Native vs. Cross-platform Mobile App Development- Which is Better?

Businesses worldwide benefit from mobile apps through an exponential enhancement of brand visibility and global revenue of the mobile application market which is estimated to reach $614 billion by 2026, compared to $397 billion in 2021. Creating a mobile app by choosing highly effective methods like native and cross-platform development can help businesses grow and thrive in this digital era.

You must analyze the efficiency of development like native, cross-platform, or web for your requirements to ensure your app meets or exceeds market expectations within your budget. Alternatively, you may also consider building web apps or progressive web apps if they seem beneficial for your business.

In this article, we will be talking about native and cross-platform app development to make it easy for you to determine the one that is most suitable for your requirements.

What is a Native Application?

Native applications are designed explicitly for iOS, Android, or Windows platforms using a specific programming language. For example, native iOS applications require programming languages Objective-C or Swift, while native Android apps require Java or Kotlin. Native app developers require an SDK (Software Development Kit), a set of tools and instructions developers use to build apps, and an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that offers a user interface.

The primary benefit of native applications over cross-platform ones is that they can automatically use all of the device's functions, including the hardware and software components such as processor, camera, GPS, etc. That is why native apps have better functionality, user experience, and interface than other types of apps.

Pros of Native App Development

Choosing native will surely bring lasting benefits for your business and apps in terms of quality and value.

High Performance

Native applications are extremely fast, responsive, and effective as they use specific programming languages and APIs. Additionally, they ensure shorter load times by utilizing the device's processing speed.

Highly Reliable

Using a primary language of operating systems like iOS and Android leads to an app that is more secure and reliable. In addition, multi-factor authentication, proactive security updates, and remote administration capabilities guarantee the highest data and privacy protection.

Offline Capability

Native apps can function without internet access, providing users the convenience of using app features in an airplane or offline mode. Users who live in distant locations, have limited data availability, or have poor internet connectivity can still access and use the app.

Better User Experience

Emerging business owners can expect exceptional user experience from native apps. Since apps are designed for a specific operating system, thus they abide by the rules that guarantee an enhanced user experience compatible with the chosen operating system.

Reduced Bugs and Errors

Due to their single codebase and the lack of cross-platform technology, native apps have fewer functionality errors or bugs.

Cons of Native Applications

Cons of native applications do not outweigh the pros that enable developers to provide quality products to the target audience.

No Code Reusability

Since react native app development requires a separate codebase for different operating systems, it can complicate and extend the development process. For example, if you are done with building an iOS application, you cannot use any of the code from that process in Android development, you have to start from scratch.

Costly Development

Although native apps have high functionality, you must provide it through multiple platforms to ensure it can reach a large user base. However, building a native app for platforms like Android, iOS, and Windows requires a new codebase, process, and project timelines, which can significantly increase development costs.

Skilled Developer Requirements

Native apps are language-specific, meaning you must use specific programming languages to build apps for iOS and Android separately while ensuring they meet the requirements of both operating systems. To do it right, you need skilled developers with experience in building apps for specific or both platforms, which can also increase the cost.

Time-consuming Process

As native app development includes a specific/new codebase and process for every platform, the development process can take up a lot of time.

What is a Cross-Platform Application?

Mobile app development using cross-platform languages makes it possible to develop a single application that works on multiple mobile devices. The primary benefit of cross-platform development is code reusability, which allows developers to use the same code to build apps for multiple platforms.

Pros of Cross-Platform Application

The benefits of cross-platform make it easy for mobile app startups to plan, manage, and execute their project with a limited budget.

Code Reusability

When developing cross-platform apps, developers do not need to write different codes for each operating system. The same code is compatible and can be used to build apps for multiple platforms like iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.

Accelerated Development

Whether you develop a simple or complex app for mobile devices or the web, you can build them with the same codebase, which means different teams can work on multiple development projects simultaneously using the same code, speeding up the development process.

Better Product Maintenance

Testing, app updates, and maintenance on multiple platforms become easier due to the single codebase. For example, if an Android native app has functionality errors or security issues, then you will need a solution that will be usable for that specific app. If the same app in iOS shows security issues or bugs, you will need a new solution for that. You can use the same one you used for Android.

However, with cross-platform apps, any problems with functionality, bugs, and security will be in the same codebase that is used for multiple platforms, so you only need to identify the problem and use the same solution for every platform. It can simplify testing and app maintenance significantly.

Cost Savings

Due to a single reusable code, cross-platform mobile app development is inexpensive compared to native app development which includes a separate codebase, development strategy, and separated project timelines.

Cons of Cross-Platform Application

You must consider the disadvantages of cross-platform development seriously if high application performance is essential for your business.

Limited Functionality

There are limitations to cross-platform apps in terms of functionality. For example, they cannot operate without an internet connection and have restricted access to operating system functions. It affects the overall user experience of the application.

Integration Issues

Cross-platform apps have integration issues as the multi-platform compatibility and system cannot always properly communicate with the components of various operating systems.

Poor User Experience

Cross-platform applications are known to have a bad/inconvenient user experience when compared to native applications.

Security Issues

A problem with cross-platform programs is that the one-fits-all approach often results in security issues. Their development includes web technologies, HTML, and CSS, which leaves them vulnerable to various security threats.

Select native app development if you want an app that

• Functions without internet access.

• Allows integration with complex and rich-in-class features like AR/VR and gaming while providing a seamless user experience.

• Caters to a specific demographic. For example, iOS or Android users.

• Allows the implementation of constant upgrades and enhancements with new features and functions.

• Makes full use of all phone resources and operating system characteristics.

Select cross-platform development if you want an app that

• Caters to a large target user base with a single codebase.

• Takes less money and time to build.

• Gives your startup an easy way to enter the digital market.

• Can be developed for multiple platforms with a single development team.

Conclusion

Native and cross-platform development have various advantages and disadvantages. Choosing either depends on your project requirements, budget, and target user expectations.

Native applications remain the best option for better user experience and performance, while cross-platform apps are simple and provide a cost-effective way to test your app in the large market. It can help you gather insightful user feedback and decide whether upgrading to an expensive option like a native is the right choice.

Unsure whether to go with native or cross-platform development? Hire cross platform mobile app development providers that also offer native development. It will allow you to get an estimation for both and determine the most advantageous choice for your business.