Advantages of Native app development over Hybrid Mobile App Development

by Rob Stephen getaprogrammer

Native mobile app development offers superior performance and access to device features but requires separate coding for different platforms, while hybrid app development allows for faster deployment on multiple platforms but may sacrifice performance and access to certain device features.

Native apps excel over hybrid ones due to their access to OS-specific features and superior runtime execution and responsiveness. They offer the best user experience and performance, making them highly sought after. The main advantage of native mobile app development is that these applications can be tailored for a particular platform, that optimises their compatibility and utilisation of the device's capabilities.

Native vs. Hybrid Apps

Native apps are made just for one type of device, like iPhones or Android phones. They are built using languages that are specific to those devices, and they can do everything those devices can do.

Hybrid apps, though, are like a mix of regular web stuff (like websites) and some special code to make them work like regular apps. They can work on different types of devices because they're kind of like a website inside a special app wrapper. This also means that developers can reuse some of the code across different platforms.

Advantages of Native App Development over Hybrid Apps

Now, why might you prefer making a native app? Well, here are some strong reasons.

Lightning-fast Performance:

Native apps make the most of your device's power and resources, delivering unmatched speed and smoothness. Users enjoy a delightful and seamless experience with faster, smoother operation.

Tailored User Experience:

Native apps allow you to customise the user experience according to the design rules of the platform. This ensures users feel comfortable and familiar, increasing the likelihood of them staying engaged with your app.

Access to the Device’s Native Features:

If you want to use the camera, GPS, or other hardware features of your device, native apps are ready to support you. You can take advantage of all these cool features to build apps that are packed with innovative functionalities.

Enhanced Security:

Security is incredibly important, and native apps provide stronger protection against potential threats. With native apps, you have greater control over implementing security measures and can depend on the platform's built-in security features for added protection.

Smoother App Store Approval:

Native apps usually have an edge when it comes to getting approved on app stores. They typically align better with the platform's guidelines, which streamlines the approval process.

Now, why do hybrid apps sometimes lag behind?

While hybrid apps have some benefits, they also come with drawbacks. Here's why they might not always be the top choice.

Performance issues: Hybrid apps use web technologies, which can make them slower compared to native apps. This can lead to delays and less happy users.
Limited native features: Because hybrid apps try to work on different devices, they might not use all the cool stuff each device offers. This could mean your app doesn't have all the features users expect.
Relying on outside tools: Hybrid apps often need extra tools from other companies, which might not work perfectly or get updated regularly like the tools native apps use.
Compatibility problems: As phone systems change, hybrid apps might have trouble keeping up. They might need lots of updates to stay working right as phones get updated.

When deciding between native and hybrid app development, it is important to think about what your project needs and wants to achieve. Native apps are great for speed, how users feel about them, and what they can do with the device, so lots of developers and businesses like to use them.

Rob Stephen is an expert mobile app developer associated with an award-winning mobile app development in Sydney, GetAProgrammer. In this article, the author breaks down the advantages of native app development over hybrid app development in clear, concise terms, helping readers understand the benefits easily.