Systemd timers vs. cron for job scheduling

[Samir Parikh]

Are there any inherent advantages to using systemd timers over cron?

I am looking to redo a few of my backup scripts for my Ubuntu laptop.
Until now, I've been scheduling them via cron jobs.  I'm not familiar
with systemd timers but was wondering if it's worth learning about
them now given that I have to reschedule a number of jobs.

(Please know that I am not looking to turn this into a systemd vs.
sysvinit discussion.  I just want to know the relative merits of these
two job scheduling techniques.)

Thanks!
Samir