In the world of messaging apps, the battle between Android and iOS has always been fierce. One of the key areas where iOS has traditionally taken the lead is in the native messaging experience, thanks to the popular iMessage app. However, in recent years, Google has been stepping up its game with the support of RCS messaging in Google Messages.
In a recent comparison video, the blogger delved into the details of how these two messaging giants stack up against each other in 2024. The blogger covered four different categories, from basic to advanced features, giving each app a point per feature and an extra half point for better implementation.
The chatting experience was the first category examined, with both apps offering similar features like typing indicators and read receipts. However, iMessage stood out with exclusive features like the ability to edit or unsend messages within a certain timeframe, as well as a smart “notify me when mentioned” feature. On the other hand, Google Messages impressed with Smart Suggestions and Magic Compose, which offer quick replies and AI-generated responses.
Moving on to audio messages, both apps allowed users to record and send voice messages, but iMessage had the edge with features like adjusting playback speed, private listening, and automatic deletion after a set time. Google Messages, on the other hand, excelled in transcribing audio messages and allowing users to search for words within them.
In the sharing options category, iMessage took the lead with integration with other apps for seamless sharing of content like Zoom meeting invites and Apple Music tracks. Google Messages, however, shone with the ability to view Ultra HDR photos within the app.
When it came to fun features like emojis and camera effects, iMessage outshone Google Messages with support for multiple reactions, animated emojis, Memoji, Animoji, and text animations. Google Messages did offer some unique features like full-screen animations and customizable conversation colors.
Finally, in the security and privacy category, both apps offered end-to-end encryption, but iMessage scored higher with encryption in group chats and the exclusive “check-in” feature for sharing personal data securely.
Overall, iMessage emerged as the clear winner in the comparison, with a total score of 30 points compared to Google Messages’ 20 points. While Google Messages has made significant improvements in recent years, iMessage still leads the pack in terms of features and user experience. It will be interesting to see how these messaging apps continue to evolve in the future.
