Signal vs QKSMS

Signal uses an advanced end to end encryption protocol that provides privacy for every message every time.

Signal is free and open source software, enabling anyone to verify its security by auditing the code. It's the only private messenger that uses open source, peer-reviewed cryptographic protocols to keep your messages safe.

Signal Desktop can be used on multiple devices and has most features of the Android version, although it still requires you to register with your phone.

Signal supports: emoji, pictures, videos, audio, contacts, any location and GIF.

Allows you to "send: messages to yourself and sync to desktop so you can use Signal as a kind of encrypted Pushbullet alternative

You can easily view all media shared in the chat without scrolling back to when it was shared.

The sender credentials can be encrypted with the rest of the message, leaving only the recipient address readable by the Signal server. Even if Signal wanted they couldn't see who is talking with who by this mean.

Unlike most messenger apps, Signal works reliably in all countries by securely circumventing internet censorship.

Edward Snowden uses this messenger and recommends it to everyone who is concerned about his privacy.

When a new sms is received, a window will pop up that has the message and allows answering it from there, without having to open the app. It can be dismissed by tapping anywhere else on the screen.

Users can set different notification settings per user as an easy way to know who is messaging without having to look at the actual message.

Users can communicate with large groups at the same time due to the included group messaging feature. This is convenient when trying to synchronize with friends or colleagues.

While QKSMS is one of the younger apps, the developer is quickly adding features/fixing bugs.

The app is available for free with an optional donation IAP that ranges from $1-$10.

Responsive, highly customizable Material Design interface makes for a native looking app that fits in well with Google's UI design guidelines.

Through delayed messaging one can set it up so that a message is not sent automatically. This can help for those times that it may be best to think something over before sending out a rash message.

There are light and dark themes available within the settings which can be switched depending on how light it is around one when using the app. The dark theme can also help to conserve battery when being used as not as much brightness and hence battery will be used.

Users can schedule messages to be sent for later.

Those that own an Android Wear device will be able to set it to receive their messages on the Android Wear device making for convenient notifications and easy messaging through not having to take their phone out.