Native Apps Vs. Hybrid Apps: Definition, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Developing a mobile application, or specifically a custom mobile application, requires an instant decision whether you will create a native app, a hybrid app, or a web application. However, if you are a newbie and want to learn about native apps vs. hybrid apps, we will explain the difference between these two apps along with the examples. Moreover, each app type has merits and demerits depending on the budget, UI and UX, and future maintenance. Custom mobile app development requires multiple tasks that are quite formidable, so let’s dive in to learn more about native and hybrid applications..

Definition: Native Apps vs. Hybrid Apps

Native apps: Native apps are created for operating systems such as Google Android and Apple iOS and are comparatively costly compared to alternative technologies. Besides, these individually developed apps are simple to download. Other terms of native apps are Native mobile apps and mobile apps.

Hybrid apps: A hybrid app is similar to a native app. Like native apps, these apps can also be downloaded from the app stores. However, the inner structure of the hybrid app is quite different from that of the native app. Hybrid apps are more similar to internal web apps. In between native and web applications are hybrid apps.

Significant Differences: Native Apps vs. Hybrid Apps

App development

The development of native apps requires the developers to rethink and remodel every application feature in the language of native development. Whereas to create a hybrid application, the developer will only need to write the app practically in a single codebase. Next, you can encapsulate your code within a minimal native application shell or container. You may utilize native functionality on your mobile devices, such as calendars, notifications, and hardware, thanks to the container.

Economy of Cost

As mentioned earlier, native apps are quite expensive. Meanwhile, hybrid apps offer a user experience and performance similar to native apps at budget-friendly rates. The approach of using a single codebase lessens the cost of these apps. Languages like JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS are used to develop hybrid apps. After that, they can incorporate them with frameworks for developing hybrid apps like Cordova, React Native, or Ionic. Moreover, the development time and expense are reduced, but the reach and visibility remain the same if you upload them to an app store.

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Merits & demerits of native mobile app vs. hybrid mobile app

Native mobile app vs. hybrid mobile app is a debate that depends utterly on its advantages and disadvantages. Our compilation will help you differentiate between the two and decide which would be a better choice for your business.

Advantages of Native App

Accessible offline
Great performance with better UX
High-level security
Increased involvement (due to notifications & ease of access)
You can search the native apps in google play store or other app store

Disadvantages of Native Apps

Requires big-budget
Needs to be developed for every operating system
Takes good portion of space on your device
Requires maintenance.

Advantages of Hybrid Apps

Cost-effective
Faster development
Multi-Platform Connectivity
Requires less maintenance
Updates easily
More reach

Disadvantages of Hybrid Apps

Dependent on the browser speed
Slower performance
Not able to use native features

Examples of Native Applications

Instagram
Facebook
Spotify
TikTok
Google Maps
WhatsApp
Snapchat

Examples of Hybrid Application

Instagram
Uber
Microsoft Teams
Apple App store
Gmail

Conclusion

Now that you know about native apps vs. hybrid apps, you can easily decide which app to develop to leverage your business. Ultimately, it all comes down to what you need out of your application. A hybrid solution is not recommended if you’re after great functionality. However, hybrid iOS and Android mobile apps provide new businesses and start-ups with an affordable and efficient way to swiftly reach their target market.