What Are Native Apps?
Native apps are built to run on a single platform using a particular programming language. For instance, if you tend to develop a native app for the Android platform, your hired mobile app development company may leverage Kotlin or java programming language. For iOS, you may opt for Swift or objective C programming languages.
As these apps are built for specific platforms, hence, can merely be used for that particular platform and cannot be leveraged for the other platform. So, if you are planning to develop an app for the Android native platform, you won’t be able to run the same code for iOS and vise-versa.Â
Since native apps are built for a specific platform. Thereby, these apps can access and leverage the full functionality of the device can diminish the volume of errors. As a result, you experience smoother functionality, speed, and performance of the app.
Advantages Of Native Apps
Natives apps offer faster navigation with improved functionality than hybrid apps.
If you are willing to launch gaming solutions or graphic-intense app, native apps can be a smarter choice as it can support such types of apps better.
Native apps are built considering the native efficiency as they can seamlessly access and leverage the device functionality.
Disadvantages Of Native Apps
Native apps take more than usual time to design, develop, and deploy.
The development budget for these apps goes high.
Code can run merely on a single platform hence, you need different codes for different platforms.
For native mobile app development, you need to hire native experts proficient in the native domain whether for Android development or iOS development.
What Are Hybrid Apps?
Hybrid apps are built to run with cross-platform efficiency. These apps give native feel-like experience and the same code can be leveraged for both the Android and iOS platforms. Users can seamlessly download hybrid apps from the play store or app store like native once.
These cross-platform supportive apps are developed using third-party tools like Apache Cordova, Flutter, Ionic, etc. helps to link the native platforms with the web view to communicate and run effectively. Hybrid apps are designed and developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript languages.
Hybrid apps let you run a single code on both the Android and iOS devices. These apps enable brands to drive their digital strategy with the app built once and can be leveraged for two platforms simultaneously. hybrid apps take less time to be developed and require less effort in comparison to native apps intake.
Advantages Of Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps are considered budget-friendly apps as you have to develop once and run across platforms. A single code can be used to drive multi-platform efficiency.
Hybrid apps can be built in less time-frame when compared to Native apps.
These apps are considered a budget-friendly deal for the enterprise already running their website and want to increase their market reach with mobile apps.
Disadvantages Of Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps may look less impressive as these apps are built while keeping cross-platform compatibility in mind.
Provides moderate users experience
Demonstrate a development dependency on Third-party tools
However, these third-party tools are used by developers across the world. As per Statista, in the year 2019 and 2020, several tools are considered to develop hybrid apps. Below figure demonstrates the rest story:
Difference Between Native App And Hybrid App
Well, everyone is vigilant about the usual and common difference between native app development and hybrid app development but there are major differences that come across during the development phase. Let’s have eyes in brief:
So, the first and common difference is – Native apps are built for one platform and run accordingly and hybrid apps are developed to run on multiple platforms. So, you have to decide in advance whether you want an app for a single platform or for a multi-platform efficiency.
The second difference is all about the programming languages or tools used in development. Both apps involve different sets of development practices to support the platform. Native apps are developed using Java and Swift programming languages for Android and iOS devices whereas hybrid apps are built leveraging CSS, HTML, and JavaScript languages.
The third difference is the development complexity. When you opt for native app development, you have to hire an expert mobile app development agency or yearly proficient mobile app developer to undertake your native app. However, things are not similar in the case of hybrid development as anyone with average experience and expertise can design and develop the hybrid app for your business.
The fourth and last difference is the development cost. The development cost may vary as both the platforms imbibe different set of development practices, time-investment, and development complexity. Usually, Hybrid apps require low to medium level of investment whereas native apps require medium to high-level of investment. Rest things are eternally incumbent on the complexity level of your project.
Which One To Choose: Native Vs Hybrid
Considering the various point of view including advantages, disadvantages, and differences between native apps and hybrid apps, everyone comprises a set of benefits, and to leverage the same, one has to make a smarter decision between both. So, let’s understand which one should be a proven productive deal for your business.
Before making a final decision, one should roll out their eyes on factors given below:
The purpose of the app development should be clear to ensure app success.
A productive app should embrace good speed and navigational flow.
The UI/UX of the app matters a lot as often users leave app after a single use if they found a lacking interface.
The complexity and set of features should be decided in advance that you tend to include.
The app development budget should be in mind from the very beginning.
Now, let’s understand when to choose the native or hybrid app:
Choose Native App Development
If your targeted audience is limited to a single platform either Android or iOS.
When you can’t compromise with interactive interface and high-performance of the app.
If your app incorporates several modules along with vast functionality.
If you want to release an app that requires to access and leverage the mobile device features.
When your app can adjust with less responsiveness.
If you can invest appropriately and your budget allows for medium to the large level of investment.
Choose Hybrid App Development
If your target audience is not specified, it would be good to choose hybrid app development.
If you have an existing website and willing to increase your user outreach by developing a mobile app.
If your budget is low, you want an app for a short time, or you just want to test your idea in the market.
When your app doesn’t require heavy functionality and rich navigation.
If your app often needs to download the data from the internet.