Would you go for a native or a hybrid app? This is a question that flaunts every startup owner these days. Native app development is best for creating high-performance and data-sensitive applications. But it comes with higher costs and a longer timeline.
What if you want to test your app idea quickly, even if you’ve limited resources, and launch it in the market as an MVP to see what users demand? Is that even possible?
By developing hybrid apps, you can validate your idea even in the shortest possible timeframe with a limited budget.
To decide which app you should develop, it's important for you to know the key differences between hybrid and native mobile applications.
What Are Native Mobile Apps?
These are the mobile apps that are specifically designed for a specific operating system (iOS and Android).
To create an app for an Android device, developer uses the Android SDK using Kotlin. While if they want to create applications for iOS, they will use the Swift programming language.
The main benefit of native mobile apps is that users can enjoy platform-specific capabilities and features such as camera, GPS, fingerprint authentication, Bluetooth, etc.
Native apps made for one platform cannot be used for another platform. It means that Native Android apps cannot be used on Apple devices. On the contrary, native iOS apps cannot be used on Android. Users can access native apps by downloading them on their mobile devices through the app store or play store.
What Are Hybrid Applications?
Hybrid mobile app development combines the capabilities of both native and web apps. Users can access hybrid applications through web browsers.
The development time of these apps is faster than native application. Also, hybrid apps can take advantage of platform-specific features such as GPS, camera, etc. but there are some limitations to it.
Developers use web technologies such as CSS, HTML5, and JavaScript to build hybrid apps. These apps follow write code once and deploy it framework on multiple platforms.
As it comes with code reusability feature, this becomes cost-effective option for businesses to make their apps live even if they're on a limited budget.
Hybrid Vs Native Mobile Application
Basis of comparison | Native apps | Hybrid apps |
Programming languages | Developers use Kotlin for developing android apps. Swift is used for developing iOS apps | Hybrid framework uses HTML, CSS and JavaScript language |
Code portability | Native app developers use various codebases for developing multiple apps. | Developers use a single codebase for creating apps that support multiple platforms. |
Time to release apps | It is a time-consuming process to create separate codebases, design the interface, and then release the app in the market. | Hybrid apps can be marketed quickly as they use a single codebase. |
Scalability | Ideal for apps requiring high performance. | Great for MVPs. |
Access to Native Features | Full access to device specific features such as camera, GPS, biometrics etc. | Access to native features requires extra plugins which can be limiting. |
Performance | Native apps offer exceptional performance to the users as apps are developed using platform-specific guidelines. | Hybrid apps do not provide native like performance when it comes to designing 3D elements in an app or adding complex interfaces. |
Approvals | An app is launched in the market once it gets approval from the app store or the Play Store. | Hybrid apps do not require approval from app store or play store, these apps are accessed through web browser. |
Development time and cost | You’re writing separate codebases for iOS and Android. This increases the development time and efforts, and hence more cost. | The development cost would be substantially lower as it uses a single codebase to run the apps across multiple platforms. Moreover, the maintenance cost is also less. |
Maintenance | Native apps require high maintenance efforts because developer needs to maintain the app for individual platforms | Developers need not worry about maintaining separate apps again and again. Hence, the cost of maintaining an app is relatively low |
When to invest in native/hybrid app? | If performance and user experience matter a lot, invest in native app development. | Hybrid app is the best fit for you if you need a simple booking app or an MVP. |
Real World Examples of Hybrid and Native Applications
Examples of Native Mobile Apps
1. Spotify
Spotify, a music streaming app, is a perfect example of a native app as it's built separately for each iOS and Android device.
It provides users with exceptional performance that's real-time audio streaming capabilities because it has access to device features and functionalities.
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a popular messaging and media sharing application, allowing individuals and businesses to do voice and video calls, share multimedia messages so that users can communicate with ease.
This app offers superior performance, security and smooth UX tailored to platform traits.
Examples of Hybrid Apps
1. Instagram
A popular social media application that's built to create and share photos. It uses a blend of native capabilities with web technologies to provide a smooth user experience across multiple devices.
Its camera integration and animations are butter smooth because it speaks directly to the device hardware.
For instance – Instagram uses a few web components in the explore tab to display personalized content to users.
2. Uber
Uber developed its mobile app using a cross-platform framework to increase its app reach so that it can target Android and iOS users.
The app offers superior performance across multiple platforms, even though it was running on a single codebase.
Benefits of Native and Hybrid App Development
Advantages of Native Apps
Native apps are best at providing exceptional performance to the users because these apps are developed for a specific platform. The speed of native apps is comparatively faster as developers create these apps using platform-specific programming languages.
To ensure that the mobile app delivers smooth performance, users need to update the app constantly either, through the play store or App store.
For instance – If you're running an e-commerce business and you need an app for mobile device that loads quickly and provides an enjoyable experience to users, then developing a native app is the best option for you.
