Since the era of mobile phones, SMS has been one the standard way of text messaging. Nowadays, most carrier companies offers these SMS plans in unlimited amounts and it is one of the most convenient ways to communicate. Plenty of apps are also accessible, which are designed for the purpose of sending and receiving SMS and even messages in MMS format. A few come with a ton of functionality, while others are pretty basic. We have summarized some of the best SMS apps for Android worth having.

Chomp SMS

Chomp SMS is one of the pioneer apps in the Android ecosystem. It has been around since way back when Eclair and FroYo held strong as Android Oses, the app has earned its position as being one of the top two best SMS alternative apps. Its popularity remains which is not surprising. Chomp SMS comes with theme support that allows you to customize your texts messages and make them look however you want. In addition, it features just above 800 emoticons, pop ups for quick reply, widgets and best of all, an SMS blocking feature to finally get rid of any annoying texts from a certain number. Though the app may feel a bit bloated, the range of theming options make it totally worth it.

Handcent Next SMS

Akin to the Chomp SMS app, Handset is the other best text messenger app that has been around and wellknown since forever. Handset is equipped with a lot of features including spell check support, theme support, group chats, and even password protection to avoid prying eyes from going through your texts messages, among other great features. You also have the option to backup your texts, send eCards, and you can choose from among the different languages options provided.

Google Messenger

Google Messenger is a native texting app from Google which is also the default messenging app on the latest Nexus devices. If you are looking for a basic SMS replacement app, which lacks the extra pizzaz and feels less bloated, then Google Messenger is what you need. The SMS app is packaged in a stunning Material Design which is easy on the eye, along with a number of extra features such as support for SMS blocking, audio messaging, text search, location sharing and more. Its a good looking, all-round app and its entirely for free.

Signal Private Messenger

Signal Private Messenger is a messaging service that is particularly similar to Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Google Hangouts. The only difference is that employs the phone number system to help you find people and in case those people don't have Signal Private Messenger on their phone, the app just sends a standard SMS which is what stands out about it. Signal makes efforts to keep your text messaging secure by setting up an end-to-end encryption to avoid external powers from snooping. To ensure that they are fully secured, all persons exchanging texting messages need to have Signal, however it works just as well as an individual text messaging app. The app is free, includes phone call support and is open source as well.

QKSMS

QKSMS may not be as popular as some of the texting apps on the list, but it is a well rounded app and a great option for frequent texters. It is complemented with an awesome Material Design. Here you also have access to features such as night mode, quick reply pop ups, over 200 theme options, text search, support for Android Wear devices, and it is even integrated with protection against Stagefright. It is entirely open source and all its awesome features come are available for free, so you won't have to pay a dime to take advantage of them.

Do you use your phone's default text messaging app or do you prefer using a third-party Android SMS apps? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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What's my model number?

There are several ways to locate your model number:

Option 1
On your device, go to Settings, then "About device" and scroll down to "Model number"
Option 2
Often times you can view the model number inside the device, by removing the battery
Option 3
Using Samsung's model/serial number location tool

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