So you have decided to use the mobile app to reinforce your sales, take the gaming world by storm, selling your enterprise utility tool, or aid your day-to-day tasks internally.
Good move!
Now let’s come to the second hurdle. Which type of app type suits your business needs the best?
With the advent of HTML5 in mobile app technology, the buzz words Hybrid and Web applications are everywhere.
Is Native vs Hybrid vs Web your worry?
Fret no more. Here is a comparison that will solve your app-related queries in a jiffy.

Native Apps:

Native Apps are the apps that have been around since the first one was developed in 2008. These apps are available through the allotted app stores for a device. They are developed using conventional technologies like Java, JavaScript, C# or sophisticated gaming engines and frameworks.

         Advantage:

• Native apps work offline; once downloaded, the user will not need any cache memory or data.
• Seamless, user-friendly and familiar interface for any loyal user of a particular operating system.
• Device functionality-based utility applications have easy access to gestures, contact list, camera, GPS, accelerometers, and all built-in device features.
• Security concerns are more or less the same as hybrid apps, but in-built security models are present for Android and iOs.
• Speed is the most significant advantage of native apps. Responsiveness is everything when it comes to mobile apps.

         Disadvantage:

• Cross-platform integration for native apps doesn’t exist. It means rewriting the whole app code for another framework.
• No on-the-go updates; you’ll need professional help updating the slightest changes on your app.
• Third-party monitoring before you put your app on the app store.
  

  The three leading native OS

         When do you go for a Native App?

• If you are developing a utility tool that will need native phone devices like a camera, speakers and robust interaction with the native Operating System. Native apps work best, though hybrid apps can achieve the same with a bit of tweaking; they may not be as seamless.
• If you are building a gaming app with heavy graphics and sound effects. You cannot build games like Angry Birds and Temple Run using HTML5 alone.
• If you want to promote your apps on an app store and include app store SEO in your planning and budget.
• When you are not looking for a cross-platform presence when you have a specific device targeted. For example- you are building an iPhone application.
• If you are building a banking app or a payment gateway, then for the additional security from Android and iOs apart from inbuilt security models like app sandboxing.
  Related Apps:
  Check out this gaming app that we built at AppStudioz

  Hybrid Apps:

  Hybrid is a clever new way to develop apps. Since the discovery of responsive mobile websites, developers have dreamt of turning the on-browser experience into an in-app experience. Native containers and plugins in technologies like Phonegap and Apache Cordova come in handy. The HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript codes can be turned into apps for any platform, using frameworks and technologies. As the name suggests, hybrid apps give you the positives and negatives of both apps put together in one. These apps have in-app browsers included.

  Advantage:

• Adaptable to multiple platforms. The same code can be reused for Android, iOs and Windows with minor tweaks in the plugins and native containers.
• You can turn your responsive website into an app in no time using the available support frameworks and plugins.
• A hybrid app can be put on app stores. So basically, you get the benefit of being in an app store environment without the costs of developing a native app for a particular operating system.
• A huge open-source development language means a massive community for support and documentation.

          Disadvantage

• Hybrid apps have functionalities that can’t be used offline. The user will need a data connection to use these functions.
• Hybrid apps have security issues like SSL and do not get native security support.
• Hybrid apps with heavy animations and sound effects aren’t as seamless as their native counterparts.
• Hybrid apps can’t be viewed without a distinct web view on different platforms (but that’s a small price to pay, considering the effort it saves you while making an app for different devices.

• When do you go for a hybrid app?

• If you are trying to build an enterprise app that doesn’t need heavy graphics or animation but basic functions and 2D menus, go for a hybrid app.
• If you are going to build an application that will be built for several platforms simultaneously, and you don’t want to overshoot a limited budget.
• If you have basic functionalities that won’t drain the user’s data if used online.
• If you want to run a non-gaming app, the difference would not be too apparent to the user.
• If you will constantly be updating the current application on various platforms. Using HTML5 means adding new features with the least amount of hassles.
• If the in-device functions and OS are not too critical to your app functionality, a little lag is acceptable.

The Hybrid vs Native debate

Web Apps:

The suffix ‘Apps’ is a disguise for the concept because Web Apps are responsive mobile websites. These applications are not available in an app store. They can only be bookmarked on your phone’s desktop and will be opened with the mobile browser. If you are looking to develop a web app, you can directly consult an iphone app development agency to know more.

Advantages:

• No need for third-party approval from app stores or tweaking required to suit the app store.
• The development cost is a fraction of the cost of Hybrid and Native apps.
• A responsive mobile website that looks like an app is platform-independent. You do not have to worry about any particular OS available on devices.

Disadvantages:

• The app’s performance depends on the inbuilt mobile browser installed with the device.
• The app will not be available on an app store. The distribution can be a problem.
• The security available will only be as good as those on a mobile website.
• Changes can be made as quickly as you want to modify your website code.

 When should you go for a Web App?

• If you need an additional mobile website to an existing app.
• If you have straightforward, easy-to-upload content that can run seamlessly with most browsers.

If you don’t want to spend on a mobile app but want a responsive solution as a mobile platform for your website/online store

For more insight into all that real-time responsive websites, aka web apps, can do, Check out these amazing web apps. Hopefully, these guidelines will help you decide between your options. For any more assistance, Contact Us at mTraction Enterprise.
Any doubts and discussions will be entertained in the comments section.