Nowadays mobile applications are a must-be thing in most businesses. The first step to creating an app is to choose a development approach, which would be productive, functional, and, of course, cost-effective. So, we are here to simplify your choice by considering a few popular development options (Native vs. Hybrid vs. Cross-Platform).
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Native Apps</h2>
The term refers to the creation of a mobile application exclusively for a single platform (Android or iOS). The development process is built on using programming languages recommended by the creators of the operating systems (Java or Kotlin for Android and Swift/Objective-C for iOS).
Pros of native app development:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Advanced functionality. Your developers get full access to OS&rsquo;s features (API and tools) and are able to create a secured and user-friendly application with powerful performance;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Better store support. Publishing such apps to the App Store or Play Market is much easier. Moreover, native products are usually ranked higher on these platforms;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
&zwj;High performance and great UX. The interaction between software and hardware is easy and provides users with great performance. Furthermore, clients get a better user experience because native apps primarily have excellent interfaces and appearance (it is achieved through the use of Native UI).&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Unfortunately, sometimes it is impossible to take advantage of the Native approach due to its costs: you have to hire iOS and Android developers if planning to launch an app on both of these OS.
All cons:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Costly. Hiring iOS and Android developers is expensive;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
&zwj;Time Consuming. Developing takes a lot of time because two teams of developers have to work independently. Alas, code reuse is not possible;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Complex application support (you can't opt out of both development teams).&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Hybrid App Development</h2>
The Hybrid approach is known as a cheaper option, which allows building an iOS and Android app simultaneously and in less time. The codebase includes the code lines written in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other languages. Then they are wrapped into a native container: the WebView or Crosswalk. The WebView is responsible for user experience and the interaction with hardware (cameras, GPS, etc.). Therefore, there are some limitations and restrictions related to the functionality and user interface. The rendering engine is a browser that slows down the system.
The pros are obvious:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Lower development costs;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Supporting different OSs at the same time (code reuse);
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Adequate customization capabilities.
</li>
</ul>
Cons:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Lower performance (however, users won&rsquo;t struggle);
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Inability to use certain operating system&rsquo;s functions;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Lack of interaction with native applications.
</li>
</ul>
The Hybrid approach may be really useful if your priority is development speed and cost reduction: it allows you to present your own application in the shortest possible time.
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Cross-platform Applications</h2>
First of all, you should know that Hybrid and Cross-platform options are not the same things. The only similarity is code compatibility. So, the cross-platform dev approach implies the use of JavaScript language. Then the codebase is connected to native components with the help of special bridges.
The user experience and performance are close to native apps. The cross-platform development method offers seamless functionality, easy implementation, and cost-effective production. However, close-to-native UX is not native UX, you shouldn&rsquo;t expect something outstanding.
The cross-platform approach uses different frameworks, so the functionality and performance depend on them.
Pros:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Developers write code just once and use it for all platforms;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Cross-platform applications are secure, stable, and easy to maintain and scale;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
There are many frameworks, which help to achieve the native app-like quality;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Such apps feature a fast UI (is similar to Native);
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Development is cost-effective.
</li>
</ul>
Cons:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Cross-platform applications are not as fast as Native ones;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Not all OS features are available;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Poor interaction with other native apps.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Let&rsquo;s Summarize</h2>
Before choosing a certain option, you should determine your goals, budget, and deadline.
<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
A Native application is perfect if you have enough financial resources and time, and wish to create a wonderful solution. Maybe, you are planning to launch an app only for one platform that will save your money. You&rsquo;ll be able to develop another version of the app later.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
A Hybrid application is a good option if you are running a startup. In this case, you need a budget solution to create an app for both iOS and Android operating systems at the same time.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Cross-platform development is ideal if your business requires a high-quality application, which would work on multiple operating systems. This approach may save your budget. It is a golden mean between the above options, so you shouldn&rsquo;t worry about performance and UX. Moreover, after a while, you can switch on the Native approach.
</li>
</ol>
Below we have given a more detailed comparison of Native, Hybrid, and Cross-Platform approaches.
<div>
<img src="https://d12zh9bqbty5wp.cloudfront.net/ckeditor_assets/pictures/4375/content_native_vs_hybrid_vs_cross-platform-02-min.png" alt="" width="800" height="943" />
If your app doesn&rsquo;t have specific features, you can save your company&rsquo;s budget by giving preference to the Hybrid or Cross-Platform approach. Games, B2B, and content distribution apps are usually cross-platform.
In order to choose a suitable option, you should define:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
your target audience;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
the level of complexity of the app&rsquo;s functionality;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
whether you need native functionalities or not (features of devices and OS);
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
the UI/UX level.
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://d12zh9bqbty5wp.cloudfront.net/ckeditor_assets/pictures/4376/content_native_vs_hybrid_vs_cross-platform-03-min_1.png" alt="" width="800" height="580" />
Do you have difficulty choosing a particular approach? Feel free to contact us: our professional team is ready to consult you taking into consideration your goals and plans. Perhaps, the article &ldquo;<a href="https://agilie.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-native-and-cross-platform-apps">What You Need to Know About Native and Cross-Platform Apps</a>&rdquo; will answer some of your questions.
</div>
&nbsp;

Not sure which development approach to take? We&rsquo;ve compared Native, Hybrid, and Cross-Platform applications to simplify your choice.

