{"id":11011,"date":"2018-10-25T11:29:46","date_gmt":"2018-10-25T11:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.engineerbabu.com\/blog\/?p=11011"},"modified":"2026-01-19T12:03:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T12:03:50","slug":"choose-native-hybrid-or-web-app","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engineerbabu.com\/blog\/choose-native-hybrid-or-web-app\/","title":{"rendered":"What to choose Native, Hybrid or Web App? – Mobile Application Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mobile applications have invaded mankind to the extent that today one cannot even imagine living without them. So much so, that you have to decide which mobile app you would like to use for your need<\/a>? The major question is native,hybrid or web-which one to choose?<\/span><\/p>\n

Defining Mobile Application<\/b><\/h2>\n

For a layman, a mobile app is something which simplifies their work just by a click of a button of their mobile. <\/span>
\nTo define it more precisely mobile applications or simply mobile apps are a computer generated program or software applications which are built to run on various mobile devices like- iPhones, Smartphones, and tablets<\/span>.<\/span>
\n They are so common these days that it is another way around if a smartphone doesn\u2019t have the \u201cpopular apps\u201d it is considered as \u201cOBSOLETE\u201d!<\/span>
\n\"Native,
\nImage Source<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Planning to Develop a Mobile app?<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you are planning to develop a mobile app<\/a> for your business and you are not technically sound on the subject, the challenge is to decide on the type of mobile app<\/a>.<\/span>
\n The success of your mobile app depends on factors such as technical details, business needs, design, marketing, and branding. <\/span>
\nOf so many factors, the most critical is the selection of app type<\/a>, as changing the app type at the last moment can cost you, and wrong selection can ruin your project.<\/span>
\nTo speed up the app development and take the advantage of right selection for long you must first understand your needs and the various kinds of available apps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Broad Classification of Mobile Apps<\/b><\/h2>\n

Apps can be broadly classified into Web, and Mobile Apps. Mobile apps can further be divided into Native and Hybrid Apps.<\/span>
\n Each has their advantages and limitations, which you must understand and select your choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

A. Web Apps<\/b><\/h3>\n

When an application is accessed using a web browser over a network like an internet, it is termed as- Web App.<\/span>
\n Unlike websites which are informational, they are functional and need not be downloaded like mobile apps.<\/span>
\nThey are loaded on browsers like Chrome or Firefox and do not consume memory or storage space on the user\u2019s device. <\/span>
\nIn short, they can be understood as websites with interactivity and functionality.<\/span>
\n Due to these developers with web skills can easily write, using cross-platform, standard web technologies like HTML, CSS or JavaScript, a web app. <\/span>
\nAs web app can be used on any mobile device that has a web browser, be it iOS, Android, or Windows, it needn\u2019t be written multiple times for each platform.<\/span>
\nAdvantages<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Easy maintenance.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Single code base across platforms.<\/span><\/span><\/span>Distribution, deployment, and updates or features can be released instantly, as they need no updating on an app store.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. Device-level features accessible through JavaScript APIs.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Development costs are lower.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Limitations of Web apps:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Interactions are not so neat and responsive when compared to other apps<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. UI design elements can be inconsistent.<\/span><\/span>Device-level features like push-notification, work offline, and load on the home screen are not supported.<\/li>\n
      3. As they are unavailable in \u201cApp Store\u201d the potential reach to users slip down.<\/span><\/li>\n
      4. Slow operating and cannot be accessed without internet.
        \n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
        Recommended Reading:<\/strong> How Much Does it Cost to Build a Website?<\/a><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        B. Mobile Apps<\/b><\/h3>\n

        Mobile apps can be downloaded from an \u201cApp Stores\u201d and are of two types, namely- Native and Hybrid Apps.<\/span><\/p>\n

