On the surface, the main difference between native apps and cross-platform apps is the fact that the former applications are built for one specific device on one specific platform, while latter apps consist of one app built with one code that can be used across several different platforms and devices.
Delving deeper into these differences shows where each app shines and falls short. Below is a comparison of five aspects of mobile app development.
Efficient Use of Resources
Cross-platform mobile apps are developed with one code base that can be used to run on various mobile devices and platforms like Windows, iOS, Android and Blackberry. These types of apps are useful because development is quicker and costs are lower.
In comparison, native apps are built for one device and one platform. Apps for additional devices and platforms require developing more code, which leads to more time used and more money spent.
Speed
Native apps run noticeably faster than cross-platform apps. They generally run seamlessly with no freezing or loading delays. Unfortunately, cross-platform apps tell a different tale. Performance delays and freezing are somewhat normal occurrences for these apps without professional help.
Quality
Native apps boast better quality due to being able to use the device’s built-in features, giving the user a familiar feel they will appreciate. On the other hand, cross-platform apps are not always able to capture each platform’s unique functionalities and roll them into one app, making them slightly less user friendly.
Mobile App Development
For the creation of native apps, developers are given a nice array of tools to assist in the process, such as SDKs (software development kits), making most features possible to execute and also making testing and debugging easier. There are tools to help with cross-platform app development, but in comparison they’re not as reliable as those used for native apps and the capabilities are fewer.
Mobile App Support
Once created, native apps are fully supported by the app stores and marketplaces that go along with their respective platforms.This ensures the safety and security of the app and also creates places where the app is easily found by the user. Cross-platform mobile apps do not have this support and are therefore harder for users to find. Users must put measures in place to ensure the safety and security of a cross-platform app.
Now that you know how the two types of app development differ and the areas in which each shines, are you able to choose a mobile app to suit your needs? If not, you may need to speak with an experienced mobile development consultant about your individual needs.