Advantages are they are all of a uniform size for same value or component, have no leads to cut or bend and tend to lie nearly flush which gives most of the disadvantages they are not easy to solder on as they are small having very little in the way of packages or leads.
They are also designed to be flow soldered in that they are glued to the board and then flow soldered by machine but it can be done if you have the right tools and a steady hand.

peter