8 Key Reasons Telegram Outshines WhatsApp as the Preferred Messaging App

After the privacy controversies faced by WhatsApp in 2021, I began searching for a more secure messaging option. Telegram emerged as my preferred app due to its robust features and focus on user data security. This article will explore the comparison between Telegram and WhatsApp and highlight why I have chosen to rely on Telegram.

1. Privacy Considerations

Telegram has built a solid reputation for privacy, which is what initially attracted me to the platform. The application safeguards messages with encryption during transit, significantly reducing the potential for malicious interceptions. Even upon arrival at Telegram’s servers, messages remain encrypted, with decryption facilitated directly on the user’s device. A unique key, which pairs with one stored on Telegram’s server, is required for message decryption.

For those desiring an additional security layer in their online communications, Telegram offers Secret Chats. These chats utilize end-to-end encryption, ensuring that the recipient’s decryption keys are saved on the user’s device, rather than on Telegram’s servers. Furthermore, Secret Chats do not traverse Telegram’s servers at all.

To enhance security, Telegram employs a custom encryption protocol known as MTProto, specifically designed for managing encrypted communications across various devices.

While WhatsApp also provides end-to-end encryption for privacy, it’s essential to recognize that WhatsApp is owned by Meta, a company often scrutinized for its data collection practices. In 2021, WhatsApp was fined $255 million by the European Union for alleged data privacy violations. This incident, along with controversies like the Cambridge Analytica affair, has prompted widespread concerns regarding Meta’s commitment to user privacy.

2. Scheduling Messages

Beyond robust privacy, Telegram shines in its feature set. Many of its functionalities parallel those of WhatsApp, but several distinguish it as a superior messaging application. One standout feature is the ability to schedule messages.

At times, you may recall an essential detail to share with a friend or family member, but hesitate to do so late at night. No need for sticky notes to jog your memory later—Telegram allows you to conveniently schedule your message. This functionality is built into the app and accessible by long-pressing the Send button in the chat.

In contrast, WhatsApp lacks this feature. To schedule a message on WhatsApp, you would need to resort to workarounds, such as using the Shortcuts app on iPhone to automate message scheduling or employing a third-party app for Android users.

3. Hobbies and Interests

Telegram’s channel feature caters to diverse interests. Simply use the search function located in the app’s top-right corner to find channels dedicated to specific topics. For example, searching for “horror movies”yields immediate results. Personally, I have joined several movie channels on Telegram that consistently introduce me to fascinating new films.

While WhatsApp has introduced a similar feature recently, Telegram offers a broader selection. WhatsApp users can discover channels under the Updates tab by selecting Explore more, yet searching for “horror movies”returned no results on WhatsApp.

4. In-App Image Editing

Another impressive aspect of Telegram is its built-in image editor. While WhatsApp includes basic image editing capabilities, Telegram’s options are more comprehensive. It provides additional annotation tools, the ability to incorporate GIFs, and the option to use images stored on your device during editing.

WhatsApp, on the other hand, limits users to quick annotations or drawings using their fingers, along with adding stickers and text for further editing.

5. Enhanced Organization

On WhatsApp, all conversations are displayed on the main screen, with the most recent chats at the top. However, if you have numerous conversations going on, locating a specific chat can be challenging.

In contrast, Telegram allows users to organize chats for easier retrieval through Chat Folders. Although those chats will still be visible on the main screen, switching to the folders enables quicker access to specific conversations.

6. The Power of Bots

Telegram features the use of bots, which unlock a range of additional functionalities. This is one capability not available to regular users on WhatsApp.

Bots facilitate various tasks, including checking flight and hotel offers, adding personal assistants, and even searching Gmail. For example, you can use a bot in Telegram to search Wikipedia directly from the app. Simply utilize the Search feature located in the upper-right corner to discover bots; in this case, I activated the @wiki bot.

7. Sticker Collections

WhatsApp offers numerous sticker packs to explore and even allows importing more from third-party sources. While WhatsApp has a good selection of native stickers accessible through the app, I personally prefer Telegram’s sticker offerings. It’s an aesthetic preference, but I feel more personally represented by Telegram’s stickers, which come from a vast library.

Telegram recently introduced the capability to create custom stickers, a feature WhatsApp has already had, making sticker options similar between the two apps. Still, I favor the variety in Telegram’s selection.

8. Video Notes

Another distinct feature of Telegram is the ability to send video notes, which is not available on WhatsApp. This feature facilitates more personal communication by allowing you to quickly share video messages. To send one, simply tap the mic icon in the message bar; it will switch to a camera icon. Long-press this to begin recording your video note.

WhatsApp does not provide a similar function—while you can record voice messages, video notes offer a more engaging method of communication.

If you’ve concluded that Telegram clearly outshines WhatsApp, you can download it across multiple platforms, including Linux. It may also be useful to learn how to hide Telegram chats without permanently deleting them.

Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots credited to Alexandra Arici.

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