Hybrid vs Native Mobile Apps Development

Deciding on the best mobile app to develop can be complex; it all boils down to your objectives for having an app. Should you opt for native development, utilizing tools and code tailored to the platform you’re aiming for? Or is hybrid development the preferable choice, employing web technologies that function on any device?

For this, we will help you decide which one is the right fit for your needs and those of your customers. Likely, you may also want to read this article to explore the pros and cons of native vs. hybrid mobile app development, assisting you in making an informed decision about which approach is right for your next mobile app project. The first of the two mobile app types we cover is the Native app.

What Are Native Applications?

These apps are commonly found for download on the Play Store to target either Android or iOS. Native apps for iOS are developed using Swift and Objective-C, whereas native apps for Android are commonly developed using Java or Kotlin. These apps can also be launched like any other desktop application, allowing access to local resources such as file systems, peripherals, and network connections.

However, as these apps cater to a specific platform, it can only work on that platform and not on others. For example, iOS-based native apps cannot work on Android systems and vice versa. Making them a popular choice for developers and users alike.

Examples of Native Applications

Here are a few examples of native applications across different platforms:

• Google Maps (iOS/Android)
• WhatsApp (iOS/Android)
• Pinterest (iOS/Android)
• Spotify (iOS/Android)
• Camera+ (iOS/Android)

Key benefits of Native Applications

Let’s dive into some key benefits of native apps. They are custom-tailored to iOS and Android systems, ensuring efficiency and user-friendliness. The interface and navigation are easy to understand on both platforms. Additionally, native apps can access essential functions like the camera, GPS, and notifications. These apps are conveniently available on app stores such as Google Play for Android and the Apple App Store for iOS, and they can operate without requiring an internet connection.

Cons of Native Applications

On the other hand, let’s consider some drawbacks of native applications:

• High development cost: Creating a native app for each platform can incur high costs as it requires specialized skills and resources.
• Longer development time: Each platform necessitates its own codebase, which could potentially double the development time.
• More difficult to maintain: Each platform requires individual updates or changes, adding complexity to maintenance and updates. Creating consistent versions of native apps for various platforms can be challenging, leading to potential glitches and support issues if updates are not synchronized on time.

Overall, while native apps can offer advantages such as efficiency and optimal user experience, their weaknesses in development cost, longer development time, and increased maintenance complexity should be considered when choosing this approach for mobile app development.

What Are Hybrid Applications?

A hybrid mobile app combines native app elements (developed for specific platforms like Android or iOS) and web app features (accessible via a browser on the internet). It utilizes popular front-end technologies such as HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS to offer cross-platform functionality. In other words, developers can write code for a mobile app just once, eliminating the need for separate codebases for Android and iOS. When users download and install a hybrid app from an app store, its native shell connects to their mobile platform’s capabilities using a browser embedded within the app.

Examples of Native Applications

Numerous popular hybrid applications can be found on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Some well-known examples of these hybrid applications include:

• Gmail
• Instagram
• Uber
• Twitter

Key benefits of Hybrid Applications

Essentially, Hybrid apps cost less than native apps as they use one code across multiple platforms, allowing one version of the app to run on a variety of devices. They also utilize simple APIs, reducing development time, and can be updated directly from a server without the need for app store updates, enabling users to instantly view minor changes.

Cons of Hybrid Applications

Now, let’s evaluate the disadvantages of hybrid app development:

• Risk of Inconsistent User Experience: Hybrid apps might face challenges in ensuring a cohesive user experience across platforms as they do not follow platform-specific design guidelines.
• Restricted Functionality: Although hybrid apps can leverage certain device features, their access is constrained in comparison to native apps.
• Reduced Intuitiveness in User Experience: Due to their non-platform-specific development approach, hybrid apps may not deliver the same level of user experience as native apps.
• Lower Performance Speed: Hybrid apps generally cannot achieve the same speed and performance levels as native apps because they operate through a web-view.

Considering the potential drawbacks in lower performance speed, user experience, and restricted functionality, it is essential to carefully weigh the decision before opting for this approach in mobile app development, despite the advantages of easy integrations and reduced development costs that hybrid apps may offer.

Conclusion

As we have explored, both native and hybrid apps are two different approaches to building mobile applications, with neither approach being inherently superior to the other. Each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. The decision of which platform to choose for developing a mobile app depends on various factors, including your functional requirements, target audience, available resources and other considerations. Make sure to take the time to carefully assess your individual needs and objectives. Lastly, If you have any kind of mobile app idea, feel free to contact us and we will help you develop that idea in to reality!