And why is that? It is because of the advent of smartphones and mobile internet technology and the emergence of online messaging apps. Nowadays, people can easily exchange text messages and even attachments such as photos and documents at a relatively lower cost. This might lead some to think that text messaging is obsolete this is not close to being true. But guess what? This is absolutely far from being true at all! Fortunately for you, we just got the answer. So what are we waiting for? Let’s get down into it! How to hide SMS on Android and keep your messages private 7 Best SMS App for Android for an SMS Shooting Spree How to Backup Your SMS on Android (2 Methods)
History of Text Messaging
We cannot just go straight to discussing the two when we don’t know how they both started, can we? Let me explain how they were developed first. The earliest mobile phones are actually miniature two-way radios aimed for portability. The development began after World War II with many countries joining in the race. The end results were big, bulky, handheld radios that were too far from the slim, handy devices that we have today. Yet, these were very expensive and were meant for taxi drivers and emergency services. In 1992, Nokia launched the Nokia 1011. It is essentially a brick with a simple keypad, a monochrome LCD, and an extendable antenna. This was the first mass-produced cellular phone that uses GSM or Global System for Mobile Communications. This means consumers can finally communicate in a more convenient way, although the price of each is still a bit hefty for the common persons. The result? The first phone to send and receive SMS messages was born. Albeit the MMS feature would arrive a little later. Today, SMS and MMS go hand in hand in our communication. Just go take a look and compare it with the Samsung Galaxy S20! Yes, we know right! Now that we know how they started, let’s start to dig a little deeper. Shall we?
SMS vs MMS
As I was saying, this three-letter matchup still remains one of the most asked questions about telecommunications. Believe me. I know the feeling. When I got my first Nokia when I was still a kid, I was already asking this question. Whenever I send a message, the phone always asks whether to send it as SMS or as MMS. I asked my Dad and fair enough, he couldn’t also give a clear elaboration on the subject. And he seemed to know a lot! But that’s another story. Keep reading and you’ll know the answer without even finishing the article.
SMS vs MMS: The Showdown
Here’s a gist of the key differences between SMS and MMS.
1. What is SMS?
SMS means Short Messaging Services. It is used to exchange short text messages over two devices. Neil Papworth sent the world’s first SMS to Richard Jarvis on who was enjoying his office Christmas party. Well, guess what the text message read. If you answer “Merry Christmas” then you’re absolutely right! The Franco-German GSM team of Friedhelm Hillenbrand, Bernard Ghillebaert, and Oculy Silaban developed the concept of SMS in 1984 and has come a long way since. Want to here something amazing? 4.1 trillion SMS were sent in 2008 alone and the number will continue to grow as long as phones are available in the market. Seems like text messaging won’t be gone a little too soon then! Must read: 7 Best SMS App for Android for an SMS Shooting Spree
2. What is MMS?
MMS means Multimedia Messaging Services. It is an extension of the SMS protocol and was developed to transmit multimedia content through text messages and it’s popularly used to send images but can also be used to send audio files, video files, or even phone contacts. What’s more? The first MMS capable phones were introduced in 2002. That’s right! INTRODUCED IN 2002 and still remains relevant today even with the internet is at its height. Amazing, isn’t it? This brings us to the next question.
3. SMS vs. MMS–What are the similarities?
While SMS and MMS are widely different when it comes to their own respective functions, they are more similar than you might think. This is mainly because the same protocol and technology were used to make the SMS and MMS. And the bottom line? SMS and MMS give users an easy and convenient method of communicating with each other. They are also capable of sending text messages and both are also transmitted through the cellular network. In other words, they only require a wireless plan from your service providers to be sent.
4. SMS vs. MMS–What are the differences?
Now, it gets a little bit trickier from here on. And as such, we have prepared a table to make it more convenient and understandable for you. The table is divided into two columns: the SMS and MMS. Below them are their key differences as compared to the other. Get it? Great! Then let’s dive in! Suggested reads: How to Get SMS Messages on Your Desktop with Android (5 Apps) Microsoft’s new SMS Organizer app for Android declutters your text messages How to Share and Send Any File on Android via WhatsApp and SMS
SMS vs MMS–No Need to Panic!
So there you have it! Now that you know the difference between SMS and MMS, there’s no need to worry anymore. You can finally rest easy and join the talk whenever your techy-friends get into a conversation about Text Messaging. Just remember that SMS can only send texts while MMS can send texts AND photos, videos, audios, and even that Cat GIF you’re hiding in your gallery! So what are you waiting for!? Give it a try and share your experience with us at the comments below!
