You’re organising an event, considering the use of an app and you have a doubt: is it better a webapp or a native app?
Before starting let’s check some definitions:
A web app it’s a web application optimised for it’s correct visualisation on smartphones and tablets. Even if it’s not a real application as it doesn’t need to be installed on the device, it’s appearence is almost the same.
This kind of applications cannot be executed without an internet connection and this is one of the main caracteristics that makes them different from native apps. However, a web app can be used in almost all devices with an internet connection.
A native app is specifically designed for each operative system (iOS, Android, etc.). Among the main advantages we find that the functions of the app can be available even without an internet connection.
Now that we know both definitions, let’s see the advantages and disadvantages of each one for different specific points:
- CONTENT VISUALISATION
Web app: Content can be visualised only if there’s an internet connection.
Native app: Content can be visualised with or without an internet connection. It’s important to underline that, at least once, the native apps needs an internet connection to make the updates.
- MULTIPLATFORM
Web app: We all know that not all smartphones run under the same platform. Systems like iOS and Android are worldwide the most commonly used, putting aside other systems less used such as Blackberry and Microsoft.
The principal advantage of a web app is that it can be run in any mobile browser supporting HTML5, just a few changes are needed to be done on each platform.
Native app: It’s development is specific for each operative system, and that means that its development has a higher value.
- MESSAGES
Web app: Push messages are not allowed in this type of apps but the user can be reached only if the app is in the forefront of the device.
Native app: Allows push messages, which are similar to SMS but their cost is almost none. The mail advantage is that these messages can be received even if the app is not being executed, if it’s installed on the phone it’s enough.
- MARKETPLACE
Marketplaces such as Google Play or Apple Store turned into the biggest platforms of promotions to reach millions of users who can find different types of apps and download them on their own devices.
Web app: There isn’t any market place for this kind of apps as they’re not applications that need for installation.
Native app: The possibility to appear in this big market places it’s a great benefit for them.
- SPEED
Web app: The download time and it’s visibility depends on the internet connection quality. If the line drops or it’s saturated the app doesn’t work and that’s not a benefit.
Native app: The speed of execution doesn’t depend on an internet connection, providing to this type of apps a special advantage.
- VALIDATION
Web app: Doesn’t need a validation period of time for its publication.
Native app: The period of time for Android systems’ validation is almost immediate, whereas for Apple are needed nearly 10-15 days.
So… Is it better to use a web app or a native app for an event?
Taking into account the previous details, we can confirm that native apps are a good choise and improve the user’s experience.
During an event, it’s specially important attendees can have a constant access to the app and run it any time, having the possibility to look at the contents and gaming without depending on an internet connection. The first time of download, attendees will need an internet connection to download the whole content but then they’ll be able to use it without any problem.
Have you already found out all the 