According to <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/mobile-application-market" rel="nofollow">Grand View Research</a>, the global mobile application market will reach $567 billion by 2030, compared to $207 billion in 2022. Apps for mobile devices are becoming more popular due to the increasing use of smartphones, internet, and other technologies.
However, launching a fully functioning application poses numerous challenges. One of them is determining the best approach between native and hybrid mobile app development.
This article discusses the difference between these mobile development strategies and highlights their pros and cons. 
<h2>What is the difference between native and hybrid mobile app development? </h2>
Native mobile app development refers to creating applications on a specific mobile operating system, such as Android and iOS — <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/272698/global-market-share-held-by-mobile-operating-systems-since-2009/" rel="nofollow">dominant platforms</a> worldwide. When building native mobile applications, engineers can only use the technologies, programming languages, and tools the platforms provide.
On the other hand, hybrid mobile app development allows the deployment of an application across multiple types of mobile devices. If you want a hybrid mobile application for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, engineers don’t need to build entirely new apps for each ecosystem. Instead, they only need to change a part of the code based on the platform.
Let&#8217;s take a closer look at the pros and cons of native and hybrid mobile app development strategies.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-12188 size-large" src="https://dev.sombrainc.com/app/uploads/2023/04/The-Difference-Between-Native-and-Hybrid-Mobile-App-Development-2-1-1024x636.jpg" alt="The infographic explains the difference between native and hybrid mobile app development" width="1024" height="636" />
<h2>Advantages of native mobile app development</h2>
Native mobile app development technologies remain in high demand due to the following advantages. 
<h3>High performance </h3>
Native apps demonstrate efficient interaction with multiple software apps through the use of a native application programming interface (API). As a result, users get a flawless mobile app that supports a wide range of built-in sensors,  like digital cameras and GPS. Additionally, native mobile apps work correctly without an active internet connection, making them the right choice for healthcare and banking applications.
<h3>Advanced user experience </h3>
Owners of Android or iOS devices have a better user experience with native applications. Due to their intuitive design, such apps work more smoothly and don’t require lengthy user onboarding. 
<h3>Enhanced security</h3>
Creating native mobile apps allows engineers to take advantage of specific operating system security features. For example, you can easily implement built-in user authorization methods, such as biometric authentication and Face ID. It might be critical for applications in finance and banking, healthcare, and e-commerce.   
<h2>Disadvantages of native mobile app development</h2>
Native mobile app development technologies offer high performance, advanced user experience, and top-notch security, making them an excellent choice for your project. However, it is essential to consider some drawbacks. 
<h3>High cost</h3>
Creating mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms requires dedicated development teams. Each team must code, test, and deploy applications separately for each operating system and work on maintenance after launch.
<h3>Time-consuming development process </h3>
It might take longer to develop native mobile apps for different platforms compared to hybrid ones. The reason is that each operating system requires a separate development and testing process.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-12147 size-large" src="https://dev.sombrainc.com/app/uploads/2023/04/The-Difference-Between-Native-and-Hybrid-Mobile-App-Development-7-1024x636.jpg" alt="The infographic explains advantages and disadvantages of native mobile app development" width="1024" height="636" />
<h2>Advantages of hybrid mobile app development</h2>
In this section, let’s discover the advantages that make hybrid mobile app development an attractive option for business. 
<h3>Practical solution </h3>
“Hybrid mobile app development is a suitable choice for 90% of mobile apps for businesses unless you have a specific need in mobile application functionality like 3D, real-time communication or advanced smartphone hardware usage,” — explains Sombra CTO, Yuriy Nakonechnyy. Despite the fact that hybrid apps have limitations, they offer many of the same benefits as native apps.
<h3>Cross-device availability</h3>
Instead of writing separate code for each platform (iOS or Android,) developers create a single codebase and modify it accordingly. This approach eliminates the need to develop different applications for various operating systems.
<h3>Budget- and time-saving process</h3>
Developing hybrid applications for multiple platforms does not demand dedicated development, maintenance, and support teams. Businesses not only save time and money but also simplify the management process. 
<h2>Disadvantages of hybrid mobile app development</h2>
Although hybrid mobile apps are practical, cost-effective, and available on all devices, there are some downsides. 
<h3>Moderate performance </h3>
Engineers cannot implement an entire set of features of a particular operating system. Built-in sensors, like digital cameras or GPS, may have integration issues with hybrid applications. Additionally, hybrid apps heavily rely on an internet connection, which could also affect their performance. 
<h3>Standardized user experience</h3>
A standardized interface for both iOS and Android can limit the usage of each platform&#8217;s unique features. Consequently, users can’t have a great experience while using an application. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-12148 size-large" src="https://dev.sombrainc.com/app/uploads/2023/04/The-Difference-Between-Native-and-Hybrid-Mobile-App-Development-9-1024x636.jpg" alt="The infographic explains advantages and disadvantages of hybrid mobile app development" width="1024" height="636" />
<h2>Native vs hybrid: how to make the perfect choice </h2>
Choosing between native and hybrid mobile app development might be tricky, especially after exploring the pros and cons. Let’s look at the four key factors that should influence your decision-making process. 
<h3>Budget </h3>
Finance is one of the most important factors to keep in mind. You need to consider how much money you can allocate to app development, maintenance, and support. 
<h3>Time</h3>
For some projects, meeting deadlines is non-negotiable, so it is vital to determine the time frame available for the development process. 
<h3>Application segment</h3>
Consider your application’s key components when choosing native or hybrid development. Different mobile app segments come with specific challenges that demand unique development solutions. For instance, gaming apps often require advanced graphics, while financial applications need the highest level of security. 
<h3>Target audience </h3>
Determine whether you need to create a mobile application for both Android and iOS users or focus on one particular platform. Analyze your target audience and their preferences to make the right choice. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-12149 size-large" src="https://dev.sombrainc.com/app/uploads/2023/04/The-Difference-Between-Native-and-Hybrid-Mobile-App-Development-5-1024x636.jpg" alt="The infographic provides four factors to consider choosing between native and hybrid mobile app development" width="1024" height="636" />
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
When deciding between native and hybrid mobile app development, it is necessary to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Prepare the groundwork for your project: estimate your budget, set a deadline, consider an application’s segment, and analyze a target audience. 
Additionally, you can consult an experienced software development company, like <a href="https://dev.sombrainc.com/">Sombra</a>. We offer mobile app development services that meet your business needs and fit your budget. 
Take a look at a project our team <a href="https://dev.sombrainc.com/case-studies/studio-managment-software-streamlining-workflow-for-photographers-and-videographers">developed</a> for Studio Ninja, a photography business management software. The application inherits all information from the web and interprets the end-to-end flow that clients use daily. 
Another <a href="https://dev.sombrainc.com/case-studies/cooperation-with-the-american-company-offering-flooring-and-installation">case</a> we have worked on is a mobile application for an American company offering flooring and installation. Our company has built an app that allows users to sign an order and pay with a credit card over a Square reader. 
If you want a reliable and knowledgeable development team to create a flawless mobile application for your business, <a href="https://dev.sombrainc.com/get-in-touch">contact us</a>!

Native vs Hybrid Mobile App Development: How to Choose the Best Approach for Your Business

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