Almost nobody I know uses encrypted chat in Telegram because it has such terrible UX. I don't have a single encrypted convo either because when we try, we always go back to our unencrypted one.

For a good UX impl, check out Keybase. It's encrypted chat feels just as good as Telegram's unencrypted chat.

The FAQ item you mentioned is in direct contradiction with cybersecurity experts who have been saying for years that WhatsApp is more secure than Telegram.

This debate has taken place over and over again on HN, there's nothing new here.

Pointing to Telegram's own claims to say that they are secure seems strange. I tried reading anyway. When it started claiming that Signal didn't allow for backups I gave up.

This is misleading propaganda that ignores proper cryptographic design. It relies strongly on whataboutism and dismisses properly designed protocols as niche without really arguing from any other viewpoint as appeal to popularity. Furthermore, Durov employs backwards logic, circular reasoning, and double standards. There's no room for good faith when Durov intentionally ignores concerns of the entire infosec community. When Bruce Schneier and Matt Green tell people to avoid your product, that's when you look in the mirror and ask "what am I doing with my life".