The stock text messaging app is satisfactory, but free alternatives do exist for us Android users. I’m honestly not a big fan of using Hangouts as the default messaging app (and it’s the only one that comes installed on my Nexus 5).
On my hunt for a nifty new text messaging app, I came across Textra. The biggest strength of this app is how smooth and light the text messaging experience is; it’s neither choppy or laggy, so that’s already a good impression right there. Even better, this app comes with a Dashclock extension, so that’s another plus.
Textra goes further then being just a substitute then your stock messaging app, however, through it’s array of extra features; emoji support and GIF support, for example, are available through plug-ins. In my opinion, the best asset has to the quick compose and notification pop-up features that enables me to send text messages even when I’m not in the app. It doesn’t take much to conclude that I’m a texting addict, but those features aren’t enabled by default if you think they might be too intrusive for you.
In terms of themes, Textra does not offer that many appearance tweaks like it’s “sister app” ChompSMS, for example. There are just a few small things here and there like the chat bubble colour and the choice between light or dark mode that can be changed. I prefer leaving those pretty extras to the instant messaging apps though, so it isn’t a disadvantage.
No, it’s not a texting service like TextPlus. It’s just an alternative app to receive your normal SMS. I would say that this app’s buttery smooth performance is why I’m still at it. Get Textra on Google Play.
