Native vs. Hybrid Mobile Apps: What You Should Know Before Starting
As a mobile app developer for iPhone and Android, I’m often asked the same question:
Should my app be a native iOS/Android app or should I explore a hybrid approach?
Here’s what I tell most clients…
There are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding the mobile app development market. Recently, this question has become more difficult to answer, since the two most common hybrid platforms—React Native and Xamarin—are now offering excellent mobile experiences and getting closer to matching native UI/UX.
Before we dig into native and hybrid platforms, we need to focus on one critical aspect of development: the end user. The end user doesn’t care about the technology or platform behind the app—they care about usability. In fact, nearly 80% of users will stop using an app if it fails to work once or twice.
What is Native App Development?
In the context of mobile, a native application is a software program developed specifically for a particular platform or device. Because a native app is built for use on a particular device and its OS, it can fully leverage device-specific hardware and software features.
What is a Hybrid App?
A hybrid app is built using web technologies (like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), much like a website or mobile web app. However, it’s wrapped in a native shell that allows it to be installed and run like a native app. Over time, hybrid apps have improved, solving issues like having to write two separate codebases or needing separate development teams for each platform. But while hybrid development has solved many problems, it has also introduced some new ones.
Comparing User Experience
User experience in a native mobile app has some key advantages:
- Smooth scrolling
- Responsive swipe gestures
- Advanced animations and transitions
- Faster performance
Native development gives developers full access to the OS features—microphone, camera, contact list, local storage, and more—which translates into a better, faster, and more reliable experience for users.
User experience in a hybrid app comes with its own challenges. It’s important for developers and stakeholders to understand the limitations—especially when it comes to speed and quality. While React Native and Xamarin have come a long way, there are still trade-offs:
- Slower load times
- Performance lag
- Limited support for background processes
- A UI that often feels like a mobile website rather than a true app
So, Which One Should You Choose?
The truth is—both native and hybrid have their place.
The success of one native app doesn’t take away from the strengths of hybrid apps. You’ll find successful apps built with both approaches in the App Store and Google Play.
- Hybrid apps are a great choice if you’re building a minimum viable product (MVP) with a limited budget or tight timeframe.
- Native apps are ideal for mobile projects that demand high performance, custom features, and the best possible user experience.
If you have questions about this or other topics, we at Tapcrew can help you choose the right platform for your app. We’re conveniently located in San Diego, California, and we’ve been building mobile apps since the beginning of the iPhone and Android era.