The active development of the smartphone market and mobile internet availability contributed to the rapid growth of messengers’ popularity. Viber, WhatsApp and Telegram are the most widespread services in post-Soviet countries. The latter one has literally rushed into the world of virtual communication, making a competition even more severe. In the given article, we are going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages which a software product developed by Pavel Durovʼs company has in contrast to its competitors.
Telegram vs Viber
Viber allows the users to send any types of messages and make calls not only within its network but also to any telephone numbers. In fact, currently, Viber is a top messenger in terms of functionality. However, it is its unnecessary complication which creates an obstacle for many users just wanting to communicate with their friends without extra «special effects». Besides, Viber needs a high-quality internet connection for stable operation which requires some financial investments; although an application itself is positioned as a free product.
In contrast to Viber, Telegram and WhatsApp are characterized by slightly limited functional. They offer their users a standard feature set which includes:
sending text messages, videos, images and documents;
creating groups for communication, including public ones;
availability of stickers;
installation support of any language pack.
As of today, Telegram does not allow making calls. Although, according to the statement made by Pavel Durov, the developers are working on a problem, so the given option would be available in this messenger any time soon. Comparatively limited functional cannot be completely regarded as a disadvantage. Thus, an application requires fewer resources and operates faster.
Telegram vs WhatsApp
Telegram and WhatsApp concurrence has started since the latter one entered the market. Virtually immediately after its presentation, Jan Koum (the founder of WhatsApp) declared that Pavel Durov was not able to create new and unique products. According to his opinion, the only thing Durov is good at is copying successful ones.
Actually, Telegram is very similar to WhatsApp in terms of functionality. However, such similarity relates only to external factors. Pavel Durovʼs messenger is based on the cryptographic protocol MTProto created by his brother Nikolai. The given protocol is unrivaled throughout the world. Its main advantage consists in a complex encryption algorithm, due to which communication is secure from third parties interference, including security services snooping. Shortly after MTProto was developed, the founders of WhatsApp gave thought to their system security level which had been previously characterized by the average rates.
As for some functional parameters, Telegram is still on losing side. Nevertheless, WhatsApp has no secret chats and self-destructing text messages available in Telegram which makes a concurrence balanced in some way.
Viber, WhatsApp and Telegram: which to choose?
When it comes to a particular messenger installation on a smartphone, it is obvious that a user wants it to maximally meet his requirements. In order to help with making the right choice, letʼs distinguish several key categories and determine the best messenger in each of them.
With no doubt whatsoever, Viber is second to none here. The service policy is aimed at providing the users with the widest range of options. Viber competitors are lagging behind partly because they do not focus on stuffing their messengers with options to the max.
Viber fades into insignificance in this category, considering that user-friendly operation is not its strong point. At the same time, Telegram and WhatsApp are very easy to operate, so lots of users give preference to them.
When it comes to information security, Telegram wins first place. No one has still managed to decrypt the userʼs messages sent via this service – and this despite the fact that the developers themselves offer a handsome bonus in the amount of $200,000 in return.
Operation speed. The specificity of the MTProto protocol and a large-scale structure of the servers located around the globe make Pavel Durovʼs software product faster if compared to WhatsApp and Viber.
The application appearance is a specific notion, as people’s tastes can dramatically differ. All the represented services have an uncluttered interface which should not put strain on a userʼs eyes. Although lots of Viber users consider the predominance of purple shades a controversial decision.
Comparison results
If you want to use a messenger having a maximum set of options and have an internet connection of an adequate quality, it is reasonable to decide on Viber. WhatsApp offers a slightly limited functional but mobile-friendly optimization. In case if you place a priority on communication security and operational reliability, your perfect choice is Telegram.
Actually, Telegram is very similar to WhatsApp in terms of functionality. However, such similarity relates only to external factors. Pavel Durovʼs messenger is based on the cryptographic protocol MTProto created by his brother Nikolai. The given protocol is unrivaled throughout the world. Its main advantage consists in a complex encryption algorithm, due to which communication is secure from third parties interference, including security services snooping. Shortly after MTProto was developed, the founders of WhatsApp gave thought to their system security level which had been previously characterized by the average rates.
As for some functional parameters, Telegram is still on losing side. Nevertheless, WhatsApp has no secret chats and self-destructing text messages available in Telegram which makes a concurrence balanced in some way.
