The varied hues observed in text conversations on the Android platform typically delineate the messaging protocol in use. Messages displayed in blue often indicate the employment of Rich Communication Services (RCS), an advanced messaging standard offering features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and high-resolution media sharing, contingent upon both sender and receiver support. Conversely, green-colored texts generally signify the use of Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), older protocols that rely on cellular networks rather than data connections for message delivery.
This visual differentiation offers immediate clarity regarding message capabilities and network dependence. Understanding the color-coding helps users anticipate functionality; for example, blue messages suggest that features like group chats with enhanced capabilities and file sharing are available. Historically, SMS/MMS were the ubiquitous standards, with their limitations becoming apparent in the face of evolving communication needs. The advent of RCS aims to address these shortcomings by providing a richer, more interactive messaging experience akin to popular over-the-top (OTT) messaging apps.