PWA VS Native Mobile Apps: Fors and Againsts

Adopting the Mobile First strategy may cause confusion for some entrepreneurs, as launching a new project they come down to a series of choices. The main challenge lies in the question which solution to opt for: progressive web apps or native mobile apps?

In this article I’m going to address this issue at greater length and highlight advantages and disadvantages of both mobile app and PWA development.

Pros Of PWAs

• Convenience.
  Users may turn on a PWA simply by following links (during browsing, in social media, etc.). It is more convenient than downloading an app from Google Play or App Store.
• Install only when necessary.
  Users receive propositions to install a progressive web app only when it meets specific criteria. And when users showed their interest and visited a website more than once.
• Instant downloading.
  All components that require long loading were already installed in the cache during the first visit of a user.
• Small size.
  Progressive web apps are much smaller than native apps since they efficiently use all the capabilities of browsers.
• Autonomous functionality.
  Pop-up notifications, autonomous mode, and all other features of a PWA will function even if a user hasn’t installed an app.
• Versatility.
  Unlike native apps, a PWA can be used on any platform and without specific restrictions, so users get versatility using progressive web apps.

Cons Of PWAs

However, there is the other side of the coin. Progressive web apps have some drawbacks we cannot ignore. You need to consider these peculiarities when you make your choice.

• App stores’ traffic is missed out.
  PWAs cannot target users who are used to looking for apps on app stores. It means a large part of the traffic is missed out.
• High battery consumption.
  Phones work slower when they process progressive web apps due to high-level web code that is used for programming. So users have to monitor battery status constantly.
• Access restrictions.
  Unfortunately, there are device features PWAs cannot access. For example, a progressive web app cannot access Bluetooth, NFC, proximity sensors, contacts, and other phone features. In some cases, it may be a serious constraint.

As you can see, PWA has its advantages as well as some weak sides. But before you draw some conclusions, you need to know more about native apps. It will help you find out who is the winner in the “PWA vs native app” battle.

Pros Of Native Apps

The development of native apps has its particularities and some obvious advantages. If you know everything about it, you will be able to create the right app for your business. Let’s look through all the benefits right now!

• High performance.
  The installed native app works properly and its performance is high. But only if this app has no bugs and it is developed following all the necessary steps.
• Smooth functionality.
  When it comes to game apps, users may get steady gaming experience.
• Complex calculations.
  Native apps ensure stable processing of complex math calculations, a large number of animations, and other processes that consume a lot of resources.
• Available in official app stores only.
  Users won’t download an app that is full of viruses and other malware. Since native apps are always verified in the App Store or Google Play before they are uploaded for public use.
• Usage of hardware and software resources.
  As we mentioned above, native apps use all hardware features to the fullest since it is created for one specific platform.
• User interface.
  Since the native app meets specific technical capacities of hardware, its user interface is smoothly combined with a device. And it makes a user interface awesome.

Cons Of Native Apps

As well as progressive web apps, native apps also have certain disadvantages. Our goal is to provide you with objective information and your decision should be based on proven facts.

• Only one platform.
  The benefit of a native app becomes its disadvantage. While progressive web apps work on any platform, a native app can’t do the same.
• Time-consuming.
  The development of a native app takes more time and sometimes it requires the involvement of a few mobile app developers.
• Expensive.
  Native apps development for iOS or Android is rather expensive. Of course, it depends on the number of features and app structure, but the price will be higher anyway than the development of PWAs.
• Longer loading.
  Although the performance of native apps is higher, app loading is slower in comparison with progressive web apps.

Which solution to choose is up to you. If you still hesitate, you certainly need to consult a professional to make everything clear.

If you are coming round to progressive web apps, here you may find an informative article that describes PWA development in more detail.