Web App or Native App: Which One to Choose?

Web app or native app? You may be wondering what the difference between the two is, as you want to be present on mobile phones on the one hand and increase your visibility.

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between a web app and a native app, analyzing the pros and cons of each option. Ultimately, you can decide which solution best suits your needs. Read on to find out more!

What are the differences between a “Native App” and a “Web App”?

Native App

A native app is a mobile app that you download (from the App Store or Play Store, for example) and then install on your smartphone or tablet, just like software on your computer.

In other words, each manufacturer has its own programming language:

  • for iPhone and iPad, the programming language is called Objective-C;
  • for all Android and BlackBerry devices, the programming language is Java;
  • for Windows phones, the programming language is C#.

These languages call the basic layers of the smartphone or tablet or, more simply, its functionalities such as GPS, accelerometer, etc.

Web App

A web app is nothing more than a website created exclusively for mobile devices!

But be careful not to confuse web apps and responsive websites.

The web app is only accessible via mobile browsers. The programming languages are HTML5, CSS3, and JS (JavaScript).

The visual difference between a native app and a web app is not necessarily obvious, just a few features.

Install and update

Native App

As mentioned above, a native app is downloaded and installed on your device.

When the developer updates an app, the user has to do it manually to keep the app up-to-date. This can result in a multitude of files on the mobile phone.

When an application is installed, a shortcut icon is created on the “desktop”, which allows to launch it quickly.

Web App

A web app is simply a website that you can visit from your smartphone or tablet.

Therefore, no installation is required, and updates are automatic as the web app is reloaded each time the page is modified or viewed. Updates will, therefore, be transparent to users.

Development costs

Native App

A native app will not be the same on all operating systems, in other words each type of phone will have a different version of the app.

For example, an Android app will not be structured in the same way as an iPhone app. This difference often means that the entire app creation process has to be started from scratch:

  • graphic design
  • language-specific development, etc.

A native app is not immediately available!

First of all, it needs to be validated by the App Store or Play Store, for example. In addition, for your future app to be downloadable from the App Store (Apple’s app library), you have to pay Apple a subscription fee.

The cost of developing a native app remains slightly high.

Web App

Developing a web application is much less restrictive.

It works the same as a website, so all you need is a web browser (Chrome, Safari etc.) on your mobile phone as it is hosted on a web server.

Graphically, there will be no difference in display on an iPhone or a Galaxy S3, which greatly reduces the cost of developing the app.

User Experience

There is a certain difference in user experience between a native application and a web application.

Native App

This type of app will be faster and smoother and will run in full-screen mode, unlike a web app.

In addition, the native app will be able to utilize phone or tablet features such as :

  • GPS
  • accelerometer
  • camera
  • or even the gyroscope (which detects the user’s movements).

This type of app will also be able to use the push notification system that everyone is familiar with.

Web App

There is a difference between a website and a web application.

The user will see your web app with the same design as a native app, with a mobile menu and animations, but with mobile browser elements (address bar, navigation arrows, etc.).

When developing a web application, you need to optimize the images’ rendering and the pages’ size so as not to make the user wait too long. Remember that the speeds of telephone networks (even if they promise incredible speeds) are far from ADSL speeds.

In short

Native App

Benefits

  • Offline application accessibility ;
  • Better user experience;
  • Better referencing due to downloads on platforms such as App Store or Play Store.

Disadvantages

  • Not the same app on different platforms (Apple, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry);
  • High development costs;
  • Compatibility problems after updates.

Web App

Benefits

  • One code for different platforms ;
  • Lower development costs;
  • Compatibility with all browsers.

Disadvantages

  • Not accessible in offline mode (unless the site is cached);
  • Cannot access native mobile applications (GPS, camera, etc.);
  • Lack of fluidity on older smartphones.

Whether you need a native or web application, the Blu Desk Soft team is here to help you choose and implement the perfect solution for your business.

Get in touch with us.

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