Tеlеgram is a cloud-basеd messaging app that allows usеrs to sеnd mеssagеs, photos, vidеos, and any othеr kind of filе, crеatе groups, and channеls. It comеs with fеaturеs likе sеlf-dеstructing mеssagеs, еnd-to-еnd еncryption, еmphasising sеcurity and privacy. Telegram users can also make direct communication with one another through channels, one-on-one conversations as well as group сhats. The app is available can be used in a variety of platforms, from desktops to Android and iOS. Now let’s discuss the discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Telegram.
Advantages of Telegram
1. Rich Messaging Features
Telegram is feature-packed and has practical applications beyond instant messaging. It shares some similarities with WhatsApp. However, it has more advanced features. These consist of group conversations, message organisation, audio and video calls, automated chat or chatbots, secret chats, stickers, and channels.
Telegram’s group chat features are equally incredible. Its group chat supports up to 20,000 people, making it effective for work purposes. Some organisations use Telegram to host customer service chatbots, while some have only used it as their main internal communication platform.
2. Free, Encryption, and Open Source
Telegram services are based on a freemium business model. It implies that all users can use it for free. If they want to increase the capability of any feature, the same users can opt for a subscription-based service.
Every call and message made using this platform is encrypted. Due to the unique end-to-end encryption feature, only the sender and recipient can receive them. As a result, Telegram has become a safe medium for communication. A user can restrict the data and information they share with their contact list by using privacy controls. Moreover, Telegram is an open source. Its source code and open API are available to all users.
3. Social Networking Aspect
To some extent, group chat can be regarded as a type of social media. However, this isn’t Telegram’s most distinctive social feature. A user of this app can set up one-way channels for communication with their subscribers using the “channels” feature.
Establishing channels allows organisations to notify staff members of critical internal announcements. One can also establish a channel for announcements and messages that are exclusive to their team within an organisation. This feature enhances this app’s capacity for collaboration and productivity.
4. Unlimited Cloud Storage
Another advantage of Telegram is its storage offering. The app provides cloud storage for documents and media items (such as videos, photos, and audios) in addition to messages. Telegram does not overprocess the quality and size of the media files.
Due to its unlimited storage capacity, Telegram works as a file-sharing and cloud-storage platform in addition to a chat tool. The files are accessible from any device. Additionally, the app features an internal file management system that is rudimentary yet effective. It organises files according to each chat or message threat. The built-in search engine makes these files readily accessible
Disadvantages of Telegram
1. Certain Features Are Not Available Across Platforms
While, the app can be downloaded on most mainstream platforms of operating systems, not all functions are accessible in a specific app version. The desktop and mobile versions of the software have some differences and lags. The “lite” app for macOS is regarded as a scaled-down version since it does not support features such as advanced voice calls with video calls and customisations. This also applies to the Linux and Windows versions.This may be a drawback for users who significantly depend on app integrations for their communication or workflow requirements.
2. Reduced User Base
Although Tеlеgram has grown in popularity ovеr timе, its usеr basе is still smallеr than that of compеting mеssaging sеrvicеs likе Facеbook Mеssеngеr or WhatsApp. This might rеstrict thе numbеr of contacts and communitiеs availablе to intеract with, which could impact thе social aspеct of thе app.
3. Difficulties with Verification
Telegram’s account verification procedure might not be as stringent as that of certain other chat apps. This laxity may raise the likelihood of running into spam or fraudulent accounts, which could affect the overall user experience. Although Telegram has taken action to address this problem, users should always be alert and cautious when interacting with unknown individuals or groups.
4. End-to-End Encryption Limitations & Privacy Concern
Despite its reputation for security, Telegram has faced criticism regarding its privacy policies. Unlike some competitors, it does not enable end-to-end encryption by default for all chats, leading to concerns about data privacy. Furthermore, the company’s data storage practices have been questioned, particularly regarding how long data is retained on their servers.
Quick Comparison Between Advantages and Disadvantages of Telegram
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Rich messaging features: group chats, calls, bots, stickers, channels | Limited features across platforms |
| Free, encrypted, and open source | Smaller user base |
| Social networking via channels | Issues with account verification |
| Unlimited cloud storage | Limited integration |
