SMS vs. Text — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 20, 2023
SMS is a messaging service system; Text refers to the actual written content. Both relate to mobile communication.
Difference Between SMS and Text
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
SMS and Text are terms frequently used interchangeably, but they hold distinct meanings. SMS stands for "Short Message Service" and refers to the system or protocol that delivers short messages. Text, on the other hand, refers to the written content of the message.
When using mobile devices, people often send SMS messages. This process involves typing a Text and sending it via the mobile network.
While SMS defines the technical method of sending and receiving messages on mobile devices, the Text represents the actual words or characters in the message. So, an SMS can contain various types of Text, including alphanumeric characters or symbols.
SMS has constraints like character limits, which determine how much Text can be sent in a single message. If a Text exceeds the limit, it may be split into multiple SMS messages.
Over time, as technology evolved, the distinction between SMS and Text became blurred for many users. Though technically different, in everyday parlance, saying "Send me an SMS" and "Send me a Text" has become functionally equivalent.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to "Short Message Service," a messaging system.
Refers to the actual content or words in a message.
Function
To transmit messages between devices.
Represents written content within the message.
Character Limit
Typically has a limit (e.g., 160 characters).
Dependent on the platform or medium used.
Associated Costs
Sending an SMS might incur costs.
"Text" as a concept has no associated costs.
General Usage
Often used to describe the act of messaging.
Commonly denotes the written content.
Compare with Definitions
SMS
A technical service facilitating mobile text messaging.
Check if your mobile plan charges for each SMS sent.
Text
Written words or characters conveying a message.
The Text of the email was formal and to the point.
SMS
Mobile communication limited by character counts.
If your SMS exceeds 160 characters, it might split into two.
Text
The actual content within books, documents, or messages.
I found the Text of the novel engaging and insightful.
SMS
A communication protocol for sending short messages on mobile networks.
I sent an SMS to remind her of the meeting.
Text
A brief written communication, especially on mobile devices.
Send me a Text when you're on your way.
SMS
The system behind transmitting text-based messages on phones.
My phone can send SMS even without internet connectivity.
Text
Any piece of written material.
The Text for the play will be distributed tomorrow.
SMS
A way to send quick, concise messages without calling.
I'll drop you an SMS with the address.
Text
The original words of something written or printed, as opposed to a paraphrase, translation, revision, or condensation.
Text
The words of a speech appearing in print.
Text
Words, as of a libretto, that are set to music in a composition.
Text
Words treated as data by a computer.
Text
A text message.
Text
The body of a printed work as distinct from headings and illustrative matter on a page or from front and back matter in a book.
Text
One of the editions or forms of a written work
After examining all three manuscripts, he published a new text of the poem.
Text
Something, such as a literary work or other cultural product, regarded as an object of critical analysis.
Text
A passage from the Scriptures or another authoritative source chosen for the subject of a discourse or cited for support in argument.
Text
A passage from a written work used as the starting point of a discussion.
Text
A subject; a topic.
Text
A textbook.
Text
To send a text message to
She texted me when she arrived at the airport.
Text
To communicate by text message
He texted that he would be late.
Text
To key or send text messages
She was texting in class and missed what was said.
Text
A writing consisting of multiple glyphs, characters, symbols or sentences.
Text
A book, tome or other set of writings.
Text
(colloquial) A brief written message transmitted between mobile phones.
Text
(computing) Data which can be interpreted as human-readable text.
Plain text
Text
A verse or passage of Scripture, especially one chosen as the subject of a sermon, or in proof of a doctrine.
Text
(by extension) Anything chosen as the subject of an argument, literary composition, etc.
Text
(printing) A style of writing in large characters; also, a kind of type used in printing.
German text
Text
(transitive) To send a text message to; i.e. to transmit text using the Short Message Service (SMS), or a similar service, between communications devices, particularly mobile phones.
Just text me when you get here.
I'll text the address to you as soon as I find it.
Text
(intransitive) To send and receive text messages.
Have you been texting all afternoon?
Text
(dated) To write in large characters, as in text hand.
Text
A discourse or composition on which a note or commentary is written; the original words of an author, in distinction from a paraphrase, annotation, or commentary.
Text
The four Gospels, by way of distinction or eminence.
Text
A verse or passage of Scripture, especially one chosen as the subject of a sermon, or in proof of a doctrine.
How oft, when Paul has served us with a text,Has Epictetus, Plato, Tully, preached!
Text
Hence, anything chosen as the subject of an argument, literary composition, or the like; topic; theme.
Text
A style of writing in large characters; text-hand also, a kind of type used in printing; as, German text.
Text
That part of a document (printed or electronic) comprising the words, especially the main body of expository words, in contrast to the illustrations, pictures, charts, tables, or other formatted material which contain graphic elements as a major component.
Text
Any communication composed of words.
Text
A textbook.
Text
To write in large characters, as in text hand.
Text
The words of something written;
There were more than a thousand words of text
They handed out the printed text of the mayor's speech
He wants to reconstruct the original text
Text
A passage from the Bible that is used as the subject of a sermon;
The preacher chose a text from Psalms to introduce his sermon
Text
A book prepared for use in schools or colleges;
His economics textbook is in its tenth edition
The professor wrote the text that he assigned students to buy
Text
The main body of a written work (as distinct from illustrations or footnotes etc.);
Pictures made the text easier to understand
Text
A collection of words forming coherent sentences.
The Text on the website was informative.
Common Curiosities
What does SMS stand for?
SMS stands for "Short Message Service."
Can Text be longer than an SMS limit?
Yes, but it might be split into multiple SMS messages.
Are SMS and Text the same thing?
No, SMS is the system for sending messages, while Text is the content.
Do I need the internet to send an SMS?
No, SMS works over mobile networks without the internet.
Is Text only related to mobile messaging?
No, Text refers to written content in various mediums, not just mobile messages.
Can SMS include multimedia?
No, for multimedia, MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) is used, not SMS.
Can the Text of a book be called an SMS?
No, in that context, it's just called Text.
Is SMS popular globally?
Yes, SMS is a widely used form of communication worldwide.
What does Text refer to in messaging?
Text refers to the actual written content or words within a message.
Is there a character limit for SMS?
Yes, traditional SMS typically has a limit of 160 characters.
Is there a cost associated with sending an SMS?
Depending on the mobile plan/provider, there might be a cost for sending SMS.
Can SMS be used for business purposes?
Absolutely, SMS is often used for marketing, notifications, and other business communications.
Are there alternatives to SMS?
Yes, various messaging apps and platforms, like WhatsApp and Telegram, offer alternatives to SMS.
Which is older, SMS or Text?
The concept of Text (written content) is older. SMS is a technology related to mobile communication.
Can Text include symbols and numbers?
Yes, Text can include letters, numbers, symbols, and more.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
