PWA vs. Native App

User perspective: PWA vs. Mobile App

PWA (Progressive Web App) explained simply – A web application that looks and feels like a traditional mobile app. A PWA can access and utilize standard device features such as the camera, microphone, GPS, and push notifications within the software. The app also checks both the browser and the device itself for compatibility. The appearance of a PWA on a smartphone or tablet is also very similar to that of a native mobile app. However, many of us are more familiar with traditional mobile apps. On iOS or Android, these mobile apps are downloaded from app stores. They are designed to provide a compelling user experience while leveraging the hardware capabilities of a specific mobile device. But where exactly do the differences between the two technologies lie?

Installation without download: PWA is easy to install.

Mobile users typically don't install apps every month. This is partly because using an app after installation requires a certain level of engagement. Users first have to find the app in the store and indicate their intention to install it. In some cases, the app is uninstalled after brief use and not used again. However, companies must always consider app stores and their policies when version updates or optimizations are released. They then have to wait until the download and installation are complete.

A progressive web app, on the other hand, doesn't need to be downloaded or installed. Visitors can bookmark the app and add it to their home screen with just a few clicks directly from their browser. The PWA integrates with the system settings, appears on the home screen, and is listed in the app directory.

A progressive web app (PWA) also requires less storage space than a traditional app. Visitors can access the app and share it with their friends simply by entering a URL. Furthermore, there's no need to update the software, as it always starts with the latest version. In the B2B environment, the advantages of PWAs outweigh those of traditional apps.

Both offer adequate performance, and depending on preference, PWAs or classic apps perform better.

A PWA loads much faster than a traditional app. Service workers, scripts that run in the background and are independent of the website, are the foundation of every PWA. With service workers, you can manage offline requests, pre-fetch and cache specific resources, synchronize data with a remote server, and much more. This means that once you add your app to your home screen, you can use it without waiting for it to load, even with a weak network connection.

Because PWAs are browser-based, they also consume more battery power and have higher latency than traditional apps. A traditional app can connect to the underlying operating system. It can access the device hardware to perform more calculations and provide your customers with a better experience.

Native apps offer more possibilities on your phone

Although PWA technology is gradually catching up to traditional apps, PWAs have fewer features than traditional apps:

Push notifications They increase the likelihood that users will interact with your business and revisit it. With a traditional app, you can either build the feature from scratch or integrate with other parties. Push notifications are also available in PWAs because service workers support the API. However, this isn't the same for all platforms.

Geofencing: Geofencing allows developers to create digital boundaries in physical space. The app can trigger activities when users enter specific areas. Combined with push notifications, geofencing is a fantastic tool for connecting and interacting with your users. Currently, only native apps offer this capability.

Mobile payment: With PWAs, the way in which an NFC chip or other digital payment method is used varies depending on the platform.

Interaction with other apps: Traditional apps can make calls, add appointments to the calendar, go to checkout, and much more by calling up other apps.

Other smart features: For example, PWAs cannot access your phone's proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, or smart login features.

When developing an app, what should you choose: a classic app or a PWA?

PWAs and traditional apps each have advantages and disadvantages. When choosing between the two, you should consider their respective strengths and how they align with your app's concept.

Consider PWA if:

    • If you're just starting out and want a simple app for your users, PWA requires no download and allows user interaction via push notifications.

    • They have limited resources; PWA is less expensive to develop, publish, and maintain.

    • You want to increase brand recognition and search engine optimization (SEO); PWA resembles any website and reaches a large audience.

    Consider a classic app if:

      • They need complex applications with many additional functions that can be used specifically for customer requirements.

      • They place a strong emphasis on the marketing aspect in relation to downloads via the App Store.

      • If you want to use the most modern smartphone features: If your product requires a lot of computing power or if geofencing and sensors/detection are crucial for the user experience.

      Contact us, to learn more about the possibilities of both technologies. 

      Progressive Web App