The way that businesses communicate with customers has changed because of the smartphone. It is difficult to grow a business while ignoring the mobile opportunity. Mobile users are spending more time using their phones than ever before. Ericsson Mobility Report projects a 25% rise in mobile traffic between 2023 and 2025. The average person spends more time on their smartphone than ever before.
We will be comparing the two and discussing key features. This will help you decide when to invest in each type of app. Mobile apps are a popular choice for customers. They offer a great mobile experience and attract more attention. Native apps provide a great end-user experience. They offer a better mobile UX and more features. However, PWAs allow you to ship faster, control costs, and reach users across multiple platforms with a dedicated project manager and dedicated team.
What should your mobile app development strategy be? Do you want a progressive web application or a native one? Let's see how PWAs compare to native apps and which one is best for you and your interactive web application user interface.
What Is A Progressive Web App?
A progressive web application is a mix of a responsive website as well as a mobile app. Although they are web-based, PWAs can be accessed via mobile devices. Users can place them as apps on their home screens without installing the app.
A Progressive Web app (or accelerated website) provides unique features that are not available on regular websites. For Android and iPhone app development services, we use web technology such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create Progressive Web Applications. A Progressive Web app functions and looks like a native mobile app. It still requires an internet connection and access to a browser in order for it to function by mobile app developers.
Modern JavaScript frameworks are used to create PWAs. They can be downloaded on mobile devices instantly and provide a nearly native experience. The PWA technology was developed by Google in 2015. It improves mobile web experience and has the following benefits:
- Increases Conversions and Retention: PWAs load quicker, provide instant information, and can increase the time that real users spend on them by up to 40%, according to industry estimates.
- Increases Engagement: PWAs are designed to increase engagement via push notifications and quicker load times on mobile phones.
- Encourages Offline Use: PWAs are able to work with unstable connections and even offline users (thanks in part to pre-caching). The website loads quickly and never goes down.
Because of Google's mobile-first indexing strategy, progressive web apps can be compiled from a single code base and help businesses rank higher in search engines. Smartphone Users love the fact that PWAs do not need to be installed in order to use them. Customers and businesses benefit from this circumstance, which is win-win.
PWAs are a well-known tool for brands. Forbes, AliExpress, and Starbucks are the major players. But that is not all. You can find hundreds of examples of PWA apps that have been successful all over the world.
PWA studies and statistics show that progressive web apps have 33% lower maintenance costs than their native counterparts. The main reason is that you do not need to maintain multiple apps in different app stores. Each store has its own specialized development tools, code languages, and resources and mobile app development plan. PWAs allow you to manage one web app.
Progressive Web Applications
A progressive web application is essentially an accelerated website. PWAs are created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They look and work very similar to mobile apps but can be accessed through a browser. Although it may sound like a win-win situation, let us examine the main advantages and disadvantages of progressive web applications.
The Pros And Cons Of PWAs
- Compatibility: A PWA can be accessed through a browser and runs on any OS or mobile device (smartphone, tablet).
- Lower Costs: A progressive web app can still be a website, so you do not have to spend a lot of money on its development process. A PWA can be developed once and is compatible with every platform. This means that you will only need one development team.
- URL Access: To use it, you do not need to install and download a PWA. To access the PWA, you only need to open it in a browser. Once it is opened, pin it to your home screen so that it is always at hand. A PWA can also be shared via a URL, just like any other website.
- SEO Benefits: A PWA technically refers to a website. Instead of creating a marketing campaign for your PWA, you can use SEO benefits to promote it. Your app will also be given a higher rank due to Google's mobile-first indexation policy.
- Memory-Friendly: A progressive web app does not need to be downloaded.
- User Engagement: A PWA is a website that has been tweaked to keep users interested. However, push notifications help keep them engaged.
- App-Like UX/UI: A progressive web app feels native-like.
- Updates: All new features are automatically available in a PWA update without the user having to click any buttons.
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Cons of PWAs
- Battery Consumption: A progressive web app requires Internet access. This is why the battery drains so quickly. PWAs use technologies that aren't designed for mobile environments. This is another reason for excessive battery consumption. Devices will have to work harder to understand the code.
- Limited Functionality: PWAs are Google's "brainchild," so iOS may not support all of its features.
- Limited Hardware Accessibility: These apps are restricted in their access to hardware and software features. They do not support features not maintained by HTML5. PWA is not compatible with iOS devices An iOS application development company still needs to develop Progressive Web Apps for iPhone users..
What Is A Native app?
Native mobile apps have been around since the dawn of smartphones. You can download a native mobile app from the app store on iOS and Android. They are designed to make use of the hardware capabilities of specific mobile devices and provide an engaging user experience.
Native apps are software that is installed on a device, such as a tablet or a smartphone. These apps are available for download from the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store. Each one requires that they be downloaded and saved on a device. This will eat up some internal storage.
Native apps are designed for specific OSs and offer faster performance. They can also make better use of the hardware's capabilities. The development of native apps for iOS and Android platforms is done separately. This means that there is more work, money, and time involved. A native mobile app must be approved by app stores. This is essential for marketing and ensuring it succeeds.
