Hybrid mobile app development is the aggregation of both web and native mobile applications. JavaScript, CSS and HTML are some of the most prominent web technologies preferred by developers to create hybrid apps. Further, the code is then entwined within a native application using open-source frameworks such as Ionic or React Native. Moreover, the hybrid app framework has full access to the device’s hardware and functions, like the GPS, camera, and address book, if they use plugins. Wrapper solutions also come with a set of UI components that may be used to create a native interface.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Cost-efficient Hybrid mobile app development allows companies the benefit of having to write and maintain a single code that is capable to run on multiple OS. The less time required to make the app also means that the production cost comes down remarkably, hence the overall investment for the app. It proves crucial for small businesses. | Graphics Because of their inefficiency to render 3D graphics, the Hybrid app can’t deliver pictures of high quality. Moreover, there are other quality issues appearance-wise, and that is why Hybrid apps require more effort on this front compared to the native app. |
| Lower maintenance Hybrid applications use simple HTML language, which is comparatively easy to maintain compared to native apps. Unlike in native apps, there is no versioning here. A hybrid app doesn’t require producing a new app every time a new operating system is released. Its functionality stays the same even in the new operating system. | Performance Performance-wise, a hybrid app isn’t as competent as a native app. Since there exists a layer between the operating system and the source code, this is the case. The performance degradation of Hybrid mobile app development also varies depending on the type of the application. If it’s a tiny program, the issue mostly goes undetected. |
| Scalability Hybrid mobile apps are easily scalable to various platforms. Developers can optimize them for use on multiple operating systems without significant effort. The hybrid app development is similar in most cases because the web technology used behind is the same. Therefore, the process of scaling is not required to develop the app again. | Functionality & User Experience Fact that Hybrid app development runs on one single code and is common to all platforms, some interesting native features are missing from the app. Moreover, the operating system operates differently, and therefore, the hybrid app design might not be suitable for all the operating system platforms. So, if the hybrid app framework is developed according to the Android OS, the experience for IOS users won’t be very pleasant and vice-versa. |
| Development Time The codes for hybrid mobile apps need to be written just once, thus saving developers and companies a lot of time. It proves to be crucial in comparison to the native app. Also, the time spent on QA is significantly lesser. In addition to that, QA engineers spend less time testing the apps for bugs with a quality similar to a standard app. | Browser Requirement and other issues The hybrid app must be accessed through the web browser, which is quite different from the native app, can be accessed through the main screen display. Users must first enter the URL, then visit the website before accessing the app. As a result, because the hybrid software is not available in the app store, many users find it difficult to interact with it. A hybrid app’s content can be glitchy from time to time. They don’t run as smooth as a native app. |
| Internet Requirement Offline support is another major plus for a hybrid app. A hybrid app framework can also function without internet access. This feature is useful especially for those living in remote areas who don’t have access to good internet. |