Element on iOS crashes when I try to log in, so there's that.
Both Element/Matrix and Signal don't come close to WhatsApp, sadly.
Both Element/Matrix and Signal don't come close to WhatsApp, sadly.
That is the unfortunate reality-hitting hard truth right there. Element and Signal are just not ready yet for serious widespread general use to compete with WhatsApp.
Signal is still immature and lacks tons of functionality compared to WhatsApp. Element suffers from usability and onboarding issues which frustrate the user. The fact we have to keep mentioning the protocol 'Matrix' next to the client name 'Element' creates further confusion to the user; leaving them to ignore it altogether. That's before they get confused and lost in the settings page.
Telegram on the other hand has a better chance to compete against WhatsApp.
It's important to realize that Signal is aiming to be iMessage replacement Whatsapp/Telegram/Discord are more like "chatservers" with rooms. Signal right now focuses on simple 1to1 messaging with sending pictures/media etc. That's what they do really well.
Btw iMessage also have super basic desktop client. It works even worse than Signal desktop (random logouts and messages sent as different account with only "email"). It might not be so easy going from 1v1 fully encrypted chat to manytomany fully encrypted chatroom megaserver. Apple seems to also struggle with it.