Gone are the days when you could rely solely on billboards, newspapers & television ads, posters, and pamphlets to generate brand awareness and recognition while effectively communicating with your audience. In 2022, most companies will use a mobile app to achieve the above goals.
49 percent of users open an app over 11 times each day. Additionally, the average smartphone user uses 10 apps per day and 30 apps per month. By 2023, apps are expected to generate over $935 billion dollars (look at the image given below for more details) in revenue through in-app advertising and paid downloads.
These statistics should be enough to emphasize the importance of mobile applications.
Before deciding to jump on the app bandwagon, you should understand that not all apps are the same. Native app vs hybrid app? – this is a dilemma for many companies in the world. Ask yourself the following questions.
- What is your objective for building the app?
- What features do you want to include in the app?
- What is your estimated budget?
- How long would it take for you to develop the app?
- In-house app development or outsource app development?
Our blog will shed light on the differences between the two types of apps and what they can do for your business. Without further ado, let’s get straight into it.
What is a native app?
A native application is a software application developed exclusively to be used for a particular platform or device. Since the app is built to be compatible with a particular operating system like iOS or Android, it can use device-specific hardware and software. Native apps allow you to enjoy optimal performance and capitalize on the latest technology.
If an app is built keeping in mind the users a particular operating system, the developers need to create a separate version for other OS users. For instance, Facebook used the HTML5 code for web, mobile, and Android versions. Over time, iOS users experience sluggish performance while using Facebook, compelling Facebook to write a separate code for iOS.
The best thing about native apps is that they can quickly harness specific resources and access various features on a device like a microphone, GPS to social media apps like Twitter, games, etc.
Advantages of native apps
- Extensive functionalities as it explores the capabilities of the primary device.
- Enhanced responsiveness and performance
- Push notifications
- User interface that exceeds expectations of a particular operating system
- Ensure top-notch quality through application store ratings
Disadvantages of native apps
- Requires multiple codes because each device has a distinct version of the application.
- High development cost as different developers need to be hired to develop & manage a code base for every platform.
- Time-consuming because the app requires multiple builds for every platform with each feature update.
What is a hybrid app?
A hybrid application is software that developers build by incorporating elements of native applications and web applications. Web apps work like applications but they need not be installed like conventional apps. All one needs to do is access them online through an internet browser.
Hybrid apps rely on web view control (UIWebView for iOS, WebView on Android and others) to display HTML and JavaScript files in a full-screen layout. Furthermore, the hybrid app is developed by using HTML5, JavaScript and CSS standards. Next, the app is run inside a container due to which it can be installed like a native app.
Advantages of hybrid apps
- Budget-friendly
- Easy development & maintenance
- Smooth native experience with a simple backend
- Scalable to many platforms
- Frequent updates
- Increased creativity & functionality to meet client requirements
- Attractive UX/UI designs
- Robust offline support
- Effortless integration with other apps
- Multi-platform support
- Follows high standards to feature in the online marketplace
Disadvantages of hybrid apps
- Requires uninterrupted internet
- Heavy dependence on plugins
- May require extra developers to create customized plugins
- User experience leaves much to be desired
Native App Vs. Hybrid App comparison – What are the key differences?
In the above sections, we listed the advantages and disadvantages of native apps and hybrid apps. However, we will show you a head-to-head comparison between the two. Please note that both native and hybrid apps have their pros and cons. Neither of them emerges as a clear winner but the chart below will highlight differences in the development approach. Find the native app Vs. hybrid app comparison below in table form.
Key Takeaways
We believe that the above information is enough for you to analyze and understand which type of app development is perfect for your business. Despite everything, you need to bear in mind a few points before arriving at a decision. Head into the project with clear and defined goals.
Understand the resources that you will have to devote towards app development. Don’t forget to take into account the time and budget requirements. Ensure proper communication with your software development team for best results. Once you have it all figured out, you can choose between hybrid app development and native app development.
Pay special attention to user experience. It should always be your number one priority. Merely having a foolproof strategy is not enough. Achieving a seamless, interactive and engaging user experience can be challenging at times.
Hybrid apps can’t match the performance of native apps but you can utilize the latest hybrid app technologies to your advantage. With the right strategy and implementation, you can have the best of both worlds. Your app’s success depends greatly on CPM aka cost per 1000 impressions. Native apps outdo web apps and hybrids in the CPM department.
You have the option to install hybrid apps from your local app store but in reality they are web apps in the guise of a native app. To a large extent, your app’s success also depends on the skills and experience of your development team. Developers need to create apps while keeping the client’s goals and objectives in mind.
Synopsis
Native app development is a great choice for those who desire high-performance and profitable ads. On the other hand, hybrid app development is an excellent choice for companies that don’t want to invest heavily in native app development but at the same time, they want to get a foothold in the mobile app development industry.
If you are looking for a mobile app development company in India, contact us now. We provide specialized native app development, hybrid app development and even cross-platform development services.
