Are you a business owner looking to expand your reach to your customers through mobile apps? According to a study, mobile app downloads have consistently increased since 2016, with over 200 billion downloads worldwide in 2019. In the latest recorded year, consumers downloaded 255 billion mobile apps on their connected devices, representing an impressive 80% increase compared to 2016's 140.7 billion app downloads.

With the rise of smartphones and their accessibility, mobile apps have become an essential tool for businesses to connect with their customers. But with so many options available, it can be hard to decide whether to use Native or Hybrid app development. In this article, we'll delve into the world of mobile app development and explore the difference between a Native app and a Hybrid app.

What are Native and Hybrid apps?

When it comes to building mobile apps, there are two main types: native and hybrid. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from each other?

Native apps are like super-focused workers – they're designed to work on a specific operating system, like iOS or Android. They're built using programming languages like Swift and Kotlin, which make them super-fast and responsive. And because they're made for a specific system, they can take advantage of hardware features like your camera or GPS to provide an awesome user experience.

On the other hand, hybrid apps are like chameleons – they can adapt to different environments. They're built using web-based tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which makes them cheaper and more flexible than native apps. And because they're designed to work on multiple systems, they use a single set of code that can be used across different platforms. They still have some of the native features, but they also rely on web tools to make them work.

Native vs hybrid app examples

According to a recent study, hybrid applications constitute 74% of the top 50 retail apps in the U.S. Hybrid apps like Uber have also shown their worth by seamlessly integrating with your device's hardware, like the camera and GPS. Even Instagram, which is one of the biggest social media sites, has joined the hybrid train. This shows that hybrid apps can be just as good and easy to use as their native versions.

But many successful businesses have utilized native apps, such as Spotify, which provides users with fast load times and a seamless user interface, and Tesla has used native app development to create fast, intuitive experiences for their users.

Pros and cons of native and hybrid apps for business needs

Native App Development

Benefits

Better performance:

Native apps provide better performance than hybrid apps as they are optimized for the platform they run on.

More reliable for complex processes:

Native apps are more reliable and efficient when it comes to handling complex processes such as video streaming or gaming.

Better user experience

They follow the platform's design guidelines and provide a consistent look and feel. Thus, offering a more intuitive user interface and user experience.

Access to device hardware:

They can access the device's hardware components. This provides more functionality and enhances the user experience.

Drawbacks

Longer development time:

Developing a native app takes longer as it requires expertise in platform-specific programming languages and APIs.

Higher development costs:

Native app development can be more expensive as businesses must develop separate apps for different platforms.

App store restrictions:

App store guidelines for native apps are stricter than hybrid apps. This can result in longer approval times or rejection of the app.

Hybrid App Development

Benefits

Cost-effective:

Developing a hybrid app is more cost-effective than developing separate apps for each platform.

Faster development time:

Building a hybrid app is faster than developing two separate native apps.

Easier maintenance:

Hybrid apps have a single codebase, making it easier to maintain and update the app.

Wider reach:

Hybrid apps offer cross-platform app development, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Drawbacks

Lower performance than native apps:

Hybrid apps may not provide the same level of performance as native apps as they run in a web view.

Limited access to native features:

While hybrid apps can access some native features, they may not have full access to all the device's hardware components.

App store restrictions:

There may be limits on hybrid apps in app stores because they may not follow the design rules for each platform.

Key factors to consider when choosing between native and hybrid app development

1. Performance

For systems handling small data volumes, native and hybrid apps show similar performance. Hybrid apps have advantages over native ones, despite native apps performing better with large data. However, hybrid apps may feel slower with many images, unlike native apps which excel in such tasks.

2. Cost

The cost of developing a native app can be significantly higher compared to hybrid apps. This is because each device requires its codebase, which can increase the time and resources needed for development. In contrast, hybrid apps can be more cost-effective as developers only need to write code once and can use it across multiple platforms. According to recent mobile app development statistics, there is a cost difference of almost 30 % to 40% between hybrid and native app development.

3. Maintenance

Maintaining native apps for each platform can be time-consuming and expensive, as each app requires separate updates and management. Hybrid apps, on the other hand, can be easily updated on multiple platforms simultaneously, making them a more efficient option.

4. Target Audience

It's crucial to consider the target audience and the app's intended functionality. For instance, if a significant portion of your user base employs iOS, an iOS mobile app may be more suitable. However, if your goal is to reach users across multiple platforms, a hybrid app might be a better choice.

5. Functionality

Native apps offer full platform access, making them ideal for camera, GPS, and device-specific hardware. Hybrid apps may not access all features, leading to an inferior user experience. Native apps are tailored for a specific device, providing better performance and a polished user experience, unlike hybrid apps that can feel unrefined.

Native vs hybrid app development: Which is better for business?

When To Consider Developing A Native App?

Consider native apps for complex features like streaming videos or playing games that require extensive hardware integration. They work efficiently with the device's hardware for faster and more reliable performance and offer seamless integration with tools such as GPS and camera. Native apps provide a consistent and user-friendly experience as they adhere to the design rules of the platform.

When To Consider Developing A Hybrid App?

Hybrid apps are ideal for businesses that need a simple app with basic features. These apps use a single codebase that works on multiple devices, making development faster and more cost-effective. While they are built with web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, hybrid apps can access device features like GPS and camera using plugins or APIs.

When deciding whether to develop a native or hybrid app, it's crucial to consider various factors such as the app's complexity and the audience's needs. While native apps excel in providing access to device-specific features, hybrid apps are cost-effective solutions that can be deployed on multiple platforms.

However, regardless of which development approach you choose, the user's experience should be at the forefront of your mind. A mobile app's success relies heavily on providing a positive user experience. With proper planning and implementation, you can develop a mobile app that not only meets your business's needs but also delights your users and helps you expand your reach.

Explore 5 Advantages of Cross-Platform App Development over Native Development