Normal Call vs. WhatsApp Call: What’s the Difference?

Comparison Table of Normal vs. WhatsApp Call

	Normal Call	WhatsApp Call
Connection	Cellular network	Mobile data or Wi-Fi
Cost	Depends on prepaid or postpaid plan	Depends on mobile data or Wi-Fi plan
International Calls	Chargeable at extra cost	No extra cost
Whom Can You Call	Anyone with a phone number	Only WhatsApp users
Phone Compatibility	Feature or smartphone	Smartphone
Privacy	Can be tracked	End-to-end encryption
Group Calls	Up to 5 people	Up to 32 people
Call recording	Yes, on Android phones	Using third-party apps

Difference in Terms of Requirements

1. Connection Required

Normal phone calls need a cellular network to function, while WhatsApp calls work both on mobile data and Wi-Fi. For instance, if you are in a place with no mobile signal but Wi-Fi is available, then WhatsApp calls will work, but not regular calls. Similarly, you can use someone’s hotspot to create a Wi-Fi connection on your phone that can be used for WhatsApp calls.

What’s interesting is that now, even normal phone calls can use a Wi-Fi connection to improve the call experience using a feature called Wi-Fi calling.

2. Whom Can You Call

Normal calls can be made to anyone with a phone number. You just need to know the country code and their number. On the other hand, the user must have the WhatsApp app installed on their phone to make or receive WhatsApp calls.

3. Phone Compatibility

Normal calls work on both feature and smartphones, whereas WhatsApp calling requires a smartphone as it does not work on feature phones except for a few exceptions.

Cost

WhatsApp calls are considered free since you are not charged directly for making them. However, it’s not absolutely correct as you do need to pay for your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). If you haven’t paid the bill for your mobile data or Wi-Fi plan, WhatsApp calls will not work.

On the contrary, you must pay for your prepaid or postpaid plan to make regular calls. Then, money will be deducted for each call. In some countries like India, you get unlimited free calling with your prepaid or postpaid plan. Overall, WhatsApp is more cost-effective than regular calls.

International Calling and Roaming

The major disadvantages of regular calling are the expensive international calling and roaming charges on some networks. Firstly, you need to activate international calling on your mobile plan. Secondly, the charges are way too high. Some networks also charge for roaming when your SIM is in a different state than the issuing state.

Both of these issues are not present in WhatsApp calls. You can make international WhatsApp calls without activating anything, and moreover, it’s almost free. You just need to pay for mobile data or Wi-Fi to make international calls without paying any extra money.

Similarly, if you travel to a different place, be it the same country or a different country, WhatsApp calls will not charge extra as with regular calls.

Privacy

WhatsApp calls benefit from end-to-end encryption, which ensures they are not accessible to tracking by cellular or internet service providers. In contrast, traditional phone calls are susceptible to tracking by cellular service providers.

Group Calls/Conference Calls

Typically, you can have a group, aka conference, call with 5-6 people via a normal phone call. On the other hand, 32 people can join a WhatsApp group voice call.

Tip: You can mute other people in a WhatsApp group voice call.

Calls on Bills and Emergency Service

WhatsApp calls do not show on the bill, whereas the entire call history can show on the regular phone calls bill. Furthermore, WhatsApp voice calls cannot be used for emergency numbers.

Call Recording

Normal phone calls can be recorded using the native call recording feature on Android phones. iPhone and WhatsApp calls do not offer a built-in call recording feature, but they can also be recorded using third-party recording apps.

Calls via PC

PCs can be used to make or receive WhatsApp and regular phone calls, provided the supported apps are installed.

Which One Do I Use?

I use both. I prefer phone calls over WhatsApp calls as I feel they are more reliable. However, whenever phone calls don’t go through, or I’m in a bad network area, I switch to WhatsApp calls. WhatsApp calls act as a godsend gift for international calls as well.

FAQs