The rising popularity of web apps has created confusion to a lot of people who are not really that internet savvy.
Well, who wouldn't be? Both apps are installed on smartphones and both function in very similar ways.
Basically, a native app can be downloaded from an app store such as iTunes and Google Play.
On the other hand, web apps are micro websites that are mobile-optimized, designed and programmed to function like an app.
Generally, a native app works without internet connection once installed on a smartphone.
But this is not always the case in reality.
Most of the informational native apps also rely on the internet to provide the latest content.
Web apps always work through web browser used by smartphones and require internet connection to navigate through the app.
So between the two, which do you think will work best for your business? Let's consider some factors for you to ponder.
Web Apps 1.
Production Cost a.
Has less development cost b.
Aside from its more universal programming language, it can also be hosted on your existing web server even without submission or update notification on either Google Play or Apple Store.
2.
Installation procedures a.
They have some minor additional prerequisite during installation but it's not really that difficult and not a problem at all.
b.
It involves adding a bookmark on the smartphone's home screen 3.
Platform dependency a.
They have only one version that practically works well on all smartphones.
4.
Navigation speed a.
Naturally dependent on internet connection, hence it's a disadvantage b.
With a fast internet connection, navigation speed is quite similar with a native app 5.
File size a.
They don't call for any hard drive space since there's no actual downloading of the content on the smartphone 6.
Maintenance a.
Updating is easier just like updating a web page and can be done frequently with lesser cost.
7.
Offline functioning a.
Does not work without internet connection 8.
Search engine-friendly a.
They are mobile-optimized and are practically search engine-friendly b.
Web app content is also a king so it'll more likely appear on Search Engine Results Pages Native Apps 1.
Production Cost a.
Lesser development cost 2.
Installation procedures a.
Have some minor additional prerequisite during installation but it's not really that difficult and not a problem at all.
3.
Platform dependency a.
Have two platform versions, iOS and Android, which need separate submission to Apple Store and Google Play.
4.
Navigation speed a.
For apps requiring bigger data or photography, a native app is usually faster than a web app.
5.
File size a.
Native apps require enough space to accommodate the files which may end up over the limits.
6.
Maintenance a.
Maintenance is more complicated, more costly, and very time-consuming and it really sucks.
7.
Offline functioning a.
Works even without internet connection.
Though the latest development like caching in HTML5 enables availability of web apps to some extent even offline but without connection, it becomes ineffective.
8.
Search engine-friendly a.
Not so much of a search engine-friendly Both native apps and web apps have different approach in readily providing content to mobile users.
So contemplating on the above factors, whichever is applicable in your business solely depends on your needs.
Well, who wouldn't be? Both apps are installed on smartphones and both function in very similar ways.
Basically, a native app can be downloaded from an app store such as iTunes and Google Play.
On the other hand, web apps are micro websites that are mobile-optimized, designed and programmed to function like an app.
Generally, a native app works without internet connection once installed on a smartphone.
But this is not always the case in reality.
Most of the informational native apps also rely on the internet to provide the latest content.
Web apps always work through web browser used by smartphones and require internet connection to navigate through the app.
So between the two, which do you think will work best for your business? Let's consider some factors for you to ponder.
Web Apps 1.
Production Cost a.
Has less development cost b.
Aside from its more universal programming language, it can also be hosted on your existing web server even without submission or update notification on either Google Play or Apple Store.
2.
Installation procedures a.
They have some minor additional prerequisite during installation but it's not really that difficult and not a problem at all.
b.
It involves adding a bookmark on the smartphone's home screen 3.
Platform dependency a.
They have only one version that practically works well on all smartphones.
4.
Navigation speed a.
Naturally dependent on internet connection, hence it's a disadvantage b.
With a fast internet connection, navigation speed is quite similar with a native app 5.
File size a.
They don't call for any hard drive space since there's no actual downloading of the content on the smartphone 6.
Maintenance a.
Updating is easier just like updating a web page and can be done frequently with lesser cost.
7.
Offline functioning a.
Does not work without internet connection 8.
Search engine-friendly a.
They are mobile-optimized and are practically search engine-friendly b.
Web app content is also a king so it'll more likely appear on Search Engine Results Pages Native Apps 1.
Production Cost a.
Lesser development cost 2.
Installation procedures a.
Have some minor additional prerequisite during installation but it's not really that difficult and not a problem at all.
3.
Platform dependency a.
Have two platform versions, iOS and Android, which need separate submission to Apple Store and Google Play.
4.
Navigation speed a.
For apps requiring bigger data or photography, a native app is usually faster than a web app.
5.
File size a.
Native apps require enough space to accommodate the files which may end up over the limits.
6.
Maintenance a.
Maintenance is more complicated, more costly, and very time-consuming and it really sucks.
7.
Offline functioning a.
Works even without internet connection.
Though the latest development like caching in HTML5 enables availability of web apps to some extent even offline but without connection, it becomes ineffective.
8.
Search engine-friendly a.
Not so much of a search engine-friendly Both native apps and web apps have different approach in readily providing content to mobile users.
So contemplating on the above factors, whichever is applicable in your business solely depends on your needs.
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