'm using an infuse 4g phone running beanstalk custom rom 4. 2. 1 jelly bean(which is cm based) stock dpi (240 I believe) not sure if any of that is helpful at all but I hope you can figure it out cuz this app is very nice
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
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Are you using one of the custom color schemes? I don't think they have support for the "Hide" button (I couldn't get the dialog to accept more than one button for some weird reason... prolly an SDK bug). Try using the Holo theme. You can see from my screenshots that there actually is a "Hide" button for the Holo theme. Hope this helps!
Also, if you like the app, please consider sharing it with your friends/leaving a rating and review on Google Play. That'll help support future development of this app. Thanks!

I'm using the color schemes included in the app
EDIT just switched to holo theme can see hide and others now thanks
also showed my dad he loves it have been showing it off to people as I do with any neat thing I can get for my phone
also doesn't work it at lockscreen our even after trying to use it at lockscreen till next text
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

deathblade said:
I'm using the color schemes included in the app
EDIT just switched to holo theme can see hide and others now thanks
also showed my dad he loves it have been showing it off to people as I do with any neat thing I can get for my phone
also doesn't work it at lockscreen our even after trying to use it at lockscreen till next text
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
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I don't think activities can be shown on the lockscreen. The text message dialogs are individual activities so I don't think I can place them on the lockscreen. If I do find a way though, I'll implement that into the app. Thanks for the tip!

FlightGear said:
I don't think activities can be shown on the lockscreen. The text message dialogs are individual activities so I don't think I can place them on the lockscreen. If I do find a way though, I'll implement that into the app. Thanks for the tip!
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k cool, i would also like to pint out that if you are using a alt messaging app that has an option to wake upon receiveing a text enabled the app works fine, though if it wakes to the lockscreen and is in your pocket at the time you receive a text then this app wont respond to any sweeping after unlocking until you receive another text (unless of course the same scenario happens at which case you'd have to open the text normally) now if there is a way for it to ignore all sweeping over the sensor while at lockscreen then this would be fixed but as im not an app dev idk what you can and cant do, maybe something to look into maybe a waste of time idk, just the only thing that i can think of that would provide a nice work around

deathblade said:
k cool, i would also like to pint out that if you are using a alt messaging app that has an option to wake upon receiveing a text enabled the app works fine, though if it wakes to the lockscreen and is in your pocket at the time you receive a text then this app wont respond to any sweeping after unlocking until you receive another text (unless of course the same scenario happens at which case you'd have to open the text normally) now if there is a way for it to ignore all sweeping over the sensor while at lockscreen then this would be fixed but as im not an app dev idk what you can and cant do, maybe something to look into maybe a waste of time idk, just the only thing that i can think of that would provide a nice work around
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That sounds like a good plan. I'm looking into implementing that right now.
Also, the price of the app has been reduced by 25% ($1.50). It has also been released in most European Union countries, so if you weren't able to download it before because of country limitations, you can get it now (as long as you're in the EU)!
http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.FlightGear.SweepTextingFree

Also just found that under certain situations sweep texting may keep the proximity sensor on even if there are no more texts but a user workaround is to freeze the app with titanium backup or rom toolbox(what I use) or the like and then to unfreeze it will see if I can figure out what causes it or get log for you
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

deathblade said:
Also just found that under certain situations sweep texting may keep the proximity sensor on even if there are no more texts but a user workaround is to freeze the app with titanium backup or rom toolbox(what I use) or the like and then to unfreeze it will see if I can figure out what causes it or get log for you
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
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Really? Huh, that's the first time someone's run into that problem. Thanks for letting me know. And yes, if you can get me a log or other way to recreate the problem, that would be super helpful. Thanks!

Np, if you have a gtalk or a faster means to communicate I can deffenately be a good tester or at least be able to report things to you faster
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

deathblade said:
Np, if you have a gtalk or a faster means to communicate I can deffenately be a good tester or at least be able to report things to you faster
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
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Feel free to email me at [email protected]

Just sent you chat invite
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

This seems like a geat piece of innovation, but it's unavailable in my country (India) and since market enabler has stopped working.... Hope you can roll it out here soon! Really want to give this a try!