14 Janaury 2021, Kathmandu
Signal Private App Vs. WhatsApp
WhatsApp has reigned supreme among texting apps since its first release in 2009. The ease of use and the privacy protection it provided attracted many users in a short period of time. The situation is changing; the recent privacy policy changes applied by the app have sparked an outcry amongst its users. While the discussion still goes on, a new texting app, Signal Private Messenger, is out here to dethrone WhatsApp as the most popular texting app. So, what is it that is making users question WhatsApp and shift to the Signal Private App? Let’s find out!
Owned by Facebook, WhatsApp was first launched in 2009. WhatsApp is one of the most popular texting and voice messaging applications. It’s completely free and works on many phones as well as computer operating systems. You can use it to send text and voice messages, make voice calls video calls.
You can download it from the official website of WhatsApp, or you can download it from Google Play Store. It has a high rating of 4.2 with 128,179,365 total reviews and 5,000,000,000+ downloads in Google Play Store.
Features
To get started with WhatsApp, download the application and register using your phone number. Once registered, chat away with your friend, who also uses WhatsApp. WhatsApp explicitly uses phone numbers, so names and pins are unnecessary; you can save the numbers. However, you see fit.
International calls
Using WhatsApp, you can make free international calls via the internet.
Easy chatting and Calling
WhatsApp has a straightforward UI and easy to use features. From texting and voice, memos to making calls to either a specific individual to a group, WhatsApp makes it easy for you.
Multi-Media
Send high-quality files, images, and videos to your friends using this application. The downside is that files larger than 100 MB cannot be sent using WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp has a desktop version for you to use. You can sync up your web version with your phone for easy access.
Story
With the recent features, WhatsApp has also brought you this new feature. Like Messenger, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, you can now share your story and thoughts using the WhatsApp platform.
Negative points of WhatsApp
- WhatsApp does not have any virtual assistant.
- The maximum file size limit is 100 MB; you cannot send videos or other files larger than that.
- WhatsApp cannot call 911 or other emergency services.
- Unlike other messaging applications, WhatsApp does not have any filters to play around with.
- The new policy that was introduced access to more personal data than required making the uses feel uneasy. What’s worse is that if you don’t accept the policy, you won’t use WhatsApp anymore.
Signal Private App
Launched by Open Whisper System in 2014, Signal Private App is an open-source application that allows users to send text messages, voice memos, and make a video call using the internet. You can also message non-Signal users, but those messages will not be encrypted, and your regular SMS plan is used. This app can be used from Android devices, IOS devices, Mac, Windows, and Linux.
You can download the Signal APK from the official website of the Signal Private App, or you can download it from Google Play Store. It has a high rating of 4.5 with 677,517 total reviews and 10,000,000+ downloads in Google Play Store.
Features
First, get started by downloading the application and registering with a valid phone number. Once registered, Signal replaces your regular SMS and uses your default dialer contact List.
End-to-end Encryption
Messages sent from one signal user to another is completely encrypted, so feel free to gossip away with your friends. The stored messages are also encrypted for users’ convenience.
Open Source
The signal is an open-source application; it has publicly released its code for anyone to audit. In 2016, it was examined by security researchers and was found to be cryptographically secure.
Collects no User Data
The only information Signal stores about users are their phone number, some random keys, and user profile information. Even your IP address is safe from any third party software.
Desktop Support
This application can just as easily be used on desktop devices as well, with the option to sync your desktop app with your mobile app.
Go Fast
Even with a slow internet connection, messages are delivered quickly and safely.
Dark Theme
If you’re tired of seeing that bright light eating at your eyes, switch to a dark mood with a soothing darker theme.
Edit photos
This app has in-built editing features that let you crop, flip, and rotate your images along with features to add text to them.
Negative points of Signal Private App
- Fun features like stickers are limited.
- The internet connection has to be strong for a proper smooth voice call.
- Attachment types that Signal Private App supports are minimal.
Verdict
With the recent privacy policy, WhatsApp faces a surge of mistrust and questions from its users, which has in-turn increased users for the Signal Privacy App. People are absolutely terrified about their privacy being invaded, and at such times, people are switching to more reliable, privacy-preserving messaging apps like Signal, Discord, and many more.