The debate is still on and making you confused, right?
Well, that’s the reason, you’ve stumbled upon this post, looking to decide between Native and Cross-Platform!
Don’t worry!
After reading the entire post, your doubts will be cleared regarding the comparison!
Every year, new ways and tools for making apps come up. To help you decide if you should make your app specifically for one type of device or multiple devices, we’ve framed this complete guide.
But before that, it’s important to understand their meanings, features & benefits, compression, and more!
What Is Native App Development?
Native mobile app development means creating an app specifically for one platform, like iOS or Android. It uses programming languages and tools designed for that particular platform. Furthermore, these apps usually offer a great user experience because they’re optimized for performance and the visuals match the platform’s design. However, one drawback is that it can be expensive for startups since they often need to develop separate versions for each platform simultaneously.
Features & Benefits of Native App Development
Native mobile app development offers several advantages, including:
- Best Performance
Native apps are optimized for specific platforms, leveraging the full potential of the device’s operating system. This results in higher performance and productivity compared to cross-platform apps.
- Advanced Security
Native apps are inherently more secure than cross-platform apps due to their design. They are less vulnerable to security threats since they are not dependent on various web pages or programming platforms. Additionally, they incorporate improved encryption technology and prevention measures.
- Lower Risks of Bugs
Native apps have lower risks of bugs and errors because they operate directly on the operating system. The best part is that there is no additional software layer, which can slow down operations. Moreover, it enables faster and more effective utilization of device features such as the camera, GPS, and microphone.
- Ultimate UI/UX
Native apps offer a robust and intuitive user experience with a consistent look and feel. Developed using native software development kits (SDKs) for specific operating systems, they provide a natural flow to users. With strict platform-specific guidelines, it can enable familiar actions and gestures for users. Also, it will ensure better visuals and control over the user interface.
- Unmatched Store Support
Launching native apps in app stores is easier as they automatically comply with iOS and Android guidelines. Native apps are preferred by both Google and Apple, increasing the likelihood of being featured in their stores. Being featured reinforces your brand and significantly boosts downloads.
Overall, native app development services offer superior performance, security, user experience, and support from app stores compared to cross-platform development.
What is Cross-Platform App Development?
Cross-platform app development lets you create mobile apps using a single codebase that can run on multiple platforms. This means you can build an app once and make it work on both Android and iOS devices. One of the main advantages of cross-platform development is that it allows you to reuse code, which makes the development process simpler and more efficient.
For instance, WhatsApp is a popular cross-platform messaging app that works seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices. You can use WhatsApp to send messages, and media, and make calls regardless of the type of phone you have.
Cross-platform development offers several benefits compared to developing separate apps for each platform. It saves time and effort since you only need to write code once. Furthermore, it also reduces the risk of encountering bugs and makes updating the app easier and less complex. Overall, cross-platform development provides a more efficient way to create mobile apps that reach a wider audience across different platforms.
Features and Benefits of Cross-Platform App Development
Cross-platform app development offer several advantages. These are as follows:
- Requires Less Time
With cross-platform development, you can reuse the same codebase for multiple operating systems with minor modifications. This saves a significant amount of time compared to creating separate codebases for different platforms. Additionally, you can create and test a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with a larger user base in a shorter time frame.
- Easy App Support and Maintenance
Cross-platform apps simplify maintenance and support efforts. Since there’s only one codebase, the development team can quickly roll out updates and introduce new features or patches for multiple platforms simultaneously. This results in improved mobile service with less hassle.
- Cost-Effective
Cross-platform development follows the “write once, run everywhere” principle, allowing you to use a single codebase across multiple platforms. This significantly reduces development costs. Moreover, deploying one development team to build a single app for multiple app stores further cuts down on expenses, making cross-platform development a cost-effective choice.
- Maximum Exposure to the Target Audience
Cross-platform apps target multiple platforms, enabling you to reach a larger customer base at once. By distributing your app on iOS, Android, and other operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, you can reach a diverse audience with a single app, even with a limited budget.
- Faster Marketing
Marketing a cross-platform app is simpler and faster since you’re simultaneously targeting users from Android and iOS platforms. This eliminates the need to market separate versions of the app for different audiences, unlike native apps where separate marketing efforts are required for each platform.
Key Comparison Between Native & Cross-Platform App Development
Below is a comparison table outlining key parameters between native and cross-platform app development:
| Parameters | Native App | Cross-Platform App Development |
| Performance | Typically offers the best performance as apps are optimized for specific platforms | On the other hand, performance may vary depending on the cross-platform framework used and its ability to translate code efficiently |
| Development Time | Longer development time as separate codebases are needed for each platform | Generally shorter development time as code can be reused across multiple platforms |
| Cost | The cost of developing a native app is higher than cross-platform app development. | Lower development costs as a single codebase can be used for multiple platforms |
| User Experience | Provides a consistent and seamless user experience tailored to each platform’s guidelines | On the contrary, the user experience may vary as it can be challenging to replicate platform-specific behaviors and UI elements |
| Access to Native Features | Full access to platform-specific features and APIs | Limited access to some platform-specific features; may require additional plugins or custom development |
| Maintenance | Requires separate updates and maintenance for each platform | On the other hand, there’s simplified maintenance with updates applied to a single codebase |
| Time-to-Market | Longer time-to-market due to separate development for each platform | Faster time-to-market as development can be done simultaneously for multiple platforms |
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Deciding between native and cross-platform mobile app development comes with its own set of qualities. Ultimately, the choice depends on the specific requirements of your project and the expertise of the developers working on it.
If you’re still unsure about which approach to take, then simply contact EitBiz. We are a leading mobile app development agency that efficiently builds stunning and scalable apps that drive real business results. Our app developers always stay abreast of the latest techniques and technologies that help them with the app development process.
