Do you need a mobile app?

It used to be that if you had an app in the app store then you were at the cutting edge of engagement. However, due to financial restrictions many companies are looking for more cost-effective solutions so are turning to hybrid or web apps to fulfil that function. All have their unique selling points, but which is the best option?

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What are the differences?

Native apps – This is what people generally consider to be an App. They are built for a specific mobile phone system such as iOS (Apple) or Android (Google) and downloaded from an app store and not accessible via browsers. They also give access to existing features and functions on your phone – location, camera, etc. Due to them running on the device, they are faster and tend to be more efficient with better functionality, dependent on the device hardware being used, and interaction with the user is generally smoother. They tend to take more time to build because you are producing one version for iOS and one for Android, they are more time intensive keeping them up to date, with a requirement for the user to regularly update the app and are more expensive to build (consider that apps from Social Media companies and Airlines have had millions invested into them to get them customer ready).

Hybrid apps – A compromise or the best of both worlds? The hybrid app approach gives developers the option of using a single codebase to create a mobile app for Android and iOS platforms, reducing the development time and cost in comparison to a native app. They are installed on a device just like any other app, however they merge both the mobile and web world in to one user experience and offer the advantage for developers of not having to necessarily resubmit a new version of their app each time they’re updating it. Testing will take longer to ensure it operates flawlessly across more than one platform and the design of hybrid apps can lead to the user interface not being as seamless, however it can be more cost effective from a standard native app build whilst giving the user more flexibility. Examples of hybrid apps include Twitter, Gmail, and Instagram.

Web apps – Cheaper and quicker to develop, if you’re connected to the internet, you’ll be hard pressed to know the difference. Web apps are responsive websites that operate on the internet browser a user has installed. They can be designed to look just like a native mobile app and can be secured with login and 2FA, however in most cases you need to be on the internet to use them, while a native app can run offline.  Web apps can be built in less time, can be built to function perfectly from a mobile to a laptop or bigger screen, are easier to maintain and roll out new content or functionality, and can be built for a fraction of the cost of a native app.

Which is right for us?

Although functionality and cost are important aspects of any decision when investing in an app, it also needs to suit the target audience, the messaging and user interaction you want to achieve, and the duration of the project. If the plan is to operate a short-term project, then a web app might be the most cost-effective option, however if the plan is to operate for the longer term, then the decision will likely be based on budget and the solution that offers the best fit, both from a technology and user experience perspective.

Consider the below Venn diagram of Cost, Functionality and Time. If you have a large budget, long timeline and heavy native smartphone functionality requirements then you’ll likely be opting for a Native App.

If you have limited budget, and/or time, then you’ll probably want to consider the Web App.

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At Neon we work with our clients to ensure that their requirements are fully thought through before suggesting a solution that will work best for the budget, planned user experience, and duration of the project.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Neon Agency can help with your technology requirements, contact us today. We are a leading engagement agency who provide bespoke solutions and offer support services to help you manage and improve performance and grow your business. We have a team of experienced consultants who can help you implement advanced solutions tailored to your specific needs.

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