Native Applications
Native apps, or mobile apps, are not compatible with PWAs. They can be developed for specific OSes and provide a wider range of features. Native apps are optimized for the hardware and software capabilities of each device and provide a smooth user experience and outstanding performance. Many businesses still prefer PWAs. Why? Let's find out.
Native Applications: The Pros
- Performance: A native app is built using the native language of the device. Mobile apps are fast and can offer many advanced features. However, they do not consume too much battery power. Native apps are preferred by many businesses over their progressive web counterparts due to their outstanding performance.
- Get The Best UX/UI Experience: The "native look" is all about intuitive and attractive layouts, vibrant animations, smooth scrolling, as well as many other important elements.
- Full Access: to hardware aspects. Unlike PWAs, mobile applications have complete access to all of a mobile device's built-in functions, including the GPS, Bluetooth, camera, as well as contact list.
- Offline Mode: A mobile app can work in offline mode due to its local storage and seamless data synchronization with the cloud. These apps usually cache data once the connection is established.
- Security And Data Protection: Native apps have access to all hardware components and are, therefore, better at data protection and security. Native apps can also support two-factor authentication.
Native Applications: The Cons
- More Expensive: You will need to hire separate developers for each OS because a native app is designed for that OS. An Android app will need Java or Kotlin developers, while the iOS version will require Swift and Objective-C, experts. You can also hire React Native developers to create hybrid apps that work on both platforms. A hybrid app, while similar to native apps, is not the same as one.
- Installation Process: To use a native app, it takes more than just clicking the link. To install a native app, a user must visit an app store to find it, then download it and complete the installation process. This can be a slow process. That's why over 50% of users will use an app or brand's website for browsing or shopping.
- Promotion Costs: Mobile apps cannot be promoted using SEO.
- Memory Consumption: Mobile apps take up too much RAM. This is one of their major disadvantages. The average Android app uses approximately 14,6MB, while the iOS equivalent takes up around 37,9 MB. These figures can vary depending on which app you are using.
PWA vs. Native App for Businesses - Which One Is Better?
Both native and progressive web apps have their pros and cons. Which one should you choose for your business? These are some tips to help you decide between a PWA and a native app.
Market Timing
PWAs are a good option if you want to get traction quickly or if you are still in the early stages of development. Native apps require dedicated developers to launch Android and iOS applications. App store approval can take longer than anticipated.
Progressive web apps, on the other hand, are easier to create and ship. A PWA, in essence, is a website. You can quickly develop and launch it to gain valuable market and user insight. You do not have to wait for the app store validation that is required for native apps being launched and distributed through Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store.
PWA is often recommended by our clients as the best solution for the initial phase of a project's development time. This is an economical approach that allows you to launch your project and get the first feedback from customers. Every business is unique, so it is sometimes a good idea to start developing native apps right away. It all depends on how you develop your digital products.
Read More: Progressive Web Apps The future of Mobile Web development
Cost Of Development
Because native apps can be expensive to develop, you will need to create both the iOS and Android versions separately by mobile app development company. For native Android app development, Java or Kotlin are used pricing models. However, Objective-C and Swift are used to develop apps for iOS users. Due to two different tech stacks, there are more developers and a higher cost. Due to the separate codebases, maintenance can be expensive and business issues in business ideas. Startups in the early stages need to be aware of the high costs involved for software solutions in initial ideas. This is because they want real feedback and traction target audience in a wide range of mobile solutions.
PWAs are easier to build and cost less because they are essentially web apps that can be used on all mobile platforms.
Cross-Platform Availability
You cannot launch native apps for iOS or Android if you want to reach more people. To reach customers and provide a better mobile experience, you will need to create and build apps for each platform separately. This will require more resources and time.
Progressive web apps have been designed to be responsive so that users can reach them faster and easier, regardless of their platform. Because of their universal appeal, PWAs can increase engagement rates by leaps and bounds.
- After switching from platform-specific experiences to PWAs, Hulu observed a 27% increase in repeat visitors.
- Nikkei's organic traffic increased by 3x, and the daily users increased by 50% after the launch of PWAs.
- Forbes's engagement rates increased by 100% following the launch of its PWA.
PWA vs. Native Apps For End Users: Which Is Better?
Your users are crucial for your business' growth and success. The decision about whether to use a native or progressive app should be made with the user in mind. Let us compare the pros and cons of both apps from the perspective of an end-user.
Download & Installation
Mobile users appreciate simple workflows that are easy to use. Many people do not want to download an app for informational purposes or for one-off use. They are more interested in finding a quick solution for their mobile needs. Users are also wary of giving permissions to native apps to access their location and storage.
PWAs can give you an advantage in this situation. PWAs are not required to be installed by users to access information, interact with businesses, or make purchases, unlike native mobile apps. Progressive web apps are ranked higher than native apps on an ease-and-convenience scale. They are fast and efficient, as well as saving storage space. PWAs can be used as hybrid apps for both iOS and Android.
