Let’s Compare Native, Hybrid, and Web Applications

You’ve decided to create an app for your business. Yet, what should you do next? The type of app you develop will largely depend on your target audience. For example, native vs hybrid mobile app, or maybe a web application?

It’s important to consider factors such as your users’ preferences, how frequently they will use the app, and how long they will engage with it.

Fortunately, there’s no need to fret. We’ve gathered data and facts to assist you in making an informed decision and selecting the most suitable app type for your business.

The importance to choose a particular type of an app

Many of you may be questioning the need to select a specific type of app for business success, given the rapidly evolving nature of the app development industry.

However, there are several reasons why it’s crucial to do so:

1. Firstly, different apps serve different purposes, and it’s essential to work with a development company that can help you create an app with a clearly defined purpose. Matching the app type to its intended purpose will make it simpler to tailor it to the needs of your target audience.
2. Secondly, the cost of development is a significant concern and is heavily influenced by the type of app you wish to create.
3. Lastly, as Weelorum says, deployed projects require ongoing maintenance and technical support. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose an app type that is easy to maintain and update with subsequent releases.

Selecting an app that can deliver long-term, consistent success to your business can be a daunting task. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of critical considerations for determining the type of app that’s best for you.

So, native vs hybrid mobile apps, or? Let’s establish a fundamental understanding of each app type.

The main types of applications

Native apps are developed for a specific platform using a language that’s specific to that platform. In contrast, hybrid apps are created with a single codebase that enables them to run on multiple operating platforms. Meanwhile, web apps are simple websites that, due to their functionality and design, appear to be native apps. 

Native apps

Native apps are developed for a specific platform, with the option to target either Android or iOS users. If you’re looking to cater to users on both platforms, you’ll need to create two separate apps – one for the Google Play Store and one for the Apple App Store. As these platforms have different standards, different programming languages are required to meet their respective requirements.

Pros:

1. Superb performance: Native apps operate flawlessly, even under demanding conditions such as high GPU loads or complex calculations.
2. Access to unique platform features: The greatest advantage of native apps is that they offer access to the exclusive built-in features of devices or specific platforms.
3. Native user interface: The user experience is smooth and uninterrupted because apps are designed to adhere to platform standards.

Cons:

1. Dual development teams are necessary: Typically, native Android apps are developed using Java or Kotlin, while iOS apps are created using Objective-C or Swift. As a result, you’ll need to hire separate teams with expertise in these particular languages.
2. High development expenses: Native apps are suitable for larger organizations with substantial budgets. Since each app must be developed from scratch, it requires a significant amount of resources, including time, to achieve long-term financial success.

Hybrid applications

Hybrid apps are often referred to as cross-platform apps, but the only similarity is that they share the same codebase. However, the cross-platform approach is well-suited for low-budget apps with secure, stable, and easily maintainable features.

In contrast, hybrid apps are a great option for emerging startups and bootstrappers, as Weelorum explains. They offer rapid development and allow for optimal business solutions. If UX and performance aren’t a top priority, then a hybrid app can be an excellent choice. 

Some of the main tools used for hybrid app development include Flutter, Ionic, React Native, Visual Studio, and more.

Pros:

1. Faster time to market: Hybrid apps are developed quickly using standard web technologies that are easy to maintain over time.
2. Access to device capabilities: Hybrid apps can leverage the native capabilities of target devices.
3. Distribution to multiple platforms: Hybrid apps can be distributed through both app stores, allowing you to reach more users.

Cons:

1. Performance: Hybrid apps generally have lower performance than native options, as it depends on the quality of the processes displaying the UI and executing the code. Therefore, the faster the device uses the application, the higher its performance.
2. Third-party service integration: Developing a hybrid app requires integrating hybrid development frameworks like Cordova, Ionic, or React Native, which require some effort to master and cannot be developed using JavaScript alone.

Web apps

Web applications provide a user experience that is close to native applications and can be accessed on any device or browser, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and even TVs, as long as it has a browser. Rather than developing separate apps for each platform, a single web app can target all platforms simultaneously.

Pros:

1. Cross-platform compatibility: Create a web app and you can immediately run it on any platform without investing additional time and money in additional development.
2. Instant Updates: With hybrid apps, users always have access to the latest versions without having to download updates.
3. Use of common technologies: since web applications can be developed using a variety of technologies, choosing the most appropriate development company is not difficult for startups.

Cons:

1. Limited access to native platform features: web apps don’t have access to built-in device features such as cameras, storage, contacts, and more.
2. Basic performance: these apps run smoothly in simple use cases such as new publishers and online stores.

Conclusion

No matter, native vs hybrid mobile apps, or web applications. To wrap up this article, it’s essential to note that each application type has its pros and cons. When selecting the development direction, it’s crucial to consider the target audience, their preferences, and the available budget.

Regardless of the app type you choose, its success mostly depends on the development team’s skills and how well the app is tailored to meet the end-users needs. So, make sure to focus on providing a seamless user experience, and you’ll be on the right track to achieving business success with your app.