SMS vs. Text Messages: What’s the Real Difference?

Have you ever wondered whether SMS and text messages are the same thing? Well… you’re not alone. Most people use the words “SMS” and “text messages” interchangeably because they think they both have the same meaning. However, in reality, they both have different meanings. Even in everyday life, we all say “Text me” or “I got a text message,” whether it’s an SMS, WhatsApp message, or iMessage. However, not all text messages are SMS messages. SMS is just one type of text message.

By the end of this blog, you’ll understand the difference between SMS and text messages clearly, how SMS works, how they differ from iMessages, and how businesses can use this versatile communication platform to their advantage. When you understand the difference between them, it helps you choose the right messaging method for your personal use, business communication, and marketing campaigns.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

What is SMS?

The full form of SMS is Short Message Service. It’s the oldest form of mobile texting, which started in the early 1990s, has an SMS character limit of 160 words, and is still used globally. These messages you can easily send and receive on any mobile network. They’re a quick and convenient way to send short messages to individuals or groups. From a business perspective, you can also use SMS as internal and external communication.

In short, SMS has the following key characteristics.

• SMS sends only text messages, no images or videos.
• It works without the internet.
• SMS character limit per message is 160.
• It delivers through your mobile carriers.

TL;DR

• SMS is a subset of text messaging. All SMS messages are text messages, but not all text messages are SMS.
• SMS works without the internet, has a 160-character limit, and supports text only. 
• Text message is a broad category that includes SMS, MMS, iMessage, WhatsApp, RCS, and more.
• iMessage and WhatsApp require an internet connection, but SMS works on all phones.
• For businesses, SMS wins in terms of reach and reliability because it offers 98% open rate and no internet dependency.
• Choose your communication channel based on use cases. Use SMS for urgency and reach, and iMessage and WhatsApp for rich media. 
• Platforms like Textdrip help you craft and send personalized SMS campaigns.

How SMS Works?

The SMS definition is quite simple. However, behind the scenes, a lot goes into making it work. Here is the simple breakdown of how SMS works.

• First, the process begins when the user composes a text message on their mobile device and chooses a recipient.
• After that, the message is converted into binary code. The sender’s device sends a request to the SMSC (Short Message Service Center). It is a centralized server that handles text messages.
• The SMSC analyzes the recipient’s phone number. If the recipient’s number is reachable, SMSC stores the message temporarily.
• Then SMSC finds out the most efficient message delivery channel to the recipient’s mobile network.
• The message is routed through the selected route. If the recipient is not reachable, the SMSC attempts redelivery.
• If the message delivery is successful to the recipient’s mobile network, the recipient’s SMSC forwards the message to the recipient’s device.
• The recipient’s device receives and decodes the binary message and displays a readable text on the screen.
• Sometimes the recipient’s device sends an acknowledgement back to the sender’s device, which confirms a successful message receipt.
• The message is stored and deleted on both the sender’s and receiver’s devices according to the user’s settings.
• The mobile carrier logs the SMS activity for billing purposes.

How Can SMS Be Used as a Business Communication Tool?

From the business perspective, SMS is a popular tool for communicating important updates and information through SMS marketing campaigns, sending text messages to customers. Texting lets businesses communicate with consumers rapidly and effectively from anywhere in the world.

Generally, text messages are concise, to-the-point, easy to read, and informative. A business might send text messages to the customers that contain information like sales, discounts, promotions, order delivery or status information, appointment or payment reminders, or account information.

Why are businesses using SMS over other communication channels? It’s because SMS offers a 98% open rate and 45% response rate, which is around 9x that of email. Which makes it an attractive communication channel. Moreover, US customers prefer SMS over calls.

What is a Text Message?

A text message is any message that you send in written form from one device to another. It includes SMS, MMS, iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, RCS, and Facebook Messenger. Therefore, when people say “text message,” it does not always mean SMS. Text messages are a broad category, and SMS is one type inside that category.

If we put it in simple words, all SMS messages are text messages, but not all text messages are SMS messages. Just like all apples are fruits, but not all fruits are apples.

What Is the Difference Between SMS and Text Messages?

Let’s compare SMS and text messages. It will help you understand what SMS messages and text messages are.

It simply means that if you send a message on WhatsApp, it is a text message but not an SMS. On the other hand, if you send a normal phone text without data, it’s an SMS.

What are the Types of Text Messages?

Here are different types of text messages that you use on a daily basis.

SMS is the oldest and simplest form of text messaging, but it’s highly reliable. SMS upgraded with photos and videos is MMS. If you want to learn more about SMS vs MMS, we have covered a detailed blog on it.  Modern SMS alternatives that are used by Android phones are RCS. It’s similar to iMessage but available across Android brands. Apple’s messaging ecosystem, which is exclusive to Apple users, is iMessage. Third-party messaging apps with features like stickers, calls, and voice messages are WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger.

Difference Between Text Message and iMessage

iMessage is Apple’s messaging service. It uses the internet to send messages. It can send text, photos, videos, audio notes, memes, and GIFs. The only constraint with iMessages is that they only work between Apple devices.

One major advantage of iMessage is its ability to sync messages across all Apple devices. But if your iCloud storage is full, syncing can stop working, and you may need to free up iCloud space on Mac or other Apple devices to restore it.

When to Use SMS vs. Other Messaging Apps

Here are a few scenarios that showcase when to use SMS and when to use messaging apps.

You should use SMS:

• When you need to send urgent information
• You need guaranteed delivery
• There is no internet available
• You want to reach all types of phones
• You are sending OTPs or codes

You should use apps like iMessage and WhatsApp when:

• You want rich-media chats
• You’re sending files, voice notes, and photos
• You want group chats
• Both sender and receiver have smartphones and the internet

SMS Vs. Text Message: What Compliance Looks Like for Both

As per the TCPA, SMS messages sent for marketing require prior written consent. However, messages sent via WhatsApp and iMessage don’t fall under TCPA, but they’re governed by the platform’s own terms. 

So, the difference here is clear. 

• If you send a promotional SMS without opt-in consent, it causes TCPA violation and leads to fines of up to $1,500 per message. 
• This same message, if you send it via WhatsApp without consent, you don’t have to deal with TCPA issues. However, you still need to follow Meta’s commerce polices. 

10DLC registration is required in the US for business SMS. It applies to SMS/MMS sent via carrier networks. It does not apply to internet-based messaging apps. 

So, as a business owner, you should do the following things.

• You should maintain a clear opt-in record for every SMS contact.
• Never treat “they texted us first on WhatsApp” as consent to SMS them.
• Use separate compliance workflows for SMS vs app-based text messaging.

Let Textdrip Help You Create and Run Powerful SMS Campaign

It seems like a small thing to understand the difference between SMS and text messages. However, it actually helps you make your marketing strategy smarter. SMS is simple, and you can use it anywhere, anytime, even without the internet. That’s the reason why banks, hospitals, delivery services, and businesses still trust it every day. On the flip side, internet-based text messaging apps like iMessages, WhatsApp, and others make conversation richer and more interactive with photos, videos, group chats, and voice notes.

There is no clear winner here. Each has its unique purpose. You can always rely on SMS as a steady backup, and modern messaging like iMessage, WhatsApp, MMS, and others makes your communication richer. When it comes to business, texting is perfect for efficient, cost-effective, and reliable customer outreach. If you’re ready to add text messaging to your company’s marketing arsenal, Textdrip is a reliable platform. It comes with features like mass texting, two-way SMS, and SMS automation, which help you contact your customers whenever they need you.

Book a Textdrip demo to kick-start your SMS marketing campaign.