Native vs non-native mobile apps: pros and cons of each?

Both native and non-native mobile apps have unique advantages. Each has its place in the industry, so it helps to understand their benefits. Mobile apps continue to grow every day, so your last chance has a big impact.

The mobile phone market is preparing for another positive explosion in the future. Leading mobile app development companies are seeing this trend and making big development decisions. Applications are more profitable than ever and mobile usage has reached a new high. Trillions of hours are spent on apps and games every year, and hundreds of billions of mobile apps are downloaded. Although the market is split between iOS and Android, there is healthy competition between the two rivals which does not affect their bottom line.

A native app is developed with a specific platform or device in mind. A good example of this is the difference between iOS and Android apps. With a native app, you take advantage of device-specific features. When the Super Retina Display was released for the iPhone 12, apps that wanted to take advantage of this feature could only do so on a supported iPhone device.

Advantages

Native is built with usability in mind. The application takes full advantage of the hardware on which it is used. This makes it faster, easier to maintain, and less likely to have unsolvable bugs. For apps intended to enhance or replace core device functionality, native is the best fit.

The inconvenients

You lose a ton of development flexibility. There are many businesses that never got off the ground due to poor planning. This was enforced when they started with a native app on multiple devices that required constant upgrades. If you want to thrive with a native app, planning maintenance ahead is the smartest thing to reap the benefits.

The non-native app works cross-platform as a native app without regard to specific features. The biggest in this category are web apps that can run on anything, including smart TVs. Non-native apps are not the same as hybrid apps, which tend to run in their own category.

Advantages

Easier development and high compatibility are the strengths of non-native apps. As cross-platform software, it is designed for adaptability to a wider audience. Development is less hectic and overall resource costs for maintenance never surprise your finances.

The inconvenients

Since the user experience is not personalized, you will encounter different levels of problems depending on the device. This includes unresolvable performance issues that affect a small percentage of the user base. You’re also limited to a standard experience that never uses a device at full power. For non-natives to work, a dedicated team with problem-solving skills is mandatory.

It’s your choice when it comes to deciding how mobile apps affect your business. You can go either way, but it will be a hassle to change your mind at the last minute. Manage your resources wisely and make a choice that will prepare your business for a bright future.