Zoho Corporation’s messaging app, Arattai, is making waves as a “Made in India” alternative to WhatsApp, with CEO Sridhar Vembu declaring it engineered to run smoothly on low-end phones and networks as low as 8 kilobits per second. In a September 26, 2025, X post, Vembu highlighted the app’s “patient engineering” approach, prioritizing accessibility for India’s diverse user base—over 500 million of whom rely on budget devices and spotty connectivity. Launched in beta in 2021 amid WhatsApp’s privacy backlash, Arattai has surged to No. 1 on Indian app stores following endorsements from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who urged a switch to “Swadeshi” apps.
Vembu’s vision positions Arattai as the “best messaging experience in the world,” blending end-to-end encryption, weekly updates, and seamless performance on resource-constrained hardware. With signups exploding 100x to 350,000 daily by September 28—prompting emergency infrastructure scaling—the app is testing Zoho’s mettle against global giants. For tech users in emerging markets, developers eyeing privacy-first tools, and investors tracking India’s $5 billion OTT boom, Arattai’s low-spec focus could democratize communication. Let’s dive into Vembu’s statement, the app’s tech, and its path ahead.
Vembu’s Statement: Engineering for the Masses
In his X update, Vembu wrote: “Update on our Arattai messenger app: It is another example of our patient engineering approach at work. We have taken the time because we have to make it work in low end phones, low bandwidth networks (we test down to 8 kilobits/sec), offer outstanding privacy and security…” This underscores Zoho’s rural-rooted ethos—Vembu, from a Tamil Nadu village, built a $10 billion empire without VC funding, emphasizing sustainable tech for underserved users.
The claim addresses a real pain point: In India, 60% of smartphones are low-end (under ₹10,000), and rural broadband averages 10-20 Mbps, per TRAI data. Arattai’s lightweight design ensures fast loading and low data use, contrasting WhatsApp’s occasional lags on 2G/3G.
Arattai’s Key Features: Privacy, Usability, and Inclusivity
Developed in Chennai since 2021, Arattai (Tamil for “chat”) offers core messaging with a privacy-first twist, free from spyware and data-sharing mandates. End-to-end encryption covers calls (chats incoming), supporting up to 1,000-member groups, media sharing, voice notes, stories, and channels.
Standout aspects:
- Low-Spec Optimization: Tested on entry-level Androids (e.g., 2GB RAM) and 8kbps speeds for text/voice; video calls scale dynamically.
- Security Focus: No data mining; aligns with Zoho’s “vastly superior experience” over Microsoft, per Vembu.
- Made-in-India Edge: Endorsed by PM Modi’s “Swadeshi” call, it integrates with UPI and local languages.
Recent hurdles: A 100x traffic spike caused OTP delays and call glitches, but Zoho’s “all-hands” fix is underway.
Can Arattai Challenge WhatsApp? The Road Ahead
With 500 million Indian users, WhatsApp dominates, but Arattai’s privacy pitch—amid global surveillance fears—resonates. Vembu eyes global scale, with features like full E2E chat encryption rolling out soon. Challenges include network effects and feature parity (e.g., no overlapping calls yet).
Zoho’s track record—55+ apps, $1 billion ARR—bolsters credibility, but scaling servers for peaks remains key. Analysts predict 10-15% market share in privacy-focused segments by 2027.
Conclusion: Arattai’s Low-End Leap – Vembu’s Vision for Accessible Tech
Sridhar Vembu’s assurance that the Arattai app will run smoothly on low-end phones embodies Zoho’s inclusive ethos, bridging digital divides in bandwidth-starved regions. As signups soar and updates flow, Arattai could carve a niche in India’s messaging wars, proving “patient engineering” trumps hype. With ministerial backing, it’s more than an app—it’s a sovereignty statement. financial express
