Video calling has become an essential way for people to stay connected with friends and family around the world. Two of the most popular video calling platforms are Facebook Portal and Apple’s FaceTime. But which one is better? This comprehensive guide examines the key features, strengths and weaknesses of both Facebook Portal and FaceTime to help you decide which is the best video calling option for you.
Introducing Facebook Portal and FaceTime
Facebook Portal is a smart display and video calling device created by Facebook in 2018. It has an AI-powered camera that automatically pans and zooms to keep you in frame during video calls. Portal comes in three models – Portal, Portal Plus and Portal Mini. It allows you to make video calls through Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
FaceTime is Apple’s proprietary video calling platform that launched in 2010. It is built into Apple devices and allows iOS and MacOS users to make video calls over WiFi or cellular data. FaceTime also offers features like group video calls, Memoji avatars, filters and more.
Video and Audio Quality
Both Facebook Portal and FaceTime offer excellent video quality for video calls. Here is how they compare:
- Portal – Up to 1080p HD video quality at 60fps.
- FaceTime
- iPhone – Up to 1080p HD video over WiFi, 720p on cellular.
- iPad Pro – Up to 1080p HD video.
- Mac – Up to 1080p HD video over WiFi, 720p on cellular.
For audio quality, Portal and FaceTime both use noise cancellation technology to block out background sounds and prioritize voices. FaceTime may have a slight edge when it comes to audio quality due to Apple’s tight integration of software and hardware.
Camera Features
The camera capabilities are a major differentiating factor between Facebook Portal and FaceTime.
Facebook Portal Camera Features:
- Smart Camera automatically pans, zooms and follows people during calls.
- AI-powered Subject Framing keeps you centered in the frame.
- Smart Sound enhances voice and reduces background noise.
- Story Time provides AR effects during video calls.
FaceTime Camera Features:
- Center Stage automatically pans to keep you centered in the frame.
- Portrait Mode blurs the background and puts focus on the person.
- Memoji avatars with facial tracking.
- Animoji masks that mimic facial expressions.
- Filters and stickers for video calls.
Overall, Facebook Portal offers more advanced AI-driven camera capabilities like following people around a room. But FaceTime has more fun features like Memoji, Animoji and AR effects.
Calling Features
| Facebook Portal | FaceTime | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 1 calls | Yes | Yes |
| Group video calls | Up to 8 participants on Portal. | Up to 32 participants. |
| Call quality indicators | Shows connectivity strength. | Displays network statistics like bandwidth, latency, packet loss. |
| Call effects | AR masks, effects andStory Time on Portal. | Filters, Memoji, Animoji. |
| Screen sharing | Only on Portal+ and Portal Go models via Google Slides. | Share your iOS or Mac screen during FaceTime calls. |
For calling features, FaceTime offers more robust group video calling capabilities, detailed technical statistics, screen sharing and fun call effects. Facebook Portal has some nice effects but group calls are limited to 8 people.
Smart Home Integration
Since Portal is Facebook’s smart display, it offers much deeper integration with smart home devices than FaceTime:
- Works with Alexa to control smart home devices.
- View and talk through video doorbells like Ring.
- Cast home security cam feeds to Portal.
- Control smart lights, thermostats, appliances and more with Alexa voice commands.
FaceTime has no native smart home capabilities since it is primarily a video calling platform. Users need to utilize Apple’s HomeKit platform separately to control smart devices.
Platform and Device Compatibility
Facebook Portal only works with other Portal devices or the Portal mobile apps for iOS and Android.
FaceTime is exclusively available on Apple devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Mac computers. It does not work on Android, Windows or other non-Apple devices.
So when it comes to cross-platform compatibility, Facebook Portal is much more flexible as it works across iOS, Android and its own proprietary devices. FaceTime only works between Apple users.
Privacy and Security
Privacy is a major concern for any video calling platform. Here is how Facebook Portal and FaceTime compare on privacy protections:
Facebook Portal
- Uses AI for Smart Camera effects locally on device.
- Smart Camera can be disabled in settings.
- Physical lens cover to block camera.
- Mic off button to disable mic.
- Facebook does not view or listen to Portal calls.
Apple FaceTime
- End-to-end encryption for FaceTime calls.
- Real-time text (RTT) option for privacy.
- Mic and camera access indicators when active.
- No monitoring of calls by Apple.
FaceTime has the advantage of using end-to-end encryption for all FaceTime calls. Facebook Portal offers local AI processing and physical controls over the camera and mic for privacy.
Cost Comparison
Facebook Portal starts at $79 for the Portal Mini and goes up to $349 for the largest Portal+ model. It requires a Facebook account to set up and use.
FaceTime comes built into Apple devices so there is no additional cost to use it. But you need to own compatible Apple hardware like an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac computer.
Overall FaceTime may have lower costs for existing Apple device owners. But Facebook Portal offers excellent video call quality and features at very competitive prices.
Conclusion
While both Facebook Portal and Apple FaceTime enable high quality video calls, there are some key differences:
- Portal has more advanced camera tracking and AI features.
- FaceTime offers robust group calling for up to 32 people.
- Portal integrates with Alexa and smart home devices.
- FaceTime has end-to-end encryption for maximum security.
Ultimately, Facebook Portal is the better option if you want a dedicated smart display for video calls with flexible device compatibility. FaceTime is optimal for Apple users who want seamless video calling across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Choosing between the two comes down to your priorities – smart camera capabilities versus native Apple ecosystem integration. With their respective strengths and weaknesses, Facebook Portal and Apple FaceTime can coexist as leading choices for video calling.