waclaw66
commented
3 years ago I find default message text size too small as well. UI font size is ok, but message text is smaller comparing to other messaging apps. It's a small thing, but it breaks good user experience.
I came to Element from Signal. In general I like Element (no phone number required) but Signal is definitely more refined and I think Element should take its cues from Signal.
The first thing I had to do was change the default font size, it was much too small, but when I fixed that the Settings text was too big! So there needs to be a better size match between the chat text and the rest of the interface.
Switching to dark mode, wow, so much nicer than the light theme.
Next up, I soon realize that background message syncing is set to optimized battery usage. No, this is definitely not a good idea. I'm sure optimized battery is good for many applications but not for a messenger because many people want to receive real time chats and calls. What's the point if you find your contacts are offline because they closed the app? Interestingly, the background sync for real time operation says there will be a permanent notification but there isn't for me. I suspect maybe because I'm not running google services, but Signal has a permanent notification.
In phone calls, Signal has a slight edge quality wise, though Element isn't too far behind. However, I really do prefer Signal's in-call features. For a start, I much prefer Signal's true full screen camera view. And in Signal the icons are not visible when in full screen mode. Also, in Signal I can move my in-picture thumb view to the four corners of the screen, which is very handy indeed. You could do better than Signal if you let me move it around free flow instead of being fixed to the four corners. And one final thing, when the call ends there is no audio feedback which is very off-putting! I want that audio feedback to make it clear the call has actually dropped, not just a minimized and hidden process.
Thanks