A method an apparatus for converting a relatively large sized SMS message that may contain special characters or emoticons into an appropriate MMS image format file to allow sending, receiving and storage via different types of mobile communication terminals that have varying capabilities. The user need not delete old messages from his SMS message inbox or outbox to accommodate large sized SMS messages, as the converted messages can be stored in a separate image file memory. The MMS compliant image format allows a recipient to properly receive messages even though the recipient mobile terminal does not fully support the displaying of certain SMS special characters, emoticons, or the like.