Are you thinking about switching up your messaging platform? With so many choices available, each having its own pros and cons, it can be hard to figure out the best option. iMessage and Telegram Messenger are both worthy contenders, but which has the edge?
iMessage and Telegram Messenger are free messaging platforms designed to be an alternative to bog standard texting, and each boasts legions of loyal fans. Below you’ll find a comprehensive comparison of both options as we determine which one ultimately ranks as the better platform.
Who Can Use It?
iMessage is Apple’s messaging platform and, therefore, can only be used on Apple devices, both desktop and mobile. Telegram is a multi-platform, open-source cloud-based messaging service compatible with various operating systems and devices.
This is likely to be a significant consideration: for example, if you use a Windows OS, there’s no iMessage on PC option, and it’s essential to be aware of this, especially if you’re looking for a messaging platform for your business.
Security Considerations
Both iMessage and Telegram use end-to-end encryption to keep users’ conversations secure and safe from snoopers. This type of encryption is so robust that even the companies that deploy it can’t access the data sent over the internet connection.
But – and this is a big but – whereas iMessage deploys end-to-end encryption on all messages sent and received, Telegram only uses it for calls and if users activate the ‘secret chat’ feature. However – and this is a big however – Telegram is a cloud-based platform, meaning that all communications are via a secure server, and the company prides itself on its enhanced security due to this fact. Telegram reportedly previously offered a large cash prize to anyone who could crack its servers – a prize that went unclaimed!
A further plus, privacy-wise, of Telegram is that it allows you to give others your username, rather than your password, to make contact. This means that you can limit the amount of personal information you’re putting out there, which can be very useful if you’re giving your details to someone you don’t know well.
File Size Limits
If you want to send an attachment, you’ll come up against a 100MB file size limit with iMessage – the same as is in effect with Whatsapp.
Telegram, on the other hand, offers its users an impressive limit of 2GB! Again, this is due to the platform’s enhanced use of cloud storage.
Customization Options
iMessage recently got a major upgrade in terms of customization options, allowing it to better contend – on this score at least – with its competitors. iMessage users can now add effects, and a range of Memoji stickers have been added to its customization arsenal. Group photos, mentions, pinned conversations, inline replies, and more are on the roster.
Telegram also boasts an impressive range of customization options. Users can choose the dominant app color, how the app opens links, whether or not the user interface displays animations, and lots more.
Message Syncing
Unlike Telegram and most other messaging apps, iMessage allows its users to sync messages. This means your messages will appear simultaneously across any compatible device you’re logged onto with your iMessage account.
This is a handy little feature to be aware of when choosing your messaging platform – depending on how you plan on using the messaging service, and it could add some serious convenience to your day-to-day life.
And the Extras!
The little extras could convince you one way or the other if you’re still sitting on the fence.
iMessage recently unveiled a brand new feature that allows users to edit a message that’s been sent – this means that if you notice an embarrassing typo the second you’ve hit send, you can quickly sort it out. There are limitations: you only have fifteen minutes to edit a message, and you can only make five edits per message. So you’ll still need to type with care, friends!
iMessage has also added a ‘mark as unread’ option to help ensure that messages you’ve read but still need to action don’t get forgotten, and the Raise to Listen feature is a handy way to access and respond to voice messages by simply lifting your iPhone to your ear.
Telegram’s most popular additional features include an instant search facility, which allows you to find the message you’re looking for – even among millions – easily and quickly. Users also love the smart notification tool, which means you’ll only get group notifications when people mention you or reply to your message.
Telegram has an advanced feature allowing users to create custom tools for their specific needs via bots, meaning you can tailor the platform’s functionality to best suit you or your business.
iMessage vs. Telegram Messenger: Crowning the Winner
Both iMessage and Telegram Messenger are solid options for choosing a messaging platform. For us, Telegram edges the win: its cross-platform functionality, enhanced use of the cloud, higher file size limits, and range of innovative features make it great for business and personal use alike. Telegram’s open-source credentials are much-loved by its hundreds of thousands of users, too.
