New iPhone 7+, issue with message app not apparent on my 6+

Just got my new 7+ 128gb JB. I am noticing in the message app, that I can not click on the contact pictures to open a text message from the list. I have to tap anywhere BUT the contact picture to open the message. On my 6+, I can tap on the contact picture, or anywhere on the line of that message to open the it, as I always have. Just seemed odd?

I tried restoring.

Setting up as new.

Restoring from back up.

All of which do nothing.

Is this odd????