Exploring Telegram and Telegram X: Features, Performance, and Security

Messaging apps have become an essential part of daily communication for many users. Among these, Telegram and Telegram X are both popular choices with their own unique features and functionalities. However, understanding the differences between these two versions and the associated security concerns is crucial for making informed decisions.

Differences Between Telegram and Telegram X

Performance and Speed

Telegram focuses on stability and is designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices. On the other hand, Telegram X is optimized for speed and efficiency, utilizing the TDLib Telegram Database Library, which results in better performance especially on lower-end devices.

User Interface

Telegram offers a straightforward and traditional interface, which prioritizes functionality. In contrast, Telegram X features a more modern and fluid design, including swiping between tabs and customizable themes, enhancing user experience.

Features

Telegram includes all essential features such as messaging, voice calls, channels, and bots. Telegram X introduces additional features like night mode, a built-in media player, and animated stickers, as well as experimental features not yet available in the standard version.

Battery Usage

Telegram generally consumes more battery compared to Telegram X. The latter is more optimized for battery usage, which can lead to longer usage times on mobile devices.

Security Considerations

Both Telegram and Telegram X prioritize user privacy and security, but there are important considerations to keep in mind:

Encryption

Both apps use end-to-end encryption for secret chats, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read the messages. However, regular chats are encrypted in transit but stored on Telegram's servers, meaning they are not end-to-end encrypted. This highlights a significant security concern.

Data Storage

Telegram stores user data on its servers, which raises concerns about potential access by third parties. Although Telegram claims to prioritize user privacy, the lack of complete data encryption poses security risks.

Open Source

While Telegram's core code is partially open source, the apps themselves, including Telegram X, are not fully open source. This has led to skepticism regarding transparency and the security audits that can be conducted by the broader community.

Third-Party Apps

Using Telegram X, which is less widely used than the standard Telegram app, may expose users to risks associated with less community scrutiny and fewer security audits.

Security Features

Both apps offer features like two-step verification and self-destructing messages. However, users must actively enable these features to enhance their security. This emphasizes the importance of user awareness and proactive security measures.

Conclusion

In summary, Telegram X is a faster, more feature-rich alternative to the standard Telegram app, with a focus on performance and user experience. However, both apps come with similar security concerns primarily related to data storage and encryption practices. Users should assess their needs and preferences regarding features and security when choosing between the two.