RCS vs SMS: Comparison and interactive simulator

What is RCS and how does it work?

RCS is the evolution of SMS. Allows sending rich messages with images, videos, buttons, carousels, location, read receipts, suggested replies, and more. Works on compatible phones, without the need for external apps. You can also display the company name, logo, and identity verification, increasing trust for the recipient.

What is the SMS protocol?

SMS is a universal messaging system that allows you to send short text without requiring internet access. Although reliable, it is limited in functionality and design. It was introduced in the 1990s and has since become a global standard due to its simplicity and universality.

Why are RCS and SMS compared?

Both channels allow you to reach users via mobile messaging, but RCS offers a much richer experience tailored to modern marketing. Companies seeking to improve engagement, increase conversions, and deliver a richer customer experience are evaluating how to migrate from SMS to RCS or how to strategically combine them. This comparison is key to understanding which channel is best suited to each case.

How do big brands use RCS?

Companies such as banks, airlines, e-commerce platforms, and mobile operators already use RCS to send visual notifications, boarding passes, personalized promotions, and interactive surveys. Thanks to its enriched design, users can interact directly without leaving the conversation.

When is it appropriate to use traditional SMS?

SMS remains ideal for critical alerts, 2FA authentication, appointment confirmations, and urgent messages—especially in low-connectivity areas or on devices not compatible with RCS.

Campaign examples: RCS vs SMS

Imagine a promotional campaign for an e-commerce. With SMS, you could only send plain text with a link. With RCS, you could show a product image, buttons for quick purchase options, and an automatic reply if the user has questions.

Another example: an airline can send a notification via RCS with the boarding pass, gate information, and buttons to change the seat, whereas SMS would only include a text message with a link.

The choice between RCS and SMS will always depend on context, but using both strategically can enhance your brand communication.

Benefits of RCS for businesses

• Visual messages with images, videos, carousels, and buttons.
• Ability to customize the sender with name, logo, and verified brand.
• Higher engagement thanks to interactivity and suggested replies.
• Advanced stats: deliveries, reads, clicks, and replies.
• Automated conversational flows without the need for external apps.
• Improves conversion by integrating actions within the message itself.

Current limitations and challenges of RCS

• Not available on all carriers or devices.
• Requires an internet connection to work.
• It may have a higher cost depending on volume or country.
• Fallback to SMS requires additional configuration.

Despite its limitations, RCS is a powerful tool for businesses looking to stand out, deliver rich experiences, and measure the real impact of their communications.

RCS vs SMS: when to use one or the other?

Use SMS for urgent messages like verification codes, alerts, or reminders. It's universal and works without internet. Use RCS when you want to enhance user experience with images, buttons, and interactive conversations.

Mixed strategies: combining SMS and RCS smartly

The best strategy is often to combine both channels: send RCS to compatible devices and use SMS as fallback when they are not. This ensures reach and leverages the best of each technology.

How to migrate or start using RCS with your current provider?

If you're already working with a provider like 360nrs, activating RCS is easy: verify your brand, design your rich messages, and enable automatic fallback to SMS to ensure deliverability.

You can start with pilot campaigns, measure results, and then scale your strategy more confidently.