Electrical Ceiling Lights: Torsion vs Friction Clips Installation Differences
Whether you use the torsion springs or friction clips depends entirely on the type of housing you're mounting the trim plate on. If the housing has a spring bracket in it like the picture below, you would use the torsion springs. If there is no spring bracket, only a few holes or slots for a straight spring, then you'd use the friction clips to secure the trim plate to the housing.

I like the torsion springs. they do a better job of hugging the ceiling. If there's a little play in the mounting of the housing, the friction clips are harder to push up for a tight fit. Plus they are easier to pull down and adjust if necessary

(Note: picture from utube)