Messages vs. Messages+ — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 20, 2024
Messages generally refers to a standard text messaging app, while Messages+ often denotes an enhanced version with additional features like enhanced messaging services, synchronization across devices, and more.
Difference Between Messages and Messages+
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Messages is typically the default SMS and MMS messaging app on smartphones, used for sending text, pictures, and videos. Messages+, on the other hand, is often an upgraded or enhanced version, often specific to a carrier or manufacturer, offering features like message syncing across devices, Wi-Fi messaging, and advanced multimedia sharing capabilities.
The basic Messages app usually comes pre-installed on phones and provides essential messaging functionalities. Messages+ often requires a separate download or subscription and includes additional features like read receipts, typing indicators, and larger group messaging limits.
Messages works primarily through a cellular network for SMS and MMS. In contrast, Messages+ may offer the ability to send messages over Wi-Fi, use data for sending multimedia messages, and even integrate with other messaging platforms.
Messages app has a straightforward interface focused on simplicity and ease of use. Messages+ might offer a more sophisticated interface with customization options, such as themes, font styles, and chat backgrounds.
In terms of compatibility, Messages is universally compatible with any SMS/MMS-capable phone. Messages+, however, might have compatibility limitations and be exclusive to certain carriers or devices.
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Comparison Chart
Core Functionality
Standard SMS and MMS messaging
Enhanced messaging with additional features
Network Use
Primarily cellular network
Cellular and Wi-Fi, with data integration
Additional Features
Basic text, picture, and video messaging
Advanced features like read receipts, Wi-Fi messaging
User Interface
Simple and straightforward
More sophisticated with customization options
Compatibility
Universal for SMS/MMS-capable devices
May be limited to specific carriers or devices
Compare with Definitions
Messages
Pre-installed on most mobile devices.
The Messages app came pre-installed on my phone.
Messages+
Offers features like Wi-Fi messaging and syncing.
With Messages+, I can text over Wi-Fi and sync my messages across devices.
Messages
Basic interface for text communication.
I like the Messages app for its simple and user-friendly interface.
Messages+
Enhanced messaging app with additional features.
I use Messages+ for its advanced group chat capabilities.
Messages
Supports sending SMS and MMS.
I sent a video through my phone's Messages app.
Messages+
Customizable user interface and chat themes.
I customized my chat background in Messages+.
Messages
Standard text messaging application on smartphones.
I use the Messages app for daily texting.
Messages+
May include read receipts and typing indicators.
Messages+ shows me when someone is typing a response.
Messages
Used for sending pictures and videos via MMS.
I sent a photo using the Messages app on my phone.
Messages+
Often specific to certain carriers or devices.
Messages+ is available exclusively for users of my mobile carrier.
Common Curiosities
Do I need to download Messages+?
Depending on the device and carrier, Messages+ may require a separate download.
What is Messages+?
Messages+ is an enhanced version of the standard messaging app with additional features.
Does Messages+ show when someone is typing?
Many versions of Messages+ include typing indicators and read receipts.
What is the Messages app?
Messages is a standard SMS and MMS messaging app on smartphones.
Can I use Messages to communicate with someone on Messages+?
Yes, communication between Messages and Messages+ is typically seamless.
Is the Messages app the same on all phones?
While the core functionality is similar, the interface and some features might vary between devices.
Is Messages+ free to use?
Messages+ might be free or require a subscription, depending on the carrier and service plan.
Do both apps support group messaging?
Yes, but Messages+ might offer enhanced group messaging features.
Can Messages+ send texts over Wi-Fi?
Yes, Messages+ often allows sending texts over Wi-Fi.
Are Messages+ features available for international texting?
This can vary depending on the carrier and specific service plan.
Is there a difference in message security between the two?
Security levels can vary, but both aim to provide secure messaging.
Do both apps require an internet connection?
Messages uses a cellular network for SMS/MMS, while Messages+ can use Wi-Fi or data.
Can I send MMS over Wi-Fi using Messages+?
Yes, Messages+ often allows sending MMS over Wi-Fi.
Can I customize the background in the standard Messages app?
Generally, the standard Messages app has limited customization options.
Can Messages+ sync messages across devices?
Yes, one of the key features of Messages+ is syncing messages across multiple devices.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
