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Lucas Frost
02 Dec 2025
RCS is better when you have data, and SMS is better when you don’t. If you have an eSIM-compatible device and are using an eSIMCard Data+Voice+SMS plan, you are good to go with RCS or SMS as per your choice.
RCS (Rich Communication Services) feels more natural for everyday chats. When you communicate over RCS, you can see when someone is typing, photos stay clear, and messages land faster when you’re on Wi-Fi or mobile data. It’s a smooth, modern way to talk, especially when you’re travelling with an active eSIM.
On the other hand, SMS keeps things simple. A positive point here is that it works everywhere. As long as your phone can reach a basic signal, the message goes through, no internet needed. That makes SMS the safer pick on rural roads, in airports, on slow networks, or when travelling.
Let's understand it straight once:
Now, if you want to learn more about RCS vs SMS and clear your mind on the logic, read this blog full!
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SMS may feel old tech type, but it’s the one system that works almost anywhere you can get a signal. It was built into the early mobile network standards, so every country and almost every tower still supports it.
There is a reason that today’s mobile users still believe in and use SMS services, because:
In emergencies or remote areas, it’s often the only thing that gets through. Even if there is a single signal bar on your device, your sms will be sent. Other services won't work like these.
When you’re on the move from country to country using your eSIM, SMS gives you a reliable backup. No setup. No apps. Just a simple message.
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is basically the version of texting we should’ve had years ago. The feature works as it uses your mobile data or Wi-Fi to deliver richer, faster conversations, not like the old SMS system.
With RCS, you get the kind of features people expect from modern chat apps. The following is the package you will get:
And now that iPhones support RCS with iOS 18, Android-to-iPhone conversations are finally catching up. You get more consistency across devices, which is a big win for travellers' messaging over eSIM.
Since not all users understand the technical language, let me cut to the chase:
RCS: Uses mobile data or Wi-Fi.
SMS: Uses the basic cellular network.
RCS: Clear photos, reactions, typing indicators like a modern chat app like Whatsapp.
SMS: Plain text. No extras.
RCS: Many carriers now support encrypted messaging. It depends on device specifications.
SMS: No encryption.
RCS: Needs a stable data connection to work smoothly.
SMS: Works without data and on very weak signals.
RCS: Sends high-quality media and files.
SMS: Can only send limited, compressed images.
RCS is a better experience compared to SMS. SMS only wins when your connection is unstable, you’re moving between countries, or your data momentarily drops.
RCS is available with almost all the latest devices launching. All carriers support RCS messaging as long as the device is supported.
Most Android users get full RCS features through Google Messages. It works smoothly and supports all the rich media tools people expect today.
If you use a Samsung phone, switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages to unlock everything.
Moreover, on iPhone, RCS arrived with iOS 18. Now, Apple users can finally send clearer photos and join mixed-group chats without dealing with blurry media.
There might be some possibilities about the carrier policy. Some carrier networks allow the full RCS feature set, while others limit certain parts of it. That means two people with the same phone may get different results.
The security gap between SMS and RCS is bigger than most people think. It's the same logic that one system is old but still functional, and the other is a new upgrade of it.
SMS has no encryption, so your messages can be intercepted. It still works everywhere, but it’s not built for privacy.
RCS adds a real upgrade. When both sides use supported apps and networks, your messages are protected with end-to-end encryption. Google Messages already supports this, and Apple is now adding similar protection with iOS 18.
RCS using mobile data can leak the routing and timing details of your conversation. Although carriers are not able to see what is inside the message, they can see when and where it was shared.
For private chats, RCS is the safer choice, as long as encryption is active on both devices.
Since the technology never comes with perfection, RCS has problems too. Some carriers block parts of it, and your phone won’t warn you when messages drop back to SMS. You only notice when a picture is sent in low quality or a message shows up late.
Moreover, Group chats can get messy, too. One person with an older phone or a different app is enough to break the whole thread. Even basic things like file sizes and media quality change from carrier to carrier, which makes the experience feel inconsistent.
