Telegram 3.1.3

Instant messaging companies are sold or traded for millions nowadays, proving that people spend a lot of time sending messages and texts to friends and contacts.

Still, it's quite difficult to find an app that suits your preferences perfectly and isn't that intrusive, considering that social networking platforms and messaging apps peak into personal information more and more often. Telegram is a cleaner alternative to other apps available on the market and it also comes with increased security features.

Clean interface with a nice layout and design

Instead of confusing users with a complicated UI, Telegram developers chose to keep it simple by sporting a clean and sleek interface with an intuitive layout. The app starts with a tutorial presenting all the neat features it incorporates.

A side menu offers access to all the sections inside the app, as well as to settings. If we were to compare Telegram with another highly popular app like WhatsApp, we would say that the first is more intuitive and sports a cleaner UI and more security options than the latter. You'll need to use your phone number in order to register with an account and a confirmation text message will be send to the provided number.

Easily send messages and attach files

While Telegram has all the basic functions of messaging apps, it distinguishes itself from the crowd with the speed with which it sends texts. It uses a distributed infrastructure of data centers and connects users to the closest server, so that messages are received faster than in any other app.

You can create groups of up to 200 members or send instant messages to up to 100 people instantly. There's the option of replying to specific messages in groups, adding @usernames to notify multiple users or using hashtags to make it easier to search. Comments can also be added when forwarding messages.

It lets you view and manage all documents shared in a chat in the Shared Files section or temporarily mute notifications from contacts and groups. The app also lets you send files of any type up to 1,5 GB in size.

Invite friends to Telegram by sending them an email or simply by texting them. You have the option of sending photos, videos, various types of documents including pdf or sharing your location with friends. Emojis can also be used during conversations and the app lets you clear history or delete chat instantly. It also has an image editor, so you can enhance your pictures before you send them.

Increased privacy

Security seems to be one of the most important things for Telegram developers. The app lets you block users and even automatically deletes your account after a period of time that you can set. You can also protect your account with a PIN or password. You can also enable two-step verification and set up another password.

The account self destructs after up to 1 year and all the information you've stored onto it will be gone. Also, the secret chat feature encrypts messages and doesn't store them on company servers. You can view your active Telegram sessions (on desktop, tablet and mobile devices) and close specific sessions remotely and get rich link summaries for tweets, YouTube videos, Instagram photos and other content.

You can set a self-destruct timer for messages and have the app delete them from both devices. Stickers are also available in secret chat mode. Other than that, Telegram is available on multiple platforms and devices so you can continue your conversation even if you switch from your phone to your tablet.

Add to watchlist:

Instant messengerChat

• WhatsApp
• Kik 8.8.1.2261
• Viber 5.5.2.28

Portable version:

• Telegram Messenger for iOS
• Telegram for Windows Phone