While the standard Telegram app remains the go-to for millions, its "faster sibling," Telegram X, offers a glimpse into the future of the platform. Written from the ground up on an entirely different codebase (TDLib), Telegram X prioritizes speed, experimental UI, and efficiency. Whether you're a power user seeking advanced customization or a casual user wanting a smoother experience on an older device, here is everything you need to know about Telegram X.
Telegram X: The Experimental Edge of Global Messaging
What Is Telegram X?
Telegram X is an official alternative client for Android, developed to explore the limits of speed and design. It was born from a coding competition hosted by Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, with the goal of creating a “next-generation” version of the messenger.
The app focuses on:
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Speed: Near-instant loading of large chat histories.
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Efficiency: Highly optimized for lower battery consumption.
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Innovation: A testing ground for features that may eventually reach the main app.
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Modern UI: A cleaner, gesture-heavy interface compared to the classic version.
Core Features That Make Telegram X Stand Out
1. Superior Speed & Fluidity
Thanks to the TDLib (Telegram Database Library) architecture, Telegram X is noticeably snappier. Transitions between screens feel instantaneous, and the animations are significantly smoother, making the app feel “lighter” even when handling heavy media files.
2. Advanced Gesture Controls
Telegram X relies heavily on intuitive gestures:
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Chat Previews: Long-press any chat in your list to see a pop-up preview of the latest messages without marking them as “read.”
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Tab Swiping: Easily slide between the CHATS and CALLS tabs, a layout more reminiscent of modern social apps like WhatsApp.
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Quick Actions: Swipe right on a message to instantly open the forwarding menu or left to reply.
3. “Bubble-Free” Mode
For those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, Telegram X offers a unique “bubble-free” chat mode. This removes the traditional text bubbles, allowing messages and full-width photos to fill the entire screen, creating a more seamless, digital-reading experience.
4. Robust Customization & Themes
Telegram X was a pioneer in Auto-Night Mode and advanced theme editors. You can customize every aspect of the interface, from the exact hex code of the background to the transparency of message headers. It also includes an advanced music player with a dedicated tab for your audio files.
Gameplay… or rather, The User Experience
For the Power User
If you manage large channels or groups, Telegram X offers detailed statistics for posts and member activity directly within the app. The “Saved Messages” section is also better organized, with dedicated tabs for media, documents, and links to help you find your files faster.
For the “Invisible” User
The chat preview feature is a game-changer for privacy. You can read entire conversations by holding your finger down on a chat, scrolling through the pop-up, and letting go—all without triggering a “read” receipt for the sender.
Who Should Use Telegram X?
This client is ideal for:
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Users on Older Devices: Its optimized code runs better on hardware with limited RAM.
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Minimalists: Those who want a cleaner, faster UI without the “clutter” of legacy features.
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Early Adopters: Anyone who enjoys testing experimental UI tweaks before they go mainstream.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightning Fast: Exceptional speed and smooth animations. | Feature Lag: Sometimes misses the very latest main-app features (like Stories). |
| Battery Efficient: Uses fewer resources than the standard client. | No Premium Support: Features like Telegram Premium are often unsupported. |
| Official & Secure: Developed and backed by the Telegram team. | Android Only: The iOS version was merged into the main app years ago. |
Final Verdict: Is Telegram X Worth It?
Absolutely. If you find the standard Telegram app feels a bit “heavy” or if you crave a more modern, gesture-based interface, Telegram X is a fantastic alternative. While it may occasionally lag behind on social features like “Topics” or “Premium” perks, its core performance is virtually unmatched in the messaging world.
Score: 8.5/10 – A high-speed, experimental powerhouse for those who value performance over bells and whistles.
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