Native vs hybrid app: Which one to choose?

Mobile apps are generally categorized into native, hybrid, and web apps. Choosing between native and hybrid app development is a critical decision that affects performance, user experience, development time, and cost. Each option offers unique advantages and challenges.

In this guide, we will explore the key differences and benefits of native and hybrid apps. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of which approach to choose and how to effectively test each type.

What is a Native App? 

A native app is an application specifically designed and programmed to run on a particular operating system and hardware configuration. For example, Google Maps is specifically developed for Android devices, providing a highly optimized user experience and access to device-specific features. 

They’re built using the platform’s own preferred programming languages and software development kits (SDKs), giving them deep integration with the device’s hardware and features.

When to Create a Native Application?

Consider a native app when:

• Performance is paramount: Native development offers interfaces for the fastest and smoothest user experience, which is essential for games, graphics-heavy apps, or those requiring seamless background processing.
• Clear Target: Technical or commercial considerations could convince you about a particular distribution channel or operating system. For many, the decision to build coding capacity comes after selecting the target platform and audience.
• Access to device features is crucial: If your app needs to interact directly with the camera, GPS, accelerometer, or other device-specific functions, native provides the most reliable access.
• You prioritize a platform-specific look and feel: Native apps are built to adhere to the design guidelines of their specific platform, offering a more intuitive and familiar experience to users.
• Budget allows for separate development: Building and maintaining separate native apps for iOS and Android does require more time and resources. Planning for a great team is a must-have if you want to avoid losses.

Examples

• Mail on iOS: Known for its speed and reliability, even in low-connectivity areas.
• YouTube on Android: Delivers a high-quality video streaming experience with offline playback.
• Word on Windows: Utilizes a high level of performance and device integration.
• Instagram on Android: Offers a rich visual experience with sophisticated camera features and editing tools.

Advantages of a Native App

• High Performance: Native apps, if programmed correctly, load faster and run smoother due to direct access to system resources.
• Better User Experience: They provide a more intuitive and responsive user interface that is consistent with platform guidelines and overall experience.
• Access to Device Features: Native apps can easily leverage device-specific functionalities like camera, GPS, and notifications to full capacity.
• Reliable Security: Better integration with application security frameworks of the respective operating systems.
• Regular Updates: It is easier to push updates tailored to specific platform changes. However, this is the area where many people face complications due to proprietary App Store processes and guidelines.

Disadvantages of a Native App

• Higher Development Costs: Requires separate codebases for different platforms, which can increase development time and cost.
• Longer Time to Market: Developing separate apps for each platform can slow down the launch process.
• Maintenance Complexity: Ongoing maintenance requires updates for each specific platform, leading to potential fragmentation.
• Limited Cross-Platform Compatibility: Native apps cannot be easily shared across different platforms without additional development efforts.

What is a Hybrid App?

Hybrid apps bridge the gap between native and web development, offering a way to build applications for multiple platforms from a single codebase. Traditionally, this involved wrapping web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) inside a native container, essentially running a web app within a native shell.

Frameworks like React Native, Ionic, Flutter, and Xamarin have blurred the lines between traditional hybrid and native development. 

While they often use web technologies (like JavaScript in React Native) or languages that compile to native code (like Dart in Flutter by Google), they don’t rely solely on a Webview. These frameworks bridge to Native Components, often utilize native UI, and may also compile to native binaries, further boosting performance.

When to Create a Hybrid Application?

Consider a hybrid app in these cases:

• Budget Constraints: If you have a limited budget, hybrid apps can be more cost-effective due to their single codebase for multiple platforms.
• Shared Coding: While working with web technologies it is easier to do full-stack work, whereas in some proprietary App dev scenes, you have to master two or three, languages that have no other popular utility in the tech industry.
• Faster Time to Market: When you need to launch an app quickly across multiple platforms, hybrid development can expedite the process.
• Simpler Applications: For less complex applications that do not require extensive native functionality or advanced graphics.
• Frequent Updates: If you anticipate needing frequent updates or iterations, hybrid apps allow for quicker revisions across all platforms without needing separate deployments.
• Targeting Multiple Platforms: When you want to reach a wide audience across many device categories (e.g. iOS, Android) without incurring the costs of developing separate native apps.

