Native vs Hybrid vs PWA

There used to be two options for building an app – native or hybrid. More recently, a third option has entered the fray, Google-sponsored Progressive Web Apps. With everyone promoting their own solution it can often be confusing when you’re building a new app to know which option is most suitable for you and your business.

There is no one best app development approach.
All three of them come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages that business gamble upon depending on their end objective.

Native Apps:

Native apps are the one that are designed for a specific operating system, which can be either Android or iOS.
When you invest in Native mobile app development, you get an app that is responsive to an operating system and interacts with the in-built device features like Camera and GPS etc. The responsiveness that Native apps come with, ensures that your users get an app that has very low learning curve and offers them an experience that is highly intuitive.

• Drawbacks : Development and maintenance cost , Internet data consumption an average size of Native app range from 20MB to 200MB.also these app need weekly updates etc.

Hybrid Apps:

Hybrid apps are those that are developed using a single code language for multiple platform. When you invest in Hybrid application development, what you get is an app that runs on both Android and iOS. You can achieve the device specific interactions with the help of plugins that are made for the specific operating system. The biggest benefit that Hybrid apps come with is that their development process is highly cost effective.

*Drawbacks : Made for all device having single code the look and feel gives an extremely unresponsive look from device to device.
Another turning off element of Hybrid mobile app development is the fact that it is so dependent on plugins to interact with device’s in built features, that an app that requires complex technicalities fails to operate well.
React Native isn’t officially supported by Apple or Google (as we’ve already seen Google have pioneered their own Progressive Web Apps). This means that new functionality or updates made to either iOS or Android might not work seamlessly with React Native code.

Progressive Web Apps:

Progressive Web Apps are essentially still websites.Yes Progressive Web Apps are nothing but websites that are developed to be responsive for the mobile users. The most cost effective of the lot, PWAs are also on a much safer spot when the time comes and the app bubble finally bursts.
Also, since they need no installation on the device, they are ideal for the users who suffers with low memory space syndrome.
*Drawbacks : The biggest reason that has kept businesses at bay when it comes to progressive web apps or web apps in general is their dependency on the internet connectivity. They only work until the app is connected with an active network.you can cache but initially it required internet

Also, since they are not installed on the play store or apple store, they lose out on the chance of app monetization, majorly.

The big caveat to all of this is that they are not currently supported by Safari so none of this applies to iPhones or iPads

When to Invest: Hybrid vs Native vs PWAs

Progressive Web Apps:

If your business objective requires users to check in weekly or monthly and as an extension to your website, invest in PWA. Also, if your website is majorly functioning around one sided less interactive sessions, PWAs would be ideal for you.
If you want people to use your app on a daily basis – then progressive web apps probably aren’t a workable solution
Lastly, if your app’s target audience is developed geographical locations that have an active network connection, go with PWAs. If you ever wish to expand into a more mobile front, go with Native Apps in the future.

Hybrid Apps:

Hybrid apps are ideal for the startups who are seeking quick traction for their idea that has not explored enough to judge whether it would be accepted or not.
Also, in case your app is not very media focussed or dependent on device’s in built features, Hybrid apps would be your best bet. Once you have established yourself in the market for the app idea, invest in Native app development. But, till then, ensure that you do all your development process using React Native platform.

Native Apps:

Native apps are for those businesses that are entering the mobile industry with a gaming or media rich application or with an app that would need a very deep level interaction with the user’s devices.
Businesses like Facebook or LinkedIn that has a reputation to maintain at the back of their UI/UX are also investing in Native applications to a great extent.
If your business relies heavily on user interaction and an unparalleled user experience is mandate for your brand plus you have funding, go with Native application development.