When the Messenger app was first released, it was little more than a texting program. But today it has become a powerful app with countless features that could keep users entertained for days. Still, not all users have welcomed these advanced options and have switched to the simple Messenger Lite.
This article will look at how these two similar apps work, break down their pros and cons, and help you decide which one suits your needs.
Let’s pe in.
Facebook Messenger
You can use Facebook Messenger as a window within your web browser or as a mobile application. As a standalone app, Messenger is a popular platform for streamlining communication and connects users with Facebook friends through messages and video or voice calls.
How the mobile application works
Users who have stopped opening their Facebook profiles rely on the Messenger app to meet their communication needs. It works similarly to other messaging programs and is well integrated with the Facebook system.
A key feature of Messenger is that you can’t access it directly through the Facebook app.
Instead, you need to download and install the Messenger app from Google Play either Apple App Store.
When you launch the app, you’ll notice the familiar Facebook interface. Because of this familiarity, most new users get the hang of things quickly. The app is one of the easiest ways to start conversations, find your message history, start group chats, and make friends on the platform.
The mobile and web versions are well connected, which means that Facebook updates chat histories automatically.
While using Messenger on your smartphone may not always provide a seamless experience, the app integrates with your device’s operating system. The integration allows you to use Messenger to start video chats, voice calls, group chats, and other features.
How the web-based version works
When you open Facebook through your Internet browser, a list of your contacts appears on the right side of the desktop. Tapping a contact brings up the Messenger window and your conversation history. Clicking the Messenger icon at the top right of the screen generates your message history. The most recent messages appear first, followed by the oldest chats.
The Messenger window is the go-to place for composing messages, but it’s packed with other advanced features. You can use it to send stickers, play games, share media files, and even send money.
Buttons at the top of the windows allow voice calls by accessing your computer’s microphone and speakers or video chats through your webcam.
Pros and cons of the Messenger app
Advantages
Easy to use
The Messenger app is free and easy to use, a winning combination. There is no learning curve you need to tackle and you can start chatting instantly. The app connects directly to the platform’s chat system, so messages don’t have to go through a mobile browser. Instead of waiting a few seconds for a text notification, the chat header will immediately appear on your screen.
Text messages, but free
Depending on your plan, SMS text messages can be expensive, and the same goes for MMS messages. While Facebook Messenger extracts data, you can access its features without spending a lot of money.
Good for collaboration
The Messenger app is an effective tool for sharing files and links. Those who telecommute or work in an office without an established communication system often rely on the app to stay in touch with their coworkers.
Cons
Privacy Concerns
Despite its simplicity of use, Messenger is not without its drawbacks. In particular, users take issue with Facebook’s terms and conditions, which state that Messenger could record audio without permission and dial phone numbers.
Possible distraction
If you’re overwhelmed by urgent tasks, Messenger can disturb the peace you need to get work done. Push notifications come with a loud beep while the chat head floats on the screen. While you can mute messages to create a distraction-free environment, it might be best to stick with traditional SMS text messages.
Drain your battery
The app runs in the background on your mobile device, quickly consuming battery life. Plays an audio alert every time you receive messages, further draining battery life. On days when multiple friends are contacting you via Messenger, it’s unlikely your device will be able to get through. This may not be a problem if you have a habit of carrying a phone charger wherever you go.
Facebook Messenger Lite
Not everyone wants a messaging app packed with countless features. For this reason, Facebook launched Messenger Lite, equipping it with only the essential messaging features.
How does it work
Messenger Lite is based on the basic structure of the original Messenger app, allowing you to send photos, stickers, texts, and links to your Facebook contacts.
While the original app offers additional features like extensions, push messaging, and stories, the core of Messenger Lite is instant messaging. Its simplified construction results in a simple, distraction-free application that doesn’t require as much data, processing power, or storage space.
At first glance, the Lite version looks similar to the standard Messenger. But instead of multiple menus hogging the screen, there are just three tabs at the top of the app. These are Contacts, Messages and your Account.
When you start a new conversation or select an existing thread, you’ll see that the button placement mimics Messenger’s design. You can type text in the messaging field, record voice messages, send files, transmit stickers, and block or mute contacts. And that’s as far as Messenger Lite’s features go.
How is Messenger Lite different from Messenger?
Although Lite is a simpler version of Messenger and both serve similar purposes, there are some notable differences.
Messenger service
When you launch Lite and head to the Messages tab, you’ll see your recent chats and your list of active users. Unlike Messenger, Lite doesn’t let you start new conversations or search for chats directly from the messages tab.
If you want to participate in a group conversation, select the plus icon in the lower right corner of the interface.
Contacts
The Contacts tab displays a list of your contacts who use Messenger. You can quickly find contacts and start conversations with them using the search bar at the top of the screen.
This process is more complicated in the original Messenger as the app offers options to view connection requests and organize your contacts alphabetically.
Account
The Account tab in Messenger Lite is the most notable difference from the standard app. The tab contains no code, customizable username, story settings, or access to hidden messages. Still, you can switch between profiles, set notifications, access message requests, and sync contacts.
Conversation window
The chat features in Lite and Messenger are almost identical. However, the photos received will not load in high resolution until you press to enlarge them. Facebook games and extensions like Gfycat or Spotify are not available in the Lite chat window.
Size
On most mobile devices, Lite takes up considerably less storage space than standard Messenger. Its smaller size requires less memory usage.
Wi-Fi and data
Lite does not consume as much battery or data because it only offers basic functions. It works seamlessly on 2G networks and provides relatively reliable service in areas with slow or unstable wireless connections.
Where Messenger Lite shines
Messenger Lite is compatible with most Android devices and outperforms Messenger under certain conditions. Lite is the ideal messaging app if:
- You have an old smartphone with mediocre processing power.
- Your phone has limited storage.
- Facebook Messenger does not work with your data plan.
- It usually uses low-speed or unstable networks.
Facebook removed the Lite app from the Apple App Store in 2020 and has yet to release an improved version. Until the new release, iOS users should wait and use Messenger or a different messaging program.
Standard or Lite, choose
You can rely on Messenger to connect with family and friends if you prefer apps with robust and entertaining features. Those who want to declutter their digital space should consider switching to the Lite version. It has all the communication essentials for hassle-free video calls and messages.
