Handcent Next SMS messenger

Name: Handcent Next SMS messenger
Rating: 4.3647494 (76485 reviews)
Author: Handcent

By: Handcent App

Customizable SMS text messenger with AI,MMS, group message,sticker&private text

Overview

Google Play Store

Downloads

3,424,673 ▲ 1.43K

Data as of 2026-08-05

Rating:

4.36 +83

(76,485)

Version:

11.10.2

Last updated: 2026-07-02

Communication (Gross)

Features & Capabilities

Handcent Next SMS Messenger redefines your texting experience with extensive customization and powerful AI features. It supports encrypted conversations, MMS Plus for multimedia sharing, group messaging, and seamless syncing across devices with Handcent Anywhere, enabling texting from your PC, tablet, or smartwatch.

This messenger offers over 200 themes, personalized fonts, stickers, emojis, and vibration patterns. AI capabilities powered by OpenAI include auto-replies, emoji suggestions, grammar checking, text extraction from images, and conversation summaries. Advanced privacy features include encrypted private boxes and spam filtering. Additional functionalities like SMS backup, scheduled messages, Android Auto compatibility, and support for foldable devices make it a versatile and secure alternative to standard messaging apps.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App Communication Privacy & Security AI Social Media

By:

Handcent

Downloads:

3,424,673 1.43K

Rating:

4.36

(76,485) 83 new ratings

Version:

11.10.2 Last updated: 2026-07-02

Version code:

41110004

Creation date:

2015-06-24

Publisher country:

Permissions:

android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION Very high risk
android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION Very high risk
android.permission.CALL_PHONE Very high risk
android.permission.CAMERA Very high risk
android.permission.READ_CONTACTS Very high risk
android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE Very high risk
android.permission.READ_SMS Very high risk
android.permission.RECEIVE_MMS Very high risk
android.permission.RECEIVE_SMS Very high risk
android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO Very high risk

Size:

47.07MB

Email:

he*****@handcent.com

URLs:

Website ,Privacy policy

Full description:

Source:

Google Play Store

Data ingested on:

2026-08-05

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 31,294 ▼ 6

Other rankings

#76 in Communication (Gross) ▲ 2

#88 in Android wear (Gross) ▲ 3

#193 in Android wear (Free) ▲

#6 in messenger keyword 15 ▲ 1

#27 in message keyword 32 ▲

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For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Android app. Please use these information below to contact the Android app developer.

Developed by:

Handcent

Google Play Store

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.handcent.app.nextsms

Email:

he*****@handcent.com

Website:

http://www.handcent.com

User Reviews

Handcent Next SMS is praised for strong customization and feature richness, with themes, skins, and extensive personalization. However, many reviews flag recurring issues: group messages failing or not arriving, problems with RCS support, and the need to disable RCS for sending. Intrusive pop-up ads and several UI/UX bugs (auto-scrolling when replying, not minimizing to the taskbar) are also common. Some users say it hasn’t kept up with competing apps in updates or features. Overall, it’s powerful but unstable for some devices and carriers, though loyal users remain when issues are resolved.

Pros

Extensive customization via themes, skins, and per-contact personalization.
Feature-rich messaging experience with many options.
Long-standing user base with generally positive performance.

Cons

Group messages not arriving or failing on multiple devices.
RCS issues: disabling RCS often needed to restore sending.
Intrusive pop-up ads and banners.
UI/UX bugs and stability issues (auto-scrolling on reply, not minimizing to the taskbar).
Lack of timely updates and features compared to competing apps.

Recent reviews

usful

Ar*****, 2026-07-30

Can't even open the app to text without a loud commercial playing in the background. It began after the last update. I have used this app for many years but I am now looking for a new one. It is the only app open, so it is absolutely this app. I can handle the ad across the bottom of the main text list but I am not willing to tolerate a loud talking ad while I'm trying to read or type to someone. It also got rid of a draft text I use for notes. This app is no longer as useful with the changes.