Examples

• Ionic: A mobile app development platform, which is itself a hybrid app that provides tools to create hybrid apps.
• Flipkart: An Indian e-commerce giant that uses React Native for cross-platform development.
• Google Pay: A popular UPI payments portal built by Google using Flutter.

Advantages of a Hybrid App

• Cost-Effective Development: A single codebase reduces the cost of development and maintenance across multiple platforms.
• Faster Development: Developers can work on one codebase, enabling quicker launches to the market.
• Access to Device Features: With the right frameworks, hybrid apps can utilize some native device capabilities, such as camera access or GPS.
• Easier Updates: Updates can be implemented across all platforms simultaneously, simplifying lifecycle management.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Hybrid apps are designed to function on multiple platforms, ensuring a wider reach.

Disadvantages of a Hybrid App

• Performance Limitations: Hybrid apps may not perform as well as native apps, especially for graphics-intensive functionalities or gaming.
• Incomplete Native Features: Certain native device features may not be fully accessible or may require additional plugins for hybrid apps.
• User Experience Concerns: The user interface may not feel as responsive or consistent with platform guidelines compared to native apps.
• Potential for Bugs: The reliance on web technologies can introduce performance and compatibility issues not found in purely native apps.
• Dependency on Third-Party Libraries: Relying on frameworks (like Cordova or React Native) can lead to limitations related to updates and support.

Talk to an Expert

Native App vs. Hybrid App 

Choosing the right app development approach is crucial for a project’s success. Both native and hybrid have their strengths and weaknesses. This table provides a concise comparison to help you make an informed decision:

How to Test Native and Hybrid Apps on BrowserStack?

Native and hybrid apps use different technologies but provide similar functionality, requiring the same testing approach. Key functional tests include verifying. 

• Device resource access (camera, location)
• Push notifications
• Gestures
• Screen orientation (landscape or portrait mode)
• Offline mode

Also, check for compatibility with multiple devices-browser-OS combinations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Native Apps on BrowserStack

Step 1: Create a Free Account

Start by creating a free account on BrowserStack using your basic details or Gmail SSO login.

Step 2: Select the Application Type

After creating your account, you’ll be redirected to the dashboard, where you can choose the application type to test, such as web, native, or hybrid apps. Click on App Live, and select either an Android or iOS device according to your app’s support.

Step 3: Upload or Use a Sample App

If you’re new to testing, start by selecting “Test with a sample app” to familiarize yourself with BrowserStack’s features. Once ready, upload your native app by clicking “Upload your App.”

Step 4: Begin Testing

Use BrowserStack to test your native/hybrid app in real time. The platform offers an intuitive interface with options to test your app in various scenarios to identify and fix bugs. Easily switch between devices to cover all test cases.

You have now successfully tested your native/hybrid app on BrowserStack under real-world conditions. 

The above example shows how to test native/hybrid apps manually. The same procedure can be automated using BrowserStack App Automate.

How to Choose a Native App vs a Hybrid App? 

Consider the following factors when deciding between a native or hybrid app:

Once you have clearly analyzed your project scope, requirements, and budgets, deciding between the available types of apps should be straightforward.

If you are left with open choices, you can explore both directions in the order of preference, or if resources allow, you could do both and test the output.

While making the decision, though, one has to keep in mind the team’s processes, especially around quality assurance, product updates, and new releases. One must also keep contingency plans ready for some time in the future.

Whether you choose a native or hybrid app, thorough testing on real devices is essential for identifying and resolving bottlenecks, ensuring a high-quality customer experience, and improving engagement and retention.

BrowserStack’s App Live and App Automate allow developers to perform manual and automation testing of native and hybrid apps across a vast array of real devices and operating systems. Instant access to the latest devices ensures that your app functions flawlessly, regardless of platform. This capability guarantees that users receive a consistent and improved experience irrespective of the app type.

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