RFTelegram vs. WhatsApp: A Detailed Comparison
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WhatsApp and Telegram are popular messaging platforms enabling users to exchange text and media files over the internet. Both offer mobile apps and web versions for various operating systems. Key features shared by both include self-destructing messages, cloud synchronization, end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, group creation, video/audio calls, memory management, and image compression. Due to WhatsApp’s updated privacy policies in 2021, many users have sought alternatives, with Telegram emerging as a leading choice due to its enhanced security features.
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp Messenger is a messaging service founded by former Yahoo employees Brian Acton and Jan Koum. Now owned by Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook Inc.), it supports voice/video calls, text messages, document sharing, image files, location sharing, and other media.
It is designed for Android and iOS and can be accessed from desktop PCs while the mobile device remains connected to the internet.
Advantages of WhatsApp
- User-friendly interface suitable for all age groups.
- Versatile communication options, including text messaging and audio/video calls.
Disadvantages of WhatsApp
- Limited file size for sharing (100 MB for documents, 16 MB for videos).
- No username-based search; requires a phone number to connect.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app launched in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Durov. It supports sending messages, voice/video calls, file sharing (any type), and exchanging images and stickers. Available on Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS, Telegram is freeware offering end-to-end encrypted voice/video calls and “secret chats.” Group chats are encrypted between the client app and the cloud server.
Advantages of Telegram
- Large file sharing capability (up to 2 GB).
- Supports sharing files of any type.
- Self-destructing timers for chats.
- Larger group member capacity.
Disadvantages of Telegram
- Backend software is not open source, potentially limiting privacy.
- Phone number required for account creation.
Key Differences Between Telegram and WhatsApp
The following table highlights the similarities and differences between Telegram and WhatsApp across various parameters:
| Features | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 2013 | 2009 |
| Source | Free and open source app | Paid and proprietary app, acquired by Facebook Inc. |
| File type | Can send any type of files | Can send only video and image files |
| Number of members in a group | 200,000 | 256 |
| Privacy | Protects and respects privacy | Does not respect privacy |
| Applications | Developed for smartphone, desktop PC, tablet, and MAC devices running different operating systems. | Mainly developed for smartphones, though a desktop PC version is also available. |
| End to End Encryption (E2E) | Supported for ‘secret chats’ | Supported |
| Group chat security | Not supported | Supported, E2E |
| Access to multiple devices simultaneously | Supported and it is very easy | Not supported |
| Chat backups | Supported, stored on cloud | Supported by using third party Google cloud /iCloud |
| Storage for file sharing | Higher limit, ~ 2 GB | Lower limit, ~ 100 MB |
| Channel creation | Supported | Not supported |
| SIM card requirement to login | No, not required | Yes, required |
| Number of languages | Less | More |
| Built-in browser | Supported, user can open websites and links while inside app | Not supported |
| Requirements to initiate chat | Phone number or User name | Only Phone number |
| Disappearing messages | For ‘secret chats’, options range from 1 second to 7 days | Messages disappear after 7 days |
| Screenshots possibility | Not possible to take screenshots in ‘secret chat’ | Possible to take screenshots without sender’s knowledge |
| Screen security | Only for secret chats | Not supported |
