#TechLoving Episode 1: Telegram vs WhatsApp (An in depth review)

What are they?

Telegram and WhatsApp are mobile messaging apps.
History

In 2013, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for 1 Billion Dollars and WhatsApp went offline for 2 days. During this time Telegram surged in popularity and became known as an alternative to WhatsApp. The two apps were identical in features at first glance. The only noticeable differences were that WhatsApp was green and Telegram was blue.
Similarities

These are common features that both apps have.

Basic text messaging - sending basic text messages including emoticon support.
Multimedia messaging - sending basic multimedia (photos, videos, voice notes, office documents).
Data calling - making phone calls using data.
Message deleting - deleting messages previously sent.
Group chats - create or join a group of users to chat with.
GIF support - user can send GIFs to each other.
Basic photo editing - edit photos before sending them.
Differences

WhatsApp features (that Telegram doesn't have)

Video calling - making video calls using data.
Public status - posting a status message/picture/video that other WhatsApp users can view.
Message Back up - backing up message data to Google drive.
Telegram features (that WhatsApp doesn't have)

Unlimited file support - sending all file types (e.g .exe .mkv .mp3 .apk)
Video note - sending a short video message (i.e mp4 voice note)
Message editing - editing previously sent text messaging (i.e changing the text)
Cloud based - messages are encrypted, stored and accessible from telegram's cloud servers (e.g logging onto multiple devices at once )
Channels - create and manage public broadcast channels (users can view and share your channel uploads, your uploads have a view counter)
Bots - chat with interact with basic mini programs in the for of chats (i.e @tweetitbot - send tweets and receive mentions etc, @gmailbot - send/receive emails etc, YoutubeDownloadbot - send url and receive downloaded media in mp4/mp3 etc..and much more)
Username support - a public username used to invite the user without exposing their phone number (username opens direct chat with the user without exposing their phone number)
Theme support - create and share themes to change the entire look of the app.
Sticker support - create and share custom stickers with other users.
End-to-end message encryption - messages are encrypted and hidden from third parties (i.e not even telegram can view them)
Super groups - group chats with up to 5000 people and advanced administration control (administrators decide what users can post e.g text, text & multimedia.. etc)
Conclusion

With advanced features, frequent updates and a rapidly growing user base, telegram is slowly becoming users preferred messaging app.

Telegram wins this round.