Both cross-platform and native apps are widely used by small and big enterprises. Cost, time and functionality that can be afforded by a company most often decides between the two. Are these two platforms similar or does overshadow the other? Let’s dive in to know:

Native Apps

Native apps are high performance developed using Java/Kotlin or Swift/Objective-C, so one can expect exceptional user experience. Native apps are developed for mobile platforms like iOS, Android, Windows Phone, etc. Native apps leverage the features of an operating system as well as all the device features like camera, GPS, gravity sensor, etc. Developers can make full use of sophisticated functionalities and memory management that come with using native app development. Since they are exclusively developed to run on a specific platform, they come at a higher price point.

Cross-platform Apps

Using tools like React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter, the cross-platform apps are developed using a single code and can be used on multiple operating systems. Developing these apps can be budget & time efficient which might result in compromised quality. These kind of apps are perfect for startups who want to launch themselves quick and easy. The framework is a bit restrictive for customisation.

Pros of Native App Development

High Performance:

Native built apps are extremely high in efficiency & performance. They ensure lower load time.

Functionally rich:

Natively built apps access all the features of the operating platform that results in best user experience. Native apps can also function offline which is perfect for complex mobile app requirements.

Best UI/UX:

For the intuitive user experience and consistent feel, native technology is your best bet. Developers can make use of functional actions & gestures to create visually superior apps with the best user interface.

Higher Security:

Native apps are developed using the core language of the platform ensuring better security and reliability.

Cons of Native App Development

High Cost:

Native app development is complex and features rich which results in higher costs. To cater to Android and iOS, you’ll require setting up two development teams, which adds to the total cost.

Updates and Maintenance:

Native apps require regular maintenance & support which can be challenging.

Time Consuming:

Native apps take significant time compared to cross-platform counterpart.

Pros of Cross-platform App Development

Cost-Effective:

You build the cross-platform app once and run on multiple platforms which cut the cost. You’ll only need one development team to build a single app and distribute it on multiple app stores.

Quick Development:

Cross-Platform allows you to reuse most of the original code which makes launching fully functional rich apps much faster.

Easy Maintenance:

Regular maintenance is simple with cross-platform due to a single codebase. All you need to do is roll out updates and distribute them for multiple platforms.

Cons of Cross-platform App Development

Cons of Cross-platform App Development

Limited Functionality:

Cross-platform apps are less time consuming and cost-efficient but fall short when it comes to functionality. They have limited accessibility to the operating system features and are not capable to work offline.

Limited support of 3rd-Party Libraries:

Cross-platform apps are not compatible with all 3rd-party libraries and software development kits (SDKs). This results in figuring out alternatives to create desired functionalities into the app.

App Failures:

Cross-platform apps are built-on one-app-fits-all approach. Such a scenario creates an integration issue which might result in app failure.

Both native and cross-platform mobile apps have their own advantages and disadvantages. Native apps are for those who want speed, performance and reliability, while cross-platform apps who want cost efficiency and reusability. Outlining your brand requirements will help you decide between the two.