RCS also known as Rich Communication Services. If you have been curious about the difference between RCS and SMS you are not the only one. This blog weaves out the RCS vs. SMS comparison, goes over their features and also what this transition means for businesses and average users also.
What Is SMS?
SMS also known as Short Message Service is what we call text messaging. In the early 1990s it was introduced and it allows for the exchange of simple text messages (up to 160 characters) between mobile phones. Although it has limitations SMS is very popular because it is supported by almost every mobile device and network.
However the SMS’ capabilities are very basic. Traditional SMS does not support the transfer of high quality images or videos or interactive content. As for group chats, read receipts and typing indicators which we use every day on apps like WhatsApp or iMessage they are not present in standard SMS.
What Is RCS?
RCS which stands for Rich Communication Services is what we have for the next generation of text based communication bringing in a much more interactive and rich user experience. Consider text based RCS as the middle ground between the very basic SMS and the more complex platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
RCS which has high resolution image and video support, file sharing, real time typing indicators, read receipts and also interactive buttons for actions like scheduling and purchasing. It is in fact SMS’s evolved version.
RCS vs. SMS: Main Points of Contrast.
Let us look at the differences between RCS and SMS in terms of the following areas:.
Features of SMS Vs RCS
Multimedia support is for basic MMS Supports high quality images, videos, and files.
Message size 140 chars per SMS, In RCS it’s virtually unlimited.
Typing indicators In SMS Not supported , In RCS Supported
Read receipts In SMS Not supported In RCS Supported
chat features In SMSGroup chat, Basic support for MMS, In RCS Advanced group chat features
Wi-Fi messaging In SMS Not supported In RCS Supported
Interactivity: In SMS Basic building blocks which include Buttons, carousels and other rich elements. RCS outdoes what SMS can.
RCS vs. SMS Message: Why it does matter
The transition from SMS to RCS is not for better visual presentation or convenience it is for a more engaging messaging experience which businesses in particular will see the value of.
With the advent of RCS as a platform which has replaced SMS, companies are now able to put out dynamic and branded communications right to customers’ native messaging apps which they are already using. For example a travel company may send out a boarding pass, flight updates, and info on which terminal to go to all in the same RCS message.
At present what we see is that marketers are getting more out of each interaction and engagement. As for SMS which only does text, RCS also includes action buttons for calls to action, product image galleries which are like mini product shows, and also secure payment options.
Is RCS Replacing SMS?
While we see RCS as more advanced, at the moment SMS is very much still a part of the picture. That’s because for RCS to work it needs data or Wi-Fi and also support from device and carrier which we do not see in all smartphones and carriers at this time. Adoption is however very much on the rise, we see that especially with the Android devices. With Apple yet to jump on the bandwagon we are to see changes from them soon.
At present, many companies are using a mix of RCS and SMS for reaching out to all customers.
The Future of Text Messaging
As of late mobile users have been to seek out more advanced communication solutions which is in turn which is causing the shift to come into the RCS field. Also we are seeing an ever growing number of carriers and device.
Manufacturers and platforms which are adopting RCS standards for a better app like experience in native messaging apps.
RCS will be what mobile messaging has.
Conclusion
SMS is a basic, universal and reliable form of communication which at the same time is very limited. RCS brings in a more interactive and media rich experience which today’s users are looking for. Although SMS will still be used in the field of communication for the time being, RCS is very much on the way to becoming the new norm.
If as a business you want to improve your marketing strategy look into what RCS has to offer which takes customer engagement to the next level.
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