RCS vs SMS: What’s the Difference for Business?
What each one does, where each works, and when to use which.
At a glance
| SMS | RCS | |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Plain text: 160 characters per message, fewer for some languages | Text, images, video, carousels and buttons |
| Sender identity | A sender ID (header) | Verified brand name and logo |
| Works on | Every mobile phone, with no data connection | Phones with RCS support, mainly Android through Google Messages, over mobile data or Wi-Fi |
| Interaction | Reply by text, or open a link | Tap buttons, quick replies and carousels |
| Reports | Delivery reports | Delivery and read reports, where supported |
| Rules in India | DLT registration required | Sender verification through the RCS provider |
When to use SMS
Use SMS for messages that must reach everyone, such as OTPs, payment alerts and delivery updates. It works on every phone. See what DLT registration is.
When to use RCS
Use RCS when the message benefits from pictures, product cards or buttons, such as offers, catalogues and bookings, and your customers use Android.
Using both
Many businesses send RCS first and fall back to SMS when a phone doesn’t support it. Learn more about our RCS and bulk SMS services.
Frequently asked questions
Is RCS replacing SMS?
Not soon. SMS works on every phone, so it remains the fallback for RCS and the safest choice for messages that must reach everyone.
Is RCS more expensive than SMS?
RCS messages are usually priced differently and often cost more per message than plain SMS, since they carry richer content. Ask your provider for current rates.
Can RCS messages fall back to SMS?
Yes. If a phone doesn’t support RCS, the message can be delivered as SMS instead. The SMS fallback still follows the SMS rules, including DLT registration.
Talk to StarNexus
Tell us what you want to build or send, and we’ll suggest where to start.