Telegram App: Advantages and Disadvantages Compared to WhatsApp

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app known for its speed and security. It allows users to send messages, photos, and videos while offering privacy through end-to-end encryption. With features like group chats, channels, and bots, Telegram appeals to a diverse user base. While the app has many advantages, such as fast performance and extensive customization, it also faces challenges related to user adoption and occasional functionality limitations. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of the 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 a cloud server-based app that can be used across all platforms such as Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, etc. The app was initially released in 2013 by its founders, Pavel Durov and Nikolai Durov.

Telegram can be downloaded for free from the internet for desktop PCs and mobile phones. It provides end-to-end encrypted video and voice calls, secret chats, multiple sessions, file sharing, etc.

Figure 1: Telegram features

The figure above depicts unique features of the Telegram app:

• Cloud storage: Telegram uses cloud servers for message storage, which is safer and cheaper to use and maintain.
• Self-destruct messages: Telegram allows users to set a timer after which messages will disappear automatically. This is useful for exchanging secret information between users for a short period.
• Secret chat: It offers secured conversations between two end clients without using a cloud server. Messages are not stored on the server and are stored in the memory of client devices.
• Bots: These are programs that can be embedded in chats or public channels to perform specific functions. The Telegram bot provides various options such as searching the internet, teaching, reminders, integration with other services, etc. Popular bots include the sticker bot and the image bot.
• Growing number of users: The number of Telegram app users is quite large. According to company data, there were 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 a non-profit project and hence cannot be sold and bought.

Figure 2: Telegram for mobile

The figure above depicts a snapshot of options available in the Telegram app developed for Android mobile phones in one of the releases. As shown, it has features such as new groups, contacts, calls, people nearby, saved messages, settings, invite friends, dark mode ON/OFF, and searching interest groups within the Telegram community.

Advantages of Telegram App

Following are some of the notable advantages of the Telegram app:

1. Unlimited cloud storage is provided by the 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. A group can have a maximum of 200,000 members in Telegram compared to 256 supported by WhatsApp.
4. The “Username” feature hides the contact number of the user in Telegram. Hence, a user can send messages in any group without revealing his/her contact number. Moreover, users can send messages to anyone without knowing the recipient’s contact number.
5. The feature called “channel” allows users to post and view messages similar to a group. The creator of the channel sets posting permissions for the users of choice.
6. Telegram can be used across multiple platforms such as Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, etc., and browsers.
7. The “Secret chat” feature allows two users to communicate securely.
8. Users can send/receive any kind of file through Telegram.
9. Users can log in to multiple client devices simultaneously in Telegram. Hence, users can receive messages on all devices at the same time.
10. Telegram does not use cookies for advertising purposes. It uses cookies only to offer a better experience to its users.

Disadvantages of Telegram App

Following are some of the disadvantages of the 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 the Telegram app, users can make informed decisions about incorporating Telegram into their communication preferences.