Performance
Progressive web apps load quicker, but they work on third-party browsers. There will always be latency and high battery consumption. A native app, on the other hand, integrates seamlessly with the smartphone as a component. Native apps can better use the device's hardware and features than PWAs. Native mobile apps are also more powerful and perform better because they are platform-centric.
Features and Functionalities
Native apps can offer more features and functionality than progressive web applications. A PWA does not support features like geofencing and mobile payments via NFCs. It also lacks inter-app functionality and smart sensor usage. A PWA is not capable of delivering push notifications to iOS. For this, you need a native application. Native apps are the best option if you want to leverage push notifications and any of these features.
Offline Availability
PWAs promise offline functionality by only delivering a portion of the web application at a given time. PWAs are limited if the user requests information (or a feature) that is not available in the natural caching system. It is like this: You can only browse static pages but cannot submit forms until connectivity is restored. Native apps do better in this area. Although the user is not connected to the internet 24/7, native apps will deliver a constant experience (information, offline functionality).
PWA vs. Comparison of Native Apps
Let us now look at the pros and cons of each type of app. We will then compare our findings to determine which one is best for you.
UX/UI
- PWA: Looks and Feels Like a Native App.
- Native apps: Famous because of their attractive layouts, intuitive interfaces, and outstanding performance.
Compatibility
- PWA: Works with any platform or mobile device.
- Native App: Designed for one OS platform and dependent on new OS versions.
Development Costs
- PWA: One development team suffices.
- Native app: Separate programming for each platform is necessary.
Time-to-market
- PWA: Quicker create.
- Native apps: Take longer to create; app store verification is required.
Shareability
- PWA: Can be shared via a short URL-link.
- Native App: Can be accessed via the app store only.
Promotion
- PWA: SEO-friendly.
- Native app: Additional promotions are required.
Offline Mode
- PWA: Offers limited functionality in offline mode.
- The Native App: Works properly in the offline mode.
Memory Usage
- PWA: Does not require much RAM.
- Native app: Requires lots of memory storage.
Push Notifications
- PWA: not available for iOS devices.
- Native app: Available for both Android and iOS.
Updates
- PWA: Updates can be done automatically.
- Native app: Updates can be done manually.
Battery Consumption
- PWA: Drains the battery.
- The Native app: Does not use much battery life.
Read More: How to Make a Progressive Web App From Your Existing Website?
Security
- PWA: offers SSL encryption.
- Native app: Implements additional security levels with the aid of built-in component components.
Hardware Access
- PWA: Lacks full hardware component access.
- Native App: Has full access to all hardware components.
Installation
- PWA: No need to install, but it can be added to the home screen.
- Native app: Installation required.
Inter-App Communication
- PWA: Not available.
- Native app: Available.
PWA vs. Native apps
The comparison shows that a progressive app will not replace a native app despite all its advantages. In some cases, however, it is not necessary to spend more. A robust PWA is enough. These are just a few examples of cases:
- If you want to reach large audiences but do not have the budget to create separate apps for each platform.
- The expected app's functionality doesn't require hardware elements. PWAs are not compatible with it.
- Push notifications should not be your top priority. There are other ways to keep people engaged.
- The expected app's functionality does not conform to the policy.
A native mobile app for your case is the best option, even if it didn't make it to the top of the list. Let us now look at business cases that require a native mobile app.
- Integration with hardware components is essential for your app to work.
- Push notifications are needed for both iOS and Android.
- Biometric authentication is essential.
- It can be used as a game or as an AR solution.
Why Use Native Apps And Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web apps cannot replace native applications. You should only use them if you have specific requirements. A Progressive Web app is an option for companies with limited budgets who want to achieve large goals. Let us say that a company does not need native functions like fingerprint authentication. To create its apps, the company should hire a PWA development company.
Native apps are useful if you do not have the time or resources to create platform-specific apps. This option is great for people with more money who need native functions like fingerprint authentication. It also appeals to a smaller audience. This option is great for gaming apps.
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Summary
Although they look similar, native and progressive web apps can be used for different business situations. The main difference between native apps and the progressive web is that they are based on different technologies. They also have different integration levels with hardware. These differences can lead to discrepancies between their compatibility, shareability, and promotional peculiarities. You might find it easier now to decide on and outline your development strategy. You might not be aware of some essential aspects.
You should not rush to make a decision about mobile app development for your business or startup. Before you decide to develop a native development or progressive app, weigh the pros and cons. A progressive web app is best for users who are data-conscious and do not mind wasting their time. Native apps are better if your app has complex functionality or you want to increase brand recognition by being engagement models on the App Store.
We hope that this blog has provided answers to all the various opinions regarding the PWA/Native debate. It will also help you make informed decisions. We would love to hear from you in the comments about your opinion on native or progressive web apps. Also, let us know how it is working for your business as well as users using different mobile devices. If you have any ideas about native or progressive web apps, do not hesitate and contact us. CISIN professional development will assist you in making the right decision in app development projects.
Despite their differences, both native and progressive web applications can be useful in mobile app development services with cooperation models. It is important to fully understand your requirements before you decide on which app to use. This article should help you determine whether you require a PWA software development company or a native app digital solution.
