Key Differences Between Web Apps and Native Mobile Apps
Introduction
Having a custom web app or a feature-rich native app is a hot potato for developers and business owners alike. Though web app development services can build tailored Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) with desired features, they cannot replace native apps. The reason is simple- both types have specific pros and cons with clear differences.
In this post, we will dig deep into the differences between web apps and native mobile apps. We will discuss the hybrid approach as well to get the best of both worlds. But before moving ahead, let’s understand web applications and mobile applications.
Overview of Web Apps and Native Mobile Apps
Google Docs and Trello are two highly popular examples of web applications. A web app is an application that can run in a web browser and does not require download or installation on any device.
These applications are based on web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, so they remain accessible across different devices and operating systems. Web apps offer a cost-efficient, cross-platform solution with easy updates.
Think of Instagram and Uber. Both these applications utilize device-specific features like the camera and push notifications. In other words, these apps are optimized to work on their respective platforms. These are native apps or native mobile apps, and they offer better speed and user experience than web applications.
However, native apps need more development time and investment amount than their web counterparts. Companies need to hire mobile app developers to get OS-specific apps like that for Android or iOS.
M-Commerce- Role of Web and Mobile Applications in Growth
Mobile commerce aka M-Commerce is gaining ground quickly across the world. As per the report from Polaris Market Research Analysis, this sector is expected to show a consistence CAGR of 27 percent between 2018 to 2030. This increase will be based on the growth of the mCommerce market in the countries of Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
The above-mentioned graph shows this growth in USD billion. Here, it is fair to mention that advancing web and mobile app development processes can play a vital role in increasing the popularity of m-Commerce. Dedicated mobile apps can offer rich and personalized user experiences. Moreover, these native apps have faster load times compared to mobile websites.
On the other hand, web applications offer cross-platform accessibility and search engine visibility to M-Commerce companies. Web applications work seamlessly on any device without installing or downloading. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) can give users mobile app-like experiences by providing them with offline access and push notifications.
Pros and Cons of Web Apps and Mobile Apps
Here is a glimpse of the pros and cons of web apps and native mobile applications-
Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
Web App | 1. No installation required 2. Cost-effective and faster to develop 3. Works on any device | 1. Limited access to device hardware 2. Requires internet connectivity for most features 3. Slower compared to native apps |
Native App | 1. Better performance and user experience 2. Works offline in many cases 3. Greater security and device integration | 1. Higher development and maintenance costs 2. Requires downloads and updates 3. Platform-dependent (iOS and Android versions needed) |
A web app development company can make user-friendly apps that we can use on different devices. On the other hand, enterprises can hire mobile app developers to build a native app with desired features.
Key Differences Between Web Apps and Native Apps
Web apps and native mobile apps have different capabilities and they can target specific audiences. Here are the key points that differentiate web apps and native apps-
Dependency
Native apps are platform-specific, meaning they can run either on Android OS or iOS. You need to hire mobile app developers who are specialists in building apps in the specific OS. Web apps, on the other hand, have cross-platform compatibility, meaning they can work on any device using a browser. In other words, web apps have less dependency on the platform.
Installation
It is necessary to download mobile apps from Google Play or Apple App Store to use. Some apps are available to install on other app stores or the company’s official websites. Web apps can run through web browsers, and therefore, there is no need to install or download them. As a result, they are highly accessible and easy to use.
Internet Issue
Mobile apps can run seamlessly in areas where connectivity issues or even no Internet access. An offline mode makes it possible. However, web apps cannot run in regions where less or no connectivity due to their dependence on browsers. Web applications need consistent Internet, and therefore, their accessibility is a bit limited.
Development Cost
Native apps are pricier than web apps. Moreover, their development costs depend on platforms and other related aspects. Companies that offer mobile app development services consider various aspects including target audience and feature complexities for determining the cost. Web apps are more cost-effective as their single version works across multiple platforms.
User Experience
Mobile apps offer more personalized and interactive user experience across devices of specific operating systems. These apps are highly optimized with native UI elements. Web apps have browser-related limitations and may not give the same level of responsiveness to users as mobile apps can give.
Updates & Maintenance
Custom mobile apps require users to download updates manually from the app store. It can delay future rollouts. Web apps get updated automatically on the server side. Companies can hire web developers to ensure that users can get access to the latest version easily. Maintenance costs are also higher in native mobile apps as compared to web apps.
Here is a quick table of differences between web and native mobile apps. It will help companies find the right app solution.
Aspect/Characteristic | Web Application | Native Mobile App |
|---|---|---|
Platform Dependency | Works on any device | Platform-specific- Android or iOS |
Installation/Download | Not necessary | Download is necessary from the app store |
Internet Dependency | Depends on Internet Speed | Optimized for offline mode |
Development Cost | Lower than mobile app | Higher than web app |
User Experience | Limited access to device features | Richer experience with specific devices |
Offline Functionality | Limited | Offline mode is available |
Updates and Maintenance | Centralized updates and maintenance | More efforts are necessary based on the operating system |
Let’s have a look at some real-time scenarios when companies can either choose a web application or a native mobile application.
When to Choose a Web App or a Native App
A web app is a preferred option for companies that want a cost-efficient and easily accessible solution. It does not need any heavy device integration and downloads. This characteristic is beneficial for applications that need updates frequently.
Any business that delivers content or services that do not need extensive access to device feature can opt for web app development.
A native mobile app is the right choice when your business needs high performance, more responsiveness, and dependence on device features like camera and GPS. Moreover, companies that want to offer online access to their customers should go for a native app.
Moreover, if you want to target a mobile-based audience with a highly personalized experience, a native app is the best choice.
Moreover, if you want to target mobile-based audience with highly personalized experienced, native app is the best choice.
It is better to consult a reputed web app development company to get assistance in choosing the right option for your enterprise
Hybrid Approach- When to Select It?
When it comes to leveraging the benefits of both web apps and mobile apps, developers can suggest a hybrid app. It maintains a subtle balance between cost-effectiveness and performance. These hybrid apps use a single codebase that can run on both iOS and Android OS. Advanced frameworks like React Native and Flutter are useful for building hybrid apps.
It is possible to install hybrid apps like native apps and can utilize some device features. It enables businesses to deliver a mobile-friendly user experience from a single application. Faster time-to-market, cross-platform compatibility, and more user-friendliness are some of the useful benefits of hybrid apps. These are the reasons why such apps gain ground.
Want to Get Custom Web and Mobile App Solutions for Your Company?
Concluding Remarks
A web app is a cost-efficient and accessible option for businesses that need a cross-platform solution with easy updates. A native mobile app needs to be installed on Android or iOS devices and utilizes internal features. Businesses that want to address a specific smartphone-using audience with rich experiences can opt for a native app.
Another trending option is hybrid apps. Companies can consult web app development service providers to get useful suggestions about the most suitable option.
Silicon IT Hub is a renowned mobile and web app development company in the USA and India. Our in-house teams of experienced mobile app developers and web developers can make customized solutions to meet your business requirements. Contact us to learn more about the scope of a tailored web and mobile app for your company.
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