MMS messages (which include pictures, videos, or even just longer text in some cases) are handled differently by carriers and come with higher costs than a standard SMS. MMS allows rich content – you can send a photo, a longer block of text, etc., but all that extra data means the carriers charge more for it.
MMS messaging requires a cellular data connection to work, unlike SMS which only needs basic cellular service. The maximum file size for MMS messages depends on your carrier and the recipient's device, but 300 KB is typically the largest size most carriers reliably handle.
Yes, MMS messages cost more to send than standard SMS text messages. While seemingly silly, MMS consumes a lot more technical resources to encode and deliver a message than standard SMS. Most SMS / MMS marketing services charge by message credits. A single SMS uses one credit while an MMS uses three.
Disadvantages of Using MMS:
SMS supports plain text messages up to 160 characters, while MMS allows longer texts and multimedia content, such as images, videos, and audio files. SMS does not require an internet connection, whereas MMS relies on a data connection for media transmission.
Texts and picture messages
If you've used up your MMS allowance, or it's not included in your tariff, you could be charged extra for sending an MMS. Sign in to My O2 to check if MMS is included in your tariff.
Yes, as long as you have a phone that can connect to a Wi-Fi network, you can still use it for calling and texting with your no data plan, and use Wi-Fi for accessing everything else on it. You'd need to be on Wi-Fi for RCS messaging to work, since that type of text uses data.
If you simply want to communicate information with somebody else, then you may want to use an SMS message. It is shorter, easier to send, and more straightforward for someone to interpret. However, if you have additional content that you want to include, you may be better off using an MMS message.
WhatsApp offers more security than text messaging by using end-to-end encryption, which ensures only the sender and receiver can read the messages. But neither option is immune to smishing scams, designed to steal your personal information or get you to click malicious links.
And because MMS messages are often larger in size, and carriers may charge more for messages that are over a certain size, MMS messages typically cost more to send than SMS messages.
How to avoid MMS charges
What's the difference between SMS vs. MMS? A text message of up to 160 characters without an attached file is known as an SMS, while a text that includes a file—like a picture, video, emoji, or a website link—becomes an MMS.
Disabling cellular data primarily affects your access to the internet and data-related activities. Without data services, you can still make calls and send text messages.
Activities that use a lot of data
Deleting old text messages can help free up storage and tidy up your smartphone, but don't expect it to solve your device's slowing performance.
If you're on an Android device:
Similarly, WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update, which required users to share certain data with Facebook (now Meta), sparked backlash. Many users sought alternatives like Signal and Telegram. Signal presents a clear alternative: no ads, no data collection, and full transparency.
Signal and WhatsApp extend their end-to-end encryption to voice and video calls, while Telegram's encryption caveats extend to video and voice calling. Each service supports 30–40 participants—more than enough for a family or small group. Telegram is probably your best bet if you want to build a following.
Even though WhatsApp boasts powerful end-to-end encryption, hackers usually go after you, not the app, by taking advantage of common security slip-ups. Their goal? Spying on your messages, impersonating you, or even scamming your contacts.
How do I know if I'm using SMS or MMS? You can tell simply by knowing if your message is text only or includes some form of multimedia. If you're using any form of multimedia, it's an MMS. If it is text-only, it is an SMS.
The MMS standard extends the core SMS (Short Message Service) capability, allowing the exchange of text messages greater than 160 characters in length. Unlike text-only SMS, MMS can deliver a variety of media, including up to forty seconds of video, one image, a slideshow of multiple images, or audio.
Disadvantages of SMS
Once connected, you should see a WiFi symbol appear in the top bar next to your carrier network (for instance, AT&T or Verizon), or in the top left corner if you do not have data enabled.
Since they require an active WiFi or data connection to function, you'll find that sending messages on these apps uses your data the most. Some messaging apps, like WhatsApp, use less data as they are focused primarily on texting and calls.
Even if you don't have cell service, you can send texts over Wi-Fi. Just use Messages as you normally would. If you're not connected to Wi-Fi, make sure cellular data is on: On your Android device, go to Settings.