PWA vs. Native Apps: Which One Should You Choose?

Android and iOS native apps are known for their advanced functionality and exceptional performance. Yet more and more companies — including reputable ones like Uber and Forbes — are turning to progressive web applications (PWA) instead. Given that PWAs are cheaper and faster to develop, are costly native apps worth your attention at all? 

In this article, we’ll compare the two against key aspects and help you answer the question of when you should invest in each app type.

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Progressive Web Applications 

Basically, a progressive web application is an accelerated website. Developed with the help of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular, React, or other web technologies, PWAs look and perform very similarly to mobile applications, but through a browser. And though it sounds like a win-win, let us unpack the key advantages and disadvantages of progressive web applications. 

Pros of PWAs 

• Compatibility. Since a PWA is accessed via a browser, it runs on any type of OS and mobile device (smartphone or tablet). 
• Lower costs. Because a progressive web app is still a website, you don’t need a large budget for its development. Due to its compatibility with any platform, a PWA is developed once, meaning you’ll need only one development team. 
• URL access. You don’t have to download and install a PWA to start using it. You оnly need to access it via a browser, then pin it on your home screen to have it always on hand. Besides, like any website, a PWA can be shared through a short URL.
• SEO benefits. Technically, a PWA is a website. To this end, instead of launching a marketing campaign, you can rely on SEO benefits for its promotion. Plus, due to Google’s mobile-first indexation policy, your app will be given a higher ranking. 
• Memory-friendly. Since a progressive web app is not downloadable, it needs only a small amount of memory. 
• User engagement. Though it is no more than a tweaked website, a PWA keeps users engaged with push notifications.
• App-like UX/UI. A progressive web app feels like a native one. 
• Updates. A PWA updates without the user clicking any buttons — all new features are available automatically. 

Cons of PWAs 

• Battery consumption. A progressive web application needs Internet access; that’s why it drains the battery pretty fast. Another reason for excess battery consumption is that PWAs run on technologies that aren’t intended for the mobile environment. As a result, devices need to work harder to interpret the code. 
• Limited functionality. Since PWAs are Google’s “brainchild,” be prepared that iOS does not support all its features. 
• Limited hardware access. Such apps have limited access to software and hardware features. For instance, they do not support features that are not maintained by HTML5. Additionally, for iOS devices, PWA doesn’t yet work with Face ID and Touch ID, Siri, ARKit, In-App payments, and Apple’s other primary features. 

Native Applications 

Unlike PWAs, native or mobile apps are developed for a specific OS and offer a broader scope of features. Using the hardware and software capabilities of a device, native apps provide stellar performance and smooth customer experience. Nevertheless, many businesses prefer PWAs. Why? Let’s explore their pros and cons. 

Pros of Native Applications

• Performance. True to its name, a native app is developed using a native language of the device. This means while offering high speed and a wide range of sophisticated features, mobile applications do not consume much battery power. In fact, stellar performance is the main reason why many businesses prefer native apps to their progressive web counterparts.
• The best UX/UI experience. Attractive and intuitive layouts, vivid animations, smooth scrolling, and many more are critical ingredients of the “native look and feel.” 
• Full access to hardware aspects. Unlike PWAs, mobile applications have full access to the built-in features of mobile devices, such as GPS, camera, Bluetooth, contact list, microphone, NFC, accelerometer, and player. 
• Offline mode. Due to the local storage and smooth data synchronization with the cloud, a mobile application can function properly in an offline mode. Such apps typically cache data when the connection is there.
• Data protection and security. Since native apps have full access to hardware components, they are better at security and data protection. For example, two-factor authentication is possible with native apps.

Cons of Native Applications 

• Higher costs. Since a native application is created specifically for a particular OS, you’ll need to hire a separate development team for each platform. Thus, you’ll need a Java or Kotlin developer for an Android app while an iOS version will require Swift or Objective-C professionals. At the same time, you can hire a team of React Native developers to create a hybrid application, able to work on both platforms. However, keep in mind that a hybrid app is not the same thing as a native, despite its similarity to the latter. 
• Installation process. It takes more than clicking on the provided link to start using a native app. A user should visit an app store, find the app, download it, and go through the installation process. This process can take a while, that’s why more than 50% of users are more likely to use a brand’s website or a web app for shopping or browsing – they don’t want to download the app. 
• Promotion costs. Since you can’t use the power of SEO with mobile apps, they require additional promotion in the app stores. 
• Memory consumption. One of the key disadvantages of mobile apps is they take up too much RAM. An average Android app takes about 14,6MB while its iOS counterpart takes up about 37,9MB. However, these figures might vary depending on the type of app. 

Read also how to hire React Native developers.

PWA vs. Native Apps: Comparison

Now that you know the main advantages and disadvantages of each app type, let’s summarize our findings to see which one better suits you: 

PWA vs. Native apps: When to Use Each App Type?

As shown in the comparison table, a progressive web app won’t replace a native app, despite all the advantages of the former. Still, in some business cases, there is no need to pay more. Having a robust PWA is more than enough. These cases include the following: 

• You are looking to reach a large audience, but your budget doesn’t allow you to develop a separate app for each platform.
• The functionality of the expected app doesn’t require hardware elements, which are not supported by PWAs.
• Push notifications are not your priority, and there are other ways to keep your audience engaged.
• The functionality of the expected app does not comply with the application store policy.

If your case didn’t make the list, a native mobile app is exactly what you need. Now, let’s explore business cases requiring a native app:

• Your app requires tight integration with hardware elements.
• Push notifications are required both for Android and iOS.
• Biometric authentication is a must.
• It is a game or an AR solution.

Summary

Despite being similar at first glance, progressive web and native apps are suited for different business cases. As shown in the article, the main difference lies in the fact they’re based on different technologies and show different levels of integration with hardware elements. These differences lead to discrepancies in their compatibility, shareability, promotional peculiarities, and other aspects. 

With all the explanations at hand, you might find it easier to choose and even outline your development approach. However, keep in mind you might be lacking some important aspects. And if you have an idea associated with progressive web or native apps, please don’t hesitate to contact us — Relevant Software will help you make the right choice.