Hybrid Mobile App Development Advantages and Disadvantages:

Latitude Technolabs
5 min readSep 25, 2021

Hybrid applications are unique solutions for developers. These applications are compatible with multiple operating systems like Android, iOS and Windows. There is a combination of both web and native mobile apps in Hybrid mobile app development.

The code is wrapped within a native application with the use of open-source frameworks like React native or ionic.

In today’s time, most hybrid apps are used on various devices. The main preference is in mobile devices irrespective of the OS. It offers a lot of advantages but then also it consists of some drawbacks.

Frameworks of Hybrid App:

Some of the most prominent web technologies that Hybrid App developers prefer are CSS, JavaScript and HTML for Hybrid mobile app development. The code is also entwined with the native app using React Native and ionic like open-source frameworks.

The hybrid app framework carries full access to the device functions and hardware as well. There are UI component sets present in the wrapper solution that may be used to create the native interface.

Pros and Cons of hybrid mobile apps

Hybrid Mobile Apps Advantage

Lower maintenance:

As compared to native apps, hybrid apps are easy to maintain due to the use of HTML language. There is no requirement of producing a new app whenever a new OS is released. The functionality remains the same. Overall, maintaining the hybrid application is quite easy.

Cost-efficient:

In hybrid app development, companies can maintain a single code that could be run on multiple OS. The production cost was cut down to a remarkable level due to less time spent in app development. It is best for small businesses. The overall investment for the application is quite low.

Development Time:

Developers and companies could save a lot of time because codes for hybrid mobile apps are just written one time. As compared to the native app, it is crucial. Time spent in the quality analysis is also significantly low. Even QA engineers spend less time testing the applications for bugs.

Scalability:

Hybrid mobile applications are easy to scalable to different platforms. Without significant effort, developers can optimize them easily for use on multiple OS. The scaling process is not required to develop the application again.

Updates:

There are constant updates given by developers to fix the errors in the hybrid app. The results are shown immediately when the changes are brought in the hybrid applications. In this way, it is quite profitable for users due to the latest versions and updates in the hybrid mobile app development.

Support to platform:

By default, hybrid apps are designed to support multiple platforms. This cut down the extra efforts to build a separate app for each platform. With a single code base, multiple operating systems can be supported well.

Requirement of the internet:

The major positive thing for the hybrid app is offline support. There is no requirement of the internet for all the time when Hybrid app framework functions. This feature is mostly useful for those who have internet access issues in remote areas.

Hybrid Mobile Apps Disadvantage:

Performance:

Performance-wise also, a hybrid application is not competent to the native app. The type of application also matters a lot in the performance degradation of hybrid mobile app development. The issues are generally not detected well.

Graphics

The hybrid application can’t give high-quality pictures. Appearance-wise also there are other quality issues and this compels us to put more effort. As compared to the native app, there is more work needed in the hybrid apps. High-quality graphics are not part of hybrid application development.

Glitches

The content loaded in the Hybrid app can be glitched. The function is not smoother as compared to the native application. But, there are some ways to avoid glitches

Debugging

There is a chance of having bugs and errors in the coding. As the code is written for multiple platforms, debugging and figuring out the exact issue could be a tough task. This compels developers to focus on removing bugs and errors. Therefore, extra efforts are put in hybrid mobile app development.

Browser need and other issues:

The accessibility to the hybrid application through a web browser is different from the native application. Before accessing the application users must enter the URL and then visit the website. Many users also find it difficult to interact because hybrid software is not available in the app store. Also, hybrid apps don’t run smoothly as compared to native apps because the content gets glitches from time to time.

Functionality and UX:

Some of the interesting native features are absent from the application. This leads to the unreachability of high-level quality and stability in the hybrid application. The user interface is also not exciting when it comes to hybrid mobile app development. Sometimes, the hybrid app design is not compatible with all operating system platforms.

Popular platforms based on Hybrid Applications:

  • Uber: The most famous taxi booking app in the world is an ideal example of Hybrid software. It is easy to access and offers a great user interface platform.
  • Evernote: Evernote is another example of mobile app development that is known for its performance. It can function seamlessly across multiple platforms.
  • Gmail: Gmail is another Hybrid application example that uses the web components and combo of native. This is how it forms a high-performance mobile application. The up-gradation of HTML to HTML 5 offers new sophisticated features to the consumer.
  • Instagram: One of the most popular photos and video sharing social media platforms is also an example of Hybrid app software. It enables users to access the app’s media and functions including short videos and photographs. This Hybrid based platform can accommodate offline data and a large amount of media as well.
  • Twitter: The hybrid app development example is Twitter. This handles a lot of traffic and serves millions of people on a daily basis.

Last word:

Hybrid mobile app development carries both merits and demerits. However, the domain of using this concept is large. In the coming time, we could expect a good hike in hybrid application development.

If you are looking to hire a mobile app developer then contact us. Also, we welcome your words to know about your thoughts regarding this blog.

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Latitude Technolabs

Latitude Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. is a leading service provider with extensive experience in providing IT outsourcing services to enterprises across the globe.