Or if you want to develop an on-demand service app like Uber or Airbnb which requires access to device features such as real-time GPS tracking, then native app development should be your topmost priority.
2. Highly secured apps
Native apps are more highly secure than hybrid apps because they are launched on the app store or play store once they get approval from Android/iOS.
Unlike hybrid apps, native applications have built-in security features and don't rely on any third-party libraries. Thus, it safeguards users' data.
3. Provides the best user experience
Native mobile apps offer interactive user experiences to the customers because each platform has specific UI/UX guidelines. It eliminates the need of a learning curve and allows users to interact hassle-free with app elements.
4. Access to new updates
It becomes easy for the developers to access the newest features quickly as and when Android and iOS release new app updates. Hence, developers need not wait to get additional tools to access app features.
Advantages of Hybrid Apps
1. Saves development time
Developing hybrid apps saves development time as developers need to use a single codebase for developing an app for multiple platforms. In today’s digital landscape, it becomes important for developers to market the app quickly.
Additionally, hybrid app developers can speed up the development process using various libraries such as Xamarin and PhoneGap.
Hybrid apps can work on multiple platforms (Android/iOS) with the help of a single codebase. Developers need not worry about writing various codebases to build an app that can support multiple platforms.
3. Provides offline support
Hybrid apps allow users to access the app in case of unstable internet connectivity. These applications provide offline support functionality to the users because it keep on saving the data locally. If there is a circumstance where users cannot see the app elements properly, they can access the app offline.
4. Cost-effective solution
Hybrid apps have cross-platform compatibility, making it easier for developers to use them on multiple platforms. Hence, it saves your development cost of using a single codebase to create an app.
Even many top brands are developing hybrid applications. Some of these includes Twitter, Uber, and Instagram.
Also Read: Hybrid Vs. Native Vs. Cross-Platform: Which Is Winner
Disadvantages of Hybrid & Native Mobile Apps
Cons of Native Apps
1. High development cost
The development cost of native apps is comparatively higher because 2 separate codebases are created to build apps, and thereby organization needs to spend extra dollars on hiring Android and iOS app development services separately.
Thus, developing an app for each platform increases project complexity and time.
2. Need of experienced developers
To create an app for the app store, the developer should have expertise in using objective C/swift language. You cannot expect an Android app developer to create an iOS app. As the programming languages are different, there is a need to hire an experienced developer for this.
3. Time-consuming
The time required to develop native apps is a bit higher than cross-platform apps as the developers need to write different codebases for running an app. One code can't be repurposed for another platform.
4. Expensive support & maintenance
Generally, there is a misconception among developers that there are no expenses once the app gets launched. The yearly cost of maintaining native apps ranges from 20% to 50% of the app development process.
Cons of Hybrid Applications
1. Poor User experience
The user experience offered by hybrid apps is not good as every OS functions differently. A hybrid app developed for Android might give a poor user experience for iOS users.
2. Browser requirement
Users can access hybrid apps through a web browser. They need to type the URL to access the app because it’s not launched in the app store. Therefore, it becomes difficult for users to interact with hybrid apps because these apps do not work smoothly.
3. Access to an Internet connection
Hybrid apps are primarily websites that require an internet connection to access a full range of features. While in the absence of internet connectivity, users might find trouble accessing it offline.
4. Graphics
Hybrid apps do not produce high-quality images as compared to native apps. When it comes to designing high-quality graphics or leveraging 3D elements, it’s not profitable for you to go with a hybrid app development approach.
Also Read: Difference Between PWA vs Native Apps
Which One to Choose Between Native & Hybrid App for Your Business?
When it comes to deciding between hybrid and native apps for app development, here are a few factors you should consider-
1. Do You Need a Simple or Complex Application?
The decision to choose between hybrid and native is a dilemma for startup owners. But it all boils down to what type of app to create (simple or complex).
For instance – If you want to create a content-driven app and you may have a limited budget, then you can choose hybrid frameworks such as Flutter or React Native. It is a great option because it offers a single codebase for iOS and Android, faster development, and lower initial costs.
However, if your vision is to create an app that offers complex functionalities, deep hardware integrations, and can deliver splendid performance, then native app development is the long-term strategic option.
While it does require separate codebases for each platform, the app can access platform-specific capabilities.
2. Forget About Short-Term Ease and Think Long-Term (From the User’s Perspective)
The next important factor is to decide between short-term ease and long-term reliability when making a decision between native or hybrid.
Alex Ginovski, Head of Product & Engineering, Enhancv says
“I was stuck when choosing between hybrid and native apps for my startup. Initially, I leaned towards hybrid as it offers quick development and lower costs. But then I learned an important lesson, the real cost isn’t just financial, but it also has to tie in with user satisfaction.
