Line vs Google Allo
When comparing Line 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 Line is ranked 29th. 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
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Large celebrity and public figure usage rate
The caveat is that they are in Japan, but the app is commonly used to 'follow' public figures.
Pro Enormous, constantly updated stamp collection
Since many brands use stamps for promotional purposes, everything from movies to food brands to Taylor Swift have released stamp collections.
Pro Photo filter and editing capabilities
Users have in-app editing tools, as well as Line's separate camera application, which has additional tools.
Pro Integrated social network
Similar to Facebook's timeline.
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 Account is locked to the Phone Number & Device
The entire account is locked to the phone number, which cannot be changed. If the application is installed on a new device with the same phone number, the previous account data will be wiped.
Con Users have been concentrated in Japan
Of the 360+ million registered users, the top country is Japan (50 million). Thailand and Indonesia are 2nd and 3rd with 33 and 30 million, respectively, with very small market penetration in the US (10 million, 11th place).
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.
