I am able to send & receive plain text messages. Hard time getting pics to send or receive.

Usually mobile phone text messages only send text messages. 
If you want to send pictures, it is a multimedia message. 
You need to enable this function by telecom operator. 
I suggest you can send pictures through social software.

More phone issues, you can contact our professional after-sales directly.
After-sales email: support02@blackview.hk
Have a nice day!