Arattai vs WhatsApp: Zoho’s Indian Messaging App Brings a Unique TV Feature WhatsApp Lacks
October 5, 2025 | New Delhi: WhatsApp may dominate the global messaging market, but an Indian-made app—Arattai by Zoho—is quickly rising in popularity by offering features that even WhatsApp doesn’t have. The app has recently reached the top spot on the Google Play Store in India, thanks to one standout capability: a dedicated Android TV version.
This innovation allows users to download and use Arattai directly on their smart TVs, enabling messaging, calls, and file sharing on the big screen—something WhatsApp has yet to introduce.
What Makes Arattai Different from WhatsApp?
Unlike WhatsApp, which can only be used on mobile devices and desktops, Arattai supports Android TV integration. With this feature, users can:
-
Send and receive messages on their TV screen
-
Make voice and video calls
-
Share photos, documents, and other files directly from the television
This functionality makes Arattai the first mainstream messaging app in India to bring conversations to the TV. For families or workplaces that use Android TVs as shared devices, this feature offers a whole new experience beyond smartphones.
What Exactly Is Arattai?
Arattai is a homegrown messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation, led by founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu. The app has been designed with accessibility in mind, aiming to serve users in regions with low internet speeds or older smartphones.
According to Vembu, the mission behind Arattai is simple: to create a communication platform that “works for everyone, regardless of the phone they use or the internet connection they have.”
This vision makes Arattai especially relevant in smaller towns and rural areas of India, where digital infrastructure is often weaker, and people may not own high-end devices.
Key Features of Arattai
-
Works on Low Internet Speeds:
Arattai has been optimized to function smoothly even on slow or unstable connections. Unlike WhatsApp and Telegram, which perform best on strong internet, Arattai ensures uninterrupted service in challenging conditions. -
Lightweight and Fast:
The app is designed to run efficiently on older, budget smartphones. It consumes less battery and storage, making it an attractive option for people with limited resources. -
Simple and User-Friendly:
Despite being lightweight, Arattai provides all essential features—messaging, calling, and file sharing—with a clean and easy-to-use interface. -
Android TV Support:
Its biggest differentiator, Arattai’s Android TV version, allows users to chat, call, and share directly from their television screens. This is a first-of-its-kind feature in the messaging app space.
Why Arattai Matters for India
In India, millions still face digital inequality. Many people rely on affordable smartphones and often struggle with slow internet speeds. Apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, though popular, can sometimes be heavy on data and performance requirements.
Arattai fills this gap. It is built to include users who have been left behind in the digital wave, giving them access to modern communication without demanding high-end devices or strong connectivity.
As Sridhar Vembu explained, technology should not just serve the privileged but also empower those in rural areas and underserved communities. Arattai is Zoho’s attempt to bridge this digital divide and make messaging more inclusive.
Can Arattai Compete with WhatsApp?
While WhatsApp continues to hold massive global dominance with over 2 billion users, Arattai’s rise shows that there is room for regional players—especially when they solve specific local problems.
By addressing India’s connectivity challenges, supporting older devices, and introducing unique features like Android TV messaging, Arattai positions itself as a serious alternative for Indian users.
If Zoho continues to innovate and maintain user trust, Arattai could become a strong competitor, not only in India but eventually in other markets with similar digital challenges.
Bottom Line
Arattai isn’t just another WhatsApp clone—it’s a made-in-India messaging app designed with accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation at its core. Its Android TV support sets it apart, giving users the rare ability to chat and call directly from their televisions.
For millions of Indians with older phones and slow internet, Arattai may soon become the preferred choice over global giants like WhatsApp. And as digital adoption continues to spread across small towns and rural India, this app could play a crucial role in making technology truly universal.