These small annoyances add up, and they’re the reason many people still prefer SMS when they need to communicate.
For businesses, SMS is still the most reliable way to reach anyone, anywhere. It works on every phone and doesn’t need mobile data, so delivery is almost guaranteed. Most business personalities have eSIM activated on their devices, and they prefer SMS.
RCS is a different approach rather than just text delivery. A brand can send product cards, carousels, booking details, or even payment prompts. These rich business messages often get more clicks because they feel more helpful and visual than plain text. You can say a new means of marketing if used right!
So the balance is simple:
RCS relies on data. If your eSIM has a strong connection, it works great. Photos send fast, group chats stay active, and location sharing feels instant. That’s why most travelers see better RCS performance with a good eSIM plan.
But SMS still matters. It works in weak-signal areas, on old networks, and in places where data drops. When you're on a mountain road or deep in a subway line, SMS is usually the only thing that goes through.
The best way to travel is simple: you use both. RCS for everyday sharing. SMS for moments when you need the message to deliver, no matter what.
Switching to RCS from SMS is as easy as a daily routine mobile setting. Most Android phones use Google Messages, so the steps are almost the same:
1. Open the Messages app: Make sure you're using Google Messages, not your phone’s old default app.
2. Tap your profile photo (top right)
3. Go to “Messages settings
4. Open “RCS chats” or “Chat features.”
5. Turn on “RCS chats.” Your phone will verify your number. This can take a few seconds.
6. Check your connection: RCS needs mobile data or Wi-Fi. If your signal is weak, it may fall back to SMS.
7. Send a message: If you see “Sending via RCS” or read receipts/typing indicators, it’s working.
Tip: If it won’t activate, update the app, restart your phone, or toggle chat features off and on.
RCS is not a WhatsApp replacement. OTT (Over the Top) apps run on their own systems, and they behave the same on almost every device. WhatsApp, iMessage, and Messenger offer predictable performance locally or internationally.
RCS has a different role. It upgrades the default Messages app and helps smooth the gap between Android and iPhone. It makes regular texting feel less outdated, but it doesn’t try to fight with apps people already use daily.
For travelers, OTT apps stay consistent. RCS improves normal texting so you don’t depend on installs, accounts, or platforms.
Sometimes, RCS likely stops working. Usually something small, but it can be frustrating. The following troubleshoot tips will get you back:
Most issues clear up after toggling “Chat features” off and on or restarting the phone.
For RCS vs SMS, it is wise to use them both. RCS gives you clearer photos, faster replies, and a modern chat experience when your data is stable. SMS steps in when the signal drops or you move through areas where coverage fluctuates.
If you’re using an eSIMCard eSIM, you get the freedom to switch smoothly between the two. Enjoy rich messaging when your data is strong, and rely on SMS when you just need the message to reach someone. It’s a simple, smart balance that keeps your conversations moving.
This usually happens because RCS needs stable data or Wi-Fi, and your phone automatically falls back to SMS when the connection drops. It’s common when you move between countries, airports, subway lines, rural roads, or when your eSIM signal fluctuates.
If you notice messages suddenly appearing as plain text or media getting compressed, that means your phone has temporarily downgraded to SMS for reliability.
Keep RCS on if your eSIM plan has a steady data connection. It gives you clearer photos, faster delivery, and read receipts. However, if you’re in a weak-signal area or want guaranteed delivery, switching to SMS is safer. Most travelers use both: RCS for normal chats, SMS when reliability matters.
Yes. RCS supports end-to-end encryption when both sides use compatible apps like Google Messages. SMS has no encryption at all, so it’s easier to intercept. Just remember: RCS security depends on device, carrier, and app support. When encryption isn’t active, your messages aren’t fully protected.
Your phone automatically switches to SMS or MMS. You’ll lose features like typing indicators, read receipts, reactions, and high-quality media. It simply shifts to the older, universal system so that every device can receive it.
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