The mobile app market has been expanding expeditiously over the past few years. With the increasing number of mobile users day by day, businesses are exploring ways to grow their reach to potential customers. Developing a mobile application can assist a business to achieve this goal, but the decision that whether to go with a native or hybrid app development approach. For this purpose, one should utterly know the difference between native and hybrid apps, what are the pros and cons of both approaches and how can you select one of them depending on the objectives and nature of your business. According to Statista, the number of mobile app downloads has been increasing gradually. It wouldn’t be a wonder to get to know that mobile users spend 87% of their time on apps while 13% on the web, as revealed by ComScore. This article will thoroughly cover the differences between hybrid and native apps. So, let’s get started.
What are Native apps?
Native apps are software built to work specifically in a peculiar environment. It can be downloaded directly on a mobile device and perform functioning as an independent program by assessing different features of the mobile. They are created using programming languages and tools provided by the platform owner. For example, an app built for iOS would use Swift or Objective-C programming languages and X-code development tools provided by Apple. Similarly, an app built for Android would use Java or Kotlin programming languages and Android Studio development tools provided by Google.
Pros of native apps
Provide speed
Native apps are speedy as they are native to the device and most of their elements are preloaded
User Experience
Native apps have a consistent and intuitive user interface that aligns with the platform's design guidelines. This creates a seamless user experience that can be difficult to achieve with hybrid apps.
Access to native features:
Native apps have access to various native features of the system to perform all the functionalities they are built for
Work offline:
native apps are approachable even in the absence of an internet connection such as inside a subway tunnel, airplane, or in forests.
Maintain aspect ratios:
Native apps maintain suitable aspect ratios. The aspect ratio is the ratio of height to width of different screens. It is important to retain the quality of images.
Cons of native apps
Maintenance:
Native apps require frequent updates. Users must have to upgrade the apps to the newer version most often. Maintenance cost is about 15 to 25% of the total development cost.
High developing cost:
The development of native app adds high costs as it requires more labor. Moreover, programming used in native app development is quite precarious and its experts are scarce.
More time-consuming:
Native app development is a complex task as it involves various sets of codes and programming systems. The average time required to build a native app is about 18 weeks.
What are Hybrid apps?
Hybrid apps are a web app which is wrapped in a lightweight native app “container”. Users download it from the app store and install it locally. Hybrid apps are built using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and then wrapped in a native container that allows them to run on multiple platforms. This allows developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms. Netflix, Instagram, and Amazon are popular hybrid apps.
Pros of hybrid apps
Native apps maintain suitable aspect ratios. The aspect ratio is the ratio of height to width of different screens. It is important to retain the quality of images.
Maintenance:
Hybrid apps are built on simple HTML language which can be easily maintained. No new versions are required.
Cost-effective:
The development of hybrid apps is cost-friendly. It requires a single development team.
Less development time:
Significant amount of time is saved in the development of hybrid apps. Unlike native applications, hybrid apps require a single code to be written only once.
Platform support:
Hybrid apps are supported by multiple platforms. There is no need to build hybrid apps for specific devices as in the case of native apps. It allows the user to get a huge audience base.
Cons of hybrid apps
Hybrid apps are built on simple HTML language which can be easily maintained. No new versions are required.
Performance:
Hybrid apps are not as fast as native apps because they rely on web technologies that can be slower.
User Experience:
Hybrid apps may have a less intuitive user interface than native apps because they do not align with the design guidelines of any particular platform.
Access to Native Features:
Hybrid apps usually have limited access to native features, which can limit their functionality.
Native Apps vs Hybrid Apps: Which one is right for your business?
Choosing between native and hybrid apps depends on your business's specific needs. If your app requires advanced functionality or needs to provide a seamless user experience, then a native app may be the best choice. However, if your app needs to be deployed quickly and cost-effectively across multiple platforms, then a hybrid app may be the better option. In conclusion, both native and hybrid apps have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision of which one to choose will depend on the specific needs of your business. By understanding the pros and cons of each type of app, you can make an informed decision that will help you achieve your mobile app development goals.
