Losing Samsung Messages = Losing What Made Samsung Stand Out

[xGoddess-11]

I’m extremely disappointed about Samsung Messages being phased out. One of the main reasons I switched from iPhone to Samsung over 8 years ago was the ability to fully customize my phone - & Samsung Messages is a big part of that experience.

Features like custom chat themes, fonts, bubbles, & full integration with my phone’s theme make my device feel personal. Google Messages does not offer the same level of customization, & this feels like a significant downgrade in user experience.

I understand the push for RCS & security features, but not all users prioritize that. Many of us value personalization & the ability to customize how we use our devices.

I’m seeing a lot of similar feedback from other users, & this change genuinely makes a lot of us reconsider staying with Samsung long-term. I chose Samsung for flexibility — not to have core features replaced with a more limited alternative.

I was already planning to upgrade to the latest Ultra model, but this change genuinely makes me reconsider that decision. For the first time in over 8 years, I’m even considering switching back to iPhone.

Right now, this feels like Samsung is removing what made it stand out.

[FAUguy]

I removed the Samsung Messages version 16.7.90.105 and then side loaded different APKs, and found that version 16.2.02.6 works without the discounted message. So I'm going to use that version for now and see what happens after July 6. One thing I like about the Samsung app is that you can go into a person's message and then select Shared Attachments to view any pictures that were sent/received. I'm not sure if the Google app has that feature.

[jess9191]

How did you do that

[Dinozzo]

I do NOT want to use Google. Guess I need to get a different phone. Why is Google being forced on us????

[meself]

Make the switch

[userw5KvDM68PI]

Samsung, not cool forcing your users to use a far inferior product that is not FULLY COMPATABILE with the Samsung ecosystem. We despise Google messages. Don't take your users for granted. Listen to us. There are many options for us to choose from. 

[lesty]

I love using samsung messages if I wanted to use google messages I would have gotten a google phone I got a samsung for a reason GOOGLE MESSAGES SUCKS its a terrible app it literally drains my battery in minutes which is absolutely ridiculous i used google messages for 10 minutes my phone started at 80 percent within those 10 minutes my battery dropped to 38 percent I switched back to samsung messages and my battery life has stayed lasting long like beforeI'm not happy about the switch and believe we should be allowed to choose especially because google messages has a horrible amount of issues

[Lady_bug]

I totally agree! When I got my new S25 ULTRA, it took me forever to find my original Samsung Messages. They had Google Messages on my phone, and I couldn't use it because it had too many ads, and you couldn't do mass deletions. It was overall a junk app. I am so disgusted that Samsung is doing this! Are these two companies not two separate entities, because it sure seems as if Samsung is fostering us off onto Google more and more! 🤔😡

[Robin621k]

This is not true, there are no ads on Google Messages!

[BlondieGranny]

That will be changing. Once Google Messages take over it will be all new rules for the consumers.

[Diaboyos]

There are many more options than just Google.