Native vs Hybrid App

As new technologies emerge each year, the app development industry advances. Mobile applications are becoming one of the most versatile tools available for an enterprise to compete in the global market.

So, investing in the mobile app for your enterprise is never a wrong decision. However, choosing the right app native/hybrid is a confusing task for most enterprises. Both options offer advantages and disadvantages, so the decision is totally dependent on the app’s purpose and your enterprise objectives.

To assist you in making decisions while deciding hybrid or native apps, we explain you on native and hybrid app development. Which will help you to decide which one to decide for your enterprise.

What is a Native App?

A native application is a software program created specifically for a platform or device, such as iOS or Android. For example, Java is used for Android, while Objective-C or Swift is used for iOS to build native applications. Native app won’t run on both devices i.e. Android and iOS as it is designed for one device rather than both.

Developers may create programs that take advantage of all of an operating system’s features while developing native applications. As they are platform-specific. They are designed exclusively for one platform and can take full use of the device’s capabilities.

Pros of Native apps

• Native apps provide fast, smooth, exceptional performance as they are platform-specific.
• Native apps are more secure compared to other apps such as Hybrid and web as they don’t rely on browser and technology such as JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS.
• Native apps provide developers access to a device’s whole function and operating system features. For example, they can directly access device hardware like a microphone, camera, and GPS.
• Interactive and intuitive design with good user experience and better UI.
• Native apps can be used offline. You can take advantage when you are somewhere with little or no connectivity, such as on an airline, underground tunnel, or subway.

Cons of Native apps

• Native apps are less flexible. They only run on the platform which they are developed for.
• The development costs for native apps are higher.
• Longer process of downloading and installing. This includes a number of steps, including visiting the app store, selecting the app, accepting its terms and conditions, downloading it, and finally installing it.
• Time-consuming development process and need to hire different professionals for different platforms.

What is a Hybrid App?

Unlike Native apps, hybrid applications feature cross-platform capabilities. Hybrid software can therefore operate on different platforms. They’re built with the same web technologies as web applications but are cross-platform, and run in a chrome less browser called a Web View.

Developers may create a single app that works on both iOS and Android. Many companies create hybrid applications to disguise an existing web page. This allows companies to gain a presence in the app store without having to invest a lot of time and money in developing a native app. Hybrid apps are built on tools such as Xamarin (by Microsoft), React Native (by Meta), and Flutter (by Google). Interestingly, Flutter is most preferred for building a hybrid app. It supports app development for six platforms using a single code base. Which makes it an ideal choice for modern app owners. If you hire flutter developer for your hybrid app, they make it possible to deploy apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Web browser using single codebase.

Pros of Hybrid apps

• Less Development Costs. Hybrid app development has been proven to be 30% less expensive than native app development.
• The hybrid frameworks allow developers to manage both iOS and Android app development with a single codebase. So, the development process is accelerated.
• Hybrid apps are easy to maintain and upgrade compared to native apps.
• Hybrid app creation allows businesses to reach wider customers. It enables companies to target clients who use both Android and iOS devices.

Cons of Hybrid apps

• One of the most significant components of mobile apps is performance, hybrid apps are slower in performance compared to native apps.
• Limitations in Functionality access. If your mobile app has a lot of complicated features and functions, the hybrid app can’t be ideal
• Less Interactive and intuitive design with low user experience and not perfect UI as compared to native apps.
• Unlike native apps, hybrid apps need internet access to run applications.

We can see both of them have a significant amount of pros and cons. We’ll move on with the guide to choosing native and hybrid mobile apps for your enterprise.

Choose a native App If

1. Your app requires full access to device functionality such as a microphone, GPS, camera, etc.
2. You run an enterprise or business with a limitless budget.
3. Offline functionality is required.
4. Your app is a game with complex controls and high-end graphics.
5. It is necessary to be highly responsive, and you have long-term intentions for significant scaling.

Choose hybrid app If

1. You have a limited budget and require an app for two platforms.
2. You don’t require high responsiveness.
3. You want to test your idea rapidly in the market.
4. Apps don’t consist of difficult parts or complex logic.
5. You own a website and want to release an app version of it.

When deciding between hybrid and native app, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Yes, some app development businesses specialize in native apps and will brag about it. Others would claim that using hybrid apps will save you money. It’s your call to find out which one is perfect for your enterprise.

Conclusion:

To summarize, native applications are more feature-rich and technologically advanced, but hybrid apps are less expensive and less time-consuming. Both of them have their pros and cons. Stick with native app development if you have a flexible budget, no time limits, and want additional functionality in your app.

On the other hand, if you have less requirement and need to get your application to market quickly, hybrid app development is the perfect option. ultroNeous Technologies provides consultation on mobile application development services, helping you to choose the right fit for your enterprise.