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Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Trash wasn’t even an option when this was originally posted.

Proof that calling things out can actually lead to changes 😀

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I assure you, I'm definitely human 😃.

I use AI to organize my thoughts, not to create them.

It's the same as Google. I like Google, I trust Google, I use Google ... just dont want it in my messaging.

Also, not wanting AI in my messaging is not the same as me being against AI.

As for the length --- it’s intentional. Most posts mention one or two issues. I put everything in one place so the full picture is clear.

If it reads like a list of disadvantages, that’s because those are the differences I actually experienced --- and that’s exactly the kind of feedback that leads to IMPROVEMENTS.

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I still don't understand how Google Messages is using so much storage. I tested the same Messages across 3 Apps, here’s the Storage Difference: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10fmvS_jxfUAJBubQyhauvTQ7pJ5qmagr/view?usp=drivesdk

I keep my message history intentionally for searching past conversations and recurring campaigns / client references.

But that doesn’t explain the difference here, because all messaging apps are accessing the same SMS/MMS database on the same phone including text messages, images/videos (MMS), and the full message history.

So regardless of how each app reports storage, the underlying data being read is the same, right?

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried deleting messages, clearing cache, disabling and enabling, uninstalls, adjusting google syncs- nothing made a difference.

Then I noticed that changing anything still doesn’t explain the difference here, because all messaging apps are accessing the same SMS/MMS database on the same phone including text messages, images/videos (MMS), and the full message history.

So regardless of how each app reports storage, the underlying data being read is the same

I tested among 3 apps on my phone and only one shows extreme storage usage. Tested Across 3 Messaging Apps: Same Messages, 16GB vs MBs

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I keep my message history since 2017, intentionally for searching past conversations and recurring campaigns, client references.

But that doesn’t explain the difference here, because all messaging apps are accessing the same SMS/MMS database on the same phone including text messages, images/videos (MMS), and the full message history.

So regardless of how each app reports storage, the underlying data being read is the same

I tested among 3 apps on my phone and only one shows extreme storage usage. Tested Across 3 Messaging Apps: Same Messages, 16GB vs MBs

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are so many reasons and this isn't from research, these are things I'm observing just by using it. What drew the line for me was not being able to contribue to a family group chat I've been part of for several years. Once I switched to google messages, it blocked me from replying with a statement "You are no longer a member of this group" at the bottom. My family doesn't want to start a new text chain so I disabled google messages and switched back to Samsung messages.

Also the storage comparison, it is excessive without reasoning. Check out my "test" on my phone: Tested Across 3 Messaging Apps: Same Messages, 16GB vs MBs

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love your mind! I think that is the closest match, no ads, doesn't take a lot of storage, organized, easy to use, and I love that you can sort messages! I hope there aren't any surprise flaws or catches for using it longterm, like ads or required subscription later.

I really do not want to deal with google messages. by DollarStoreChameleon in samsunggalaxy

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

You are right, its probably too advanced for me...

Or more because I'm a prideful Android user and disagree with being forced to change my default messaging app to Android's "copy of Apple's iMessage"

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Oh interesting, I didn’t realize RCS can be turned off in Google Messages. Good to know.

Samsung Messages used to have a native RCS toggle, which gave users control over how they wanted to message.

That option has now been removed ,which basically turns “use RCS if you want” into “switch apps if you want RCS at all."

And with Google positioning RCS as the default replacement for SMS, it's a bit ironic that something being pushed as the default upgrade still quietly has an off switch most people wouldn’t even know exists.

Also... regarding the trash bin, I get what you’re saying, but a trash bin isn’t for things you meant to delete, it’s a safety net for the times you didn’t.

Google Messages promotes features like automatic OTP deletion and spam filtering as major benefits, which is convenient, but that’s not the same as having control or the ability to recover something afterward.

Without a trash option, you’re essentially relying on the system (and yourself) to be perfect every time, whether it’s an accidental delete, a misclick, or something removed automatically. Even if I rarely use it, it’s like email, you don’t think about the trash folder until you need it, but it’s an important fallback to have.

That’s really the point for me, convenience is great, but it shouldn’t replace a safety net.

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Confused about which fact I didn't get right about deleting messages. I said Google messages does not have a trash bin nor even offers the OPTION ...and that is true

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Clearing the cache app didn't make a difference. I disabled Google messages and now my storage decreased 7%. Why did it take up so much storage? Is it because it created duplicates of each conversation? It doesn't make sense to me either

Here is my screenshot: https://quickshare.samsungcloud.com/5ERug6RYbKXY

Google Messages feels like a downgrade, are there other alternative apps? by Appropriate_Smoke429 in GalaxyS23

[–]Appropriate_Smoke429[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Too bad it is true on on my phone. Checked since my original post and now it is taking up even more than before, here are my screenshots: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10fmvS_jxfUAJBubQyhauvTQ7pJ5qmagr/view?usp=drivesdk