Differences between SMS and Text

SMS vs. Text

The terms **SMS** and **text** are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. SMS, or Short Message Service, is the specific communication protocol used to send text-only messages over cellular networks. A text message is a broader colloquial term that describes any short electronic message sent between mobile devices. While all SMS messages are text messages, not all modern text messages use the SMS protocol.

In common usage, "texting" refers to sending messages through a phone's native messaging application, regardless of the underlying technology. Early mobile messaging was exclusively done through SMS, which established the term "texting" in the public lexicon. With the development of smartphones, messaging evolved to include multimedia and other features. Technologies like Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), and later, Rich Communication Services (RCS), were introduced. These services, along with internet-based messaging apps like iMessage and WhatsApp, fall under the general category of "text messaging" but are technically distinct from SMS.

Comparison table

Category	SMS (Short Message Service)	Text Message (General Term)
Definition	A specific communication protocol for sending short, text-only messages via cellular networks.	A broad term for any electronic message sent between mobile devices, including SMS, MMS, RCS, and app-based messages.
Network	Uses cellular network control channels; does not require an internet or data connection.	Can use cellular networks (for SMS/MMS) or an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) for RCS and app-based messaging.
Content	Limited to plain text, typically up to 160 characters.	Can include text, high-resolution photos, videos, audio clips, interactive buttons, and other rich media.
Features	Basic send and receive functionality. No read receipts or typing indicators.	Can support modern features like read receipts, typing indicators, end-to-end encryption, and large group chats.
Device Support	Supported by virtually all mobile phones.	Richer features (RCS, iMessage) require compatible smartphones and software. Messages often revert to SMS or MMS on unsupported devices.

Venn diagram comparing Differences between SMS and Text

Terminology and usage

The distinction between SMS and other forms of text messaging is primarily technical. For most users, their device's messaging application automatically selects the best protocol available. For example, when two iPhones message each other with an active internet connection, they use the proprietary iMessage service, which supports richer features. If one user does not have an Apple device or an internet connection, the message may be sent as a standard SMS or MMS, which is indicated on iPhones by a change in the message bubble's color from blue to green.

Similarly, RCS is a newer protocol designed to replace SMS and offer features comparable to dedicated messaging apps. It operates over mobile data or Wi-Fi and is becoming standard on many Android devices. However, like iMessage, if a message is sent to a device that does not support RCS, it will fall back to the more universally compatible SMS or MMS protocols. Because of this automatic fallback to the universal SMS standard, the user experience of "texting" remains seamless even as the underlying technology changes.