Hello there, I'm back again with another post that may interest you. This time around, I will be comparing two Steem dApps - eSteem mobile app and Partiko app. I will be talking about their features, security and display. A comment on my previous post made me realise the need to do a comparison of both apps.
Repository
https://github.com/esteemapp/esteem
What are is the purpose of both apps?
ESteem mobile app is used to access both Steem and Golos blockchain, while Partiko app is used to access Steem blockhain only.
Let us now take a look at the differences between the two smartphone apps. For the purpose of this comparison, the latest versions of both Apps as found on Google playstore was used - eSteem App v1.6.0, while Partiko v1.1.0.1.
Security layer
• Screenshot showing login page for both eSteem and Partiko
When logging into eSteem mobile app for the first time, there is a caution "User credentials are kept locally on the device. Credentials are removed upon logout!" I was initially skeptical to log into the app about a year ago, until I saw some other popular Steem witnesses were making use of it.
While using eSteem app, there is also an option to use a PINCODE. This is used in order to prevent other users from accessing the app while you are not with your phone. Personally, I feel it's a really nice feature. I have many friends I Introduced to Steem, when I told them they could lock the app, they found it helpful.
On the other hand, I tried logging into Partiko app. It makes use of Steemconnect.com, which is a trusted security layer. I felt so comfortable using my active key, as posting key didn't work. The integration of Steemconnect makes me feel my keys are safe, unlike on eSteem app.
Notifications
Both apps have the notification feature. But when comparing both, I discovered Partiko's notification is quite better and faster than that of eSteem App. Partiko's notification tab on the app is also well detailed - containing all tab, mention tab, comment tab and transfer tab. ESteem app has a notification button at the top of the app. Unlike eSteem App, Partiko's notifications are not repetitive on my phone's notification bar.
Wallet (transactions history)
When you click on a user's profile on eSteem app, you find a wallet which is similar to that on Steemit.com. The app developers have fixed most of the bugs that were there before. I talked about some many months ago. Partiko app is quite different, you can't even view a person's wallet. I tried viewing the wallets of different persons, but it was unsuccessful. A profile on Partiko only shows Steem balance, Steem power, SBD balance, followers and following. Wallet transactions are private on the app, it can be seen in the notification tab, under transfers. When you click on transfers, you can only see transactions that occur after you logged into the app. That means, I can't look up old transactions.
Also, with Patiko app I was unable to transfer steem/sbd to another user. That is different on eSteem app, seems the Partiko doesn't have that feature. Makes me wonder why the app requires an active key though, when all it does only requires posting key (the only exception is it's ability to claim rewards hehe).
Vote slider
• Screenshot showing eSteem and Partiko voting slider
Vote slider is a common feature on Steem-based apps. ESteem app has the regular vote slider, which I have to long press for 2 or 3 seconds. While Partiko app has a more detailed vote slider, similar to that of busy.org. It shows a vote value corresponding to the vote weight selected.
I prefer the vote slider of Partiko over eSteem. I am more interested in knowing the amount (in dollars) I would add to a post or comment before I upvote it. That way I can adjust (increase or reduce) the vote value according to the amount I have in mind.
Text Editor
• Screenshot showing eSteem and Partiko text editor
Both eSteem App and Partiko app have text editors. One of the key features I like in Esteem app editor is missing in Partiko's editor. That is the ability to schedule posts. When I'm travelling far away (especially when visiting a rural area), I anticipate poor network conditions so I schedule some posts before I leave home. That was my secret to avoid inactivity when I joined Steem blockchain. Because that time I read writeups that stressed the need to post regularly, expecially when there are curators anticipating to read from you.
Multiple Drafts
• An old screenshot showing my multiple drafts on eSteem app
ESteem app has a multiple draft feature, while Partiko app can only store just one. This feature is quite important for a person like me that doesn't know so many html and markdown codes. Most times, what I do is copy some codes and store them in a draft. Also, I have another draft containing images I use often. Since I use eSteem app for editing my posts, I used to have a draft for each post - until it was recently cleared. The multiple drafts makes it easier for me to copy whatever I need from my old posts, since posts cannot be edited to copy codes (markdown/ html) after 7 day.
App Bonus Upvote
Most Steem dApps have upvote rewards for persons using them. ESteem and Partiko both offer upvotes to it's users while using different systems.
ESteem app upvotes posts randomly, while Partiko app uses a point system. I really like the point system Partiko uses, it promotes user engagement. I get points for checking in daily, writing a post/ comment and upvoting a post/ comment. Before I forget, I got 3,000 points as bonus when I downloaded Partiko App. Currently, my 3,030 points could get me a $0.2 upvote on a post.
Here is an image showing how to earn Partiko's points:
• Partiko's point system
Extras
• Image showing eSteem app's extras
Let's look at some complimentary services they offer. On eSteem app there is a night mode feature, which makes the app a fantastic choice at night. I prefer to use night mode once the day is getting late, so the light my screen emits is regulated. Also, on eSteem app settings you can choose to view/hide images. This is a fine option for me when I am running out of data to access the Internet. For places with high Internet costs, this feature will be beneficial since it is economical.
Partiko app doesn't have the night mode feature nor the ability to view/hide images, but it has a better display. Partiko app really looks sleeky and more responsive than eSteem app. ESteem needs to work on these areas for a better user experience.
If you have contributions or questions regarding this writeup, you can leave them as comments. Cheerio!
Official links
Series Backlinks
• What I think about eSteem App
Extra
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