One experience changed my perspective – during user testing, I found performance hiccups, especially on older devices. Then, users started complaining about lag and poor performance issues, and that eroded their trust in our product.
Since then, I have chosen native over hybrid regardless of higher development timelines and cost.
But the best part?
Smooth performance and deeper integration with hardware retained our users.
” In a nutshell, if your focus is on creating a platform that aligns with user expectations and goals, an app that delivers seamless performance, then a native app is worth your investment.
3. Consider Goals Before Choosing a Development Approach
When choosing between native and hybrid apps, consider your goals. If you want to increase your app reach with less investment, then a cross-platform framework like react native can be a game changer for you.
You can build mobile apps with shared code and can still maintain good performance if cost is a concern for you.
Ask yourself and pick the one that suits your business goals and fits your current budget-
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Wide reach and low cost – Go with a hybrid
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Want to create a banking or financial app that delivers robust performance + provides you full access to device features - Go with a native mobile app
4. Choose Native for Design-Centric Applications
Let’s say you want to create a visual platform that can provide an immersive experience to users. Then you’d choose a native. Why?
Native gives you several benefits as given below -
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Deeper integration with device hardware
The experience these apps offer is non-negotiable which you won’t get with hybrid frameworks.
Of course, it will take extra time and more budget but think of it this way – if your app offers a smooth rich experience to users, then users would like to come back again and again. If your app feels slightly off, then they’re gone.
BONUS: Why do Startups on Tight Budgets Choose Hybrid App Development?
For startups with tight budgets, here are a few reasons why you should go with hybrid apps -
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It can save your startup from cash burn. The math is simple – one codebase instead of two costs development cost by 40-60%.
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If you’re an early-stage startup, your speed velocity doubles. When your team implements a feature once instead of twice, you can respond to market feedback twice as fast with half the engineering hours.
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Instead of competing for scarce native developers commanding premium salaries, you can tap into a large pool of web developers who can quickly adapt to frameworks such as React Native or Flutter.
According to Shantanu Pandey, Founder & CEO, Tenet
“Start with a hybrid app first, validate your market fit, and rebuild the performance fit components in a native app when you have the revenue to justify it. I've seen this approach cut time-to-market by months and extend the runway by 30-40%.
In the early stages, execution speed outperforms technical perfection every time. Your users care about solving their problems, not your implementation details.
” How BigOhTech Can Help You with Native and Hybrid App Development?
The choice between native and hybrid mobile apps depends on business needs and goals, the target audience, and the long-term vision of the app. Let's say if your startup has budget constraints and rapid market entry is your priority, then a hybrid app should be your go-to option.
While if your focus is on delivering high quality and fully integrated user experience, then the native app may be the better choice. Hybrid mobile apps are good to develop if you want to better manage your funds and development resources early in the market fit phase.
Still not sure of which app to develop for your business? Consulting a mobile app development company is going to help you as it understands your business requirements first and then provides you a personalized solution depending on what fits your business needs.
FAQs
Q1. Which is better – A hybrid or a native app?
Both are equally good however Native App scales and works for all use cases while
Hybrid app development is more suitable in the following cases –
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When you want to access platform-specific capabilities
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When you want to develop a 3D app or an animated app
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When you want to provide superior performance to the users
Native app development is suitable in the following cases –
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When you want to build cross-platform apps
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When you want to launch your app quickly in the market
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When you have a broad range of target audience
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When you have budget constraints
Q2. What factors should you consider when choosing between a hybrid vs native app?
Here are the few factors that have to be taken into consideration before choosing a native or hybrid app-
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Time required to build an app.
If you want to develop an app within a short period, then choosing a hybrid app is the lucrative option for you
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Platform-specific functionalities
If you want to get an access to platform-specific integration capabilities, then prefer developing a native app
If you have a limited budget, then developing native apps is not recommended. You can choose to create hybrid apps.
Q3. How does app performance differ between hybrid and native apps?
The performance of native apps is superior to hybrid apps. As native apps have access to specific platform capabilities, the performance it offers is exceptional. Hybrid apps do not perform faster when it comes to building 3D apps, game apps, or apps that require a lot of processing and Native functionalities
Q4. Can hybrid apps access device-specific features like native apps?
Yes, Hybrid apps can access device-specific features just like native apps however it might be slower and may not scale in all use cases and scenarios. Most of the time, in the hybrid app, you are always doing a feasibility study on the use case.
Q5. How does user experience differ in hybrid apps and native apps?
In comparison to hybrid apps, the user experience with native apps is significantly more interactive.
Due to the fact that hybrid apps have the same appearance, functionality, and user experience regardless of whether they are running on Android, iOS, or a specific device version, hybrid apps are inconsistent in terms of user experience based on device recommendations. This makes these apps less engaging.
Due to users' long-term exposure to the typical native user interfaces across numerous apps, native apps are easier to use as compared with Hybrid Apps.
