Advantages and disadvantages of Telegram app over whatsapp

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app that has garnered popularity for its focus on speed and security, offering users a platform to send messages, photos, and videos while ensuring privacy through end-to-end encryption. With features like group chats, channels, and bots, Telegram appeals to a diverse user base. However, while the app has numerous advantages, such as fast performance and extensive customization, it also faces challenges related to user adoption and occasional functionality limitations. This page explores the advantages and disadvantages of Telegram app, providing insights into its effectiveness as a communication tool compared to whatsapp.

What is Telegram app?

Telegram is an instant messaging service. It is cloud server based app which can be used across all the platforms such as windows, linux, android, macOS etc. The app was initially released in 2013 by its founders Pavel Durov and Nikolai Durov. The telegram can be downloaded for free from the internet for desktop PC and mobile phone. It can provide end to end encrypted video and voice calls, secret chat, multiple sessions, file sharing etc.

The figure-1 depicts unique features of telegram app as explained below.
• Cloud storage : Telegram uses cloud servers for message storage which is safer and cheaper to use and maintain.
• Self-destruct messages : Telegram allows user to set the timer after which messages will get disappeared automatically. This is useful to exchange secret informations between users for short period of time.
• Secret chat : It offers secured conversation between two end clients without using cloud server. Messages are not stored on server and are stored on memory of client devices.
• Bots : These are programs which can be embedded in chats or public channels to perform specific functions. The telegram bot provides various options such as searching on internet, teaching, reminders, integration with other services etc. The popular bots are sticker bot, image bot etc.
• Growing number of users : The number of users of telegram app are quite huge. According to company data there are about 550 million active users as of July, 2021. Daily active users are about 55.2 million on android and iOS.
• Telegram will not be sold : It is non-profit project and hence can't be sold and bought.

The figure-2 depicts snapshot of options available in telegram app developed for android mobile phone in one of the releases. As shown it has features such as new group, contacts, calls, people nearby, saved messages, settings, invite friends, dark mode ON/OFF, searching interest groups within telegram community etc.

Advantages of Telegram app

Following are some of the notable advantages of Telegram app.
1. Unlimited cloud storage is provided by Telegram app which can be used to store images, messages, media files, documents etc.
2. Compress and uncompress options are available for users to transmit image/video files.
3. Group can have maximum of 2 Lakh members in telegram compare to 256 supported by WhatsaApp.
4. 'Username' feature hides contact number of the user in telegram. Hence user can send messages in any group without revealing his/her contact number. Moreover user can send message to anyone without knowing recipient's contact number.
5. The feature called "channel" allows user to post and view messages similar to group. Creator of channel sets posting permission to the users of choice.
6. Telegram can be used across multiple platforms such as Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, android etc. and browsers.
7. 'Secret chat' feature allows two users to communicate securely.
8. Users can send/receive any kind of files through telegram.
9. User can login to multiple client devices simultaneously in telegram. Hence user can receive messages to all the devices at the same time.
10. Telegram does not use cookies for advertising purpose. It uses cookies only to offer better experience to its users.

Disadvantages of Telegram app

Following are some of the disadvantages of Telegram app.
1. Limited User Base: While Telegram has millions of users, it still falls behind more popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, which may limit the number of contacts you can connect with on the platform.
2. Privacy Concerns: Although Telegram promotes itself as a secure messaging app, its cloud-based architecture can raise concerns about data privacy. Users’ messages are stored on Telegram’s servers, which may be accessible in certain circumstances.
3. Lack of End-to-End Encryption by Default: While Telegram offers end-to-end encryption for "Secret Chats," regular chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default, meaning messages can be accessed by Telegram if required by authorities.
4. Potential for Misinformation: Telegram channels and groups can be used to spread misinformation and fake news, as there is little moderation or fact-checking on the platform.
5. Complexity for New Users: Telegram offers a wide range of features, including channels, bots, and groups, which may overwhelm new users and complicate the onboarding process.
6. Limited Voice and Video Calling Features: Compared to other messaging apps, Telegram's voice and video calling features are not as robust or widely used, which may hinder users looking for an all-in-one communication platform.
7. Bots and Automation Issues: While Telegram supports bots for automation and various tasks, these can sometimes malfunction or not function as intended, leading to frustration.
8. Data Usage: Being a cloud-based app, Telegram can consume significant data, especially if users share large files or participate in media-heavy groups.
9. No Official Desktop Client for All Operating Systems: Although there is a desktop version of Telegram, it may not be available for all operating systems in the same capacity as mobile, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer desktop communication.
10. Potential for Group Spam: Large groups and channels can become inundated with spam messages, making it difficult for users to find relevant information or maintain meaningful conversations.

Conclusion

In summary, Telegram stands out for its security features and fast performance, making it a strong contender among messaging apps. However, challenges like user adoption and certain functional limitations should be considered when choosing a messaging platform. By understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of telegram app, users can make informed decisions about incorporating Telegram into their communication preferences.

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