Mobile Apps vs Website: Which is Better?

Published by Sumayya Siddique on December 05, 2019

Mobile App VS Website

In this Tech friendly era, we have access to applications for almost everything in our lives like fitness, shopping, social networking, and likes.

There are 30,902 applications developed in India. A very huge and common misconception has been created amongst all of us that mobile apps and websites are the same things, whereas they are two different.

A Mobile application is referred to as an app, which is a type of application software designed to run on a smart device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Mobile applications usually provide users with similar services to those accessed on Computers. Applications are generally small and individual software units having a limited function to access.

Each mobile app provides an isolated and personalized functionality. Apps are the actual applications that have to be downloaded and installed on a mobile device, rather than being rendered within a browser. It is designed specifically according to a smaller display device.

Mobile apps are downloaded and run on the device itself. Mobile apps are categorized as web-based or native apps, which are developed specifically for a given platform.

Contrary to the mobile applications designed, a mobile website is similar to any other website, consisting of browser-based HTML pages that are linked together and are accessed over the Internet through a smart device. The mobile web refers to browser-based World Wide Web services used through a mobile or smart device. Traditionally, the World Wide Web has been allowed to be used via fixed-line services on laptops and desktop computers.

Native Mobile Application:

Mobile Applications that are created for the targeted audience using the platform-specific SDK are categorized into Native Mobile Apps. Most Native mobile apps are targeted towards Android development (built using Android framework) or iOS development (using Xcode or Swift). In the case of Native mobile apps, the primary focus lies on performance and compatibility with the underlying hardware.

Hybrid Mobile Applications:

Hybrid applications combine both Native and Web Apps. As the technologies are increasing, it is expected that mobile application development will focus more on the creation of websites.

They are developed on platforms that will provide you with code that is compatible with all available operating systems. Due to the use of a single code-base, Hybrid Mobile apps are more famous among Startups and Small & Medium Enterprises for creating their apps in a single go. Popular Hybrid app development platforms are – Flutter, React Native, and Ionic.

Features of Mobile Applications:

Faster:

The mobile app is a faster app designed for smart devices compared to those websites.

Greater functionality:

Mobile Applications have more features and can be customized by the user according to their choice and preference. Mobile App also has access to system resources.

Offline:

Applications once downloaded, do not require internet access to browse, the user can use it offline as well. Once logged in, the information remains saved in the application.

Safe and secure:

The apps are native and have to be approved by the app store, or google store before it is ready to use for the user, so it is safe and secured.

Easier to build:

It is easier to build and launch because of the availability of the developers and developer tools, interface elements, and SDKs.

Premium Version:

The mobile app is a faster app designed for smart devices compared to those websites.

Cons of Mobile Application:

Expensive: To build a mobile application, requires a lot of money compared to building websites and so is to maintain, scale and update.
Making compatibility with different platforms (i.e. iOS and Android) usually means designing and building the app from scratch.
Getting your Native app approved by Playstore/App store is quite difficult if the app does not meet the development guidelines.

Features of Website:

Self Update:

The Website does not have to be updated by the user frequently, it gets updated itself.

Quicker:

Websites are quicker and easier to build and use compared to mobile apps.

Quick Launch:

It does not require google store/app store approval, it can be launched quickly and the links can be shared.

Cons of Website:

Online Access: Websites require online access to use. Although, you can take screenshots of the website or the content you require.
Slower: Websites are slower and have less advanced features contrary to mobile apps.
Not Discoverable: They are not much discoverable as mobile apps are listed in a specific database, such as the app store and google store. But, you can share the link any time of the day to make it discoverable and make people aware of the website.
Less Quality: They do not have much quality and features, customers can not customize the website. But allows you to have access and is user-friendly.
Not Secured: Websites are not secured and safe, whoever has the link to the web page can access them, whereas Mobile Apps are secured and need access from the app store and google store.

Summing up

Considering all the points we see that mobile applications are any day a better option than websites. There are many factors that you should consider before deciding the type of app which is best for your business. Whether you choose to develop or create a website, native app, or hybrid app, it’s important to consider your audience on top of your mind to provide the most valuable and best app possible, if you are interested in the professional development of mobile applications have a look at this.

Now, when you have the difference between both Mobile Applications and Websites, you can consider developing or creating your own application considering these points for growth. You can always come to us for application development services with your team if you are looking for an application development company.

We have a team of React Native developers, who are working every day and developing the web and apps. Some of our clients include QMerit, GameApart, WishHealth, Fantom, Block8You, and many more. We offer services like App Development, Enterprise Software Development Service, ECommerce Development, Web Development, Clone Development, and Digital Marketing Services. You must be able to tell your team exactly what you want from the app and where you want to run it. Only, then you can develop an app that will be successful for your business.