Firestore’s server timestamps offer several advantages. They provide a reliable, universal time reference, eliminating discrepancies due to device clock variations. This is particularly useful in multi-user applications where consistent timing is crucial. Server timestamps also allow for accurate tracking of data creation and modification times.
However, there are drawbacks. One significant issue is the inability to generate timestamps offline. If an application loses its connection, it cannot create valid timestamps, potentially disrupting functionality. Additionally, since Firestore retrieves timestamps from the server, there may be latency issues, especially if the network connection is slow or unstable.