The most popular instant messaging app, Whatsapp, has been encountering a lot of heat since it has released the latest updates regarding its privacy policy. Facebook’s latest contentious decision regarding the involvement of Whatsapp and data-sharing is compelling users to share their data with Facebook or switch to a different app.
Princy A. J | January 15, 2021
On January 13, 2021, Telegram revealed that it had 25 million new downloads in the past 72 hours. Telegram has surpassed the landmark of 500 million active users in just few days following the controversy over Whatsapp’s new privacy policy. Many privacy conscious cell phone users are opting for Telegram as Whatsapp has explicitly mentioned that it will share the user’s data with Facebook.
Pavel Durov’s Message for the Telegram Users -
Founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, recently stated that users no longer wish to trade their privacy for free services anymore. They no longer want to be kept hostage by tech monopolies who seem to believe that as long as their apps have a critical mass of users, they can get away with anything.
Telegram has become the largest refuge for users who are seeking a communication network that is dedicated to privacy and security. Keeping in mind the current half a billion active users of Telegram and the potential ones, ensuring data security to each user is a big responsibility.
Pavel Durov further added that he will take the aforementioned responsibility very seriously and he won’t let the users down.
Which Messenger App is the Best: Telegram or Whatsapp?
Telegram and Whatsapp both fall under the category of messaging applications. None of them is perfect and both lack some features when compared to the other. Here are some advantages that these apps have over each other.
• How is Telegram Better than Whatsapp?
There are many key benefits that Telegram has over Whatsapp. Some of them are as follows -
1. Users don’t need a SIM card to log in into Telegram
Users are able to communicate with other users on telegram even if they don't have the contact number of others. This feature ensures the privacy of the user’s contact number.
2. Limitless server storage
Telegram offers limitless storage. That means all the text messages, media files & documents of the users will be saved on cloud. User can log in and log out multiple times from several devices simultaneously without the fear of losing their data. Users can view the active sessions and track on which devices he/she is logged in at the moment. Thereby the user can download any file, at any time, and from anywhere.
3. Media Compression
Users can prefer to compress the media file or send the uncompressed version.
4. Multi-platform support
Telegram is accessible through windows phone, Mac os, windows pc, Android, ios, and can be accessed through any type of browser.
5. Secret Chat
It is a type of end to end encrypted chat in which user can set self-delete timer. The messages will be involuntarily destructed once the timer hits.
• How is Whatsapp better than Telegram?
There are certain key benefits that Whatsapp has over Telegram. Some of them are as follows -
1. End-to-end encryption anywhere
Whatsapp provides users with end-to-end encryption for their communication with other users.
2. Read and delivery notification
Whatsapp lets the sender know about the delivery of his/her message and the user is able to read the status update from other users in a timely manner.
3. Voice and video calls
Unlike Telegram messenger, Whatsapp supports video as well as voice calls.
Detailed Comparison between Whatsapp and Telegram
Here is a guide which offers detailed comparison between Whatsapp and Telegram based on the following categories -
- Comparison based on General Information
Sr. No | Features | Telegram | |
1 | Free-app | Yes | Yes |
2 | Free of ads | Yes | Yes |
3 | Can be personalized | Yes | Yes |
4 | Available on PC | Yes | Yes |
5 | Tablet Optimized | No | Yes |
6 | Is compatible with Android | Yes | Yes |
7 | Is compatible with IOS | Yes | Yes |
8 | App has a built-in browser | No | Yes |
9 | Supports widgets | Yes | No |
10 | Number of languages supported | 33 | 58 |
- Comparison based on Users
Sr. No | Features | Telegram | |
1 | Number of monthly users | 2000m | 500m |
2 | Rating on Apple’s App Store | 4 | 4 |
3 | Rating on Google Play | 4.4 | 4.3 |
- Comparison based on Contacts
Sr. No | Features | Telegram | |
1 | Contact any app user | No | Yes |
2 | It uses “two-way opt-in” | No | Yes |
3 | Uses GPS to meet people | No | Yes |
4 | Has Existing Contacts Integration | Yes | Yes |
5 | User can send a contact stamp | No | Yes |
- Comparison based on Security
Sr. No | Features | Telegram | |
1 | Has privacy options | Yes | Yes |
2 | Has option for facebook sign-in | No | No |
3 | End-to-end encryption | Yes | Yes |
4 | Can be used anonymously | No | Yes |
5 | Doesn’t require account | No | No |
6 | User doesn’t need sim card to log in | No | Yes |
- Comparison based on content sharing
Sr. No | Features | Telegram | |
1 | Maximum file size | 100MB | 2000MB |
2 | Has a media gallery | Yes | Yes |
3 | User can send videos | Yes | Yes |
4 | Has search option | Yes | Yes |
5 | Syncs to the cloud | Yes | Yes |
6 | User can send documents | Yes | Yes |
7 | User can send music files | Yes | Yes |
8 | Has image preview feature | No | Yes |
9 | Exports to email | Yes | No |
10 | Drafts are automatically saved | No | Yes |
When it comes to answering which messaging application is better, different individuals might have different requirements and they might answer accordingly. However, just because Whatsapp has more users when compared to Telegram, doesn’t mean that it is better. Many a times, people tend to follow the vogue and are hesitant to decide on their own which among the two apps is better.
As per my experience, Telegram is much faster than Whatsapp. Moreover, there is a secret chat feature in Telegram, for secured communication. It also offers security and many advanced features than Whatsapp as mentioned above. So, Telegram is much more relative to me. Users can select the one which suits them the best.
About the Author(s)
Princy A. J
Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.
