Whatsapp Vs Telegram Feature By Feature Comparison

Popular chat apps, WhatsApp vs Telegram have had a bromance that goes back to Telegram’s founding in 2013. Starting out as a harmless WhatsApp clone, Telegram soon established itself as a contender for the top spot. Unfortunately, it was too little too late. Telegram, a gatecrasher, too late to the mass adoption party has since then lagged much further behind. By then, WhatsApp had already entrenched itself in our everyday lives, that we would be hardpressed to remember a time without it.

WhatsApp vs Telegram: Users + Monetization

Back in 2014, WhatsApp was yet to crack the monetization formula when Facebook swooped in and bought it for a staggering $19 Billion. Three years down the road and the winning formula is yet to be cracked. Same goes for Telegram which remains a force to be reckoned with. WhatsApp’s 1 billion users make up 1 in every 7 people on the globe. Buoyed by Facebook limitless resources, WhatsApp can choose to play the long game as they figure out a way to milk their users.

As for Telegram, the 100+ million users are merely a drop in the ocean. However, Telegram has shown, time and again, that it can come up with novel ways to please their cult following. Many features that WhatsApp users enjoy have been commonplace on Telegram for a while now. With the maturation of Telegram Bots, it’s only a matter of time before Telegram figures out how to monetize.

Related post: Seven reasons I chose Telegram App over WhatsApp

WhatsApp vs Telegram features

At the baseline, most chat apps serve the same purpose. They should be able to send and receive messages, and media so as to foster communication. Add the internet to the mix and this communication transcends geographical borders.

It’s considered fair game and actual standard practice in the industry to copy features from other apps. When you look at WhatsApp vs Telegram, both have unabashedly done their fair share of this. However, at some point, certain features come to embody the personality of an app. Have a look at Telegram’s underlying blue theme, and contrast it with WhatsApp’s deep green. The aim of our post isn’t to talk about such cosmetics. Let’s have a look at the inherent features that make up these apps.

Okay from the above WhatsApp vs Telegram showdown, it’s obvious that Telegram beats Whatsapp hands down. I know Whatsapp diehards will protest at this outrageous claim, but let’s take a closer look. Almost everything Whatsapp has, Telegram already has. In fact, there were first released on Telegram before they hit the Whatsapp camp.

Let’s start where both camps are at par. Telegram and Whatsapp started off as text messaging mobile apps and so both fulfil that goal to the brim. Both offer end-to-end encryption, so we are sure no one is reading our texts including Whatsapp and Telegram except the indented recipient. More on that, both support file sharing although Telegram allows bigger files of up to 1.5GB compared to Whatsapp’s 100MB. Both support Gifs, location sending and lately live sharing, media playback, groups, secret chats, Two-step Verification and finally voice calls. Generally speaking, if you all you need is a modern mobile communication that will save you on your phone bill, then either app can work perfectly well. But if you want something more than the basics, then Telegram might trump Whatsapp in some aspects.

Bots

Perhaps the selling point of Telegram vs Whatsapp is the Bot ecosystem. Whatsapp users are clearly missing out on the immense cool features and convenience that Bots bring to mobile messaging and communication. A Chatbot or Internet bot is an interactive piece of software that runs simple and repetitive automated tasks over the Internet. Bots can allow you to read news highlights, translate text, shop, check the weather, play Youtube videos, search products etc. You can take a look at this guide we did on using Telegram bots if you are unfamiliar with the subject.

Related post: How to Create an automated Telegram Bot to post in your Telegram Channel

Passcode Lock

With Passcode Lock, you can actually look your Telegram account with a simple passcode or numeric pin. This way, your friends or strangers can’t easily tamper with your Telegram account. This is a great security feature. You can’t do this on Whatsapp! Anyone who unlocks your phone can impersonate you and send Whatsapp messages.

Telegram Channels

Public Groups

Now let’s talk about public groups. Both Whatsapp and Telegram have them. But Whatsapp allows only up to Up to 256 friends while Telegram accepts a whopping 30,000 friends. Beat that.

Proxy support

This is one the cool things about Telegram actually that Whatsapp doesn’t have. Telegram has support for Proxies which work a bit like a VPN if you like which is vastly important feature for regions such as Uganda where governments block OTT services and messaging apps. As such, you don’t need a VPN to passby restrictions on Telegram unlike Whatsapp.

Video Calls

This is where Whatsapp might have some bragging rights over Telegram. Both messaging platforms have voice calls, but only Whatsapp has Video calls. However, Telegram has Video messages just like Whatsapp which is an indication that Video calls might be coming anytime soon.

Web/Desktop version

One final slot where Telegram trumps Whatsapp is when it comes to Web and Desktop support. Whatsapp users can’t forgive their messaging app for forcing them to tether their phone with their computer while using Whatsapp Web. Telegram works without forcing you to keep your phone actively on and tethered to your PC while using their Web/Desktop version. That’s really convenient.

API

Lastly, this is for developers, the people who build all the technology we love. Unlike Whatsapp which until now doesn’t have an API, Telegram has had one since its inception. And just in case you are wondering what an API is, think of it as a socket, a plug that a service provider avails to third parties to securely use its service. APIs are powerful platforms that enable developers to extend the capabilities of a system beyond what it could originally do. This is the reason we have all the cool stuff like bots, customizable themes on Telegram.

Okay as it seems right now, Whatsapp beats Telegram hands down by just sheer numbers. But when it comes to features and functionality, Telegram seems to be ahead of the curve. And am not saying this so you can cross over to Telegram, but so you can know that there are alternatives that far outperform what you already know. If you get a little adventurous and try out Telegram, that’s fine. If you think Whatsapp meets your current needs, that’s cool too.

Featured Image: Droidviews.com

Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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