We know that mobile app development is the process of developing software called mobile applications that run on a mobile platform. The term “mobile app” can refer to a wide range of applications, from productivity tools and games to social networking and entertainment apps.
There are two main types of these apps: native apps and web mobile apps.
- Native apps are developed specifically for a certain platform, such as iOS or Android. They can take advantage of the features and functionality of that platform. These apps are usually downloaded from an app store and installed on the device.
- Web mobile apps are web applications that are designed to be used on a mobile device. They are typically accessed through a web browser, but some may also have a native app wrapper that allows them to be installed on a device like a native app.
What Are Native Apps and Web Mobile Apps?
- A native app is a smartphone application that is coded in a specific programming language for a specific device platform, such as Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. Native apps are usually downloaded via an app store and can access all the features of the device, such as the camera and GPS. They tend to be faster and more reliable than web mobile apps,
- Web mobile apps are essentially websites designed to be used on mobile devices. They are typically created using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript and can be accessed through a web browser on a mobile device. Web apps are essentially websites designed to look like apps.
Let’s detail some comparisons regarding these apps before you approach a mobile app developer or a bunch of app developers to get things started.
#1 Native Vs. Web Mobile Apps: Speed
- The speed of a native app is usually faster than a web app. This is because a native app is downloaded and installed on your device, so it can access the device’s hardware and software more directly.
- A web app is essentially a website that is optimized for mobile devices. It runs in a web browser, so it has to communicate with the server every time it needs data or wants to perform an action. This communication can take longer than accessing the data directly from the device.
- Another factor that can affect the speed of a web app is loading times. Web apps often have to load additional resources from the server each time you use them, which can take longer than loading a native app.
So, if speed is important to you, then you might want to choose a native app over a web app.
#2 Native Vs Web Mobile Apps: User Interface
- Native apps have the advantage of being able to use the full range of device features, such as the camera, GPS, and push notifications. They can also take advantage of platform-specific UI components, such as iOS’s touch ID.
- Web mobile apps, on the other hand, are not constrained by the same limitations. They can be developed using standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This makes them more portable across platforms and easier to develop and maintain.
- However, there are trade-offs to consider with each approach. Native apps tend to have a richer and more responsive user interface. Web mobile apps are more limited in terms of what they can offer.
#3 Native Vs Web Mobile Apps: Performance
- Native apps are written in the specific programming language of the platform they are built for. Thus, they can take full advantage of all the features and capabilities of that platform. This results in better performance since the app can make use of all the hardware resources of the device it is installed on.
- Web mobile apps are not written in specific programming languages but instead use web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. While this makes them more portable across platforms, it also means that they are not able to take full advantage of the capabilities of each platform. As a result, mobile web apps tend to have poorer performance than native apps.
#4 Native Vs Web Mobile Apps: Complexity
- Native apps are generally more complex than web-based mobile apps. This is because native apps must be specifically designed and developed for each platform, such as iOS or Android.
- In contrast, web mobile apps can be built using cross-platform development tools that work across multiple platforms.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to create an app with limited functionality, then a web app may be the best option for you. However, if you want to create a fully-featured app with all the bells and whistles, then you will likely need to go with a native app approach.
#5 Native Vs Web Mobile Apps: Development Time and Cost
- Native apps must be developed separately for each type of mobile device, which can increase development costs.
- In contrast, web mobile apps can be created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are relatively simple and inexpensive to work with.
- Another factor to consider is ongoing maintenance costs. Native apps require more frequent updates than web mobile apps, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
- Native app development generally requires more time and money than web mobile app development. This is because native app development is more complex and often requires the help of professional developers.
#6 Native Vs Web Mobile Apps: Monetization
- Native apps tend to generate more income than web mobile apps, as they can take advantage of features such as in-app purchases and paid advertising.
- However, this isn’t always the case—some businesses make more money from their web mobile app than their native app counterpart.
The Pros and Cons of Native and Web Apps
As we have seen, there are several key differences between native apps and web mobile apps.
- Native Apps: Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of native apps:
Pros
- Can take advantage of all device features, such as GPS, camera, etc.
- They are more reliable than mobile web apps,
- Generally have better performance than web apps
- Can work offline
- They can be distributed through app stores
Cons
- More expensive to develop than web apps since they require great skill and knowledge
- Requires separate development for each platform (iOS, Android, etc.)
- They also need to be updated regularly to keep up with the latest operating system updates.
- Web Apps: Pros and Cons
Below are some of the pros and cons of web apps:
Pros
- Web mobile apps can be developed quickly and relatively cheaply because they only need to be created once and will work on any platform with a compatible web browser.
- They are also generally easier to develop and update than native apps.
- These apps are easy to maintain—they have a common codebase regardless of the mobile platform.
- The apps can update themselves.
- They do not require app store approval and can thus be launched quickly.
Cons
- Web mobile apps cannot take advantage of some of the features available in native apps.
- These apps don’t work offline.
- They are slower than native apps and less advanced.
- Quality and security won’t always be assured.
Which Type of App Is Suitable For Your Mobile App Development?
Assuming you’re talking about app development for a business, the answer to this question depends on several factors.
If you have the resources and money to develop two separate apps, one for each platform, then that’s probably your best bet. However, if you’re looking to save some money or don’t have the resources to develop two different apps, then you’ll need to choose one platform.
- In terms of which platform is better, it depends on what your app is going to be used for. If your app is going to be very simple and only used for a few specific tasks, then a web-based mobile app might be the way to go. These apps are typically easier and cheaper to develop than native ones.
- However, if your app is going to be more complex or needs to take advantage of all the features offered by a mobile device, then you’ll need to develop a native app.
The bottom line is that there is no right answer when it comes to choosing between native and web-based mobile apps. It all depends on your specific needs and goals for your app. You can reach out to a reliable app development company for assistance.
Conclusion
All in all, it depends on your needs and preferences as to whether you should develop a native app or a web mobile app. If you need an app with heavy graphics and processing power, then a native app is probably your best bet. However, if you need an app that is more simple and doesn’t require as much data usage, then a web mobile app would be a better option.
Whichever route you decide to go down, just make sure that you do your research so that you can create the best possible experience for your users. If you are stuck in the middle of mobile app development, you are welcome to contact our team at Pyramidion Solutions. Pyramidion is one of the top mobile app development companies in Chennai. Our team of highly experienced app developers can help you select the best path for you. So, get in touch with our mobile app development company today!
