Textra SMS is a popular third-party messaging app for Android that offers a variety of customization options and additional features not typically found in the default messaging app. It boasts over 10 million downloads and has a rating of 4.5 stars on the Google Play Store. In this review, we'll take an in-depth look at the features, pros, and cons of Textra SMS, as well as compare it to similar apps and provide tips for using it effectively.
Features
Customization options
One of the most notable features of Textra SMS is the ability to customize almost every aspect of the app, from the color of the background to the display size of the text. Users can choose from over 180 different themes or create their own custom theme. Additionally, Textra allows users to choose a specific notification sound or vibration pattern for each contact. The app also supports chat heads, which allow users to quickly reply to messages without opening the app.
Emoji support
Textra SMS offers full emoji support with access to the latest Unicode updates. Users can choose from a wide variety of emojis as well as adjust the emoji style and skin tone to fit their preference.
Scheduled messages
Another useful feature of Textra SMS is the ability to schedule messages to be sent at a later time. This is especially helpful for people who want to send birthday or holiday greetings at a specific time without having to remember to do it manually.
Quick reply
Textra SMS also includes a quick reply function that allows users to reply to messages directly from the notification shade without opening the app. This feature is particularly helpful when users are in a hurry or don't want to disrupt their current activity.
Pros
Easy to use
Textra SMS is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a great alternative to the default messaging app. The customization options are straightforward, giving users the ability to personalize the app to their liking with minimal effort.
Fast performance
Textra SMS is optimized for fast performance, making it a great choice for users who prioritize speed in their messaging app. The app opens and sends messages quickly, even on older devices.
Highly customizable
The wide range of customization options available in Textra SMS, including themes, emoji styles, fonts, and more, make it a great choice for users who want to tailor their messaging experience to their liking.
Cons
Inability to block phone numbers
Unfortunately, Textra SMS does not offer a built-in option to block phone numbers. Users will need to rely on their phone's default blocking settings or a third-party call blocker if that feature is important to them.
No backup feature
Textra SMS does not offer a backup feature, which means that users may lose their messages if they switch to a new device or accidentally delete the app. While this is not a dealbreaker, it is something to keep in mind for users who prioritize data backup.
Google Messages is the default messaging app on most Android devices and offers many of the same basic features as Textra SMS, but with fewer customization options. One advantage of Google Messages is that it offers a built-in backup feature, while Textra requires users to manually export their messages to save them.
Facebook Messenger is a popular messaging app that includes a wide range of features like voice and video calling, group chats, and games. While it offers many more features than Textra SMS, it can be more complicated to use and may not be necessary for users who just want to text and send multimedia messages.
Tips for using Textra SMS effectively
Take advantage of the customization options to create a personalized messaging experience.
Use the quick reply feature to speed up your texting workflow.
Schedule messages to be sent later so you don't forget important dates or times.
Conclusion
Overall, Textra SMS is a great messaging app for users who want a simple but highly customizable solution. Its intuitive interface and fast performance make it a solid choice for anyone looking to replace their default messaging app. While there are some minor drawbacks, like the lack of a built-in backup feature and phone number blocking, they shouldn't detract from the overall usefulness of the app. I highly recommend giving Textra SMS a try.
Updated 05-17-2023
Overview
Textra SMS is a popular third-party messaging app for Android that offers a variety of customization options and additional features not typically found in the default messaging app. It boasts over 10 million downloads and has a rating of 4.5 stars on the Google Play Store. In this review, we'll take an in-depth look at the features, pros, and cons of Textra SMS, as well as compare it to similar apps and provide tips for using it effectively.
Features
Customization options
One of the most notable features of Textra SMS is the ability to customize almost every aspect of the app, from the color of the background to the display size of the text. Users can choose from over 180 different themes or create their own custom theme. Additionally, Textra allows users to choose a specific notification sound or vibration pattern for each contact. The app also supports chat heads, which allow users to quickly reply to messages without opening the app.
Emoji support
Textra SMS offers full emoji support with access to the latest Unicode updates. Users can choose from a wide variety of emojis as well as adjust the emoji style and skin tone to fit their preference.
Scheduled messages
Another useful feature of Textra SMS is the ability to schedule messages to be sent at a later time. This is especially helpful for people who want to send birthday or holiday greetings at a specific time without having to remember to do it manually.
Quick reply
Textra SMS also includes a quick reply function that allows users to reply to messages directly from the notification shade without opening the app. This feature is particularly helpful when users are in a hurry or don't want to disrupt their current activity.
Pros
Easy to use
Textra SMS is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a great alternative to the default messaging app. The customization options are straightforward, giving users the ability to personalize the app to their liking with minimal effort.
Fast performance
Textra SMS is optimized for fast performance, making it a great choice for users who prioritize speed in their messaging app. The app opens and sends messages quickly, even on older devices.
Highly customizable
The wide range of customization options available in Textra SMS, including themes, emoji styles, fonts, and more, make it a great choice for users who want to tailor their messaging experience to their liking.
Cons
Inability to block phone numbers
Unfortunately, Textra SMS does not offer a built-in option to block phone numbers. Users will need to rely on their phone's default blocking settings or a third-party call blocker if that feature is important to them.
No backup feature
Textra SMS does not offer a backup feature, which means that users may lose their messages if they switch to a new device or accidentally delete the app. While this is not a dealbreaker, it is something to keep in mind for users who prioritize data backup.
Comparison to Similar Apps
Google Messages
Google Messages is the default messaging app on most Android devices and offers many of the same basic features as Textra SMS, but with fewer customization options. One advantage of Google Messages is that it offers a built-in backup feature, while Textra requires users to manually export their messages to save them.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is a popular messaging app that includes a wide range of features like voice and video calling, group chats, and games. While it offers many more features than Textra SMS, it can be more complicated to use and may not be necessary for users who just want to text and send multimedia messages.
Tips for using Textra SMS effectively
Conclusion
Overall, Textra SMS is a great messaging app for users who want a simple but highly customizable solution. Its intuitive interface and fast performance make it a solid choice for anyone looking to replace their default messaging app. While there are some minor drawbacks, like the lack of a built-in backup feature and phone number blocking, they shouldn't detract from the overall usefulness of the app. I highly recommend giving Textra SMS a try.