RCS vs. SMS: What Are The Differences?

Senior Writer: Priya Naha

Published : April 23, 2024

Businesses have relied on SMS to quickly share important information with customers. But technology is changing, and now we have something new: RCS.

RCS is designed to be a more advanced and engaging version of SMS. But does this mean SMS is no longer useful? Not necessarily! Both SMS and RCS have their advantages, and businesses need to understand the differences before deciding which one to use.

In this blog, we’ll explore SMS and RCS in detail and discuss how businesses can use these technologies to drive business results.

Understanding SMS (Short Message Service)

SMS has been an established text messaging application for decades and remains the most used globally. According to a report by Statista, over 5 billion people globally use SMS, making it one of the most widespread messaging technologies.

Despite the rise of newer messaging apps, SMS remains a core channel for mobile phone users due to its universal accessibility. SMS is a communication service that allows messages of up to 160 characters to be sent via a cellular network from the mobile device of one subscriber to that of another.

SMS is fast and easy to use, and all devices and carriers worldwide support it. Unlike other messaging platforms, like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, SMS does not require being online. To send messages, you need only a simple mobile signal.

Key Features

SMS is a very cost-effective way of sending reminders, alerts, and promotions for business firms. Below are the key features and characteristics of SMS:

1. Character Limitations

One of the characteristics of SMS is the limitation of up to 160 characters per message. If a business wants to communicate a longer message, it is sent in pieces of short messages, which can be confusing for the receiver.

For example, if you’re sending a promotional message like:

“Hurry! Get 30% off on all products at our store today. Offer valid for 24 hours only. Visit us now!”

If the message exceeds a length of 160 characters, it will be delivered in two messages, thus impairing readability by customers.

2. Media Support

SMS is limited to plain text only. If you wish to send pictures, videos, audio, etc., you will need to use a multimedia messaging service (MMS). MMS, however, is not universally supported, imposes additional costs, and has data utilization challenges. Moreover, it does not provide the interactivity and advanced features that RCS allows.

3. Delivery Reports

An SMS will provide generic delivery reports(such as whether it was delivered), but not much beyond that. If an SMS is being sent as a marketing message, for instance, there will be no way to determine whether a recipient has read the message or engaged with a link or offer. This makes it harder to quantify an SMS campaign’s effectiveness.

4. Security Considerations

SMS messages are generally sent over standard cellular networks, making them relatively secure but not encrypted by default. Therefore, sensitive information, such as passwords or financial data, shouldn’t be sent via SMS. In newer messaging systems, such as RCS, more security features are present, but they aren’t perfect yet.

Suggested Read : How to Receive Online SMS Free?

Exploring RCS (Rich Communication Services)

RCS is a modern messaging protocol intended to upgrade the SMS experience by supporting rich media, interactivity, and improved analytics. It has been built to provide the next-generation experience of new messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger) in the SMS ecosystem, but with carrier support.

RCS works over the Internet instead of the cellular network, allowing greater messages to contain high-quality images, videos, and even files. This flexible medium also allows read receipts, typing indicators, and the sending of custom-branded messages meant to enhance customer experience.

Furthermore, RCS has recently begun its rollout across the world, with various hurdles yet to be overcome regarding its uptake. Not all devices or carriers have RCS support at this time, so any business planning to embrace RCS may have to keep its limitations in the messaging strategy.

Key Features 

• Supports images, videos, and GIFs
• Provides read receipts (just like WhatsApp)
• Typing indicators (shows when someone is responding)
• Branded messaging (businesses can send messages with their logos and brand colors)
• Interactive buttons (allow users to take action directly from the message)

For example, a travel company could send an RCS message that contains flight booking confirmation, showing an interactive check-in button and a map of the destination. RCS provides businesses with better control, engagement, and analytics, but it also brings some challenges that we will address later.

Benefits of RCS Over SMS

RCS offers a variety of features that are not available with SMS, which can help businesses improve their communication effort. Let’s take a look:

1. Enhanced User Engagement

RCS allows businesses to send much more engaging messages than SMS. It includes images, carousels, and buttons for quick replies. People are 35 times more likely to read an RCS message than an email!

For example, an e-commerce store can send an RCS message with:

•  A carousel of product images
•  A “Buy Now” button
• A special discount coupon

Further, businesses have the option of using rich media, including high-resolution images and videos, to showcase a product, explain a service, or make it a more engaging experience.

For example, a real estate agent could send a virtual tour of a property, or a restaurant could share a video of a new dish being prepared. This, of course, makes the message much more exciting than that of a simple text.

2. Improved Brand Recognition

With SMS, businesses can only use plain text to send a message, thus giving their customers no immediate clue about the origin of the message. RCS enables businesses to use:

• Brand logos
• Company name verification
• Custom colors and themes

This can enhance the branding strategy and provide a cohesive experience, which would encourage consumers to interact better with the message. For example, a retailer might put its logo at the top of every message and use its colors to make customers feel more connected to its store.

