When comparing Snapchat vs Google Allo, the Slant community recommends Google Allo for most people. In the question“What are the best messaging apps for Android?” Google Allo is ranked 22nd while Snapchat is ranked 42nd. The most important reason people chose Google Allo is:
Automatically shows options for restaurants/movies/etc when relevant according to the context of the conversation. It's also able to perform actions accordingly like order tickets.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Allows sharing photos, videos and texts that self-destruct
All Snapchat communications disappear after they've been viewed. It creates more interesting conversation when you don't have to worry about consequences as much. Additionally you can doodle on photos.
Pro Includes news
Snapchat includes a Discover page (accessed by two swipes from the right side) where curated list of news and entertainment outlets can put up news from their sites.
Pro Does not get in the way of what it's designed to do
Snapchat is first and foremost a way to share photos so the first thing that the app presents the user with is the camera enabled and ready to take photos. Once photos or videos are taken, it's possible to caption them or draw on them.
Pro Integrated with Google Assistant
Automatically shows options for restaurants/movies/etc when relevant according to the context of the conversation. It's also able to perform actions accordingly like order tickets.
Pro Supports end to end encryption
You can send end to end encrypted message that will auto-delete themselves after a specified time.
Pro whisper SHOUT let's you express yourself through text size
You can easily adjust the text size to show either a whisper or a shout, adding emphasis to your messages. Simply hold the send button and slide up (to shout) or down (to whisper).
Pro Message can self-destruct after a certain time
You can send end to end encrypted message that will auto-delete themselves after a specified time.
Pro Animated stickers and emoji
Some shouted emoji animate and you can download additional stickers and send animated stickers.
Pro Full resolution picture sharing
Pro Smart replies
Part of the Google Assistant is providing common answers based on your conversation thread (like in Gmail/Inbox).
Pro Themes
Each chat's theme can be changed to one of a few themes. Some themes even have specific chat colours for each user, making it easy to see who is talking.
Pro Can share a location
Share your current location or any place with other people.
Pro Encryption on-the-wire and in cloud storage
All messages are encrypted while in transit and on Google's servers.
Pro File sharing
Cons
Con Security concerns
In 2013, Snapchat was hacked. As a result phone numbers and usernames of 4.6 million users were published online. That happened after concerns were raised by a security firm weeks before that Snapchat dismissed. Other security concerns were pointed out to Snapchat throughout 2014 including ways that the service could be used for DDOS attacks and how their anti-robot measures can be circumvented.
Snapchat has since implemented two-factor authentication.
Con Non-intuitive UI
The UI space is well used but you'll likely miss a few messages until you understand of the UI works; it's not like the average mobile apps.
Con No web interface (yet)
Currently there is no web interface to send message using your computer. Project leads have teased screen shots of the web interface.
Con Few users currently
Allo was just released in September, 2016 and it doesn't have a very large following yet. We haven't yet seen how popular it's going to be.
Con Exclusive
If your contacts aren't on Allo it is worthless, and no one is on Allo. Tried it after Hangouts fail, discarded it within days.
Con History deletes on sign in
If you uninstall the app or migrate to a new phone your messages history is deleted. This, despite the fact that Google keeps a copy of your messages permanently for data crunching.
Con Single device
Part of reliably saying if one saw your message, and having it tied to a phone number, is that you cannot have the same Allo account on two phones.