A mobile phone is an influential tool, since it is shaping our lives faster than ever. According to statista, in the three first months of 2021 smartphones made 54.8 percent of website traffic. In other words, desktop usage fell from 54.86% to 48.88% while mobile internet usage increased from 37.38% to 47.59%. Therefore, implementing the right mobile strategy is critical. Many business owners are in doubt whether to choose between an app versus website. Which path is the best to take? We’ve put together a helpful guide for you in this article. First, we’ll figure out what is the difference between an app from a website. Second, we’ll distinguish various types of mobile applications (native app, PWA, hybrid app). And lastly, we’ll compare mobile apps and mobile websites. If you newly built an app for your business, choosing the right application marketing strategies have an exponential effect. Don’t miss our article on it.
Mobile apps versus mobile websites: The similarities and differences
Before we go for the ins and the outs of the differences, let us focus on the major similarity. There is a striking similarity between an app and a website. Both mobile apps and websites are accessible on cell phones or tablets. Page loading speed has become a high priority in web design for both mobile and desktop websites. A website with a brisk pace has the power to keep users. Otherwise it may play flopped.
Key differences
A website is a website. HTML-based pages make up a website’s structure. A website is accessible through the Internet with Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G. and recently thanks to technological advancement, 5G is the fastest and most current generation of cell phone network coverage. Moreover, they show all forms of content, like text, images, videos, etc. But being mobile-friendly and responsive, is what slightly varies mobile websites from desktop website.
Applications are downloaded and installed on your smartphone. As the owner, you need to upload your app to any app store such as the apple App store, Google play or any other alternative android Appstore. Users can then download it for a specific operating system such as Android and iOS. The information in the app can be accessed with or without an internet connection.
The different types of apps
There are three categories of mobile apps: native mobile apps, hybrid (cross-platform) apps and progressive web apps. At twelfth dream, we develop a wide range of applications. Team As A Service (TAAS) formulates plans to execute and maintain your project. To do this, we use Agile Scrum in terms of software development and construction. Now, let us go for the nuts and bolts of each app type.
Native apps
The 2 most popular operating systems are Android and iOS. Developers use different codes with a specific native language for each one. For example, objective C and Swift are the native coding languages used for iOS. Whereas C++, Java, and Kotlin are for Android. Native apps deliver maximum efficiency, because they can take advantage of device hardware and software. Furthermore, they provide excellent performance due to the use of cutting-edge technologies like GPS, Bluetooth, and a phone’s camera. Twitter, a social media app, and Waze, a navigation software, are successful instances of native apps.
Hybrid (cross-platform) apps
According to the dictionary, the word hybrid means something that consists of and or comes from a mixture of two or more other things. Some features of native and web application design are inherited by hybrid apps. In other words, they are web apps within a mobile shell. Instagram and Gmail are two examples of hybrid apps. The cross-platform apps update automatically without asking users. Business is booming for internet-based companies having an app, and particularly hybrid apps can really help your business grow briskly. If you are at the beginning of your career path or setting up your start-up, a hybrid app could be an apt choice since it reduces development time and cost. We can build it for you. Book a discovery session.
Progressive web apps
PWAs are web-based applications made with popular technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Unlike hybrid and native apps are not installed on your device. To put it in another way, they don’t take up any space. Progressive web apps are easy to share and use by simply clicking on a link. Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox have supported PWAs features.
Mobile apps versus mobile first websites, the pros and cons
Mobile apps
Personalization
Specific items, contents, services, and so on, will be visible in the app based on the user’s interests, desires, and behavior. In other words, users will be notified of updates and recommendations based on their app interactions.
Offline accessibility
The majority of mobile applications do not require a network connection to function. They simply save data on your device and then upload it once a connection is made.
Gaming
In terms of gaming mobile app design is the best choice because it provides best user experience with a native app or a PWA.
Mobile websites
Compatibility
A mobile website works on all types of phones, regardless of the operating system.
Price
An app is far more expensive than a mobile website. A website would cost anywhere from $3000 to $15000. A mobile app can cost anywhere between $60000 to $300000. However, that’s not all. Supporting and maintaining an app cost a fortune in comparison with a mobile app.
Audience
Since sharing a mobile website occurs at ease, it is more probable that it could engage a broader audience.
The bottom line
Mobile use is on the go. Therefore, deciding on an app or a website is crucial. Which is the better option? If you are low in budget and want to deliver content to your audience in a way which is search engine friendly, then a responsive website is an excellent choice.
On the other hand, if your objective is offering a smooth user experience, taking advantage of users’ phones, or providing plans with specific requirements, then an app can bring you good.
If you are thinking to step forward with a mobile presence for your career, we can assist you to make a wise decision that fulfills your goals. We are a mobile app development company based in Vancouver. The specialist at Twelfthdream, build all sorts of applications like food delivery apps. Contact us for more information. We’ll be there for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a PWA and a web app? The major key that distinguishes a progressive web app from a web application is the installation. A PWA can be installed on a desktop or mobile phone. Whereas, a web app runs on a web browser.
How much does it cost to develop the different app types? There is not a solid answer to this question. Mobile app development cost depends on the app type and the features.
How much does it cost to develop a website? A simple website & eCommerce would cost $100 and $500.