This branding will allow businesses to stand out amidst the competition and leave a larger impact on their customers.

3. Better Analytics for Businesses

One of the biggest benefits of RCS is that it provides an in-depth instrument to measure customer receptiveness and responses.

• How many people opened the message
• How many people clicked a link inside the message
• How many people completed a purchase

Such measurement allows for a measurable process for assessing the performance of your messaging and makes room to spotlight areas needing improvement.

So, suppose you send a promotional offering via RCS. In that case, you’d be able to tell how many customers clicked on the offer, how many purchased, and how much revenue was generated. This feedback will enable informed decisions about improving future campaigns.

4. Higher Conversion Rates

Omni-channel marketing that RCS renders is richer and more personalized than basic SMS, which brands can translate to a higher conversion rate. RCS messaging drives engagement and sales with an 80% conversion rate. For example, an airline could push RCS message offers, including:

• A boarding pass QR code
• A map of the airport terminal
•  A “Check-In Now” button

Its interactive nature alone will attract more engagement, naturally leading to increased sales and impactful campaigns.

Challenges And Considerations In Adopting RCS

RCS is an exciting new technology that can offer many benefits, but businesses that integrate it into their processes face several unique challenges.

1. Fragmented Carrier and Device Support

Not all mobile carriers and devices support RCS yet. In some areas, it is not supported at all, meaning your customers may never use RCS. The stark contrast of accessibility makes it challenging to get the rich messaging features of RCS across your audience. This sometimes compels businesses to use SMS as an alternate plan.

2. Dependence on Internet Connectivity

Unlike SMS, which is transmitted through cellular networks, RCS depends on internet connectivity. For this reason, RCS may be problematic for people who have limited internet access or none at all. This could end up causing challenges in reaching certain segments of your audience. This, however, may become less of a headache as the number of people with internet access worldwide is rising.

3. Security Concerns

Although more secure than SMS, RCS is not immune to security concerns. Even though RCS messages are transmitted over encrypted connections, they are not end-to-end encrypted, meaning that they are effectively still vulnerable to attackers who may intercept them. Highly confidential data may prompt some organizations to consider additional layers of security to safeguard data.

While RCS provides better security than SMS, businesses must comply with data protection laws such as GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California. Companies using RCS should work with verified messaging providers and implement end-to-end encryption for sensitive transactions.

4. Potential Costs

Some carriers may charge businesses for RCS messaging. Implementing RCS into your messaging strategy might also incur extra infrastructure or service costs. Thus, before switching, the good old cost-benefit analysis determines whether the merits of RCS truly outweigh the prices.

Comparative Analysis: RCS vs. SMS

The key difference between SMS and RCS lies in features, security, and audience engagement. Here is a clearly set out comparison table for SMS vs. RCS, showing the main differences:

Businesses must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of every technology to find one that best suits their communication needs. Many businesses will find that an optimum blend of SMS for basic communications and RCS for deeper engagement provides the answer.

Use Cases And Industry Applications

Both RCS and SMS find relevance in different industries, although their manner of use greatly depends on individual business demand. SMS is widely used for simple alerts and notifications, while RCS offers richer interactive communication. Here’s how various industries benefit from these messaging platforms.

1. Retail and E-commerce

• SMS: Retailers use SMS for simple messages, like discount notices, order confirmations, and notifications about articles being on sale.
• RCS: Companies can design interactive product catalogs out of RCS, send personalized offers, and have a one-click purchasing mechanism right out of the message itself.

 Example: An RCS message sent out by a clothing brand with images of a number of products in various sizes and a “Buy Now” button. It enables customers to buy without going through the website.

Why RCS is better:

• Customers check the products from within the message.
• Greater engagement through the interactive elements
• With RCS, better analytics can track customer behavior.

2. Customer Service

• SMS: Basic customer service updates include appointment reminders and survey links.
• RCS: Real-time customer support enables the use of chatbots, interactive buttons, and media sharing.

 Example: An RCS message from a telecom provider allows customers to check data usage, pay their bills, or upgrade their plans without calling customer support.

Why RCS is better:

• Faster responses for customers with interactive self-service options.
• Relieves call centers of common inquiries through messaging.
• Improved customer satisfaction with real-time updates and chat-like experiences.

3. Banking and Finance

• SMS: Banks use SMS for transaction alerts, OTP verification, and fraud notifications.
• RCS: These options support a more interactive format of messaging that banks can provide for account summaries, loan application updates, do in-message bill payments securely.

Example: A bank sends an RCS message with a mini-statement, an option to schedule a meeting with a financial advisor, and a button to apply for a credit card.

