The Galaxy S25 Ditches Samsung Messages For Google Messages

The Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphones are here. These are the latest flagship phones from Samsung, which include the base Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25+, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. All phones ship with One UI 7 (which is based on Android 15), but the Galaxy S25 has ditched Samsung Messages in favor of Google Messages.

By the way, if you order the Galaxy S25 through our links, you’ll get $50 off of your order.

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Goodbye Samsung Messages

As many Android users know, handset makers love bundling their own apps with their phones. It’s their way of customizing their devices to make them more unique. This is especially important in a smartphone landscape where the hardware on smartphones is starting to look very similar to each other.

In Samsung’s case, the company usually bundles its own Samsung Messages app on its devices. However, with the Galaxy S25, Samsung has opted not to include the app. Instead, Google Messages is the default messaging app for the phone. Samsung has confirmed this was done intentionally.

The company made a statement to Android Authority, saying, “With the close collaboration between Google and Samsung, we have opted to migrate all services to Google Messages and are sunsetting Samsung Messages. It’s no longer available in the PlayStore; however, those who chose to utilize Samsung Messages are still able to do so. We believe that the added functionality of RCS messaging on Google Messages creates an enhanced user experience for both Android-to-Android messaging and across platforms.”

Good or bad?

The problem with these preloaded apps is that they feel forced upon users. However, in Samsung’s case, its own Messages app came with features that Google Messages doesn’t. This includes features such as user-created chat folders and better message organization.

This means that there are features in the app that users might actually miss if they switch to Google Messages. According to Samsung’s statement, the app will continue to work for the time being. It’s no longer available to download. Galaxy S25 owners will have to start getting used to Google Messages if they aren’t already.

Samsung had previously hinted at its plans to shift over to Google Messages. Last year, the company said it would make Google Messages the default app on new Samsung devices. However, Samsung Messages still came preinstalled, and users could choose which app to use.

Regardless, the Galaxy S25 series are still some of the most powerful Android phones in 2025. So even if it no longer comes with Samsung Messages, it’s still an excellent handset. If you’d like to pre-order the phone, you can check out our guide to find the best deals.