When comparing Mirage vs Handcent Next SMS, the Slant community recommends Handcent Next SMS for most people. In the question“What are the best messaging apps for Android?” Handcent Next SMS is ranked 36th while Mirage is ranked 39th. The most important reason people chose Handcent Next SMS is:
Splitting a group text is a great option, so that follow-up can be personal and not everyone sees every response.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Includes filters
It's possible to change the look of images and videos via filters.
Pro Groups
It's possible to send messages to multiple people at once. Either by setting up a group or by selecting a bunch of people individually. Groups can also be muted if they get too noisy.
Pro Messages self-destruct after they've been viewed
Once a message has been viewed, it gets deleted from Snapchat's servers. Thus, unless a person chooses to save the message manually (a notification will be sent if a user decides to take a screenshot), there will be no trace of it left. It enables a bit more consequence-free, in-the-moment kind of communication to occur.
Pro Generates a contact list
Once the account setup process is complete, Mirage generates a list of people from your contacts that you are most likely interested in sending messages via Mirage.
Pro Interface designed for getting things done quickly
Tap a contact to take a picture, tap and hold a contact to record video. Tapping the screen will allow you to add text to photos and videos just taken. Swiping the screen changes what camera is used. Swiping from the side allows sending text and voice messages. Voice messages are recorded the same way videos are by tapping and holding on a contact just from a different view.
Pro Can split a group text
Splitting a group text is a great option, so that follow-up can be personal and not everyone sees every response.
Pro Missed notification reminders
Pro Can text from a PC, Mac or tablet
Texting from another device allows one to not pick up one's phone every minute.
Pro Customizable appearance
Cons
Con Buggy
Messages get lost users have trouble getting their codes to log in and has trouble actually finding the users contacts.
Con Name is confusing
In your app drawer you'll see "Next SMS" but in Google Play "Handcent" is the first word of the app. That might confuse some people.
Con Texting from a PC, Mac or tablet requires extra work
