Native Apps vs. Mobile Web: Pros & Cons

everypost NATIVE APPS VS. MOBILE WEB: PROS & CONS As the world becomes more oriented towards mobile devices, businesses have begun to recognize the benefits of developing apps and mobile-friendly websites for their customers. However, there are a lot of things that a business ought to consider when deciding how to deliver its website to the mobile user. The majority of businesses these days are opting for native apps over the mobile web, but that may not necessarily be the right choice for your business. So how do you know whether it makes more sense to go with a native app or the mobile web? Let's weigh the pros and cons: Fact: Time Spent by Mobile Users on: NATIVE APPS MOBILE WEB 86% 14% 2 hours, 19 minutes per day 22 minutes per day NATIVE APPS Native Apps are apps developed for mobile devices, with a specific platform in mind. They can be downloaded and installed directly onto devices from the App Store and Google's Play. PROS CONS Much more popular with Takes more time and more consumers expensive to develop Better UX than any other mobile optimization solution Requires app store review and approval to publish with every update Incorporates and works with all smartphone tools (like cameras or GPS) OS-specific, cannot reuse code from one device to another Included in app stores, which makes it easier for users to discover the app whether they were seeking it or not Needs additional app marketing strategy E 26 Do not require an Internet connection to operate High competition from other apps Once installed, the app stays on the mobile device. The user sees the app and its icon in the apps menu. Takes longer to download and install Generally faster than using mobile web Requires lots of memory and storage on the device Fact: THE AVERAGE AMERICAN SPENT 4 MINUTES A DAY MORE ON A MOBILE DEVICE COMPARED TO LAST YEAR MOBILE WEB For many businesses mobile web is a practical first step in a mobile promotion strategy. A mobile website is designed specifically for mobile devices and is responsive to fit different device screens. PROS CONS Typically less expensive to develop, and require less development time Not Universally Compatible. May not work properly on certain devices or older browsers Does not incorporate all smartphone tools like the camera or GPS, or phone dialing More flexibility for faster bug fixes and updates One browser makes it easier to reach a wider audience Cannot run offline faster Perform on most, if not all smartphones Not listed in app stores, making discovery more difficult Maintenance on two No app approvals required X: websites Multiple URLS. Customers have to remember two URLS Easy integration into existing CRM, marketing & BI systems WWW? otherwise be redirected to the www. mobile website, which can take several seconds Fewer hardware requirements such as memory or a fast processor Additional SEO work for the mobile website Fact: TIME SPENT IN APPS GREW 9.5% TO 2 HOURS AND 19 MINUTES (UP 12 MINUTES FROM LAST YEAR) To decide between a Native App and Mobile Web, here's what you should consider: 1 How important is speed and performance? 2 Do you want to include any device-specific features? 3 Is an Internet connection required? 4 Will you need to support multiple mobile platforms and devices - if so, how many? 5 What's your budget and timeline? INFOGRAPHIC CREATED BY EVERYPOST SOURCES: VentureBeat Flurry DesignModo FunMoblity Eliote Bowerman on Linkedin everypost xil