The stock Graphene SMS app sucks, it lacks basic features and customization that standard SMS apps have.
I see no real need to keep it for security and privacy reasons unless someone can share legitimate information about the application for a need to keep it that is note worthy I am all ears to be educated.
I’d like to explore other privacy focused SMS alternative apps. Not services. Just the app. Thanks! I hope this helps others too. I can’t be the only one! I chose top 3 because I would rather not try 50 apps. Just the cream of the crop.
Edit: I tried several. Fossify seems to be the best overall, I encourage others interested to try it on F-Droid. Thanks everyone!
DekuSMS adds encryption if your contact have it, and you can still use normal SMS if your contact doesn’t have the app installed.
I like Fossify Messages, personally, and because I also like handling texts from my desktop, I have a Matrix bot to forward them to my Element account.
In general there are few FOSS SMS apps to try Check Quick SMS or Deku SMS on Fdroid , both are forked from QKSMS
From f-droid you can download ‘Simple SMS Messenger’ they should work for basic stuff like getting sms notifications from businesses. For personal chats it’s better to look into end-to-end encrypted messengers.
Fossify is based imo
