The Differences Between Native and Hybrid Mobile Apps

According to Flurry Analytics, 90% of the time we spend on phones is devoted to using applications. Thus, businesses are focused on developing mobile apps that will promote their brand awareness and assist them in boosting sales. To choose the right app, companies must understand the differences between hybrid and native applications. This post will cover these differences and provide some tips on how to make the right decision.

Native applications are built on a specific language for each platform, iOS or Android, separately. Developers use Swift or Objective-C to create an application for iOS. Java and Kotlin are used to create native apps for Android.

The main difference between the two types of applications is that hybrid apps are developed for both platforms, iOS, and Android, simultaneously. In this case, mobile developers use one universal language.

To determine the other differences, let’s find out what advantages and disadvantages are there in both types of app.

Advantages of Native Apps

Low bounce rate in the App Store and Play Store

It is unlikely that you will face any problems when launching a native app in any mobile app store. The matter is that initially, these apps are created according to all the standard requirements of a certain platform.

Advanced UX design

Modern users will hardly be surprised with standardized interfaces. That is the native UX design that allows developing an interesting and attractive application. Hybrid apps offer the standard interface which is the same for both platforms.

High quality

Native app developers write a clear code that will be unique for your product. Clear standards for native apps development allow creating a mobile app of high quality and wide range of functionalities.

Disadvantages of Native Apps

Among the key disadvantages of native apps is their cost. Native app development is a time-consuming process that requires certain expertise and specific skills. To create native applications for both platforms, developers have to develop two separate front-ends. Thus, native apps may cost higher than hybrid solutions.

Advantages of Hybrid Apps

Cost-effectiveness

Creating a single application for two platforms can save your costs. Since hybrid apps are being built using one language, you will need fewer specialists.

Launch of two applications

Since a hybrid app is being built for both platforms, it is launched on iOS and Android simultaneously. Thus, the number of potential users is doubled.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Apps

Impracticability

Each time when new technologies appear, application owners try to add new functionalities to their products. It will take around 3-6 months to make any changes to hybrid apps. Native apps can be changed at once you know about the new technology in the market.

Low speed

Often, hybrid apps constitute web pages that have low performance while showing images or animations.

Design difficulties

If you want to have the design that corresponds to the standards of both platforms, you will need to develop design for each platform separately. As a result, you will get one app, but spend as much time as if you were developing two apps.

What App Is Best-Suited for You?

To make the right choice, you should pay attention to the above-mentioned aspects and goals you would like to reach. However, here are some useful tips for you.

Hybrid apps will be a good fit for the following purposes:

• You want to get a simple app.
• You need one app for two platforms at an affordable price.
• You need a single application for two markets.

Native apps are a good match in the following cases:

• You want to offer your customers a professional app that complies with the standards of the chosen platform.
• You need a sophisticated app with a wide range of functionalities.
• You need an app with high performance.

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In any case, you should consult a professional Diceus mobile app development team to understand what kind of app is best suitable for your business goals. Besides, you should prepare a list of initial requirements for your application. Based on that list, your potential vendor will be able to make up a document containing all the possible features and functionalities of your final product.

Before starting the development, you should also think of the marketing strategy not to fail when your app is done. Professional mobile development companies are typically providing marketing services, as well.