Geek Goddess

As of the release of 4.3, WordPress removed the “Formatting” section from the Writing settings. Included in there was the option to turn off WordPress’s default action to convert text emoticons to image smilies. This plugin does the same thing as unchecking the “convert to smilies” box that used to be available via the settings.

Keep Emoticons as Text

Disables the default WordPress option of converting emoticons to image smilies

Samuel Wood (Otto)

Replace the smilies with the original versions from previous versions of WordPress.
Added bonus: Disables all “emoji” functionality in WordPress 4.2 and above.

Classic Smilies

I have been using this plugin and I proudly recommend to everyone.
PRO
- It improve performance by removing inline JS and reducing HTTP requests.
Cons
- Smiley images shouldn't be look dull. It could be appear clear like Original.

Thanks & Regards,
Gulshan

Very goood plugin, some improvement needed

Replace the smilies with the original versions from previous versions of WordPress.

Keep Emoticons as Text vs Classic Smilies