        1. Native Apps<\/b><\/h3>\n

        Apps created, designed and coded for specific platforms, like iOS, Android, and Window phones are native apps.<\/span>
        \n They are more complex when compared to web apps, in terms of the fact they take account of the software language used in the device,         development tools required for them<\/a>, user interface elements needed, and software development kits (SDKs).<\/span>
        \n Hence, one native app created for one OS will not run on the other. <\/span>
        \nThat implies if you wish to develop native apps for iOS, Android, and Windows you need to create separate apps.<\/span>
        \n Unlike iOS devices, Android devices have the \u201cback button\u201d hence they do not need separate UI element for this.<\/span>
        \n Native apps are released and distributed via an \u201cApp Store\u201d which has its         pros and cons<\/a>. On one side, the user gets access to hundreds of apps at a single location, which makes it easier to install.<\/span>
        \n Each of these platforms has its own publication procedure, therefore, for an update or new feature, it can take from few hours to few days for completion.<\/span>
        \n Other pros and cons are:<\/span><\/p>\n

        Pros:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Superior user experience in terms of speed and responsiveness.<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. All device-level features are accessible.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Stable and reliable.<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Can work offline.<\/span><\/li>\n
          2. Available in an App store hence marketing easy.<\/span><\/li>\n
          3. Least use of hardware and efficient coding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Cons:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Different code bases required for different platforms.<\/span><\/li>\n
            2. Are expensive.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Take time to build.<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              1. No cross-platform support.<\/span><\/li>\n
              2. Prior approvals required in case of \u201cApple App Store<\/a>\u201d.<\/span><\/li>\n
              3. Maintaining and updating are demanding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                As many developers may be platform specific, you may need to invest in two separate developers if you wish to launch on multiple platforms with Native apps.<\/span><\/p>\n

                2. Hybrid Apps<\/b><\/h3>\n

                As the name itself says- it is an amalgamation of Native and Web App. They get installed as Native App and feel like Web apps. <\/span>
                \nThey are built on JavaScript, HTML or CSS and run on simplified browser within the app termed as- Web view.<\/span>
                \nHybrid apps are good MVP options as they can be created in short span of time, with limited resources and can be launched for testing and feedback.<\/span>
                \nIn short, they are native app codes coupled with web technologies and published via a relevant native app store.<\/span>
                \n Developers prefer creating web apps as hybrid apps as doing so allow them to integrate device-level features like push-notifications or camera. <\/span>
                \nAt the same time, they also get the chance to be accessed on App store, Google Play or Window store.<\/span>
                \nDevelopers are always happy to build a hybrid app as they need to write single web technology code base, which can be deployed into multiple devices.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Advantages:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Single code base.<\/span><\/li>\n
                2. Cross-platform support.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Convenient, fast and cost-effective to build, using standard web technologies.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Apps can be marketed in app stores.<\/span><\/li>\n
                  2. Easy and faster updates.<\/span><\/li>\n
                  3. Can work offline.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Allowed access to device\u2019s APIs, can access storage, camera and much more.<\/span>
                    \nWorks on both iOS and Android.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Disadvantages:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. As they load in a browser like an element they have poor performance, i.e., less responsive.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    2. The UX is usually compromised.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Submission (for iOS) is required for the relevant App store.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. Dependent on a third-party platform.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Declared Winner!<\/b>
                        \nNow that you are clear on the definition of Web and Mobile apps, you would agree that Mobile Apps are far more user-friendly, fast, easy to access and have great functionality. <\/span>
                        \nIt is estimated that 90% of user\u2019s digital time is spent on mobile apps rather than the web.<\/span>
                        \n\"Native,
                        \nImage Source<\/span><\/a>
                        \nWhile mobile apps are declared winners, they do have two contestants, and the winner amongst them is certainly the one which has the following:<\/span>
                        \n– Highest Safety<\/span>
                        \n– Supreme User Experience.<\/span>
                        \n– Eminent performance.<\/span>
                        \n– Can work on both online and Offline modes.<\/span>
                        \nYou got it correct-                         The Native Apps<\/a>. <\/span>
                        \nThough hybrid apps do have qualities like single code base, cheaper origination costs but when accounting for the peerless features of Native apps they fade away.<\/span>
                        \n\"Native,
                        \n                        Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n

                        Why Choosing is Important<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

                        For your and the app’s success, you must take out some time to decide the kind of app your business actually needs.<\/span>
                        \n Here are few reasons why you need to choose correctly:<\/span><\/p>\n