 Why RCS is better:

• Customers can take action directly from the message instead of visiting a branch or app.
• Enhanced security with verified sender identity.
• Higher engagement and customer trust with visually rich statements and real-time assistance.

4. Healthcare

• SMS: Appointment reminders, refill alerts, and health tips.
• RCS: Allows secure communication between patients and doctors. Test results are rendered visually, and a chatbot facilitates health services.

Example: A hospital sends an RCS message, including appointment details, an interactive map of the hospital, and a “Check-In” button to notify the staff when the patient arrives.

Why RCS is better:

• Engagement reminders have been shown to reduce no-shows.
• Patients can check in ahead of time from their smartphones, avoiding long lines for check-ins.
• Interactive chatbots allow easy access to follow-up care advice.

Future Outlook Of Mobile Messaging

Mobile messaging is evolving rapidly, and businesses need to stay ahead of these changes. While SMS has been the foundation of business communication for decades, RCS is paving the way for more interactive, personalized, and secure messaging experiences. Let’s examine what the future holds for mobile messaging.

1. Expected Growth of RCS

RCS usage across the world is rising. This defines how many mobile carriers and businesses now have strategies to include in their communications strategies. Industry reports state that:

• The global RCS market was estimated to be worth US $8.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $19.48 billion by 2028.
• Many carriers already deploy RCS: Banks, airlines, retailers, and healthcare providers are among the leading brands.
• As more Android phones and carriers support RCS, its adoption will continue to rise.

For businesses, this opens up new interactive channels and choices for engaging consumers with rich media, messaging, and personalized content.

2. New Features Coming to RCS

Various new features are coming to RCS. Some of them include:

• AI powered chatbots: With RCS, businesses can use artificial intelligence-driven assistants that will provide instant customer support and automate all sales.
• Enhanced payment integrations: An RCS message could allow the subscriber to buy goods and services directly without a conventional website or mobile application.
• More personalization: Future RCS messaging will be based on customer preferences, allowing for tailored product recommendations and personalized experiences.  80% of consumers are comfortable with personalized experiences and expect companies to offer them for value, enjoyment, and convenience.
•  Stronger security features: As businesses process more sensitive data through messaging, RCS may establish end-to-end encryption and biometric authentication.

These advancements will only make RCS that much more robust as a business tool, allowing brands to connect with their audience.

3. SMS as a Backup or Partner to RCS

While RCS is on the up, SMS is not going to go away soon. SMS will complement and not replace the newest one.

• For customers with RCS support: Businesses can leverage rich, interactive communication for an enhanced experience.
• For customers without RCS support: There is SMS that serves as a fallback option to ensure no one is excluded.

Example: A retail brand sends an RCS promotion with pictures of products and a “Buy Now” button; if the customer’s phone does not support RCS, they will receive a simple SMS with an active link.

The hybrid approach will maximize business efforts to reach customers regardless of the device and carrier compatibility.

4. How New Technologies Will Change Messaging

The future of mobile messaging is not only RCS and SMS; in fact, it’s where these technologies integrate:

• 5G Technology: Faster internet speeds will allow RCS messages to load instantly, making messaging more seamless and interactive. Google has been actively pushing RCS adoption, partnering with telecom carriers to expand global coverage. As 5G networks grow, RCS messaging is expected to become even more integrated with AI-driven automation, offering businesses real-time engagement tools
• AI and Automation: AI-powered messaging will make communication much smarter for businesses, from the utilization of chatbots to answering simple inquiries, AI marketing campaigns, and the like.
•  Integration with IoT (Internet of Things): In the future, RCS messaging could be combined with smart devices, allowing brands to send real-time updates and command IoT-enabled devices via text.
•  Blockchain for Security: As data privacy concerns gain ground, RCS will probably see the introduction of blockchain technology as a means of providing tamper-proof encrypted messaging.

These advancements will transform mobile messaging from a simple communication tool to a dynamic business platform, allowing brands to interact with customers in ways we’ve never seen before.

Conclusion

SMS is still a great option if your business needs to reliably reach a broad audience. However, if your business wants to provide a more engaging and interactive experience, RCS is the better choice.

Many businesses combine SMS and RCS for the best results, using SMS as a backup for customers without RCS support. As technology advances, RCS adoption is expected to grow, making it a major player in business messaging. Businesses that nurture it will have an extra edge over others when engaging customers.

Would you like to try RCS for your business? Now is a perfect time!

Updated : February 20, 2025

Priya Naha

Priya Naha is an experienced technical content writer who focuses on VoIP and telephony technologies.  Her expertise in telecommunication and content marketing allows her to simplify complex topics with real-world knowledge, making her writing relatable, informative, and easy-to-read.  Her direct involvement with VoIP products and solutions makes her a reliable voice in the field.

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