Build Once or Build Twice? Web vs Native App Face Off

Web Apps can be accessed with the help of a browser and can use any device desktop or mobile.

Native Apps are created on a platform (such as Android or iOS) and are downloaded using apps stores.

Each of them is intended to serve a different purpose, and it all depends on how you expect the users to interact, engage, and experience the platform.

Web App advantages: One Time Development, Multiple Distribution

Web apps are the option of choice by startups and SMEs that prefer flexibility and affordability. Here’s why:

 Cross-platform compatibility

 Easier update and repairing

the cost of development of owners

Faster time-to-market

Responsive web easier to work on any browser

Performance and Immersion Native App Advantages: Performance and Immersion

Native mobile apps rule in the context of smooth UX and velocity:

Improved loading and speed of performance

Access to device capabilities such as camera, global positioning system and push notifications

Offline access Support

Better UI/UX of the respective operating systems

The user retention is higher in native experience

Web App vs Native App Cost Comparison

Feature                                              Web application                                Native application

Shorter                               Dev.time                                              Longer Dev.time

Platform Coverage          A platform-at-a-time                     Platform-by-platform

Maintenance                    Less work                                             More work

Cost                                    Reduced                                 Increased

Pro Tip: When budget is limited and you want to test the market perform a web app.

Performance & Accessibility

Aspect                                Web App                                     Native App

Accessibility        The browser, access by link         Needs an app store download

Performance                       Average                                                           High

Feature Integration        Limited Full phone              capabilities access

Scalability                  Scalable on platforms                   Increasingly complicated

Which should you pick When?

Select Web App When:

You desire rapid roll out

There is limited budget

You require cross-device access

Select Native app when:

The issue of performance is important

You require radical hardware interface

You desire to bring up an upper-value user experience

Final Comment: The Skilled Centre Ground?

Nowadays, various developers decide to use Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and hybrid applications, which are the best of both worlds.

You compile (and only compile) once, and you achieve nearly native performance.

They like the best of both worlds?

Consider using Flutter, React Native, or PWA framework, which can be easily scaled out to multiple platforms without compromising UX.

Key Takeaways

Development of a web app takes less time and money.

Native applications offer higher level performance, and integration of features.

This choice has to be made depending on your audience, budget, and long-term goals.

It is time to Build Your App?

Go web, go native, go hybrid, whatever you choose the key is to know what the strengths are and what the trade-offs are so you can make a smart scaling of your product. Are you in a dilemma? Our mobile app specialists will consult with you and discover the best fit.