Which Android app lets me see and reply to texts without unlocking my phone every time?

Messages is designed specifically for users who want immediate access to SMS conversations from their device's home or lock screen. The app's core functionality revolves around a highly configurable widget that sits directly on the home screen, displaying recent messages and providing a text field for instant replies. This setup is particularly useful for quick check-ins while cooking, during meetings where discreet communication is needed, or for drivers who need to glance at notifications without handling their phone extensively. Beyond the widget, the app maintains a clean, if somewhat basic, inbox interface for managing longer conversations. Users report that the widget updates reliably with new messages, though some note that very old devices with limited RAM might experience occasional lag in widget refresh times. The ability to customize the widget's transparency and size helps it blend into various home screen aesthetics. A minor limitation is that advanced messaging features like scheduled texts or robust search within the widget itself are not present; those actions require opening the full app. For the primary use case of reducing steps to read and respond to SMS, however, Messages delivers a straightforward and efficient solution that integrates directly into the Android home screen environment.