The number of businesses that have realized the importance of having a business app used on mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) is increasing every year. If you are a business owner interested in getting the most from the millions of mobile users out there, you should know that there are basically two types of apps you can invest in – native and responsive apps. To understand which option is better, you must learn more about their differences and their pros and cons.
Native apps are typically downloading from Application stores like App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Each native app comes with a distinctive icon that users should tap to launch.
On the other hand, responsive apps are actually web apps that are launched via web browsers. Each of these specific types of apps comes with certain advantages and disadvantages. We will now highlight these advantages and disadvantages.
UX (User Experience)
When it comes to user experience, native apps come with a user-friendly interface and the target audience. Responsive apps are restricted to the abilities of the web browser. Different users can get a different experience depending on the web browser they are using (built-in vs. commercial downloadable browsers). The good news is that both options provide a solid offline user experience. However, in the case of responsive apps, only those based on HTML5 can provide an offline experience (through cache).
Performance
It is good to point out that native apps can use more resources and features of the device, which means that they run faster and smoother. However, this also means that they can sometimes slow down background processes. It all depends on the quality of the native app and how it was developed. Obviously, responsive apps need fewer resources – they are displayed in the browser, which means that they cannot use more resources than the browser, and as we all know, modern mobile browsers need minimal CPU and space.
Marketing abilities
Generally speaking, responsive apps allow business owners to reach a wider audience on a wide range of platforms simply and easily. This is something that you cannot expect from an average native app. The same code is used on all platforms, and there is no approval procedure. Native apps have different versions for different operating systems, and they need to be approved by application stores.
Maintenance
The truth is that native apps are usually more difficult to maintain once the app is downloaded. Different code bases must be maintained. On the other hand, when users are launching responsive apps, they are always using the latest version. Native apps need manual update even though it is possible to set the mobile device to an automatic update.
Price
It is a well-known fact that native apps cost more because developing an app like this requires more time. This is one of the reasons why many people opt for responsive apps. However, according to some surveys, more people prefer native apps when looking for a way to buy things online. This means that native apps are a smart investment in the long run.
It is difficult to tell which option is better because it all depends on your business’s nature. Native apps allow all the features mobile devices have like GPS, accelerometer, camera, and other sophisticated features. Responsive apps are more cost-affordable and easy to maintain. One thing is for sure – having a mobile app is a must for every modern business. If you are not sure which option suits your business the best, please contact our experts.
