Native Apps or Web Apps? What is the difference?

Native Apps or Web Apps? What is the difference?

First, let's look at the definition of Native app and Web app: -

What is a Native App? Native apps are developed for a specific platform and are coded in a platform-specific programming language. We can install it directly onto the device through an online store such as "App Store" or "Google Play".

What is a Web App? A web app is a website that is created to being viewed on a smartphone like a mobile app. A web app is accessed through the mobile device’s web browser and it doesn’t need to be downloaded and installed on the device.

Web App Pros

  • If you know JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5, you can build web apps for both platforms.

  • You don't need to worry about any software development kit (SDK) to create a web app unlike an iOS or Android app.

  • Developing a web app is always simpler than developing a native app, although it can depend on your requirements as well.

  • It is quick to launch cause does not require app store approval.

Web App Cons

  • Web apps are less advanced in terms of features.

  • Web apps work slower as compare to native apps.

  • If an app is designed for desktop users over mobile, it may miss out on mobile traffic, engagement, and revenue opportunities.

  • It is hard to provide an optimal mobile experience for repeat usage through web apps.

Native App Pros

  • Native apps offer the fastest, most reliable, and most responsive experience to users.

  • Native makes tapping into the camera, microphone, compass, accelerometer, and swipe gestures super easy so can provide greater functionality to the user.

  • It is easy to please users cause matching each app’s UI/UX to the platform conventions is easy.

  • Native apps are more safe and secure.

Native Apps Cons

  • When developing native apps, there is no flexibility regarding the platform. Developers have to code separately for both platforms: Android and iOS.

  • Native apps are expensive to build cause every platform needs a separate set of code, which means it's equivalent to coding for two different apps.

  • There are chances that users might be using an old version of the app if they ignored the update.

  • It is expensive to maintain and update.

When deciding between a native app or a web app, consider how important the app's speed, security, and performance are to you. Other factors to consider are time and money.