About Web Apps VS Native & Hybrid Apps – Types, Comparability & More

Mobile Applications

A mobile app is a software application developed specifically for use on small, wireless computing devices, such as smartphones and tablets, rather than desktop or laptop computers. Mobile apps are sometimes categorized according to whether they are web-based or native apps, which are created specifically for a given platform. A third category, hybrid apps, combines elements of both native and Web apps. As the technologies mature, it’s expected that mobile application development efforts will focus on the creation of browser-based, device-agnostic Web applications.

The number of mobile app downloads worldwide has constantly increased from 2016 onward, surpassing 200 billion in 2019. Consumers downloaded 218 billion mobile apps to their connected devices in the most recently measured year, up by more than 50% from 140.7 billion app downloads in 2016.  According to Statista, mobile applications are predicted to generate 935.2 billion US dollars by 2023 compared to 808.7 billion dollars in 2022.

Web Applications

A web application is a responsive website that can be accessed using a desktop or mobile browser. Given the popularity of cell phones, approximately 94% of visitors judge a web application based on how mobile-friendly it is. Web applications are inexpensive as compared to other mobile applications. They are also less complicated to build and maintain. Businesses running on a budget often stick to web applications due to the minimal cost of production. Web applications are made differently, and there is a marked contrast between web app testing and mobile app testing.

Advantages of web apps

Easy maintenance

Unlike native apps, web apps use a common code base across multiple platforms. If something goes wrong with the application, instead of fixing both android and iOS apps, you need only fix one.

Easy accessibility

So long as your users use the right browser, they can access your web application without having to download anything to their devices.

Less expensive: Web apps have a lower development cost than native apps. They’re also easier to make.

Less user maintenance

With native apps, users typically have to update the app manually by going to the app store. Web apps, on the other hand, let your company update the app without the user having to lift a finger.‍

No app marketplace approval

Because web apps aren’t on the app marketplace, your business won’t have to go through any approval process to be visible to the public, so you can technically release the app whenever you want and in whatever format you choose.

 Native Applications

Native apps are designed to work on one particular operating system. Hence, there are native apps for Android and those for iOS and Windows too. Native apps developed for Android are written in Java, while apps developed for iOS are written in Swift (you may find older iOS apps written in Objective-C). Native mobile apps have been known to be faster and more reliable than hybrid or web apps, which lets them deliver a better user experience (UX). WhatsApp and Spotify are two of the most popular native applications.

Advantages of native apps

Superior performance

These applications tend to run smoothly, even when running heavier graphics.

Platform-specific features

Creating your app for iOS or Android grants your business access to platform-specific features.

Superior user interface

Because native applications must meet platform-specific standards for performance, these apps tend to outperform hybrid and web applications.

App store visibility

Unlike web apps and hybrid apps, native apps offer your business greater visibility because they get featured on app stores; this makes it easier for potential new users to discover your brand.

The principal advantage of native apps is that they optimize the user experience. By being designed and developed specifically for that platform, they look and perform better.

Hybrid Applications

Hybrid apps are an amalgamation of both native and web application building features. Developers are inclined towards such apps as they provide the flexibility of reusing code on various platforms and operating systems with little to no changes in the script. Instagram and Evernote are some highly efficient hybrid applications.

Advantages of hybrid apps

Developer productivity

Hybrid apps can be built with common web technologies across both the front and back end, reducing development time.

Cheaper but greater discoverability

Hybrid apps are simpler and have fewer upfront costs than native apps, and they can also be featured on app stores.

Internal API access

Unlike web apps, hybrid apps can utilize device features like location tracking and push notifications.

Cross-platform availability

Because hybrid apps are built using a common codebase, they can be used on both Android and iOS devices.

 Web vs Hybrid vs Native Applications

The Web vs Hybrid vs Native app debate is now conducive to discussing that in detail. The following chart depicts the differences between web vs hybrid vs native applications.

Conclusion

To summarize, web applications are responsive websites that can be accessed using browsers. Users do not need to download web applications separately onto their devices but prefer a mobile-friendly interface. Native apps are built to work on one specific operating system. They can be downloaded from app stores, while hybrid applications combine native and web app features.

Also Read – Best Web Application Trends In 2022 -Its Types & More