" We sincerely hope you read this document with the knowledge that user experience trumps just about everything else when it comes to mobile and apps. It is a well known fact in the industry by now; no matter what rates or celebrities you tie your brand with, till the time your user experience delivers, customers will stick with you. And when this stops, they’ll jump ship sooner than a toaster’s operation. So you’ve taken the hefty decision of making an app for your business. Here lies the Sophie’s choice – Hybrid app or native app? Let’s dissect this bit by bit keeping the sanctity of both versions intact. "
Native App: The What
A native application is a program or software which has been created to execute a dedicated task on a specific platform or environment. They are built using SDK (software development tools) for a particular framework only (or OS). Eg. An iOS app built using iOS SDK or a .NET app made for Windows platform.
Hybrid App: The What
Hybrid applications are created for multiple platforms using a single code base; on the complete flipside of how native apps function. Just like native apps though, they can be installed from a particular platform’s app store. They largely have most of the noteworthy features of a native app.
The Difference
Hybrid apps are built using HTML, JavaScript or CSS i.e. multiple web technologies whereas a native app is built with a specific technology only for a single platform.
- Hybrid apps run in webView; much like web pages using the same browser engine.
- Native apps require plug-ins to access various platform features like mic, camera, etc.
- As mentioned above, hybrid apps are built for multiple platforms, if chosen, which is why they tend to fall in the more expensive window.
This is why they tend to take more time for deployment on average and demand a higher level of maintenance.
Hybrid App: The Why
Programmers just need to write the code once and in turn the app can be run on all platforms which is contrary to how a native app functions. Since a hybrid app is based on web technologies, they run seamlessly on browsers as well just like a website itself. Also, they can be run as PWA (progressive web app). Hybrid apps showcase good hardware-based performance. If the user travels between different sets of devices and browsers, the user experience of a hybrid app stays consistent and smooth through and through. The Pitfalls
- When it comes to HD games, 3D games or apps which demand a lot of graphics, hybrid apps tend to fall down the spectrum performance-wise.v
- The native app features can be accessed; however, this makes these apps reliant on native plug-ins. Of course, features can be coded in the system as well but then it adds more complexity to the process.
- A hybrid app generally will incur most costs, take more time, need more manpower and maintenance levels.
- Hybrid app is dependent on multiple frameworks and libraries; all of which need to be in sync with the latest version changes and releases on the platform.
Native App: The Why
- Native code is faster than JavaScript and HTMl, which is why graphic oriented and 3D games will perform better and more cohesive on a native app.
- Native SDKs allow users access to all the app features without the need for plugins.
- There is hardly any dependency on open source platforms and libraries like Ionic and Cordova.
- Native apps are relatively cheaper and take less time for deployment.
The Pitfalls
- Every platform will require separate and exclusive development effort which in turn doesn’t only increase the time taken for the app to build; it massively increases development costs and maintenance.
- Every platform code will come with its updates and release cycles which further increases the time taken and the overall cost.
- After all that has been said and done, there is no clear winner here. It all depends on your requirements along with the finances and time you’re ready to give in.
