To me a chat app not reading my messages is way more important than a chat app will not use my phone number for advertisement. Ideally I'd have both, but given a choice, the first one is way way more horrific than the other.
Though, for some cases Telegram is definately better, Groups, work related chats don't really need to be private as much and that's where telegram really shines for me. Specially since I can use it without giving my phone number away.
> is way more important than a chat app will not use my phone number for advertisement.
My profile being shown on a different platform to people that I might be close to (co-workers, in-laws, friends of friends) but I'm not interested in having on social media is pretty damn concerning, regardless of ads.
Though, for some cases Telegram is definately better, Groups, work related chats don't really need to be private as much and that's where telegram really shines for me. Specially since I can use it without giving my phone number away.