There are three development approaches, which have significant differences. In our new article, we have compared Native, Hybrid, and Cross-Platform applications

Native vs. Hybrid vs. Cross-Platform Apps: What is the Difference?

Audiobook applications like Audible are gaining popularity today. Do you want to compete with them? Then follow the link and read our new article.

People today prefer to listen to audiobooks instead of reading paper ones 

How to Build an Audiobook App

Push notifications are a great way to grab the users' attention and increase their app engagement. Wanna know more? Then follow the link and read our article.

Push notifications are a great way to grab the users' attention and increase their app engagement. So make sure to take full advantage of the push notifications features ⚡ Wanna know more ❓ Then follow the link. We'll describe iOS and Android push notifications mechanisms and tell you a lot of useful information.

Let's Discuss a Push Notifications Mechanism for iOS and Android

Mobile app notifications are the easiest way to improve communication with your app users. Click here to learn more.

Wanna improve communication with users of your application? Then you need to resort to the help of mobile app notifications 

How to Talk With Your Users: In-App Notifications and Messages

Happify is one of the best happiness apps. If you want to know all its secrets, read our article.

Happify is one of the best happiness apps. It has a lot of users who bring it a great deal of money ⭐ That's something to think about, right? So if you want to create your own happiness tracking application, feel free to follow the link ➟ ➠ and read our article about apps like Happify ❤

How to Build a Self-Care App Like Happify: Concept And Features Set

Do you want to know how to create a successful app? If the answer is yes, click here and read about the characteristics of winning mobile apps.

Do you want to know how to create a successful app? We guess yes, for every businessman wants his startup to be profitable ⭐ And if we're talking about applications, then knowledge about characteristics of winning mobile apps should come in handy ☝ Click here and read our article, which will help your program join the number of the most downloaded apps.


What Characteristics are Common to the Most Successful Apps?

Read our article to figure out how to create a real estate app and join the market leaders.

Mobile app development for real estate area... is the idea profitable or not? And if the answer is yes, what real estate app features should you offer, what monetization option to choose? Read our article to figure the issue out 

Secrets to Help You Build a Real Estate App 

If you're looking for the best way to improve your GPS navigation app using AR technology, read our article where we&rsquo;re discussing the issue in detail.

If you're an owner of the GPS navigation application and looking for the best way to improve it, click here ➤ and read our article  ⚡ We're discussing augmented reality navigation and reasons to create a new AR map app ☝

Augmented Reality Navigation: Killer Feature for Your Mapping App

Read our article describing current trends in the healthcare industry. You'll know all you need to keep your app up-to-date.

All innovative healthcare mobile apps follow the latest trends, it's the only chance to succeed in a highly competitive market ☝ Wanna know more? Read our article describing ⑦ current trends in the healthcare industry 

What Healthcare Mobile App Trends You Should Consider in 2022

Alexander Volk, our Head of Design, shares transformative insights in his articles, which turn into vital resources for both rising and experienced designers.

Alexander Volk - Head of Design Department at Agilie

Alexander Volk

For its readers, Sergey's articles contain guidelines, strategies, methods, and instruments that are crucial to mastering diverse technologies.

Sergey Melashich - CTO at Agilie

Sergey Melashich

The various articles written by Alina clearly expose a valuable approach to developing an effective development team and convey the comprehension of translating complex processes into beneficial solutions.

Alina Danets - COO at Agilie

Alina Danets

Artem Tarasenko has a lot of experience in React and is the author of many articles and tutorials that describe complex approaches and workflows in front-end development.

Artem Tarasenko - TL of React Department at Agilie

Artem Tarasenko

Sergeys’ articles describe success in the context of continued growth in today’s modernized environment as well as the emerging trends in the technological sector.

Sergey Gladun - CEO & Founder at Agilie

Sergii Gladun

Kate crafts article through her strategic thinking lens to respond not only to the current market but also to act proactively and construct excellent and sound financial products or services that can fulfill the clients’ expectations.

Kate Myronenko - Head of Business Unit at Agilie

Kate Myronenko

Michael writes articles about design and the creation of making solutions which are efficient, good and unique in concept, design, fabrication.

Michael Liptuga - Delivery Director at Agilie

Michael Liptuga

It is quite likely that readers armed with Sergii's in-depth knowledge of iOS technologies will develop applications that bear great consideration for Apple’s environmental guidelines and at the same time are creative and innovative. 