With the rapid growth in technology, the number of smartphone users has increased at a rapid pace. The number of mobile device users worldwide is almost half of the world’s population. Smartphone users spend 90% of their time with applications related to games and utility. Stats say that on average smartphone users have over 20 apps on their mobiles of which 10 mobile apps are used daily. More than 50% apps installed are of no use for the mobile owner.

The mobile app has become an essential tool for both business & customers. Every company need a mobile app to deliver amazing experience and good results. In the last few years, there’s been huge surge in the demand for a new type of app that is Progressive Web Apps (PWA). It combines functionality of both native app and website. Many of you have query whether PWA will replace native apps in the future. Now, before we share our insights on which solution whether PWA or Native Mobile App Development can best serve your business goals, let’s start by introduction of both platforms.

Introduction to PWAs

Progressive Web Apps are basically web-related solutions combining features of a website and a Native App. These are websites that mimic a Native App behavior offering an app-like experience.

PWA Pros:

• Compatible to run on any device or OS.
• No large budget needed to develop a PWA.
• Money & Resources are saved since it is developed only once.
• All new features are available with an update.
• It feels and looks like a Native App.
• Memory-friendly and consumes only a small portion of the device’s storage.
• Integrated with rock-solid security since it based on HTTPS.

PWA Cons:

• Limited functionality on some OS.
• Consumes battery fast since more CPU power is used.
• PWAs lacks full access to device features as Native Apps.

Introduction to Native Apps

Native Apps are coded by Mobile App Development Company for mobile devices, providing enhanced performance and innovative features. These apps are developed for specific OS platforms or even for particular smartphones.

Native Apps Pros:

• Enhanced performance and UI/UX
• Monetization privilege
• App Store Support
• Advanced Security
• Full Access to Hardware Aspects
• Offline Support

Native Apps Cons:

• Costly development
• Need time to launch
• Consumes Time in Installation
• Memory Consumption
• Promotion Costs

Key Differences PWA Vs Native Apps

1. Development Cost

Building a PWA is far cheaper than developing a native app. In native app, first learn the language and build a version for each platform. This means separate version for both iOS and Android, and the resources to maintain and update each version. Depending on the complexity of the app, this needs a lot of time and money.

A PWA is faster to build and update. One single codebase for different platforms, not just the two popular platforms. It is easy to configure your current website with help of tools like Google Lighthouse. You just need one version of the app thus helping in Rapid Mobile App Development, and it will reach faster to market with same performance on all devices.

2. Download & Installation

An average mobile user is least interested in installing of an app every month. The key reason is because it needs a certain level of commitment to complete the installation process and use the mobile app. First, users need to find the app in the store and ensure whether they want to install it. Next, they have to wait for the download and installation. At last, after granting the mobile app certain permissions, they use the app once or twice before uninstalling them. When users uninstall an app, the chances of not coming back are high.

On the other hand, a PWA needs no App Store or installation concerns. From the browser, visitors can simply bookmark and add the app to their home screen. The PWA will display on the home screen, in their app directory, send notifications, and integrate into system settings.

3. Streamlined Distribution

In native app, apart from building separate versions for different platforms, they are submitted to different App Stores. Apple’s App Store and Android’s Play Store are the most popular ones having different set of requirements to pass in order to get published. Sometimes fee is also needed to register a developer account. The process is complex and to achieve distribution smoothly simply hire mobile app developers from a reputed development agency.

On the other hand, PWA doesn’t need cumbersome App Store requirements. All the users need is a web browser and a URL. Most browsers support PWA including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. This makes it simpler for the app to engage large set of audience in the short time. You can simply deploy your updates without the waiting for the approval. This makes PWA convenient for both business and customers.

Wrapping Up

With pros & cons of both Native Apps and PWAs, it’s crucial to analyze every detail and choose the right platform for your business strategy. As you can see, PWAs and Native Apps have major differences and for any business type whether startups, or fast-growing companies these differences are crucial for success mantra. But if ask to experts of Mobi India, they will recommend PWAs for your business desired outcome. For a fast and cost-efficient solution, it’s better to opt for a PWA.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does PWA app work?

A PWA is a web application that can be “installed” on your system. It works offline when you don’t have an internet connection, leveraging data cached during your last interactions with the app. On an Android phone, their icon and launch behavior will resemble that of a native application.

2. Will PWA replace native apps?

PWAs can do most things native apps can and many native apps could easily be replaced by a PWA. Android has significantly better support for PWAs and is developing rapidly, while support on iOS is limited and inconsistent.

3. Is PWA better than native apps?

PWAs are great to give a better experience to web visitors. But if you want to send push notifications across iOS and Android, if you want to be on the app stores and give your users the experience they want from a mobile app, they might fall short of expectations.

4. Why is PWA so fast?

PWA: unlike AMPs, PWAs load longer when you first access them. However, they load equally fast when you return to the site in the future. This is because PWAs are built to cache data in the background as you interact with a site – not upfront.