The War of the Worlds: Web or Mobile

More than 2 billion smartphones and dwindling desktop usage only brings us to revisit the debate between which device is a better choice for deploying your apps. With reference to the features and functionalities available in a mobile device, it can effectively be concluded that native (or mobile apps) beat their web (or desktop) counterparts. However, in this tug of war between the two platforms, nothing is specific.

How does native defeat the web?

Technically, it is quite simple – web cannot and can never emulate native in the best possible manner. Native apps launch directly from the mobile platforms while the web apps interact with the browser, which in turn connects to the operating systems. This implies that the web apps need to surpass an additional layer of connectivity that not only makes them slower but also a bit coarser than their native counterparts. Although a web development California company ensures that the apps developed by them are optimized to offer enhanced user experiences, it can seldom be the sole driver of a web app success.

Web apps are stand nowhere when it comes to utilizing the in-built features and functionalities of the mobile devices. A web development California company can only hope to develop web apps that act as well as function as a mobile app. In addition, this aspect only strengthens the case for native mobile apps.

Hassle-free Web

What does it even mean when we say a hassle-free web? The answer is quite interesting though. If people want your app to launch with a single tap from their home screens, you probably should consider developing an app. If at all it is otherwise, get a web app developed. But, not as a mobile or web optimized app disguised as a native. Let us consider an example. For most business entities that just require a web presence like local stores, food carts, etc will seldom end up with an app. This is because, with entities as such, customers are looking at one-time interactions – opening hours, availability, contact details or probably a menu. The users expect to access this information without going through the hassles of installing an app.

Now this aspect of not having to download and install a mobile app brings in some good news for the web apps. If the users prefer just-in-time interaction, without having to install an app, it implies that they want the web – not because of their superiority, but because its hassle free. Visit the page, browse through, read and forget – no traces left on the phone.

The whole idea of debating over whether native apps are better than web apps or is it the other way around depends on the following criteria:

1. Your client requirements

2. Consider the business processes

3. Take into account the current as well as proposed target users
   

Furthermore, collaborate with any mobile app company to at least find a winner of the web versus mobile apps, if not on the global scale, then at least at the organizational scale.