Text Capabilities
RCS
Ability to send more characters depending on the message type.
SMS
Send up to 160 characters in a single message.
Media capabilities
RCS
Rich cards with media, text, and even suggested replies and actions for your users, supporting JPG, PNG, video, and audio.
SMS
No images or suggested actions can be included (but you can send images and links in MMS messages).
User experience
RCS
Offers features like interactive buttons and quick-reply buttons.
SMS
Offers text chat features only.
Engagement
RCS
Very high — 90% of rich media messages are opened within 15 minutes, and customers engage with RCS content for up to 45 seconds.
SMS
Very high — historically has had an open rate of over 90%.
Branding opportunities
RCS
All messages include a brand logo and verified sender information.
SMS
Some countries allow for Alpha Sender IDs. Only available in select markets and rules differ about when these can be used.