With a huge number of applications available for messaging, traditional text and SMS based messaging is a thing of the past. Smartphones offer different applications, which not only provide better features but also turn out to be more affordable.
Alongside messaging features, most of these applications also allow for sending of files and also to make calls. These apps are usually free and available for download on major app stores. The popularity of these apps has led to millions of subscribers. Of these apps, WhatsApp and WeChat are two of the biggest players in this market.
WhatsApp is a very well-known instant messaging platform. It supports multiple platforms across smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. WhatsApp supports text based messaging and also allows the sending of images and pre-recorded media files. WhatsApp also has a location sharing feature. The interface is very user friendly and users do not need to keep navigating away from the app in order to share files or location. The app is completely free to download and use for a year. After this period, the app is charged at 99 cents per year. However, iOS users will have to pay for sevice in the first year of usage as well.
WeChat is the other big name in messaging platforms. WeChat allows users to share content, their location and contact information in addition to instant messaging. Furthermore, WeChat also supports sharing and receiving of streaming media content. An additional plugin can be installed with the app, which allows users to communicate with contacts both locally based and globally. WeChat is free to download and is available across mobile platforms including Android, iOS, Windows and Blackberry.
Both these applications provide great messaging features. WhatsApp is particularly useful with the features of contact groups and broadcasting. WeChat on the other hand provides some additional features including video calls and a feature to chat live. WeChat also has many added features including drift bottle, look around, shake and more and these features are really helpful when it comes to meeting new people.
Both of these applications are very easy to install and use and users are required to only provide a valid phone number to avail of these services. WhatsApp scans the user’s contact list and adds all other users who have the app installed on their phones. WeChat on the other hand, sends out notifications to contacts about the user now using the service. WeChat can then be used as the messaging platform.
Considering these features, WeChat does seem to be more secure as a contact has to accept the notification sent in order to start a conversation. In the case of WhatsApp, conversations can start with anybody who has the user’s phone number, making it slightly more susceptible to privacy concerns.
It is tough to make a verdict as to which is the better application. Statistically, WeChat has slightly more subscribers than WhatsApp and offers added features. However, with WhatsApp having been acquired by Facebook recently, rumors are abuzz that WhatsApp will provide great features in the near future.