Mobile Application Services: Native vs. Hybrid App Development

Mobile applications and smartphone solutions

Everyone cares about smartphone solutions. According to a Deloitte survey, nearly every developed nation “reported at least 90 percent mobile phone penetration.” According to Statista’s Mobile App Usage Dossier, mobile app downloads hit approximately 230 billion worldwide in 2021, with game apps accounting for most of the share.

Smartphone obsession creates a massive enterprise market to reach clients and create profitable sales channels. When looking at the actual mobile solution, there are several types of application development possible. For example, there is native app development, hybrid as well as responsive web applications, so how do you choose between them? In this blog, we will explain native app development, responsive web apps for mobile devices and hybrid app development.

The Basics

Sometimes there is a mistaken belief that mobile apps and web applications are the same, but this is an incorrect assumption. There is a difference for the user, and the apps are developed and implemented differently.

Native mobile apps

Native mobile apps are created for a specific platform like Android or iOS, and users download them from an app store; mobile applications live and work on mobile devices.

Responsive Web apps for mobile

Web applications are used only via the internet browser and generally adapt to any mobile device. Web apps aren’t native to a system and don’t require a download or installation. Because they’re responsive to the platform form factor, they look and function like mobile applications, hence confusion.

Hybrid apps

The name explains it – hybrid apps incorporate many elements of both responsive Web apps and Native Mobile apps. Specifically, they’re both web and native apps; one can link native components to create a connection to a smartphone’s specific feature, like the address book, camera, or maps.

Hybrid App Development

Hybrid app development uses the most straightforward structures like JavaScript, CSS and HTML5. It makes a unified codebase that functions in several devices, which reduces costs and the project timeline – something that’s highly attractive to business leaders. An application service provider like V2Soft develops hybrid mobile apps on Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad), Android and Windows phone

Benefits of Hybrid mobile app development

Here are some advantages of Hybrid app development:

• Reduced development time and cost are the most popular benefits of hybrid app development.
• Available resource. It’s generally easier to find a qualified developer to code hybrid apps.
• Reduced app store restrictions. This is particularly relevant to Apple’s App Store, known for rigid regulations and the high chance of app rejection.
• Quick validation. Once a proposal is given to the app store, there’s usually a short waiting period. This means customers can try the app right away.
• Reduced code maintenance. There is one code to keep that makes code management efficient.

Cons of Hybrid Mobile App Development

• MA comparatively limited user experience is a primary drawback to hybrid app development
• Comparatively deficient performance - hybrid app development requires constructing another layer between the platform and the source code – resulting in a comparatively mediocre performance and page transitions.
• Partial native functionality. Hybrid apps can access only a few native elements.
• Not for Apps that require deep native functionality - It’s challenging to scale hybrid apps on multiple devices if deep native functionality is required. It may cost less to invest in native app development in such situations

Native app development

The term native app development refers to building a mobile app exclusively for a single platform. The app is built with programming languages and tools that are specific to a single platform. To have that same app on Android devices, one needs to invest in Android native and iOS development. For example, you can develop a native Android app with Java or Kotlin and choose Swift and Objective-C for iOS apps.

Native apps are known to deliver exceptional user experience as they are generally high performance. User experience is also enhanced as the visuals are tailored to the platform UX. The difference between the types of native applications lies in the distinction between platform-specific programming languages. Linked exclusively to an operating system, native apps let users enjoy their smartphones’ full functionality, like device features, push notifications and actions. Also, the software is typically designed to fit the screen characteristics of every specific device, which makes a native app enjoyable and fully operational.

However, organizations are concerned about the prohibitive cost of native app development as they need to run concurrent development for both platforms.

To alleviate the cost of development and maintenance of code specific to every platform, IT organizations resort to cross-platform native development. Cross-platform development points to the process of creating an app that works on several platforms. This is done by using tools like React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter, where the apps created can be deployed on both Android and iOS.

Benefits of native mobile app development

When built correctly, native applications promise elevated user experiences among all mobile app types.

Here are more advantages to native apps:

• Access all native device features. Native apps can use maps, GPS navigation, address books, cameras, and other items and information stored on devices.
• Fast and enjoyable user experience. This mobile solution is native to the device platform, runs fast, and accurately fits the device requirements.
• App store support. App stores serve as another channel to attract customers to your mobile app when used correctly.

Cons of native app development

The native app development process is complicated and needs careful attention because it’s overloaded with numerous elements. Therefore, it can be relatively expensive and complex.

Here are a few more disadvantages of native apps:

• Multiple codebases. Each new platform requires added costs for development, maintenance and updates.
• Must follow app store rules. Native apps need to pass a verification stage to appear on the app store and become available to users. This could become a significant obstacle for a business app and may be time consuming.
• Version consistency. In case application updates are not synchronized users may have different user experience in different devices and experience delays and support problems.

How to choose: native vs. hybrid application development

Selecting a proper development type depends on business goals and budget. Hybrid and native app development is unique; therefore, it’s critical to evaluate the project and choose the mobile application architecture that offers the most benefits.

Consider the following audience traits:

• Who are they?
• What is their network access points?
• Which app stores to target
• Update frequency
• The desired experience

Clarity on these points helps support the necessary equilibrium between development cost, business goals and customer expectations; therefore, make sure the mobile app satisfies both.

Both development types have beneficiaries that depend on project goals and customer needs.

1. Long-term vs. short-term perspective. The cost of native apps can become a wise investment overall, especially if deep device features must be accessed. In that case, it’s beneficial to invest in native app development as soon as possible. A hybrid app development approach on the other hand is an alternative to quickly building workable and multi-device solutions.

2. Price to quality ratio. Native app development is relatively expensive – consider if that price is necessary. A native app solution provides an opportunity to have top-notch software compatible with a specific operating system. However, if the goal is evaluating the mobile app solution on a broad audience. In that case, hybrid app development is a wise choice.

No matter which mobile app development one chooses, it’s vital to remember to implement it ASAP; after all, the purpose of a mobile app is to generate revenue.

How V2Soft can help

Our goal is to ensure you understand the differences between native and hybrid applications. When it comes time to find a trustworthy partner to develop your solution, V2Soft can help.

Our end-to-end application services help our clients modernize with custom business applications that improve efficiency.

We offer a comprehensive range of:

• Application development services (including mobile application development)
• Application transformation services
• Application support and maintenance

Our global delivery models adapt to enterprise needs with onsite, onshore, offshore or blended engagement teams. Our ultramodern delivery centers have world-class infrastructure and are CMMI 3 and ISO 27001 certified and HIPAA compliant.

V2Soft’s application delivery spans a breadth of industries, including:

• Healthcare
• Life sciences
• Utilities
• Ecommerce
• Marketing
• Automotive
• Education
• Government agencies
• Finance and insurance

To learn how your business can benefit from V2Soft’s mobile application services and reflect your vision, reach out to an expert today by filling out this form or email us at info@v2soft.com. You can also call us: at (866) 9-V2SOFT or (248) 904-1700.