The Difference Between Web App And Mobile App

A web app is a special version of a website adapted for using it on mobile phones. Users can easily follow it by entering the URL address in the browser on the device. The web app will not work without the Internet.

Responsive design is the new standard for creating mobile sites. The technology allows the web app to adapt to the screen size of the particular device. Responsive design is cheaper to implement as there is no longer a need to create separate versions of the site for desktop and mobile devices.

A mobile app is a special program that is downloaded from the application store (Google Play or App Store) on the user’s mobile device. You use the mobile app only after the installation on a smartphone or tablet. In many cases, the mobile app does not require a mandatory Internet connection.

If you need to find highly qualified web application and website developers, pay attention to AppKong before learning the difference between the two concepts.

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Mobile App?

Being installed on the user’s device, the mobile application is a tool for direct contact with the user and is good for frequent and repeated use. The mobile app satisfies a specific need of the user, increasing the loyalty of the audience. The mobile application has its advantages and disadvantages for both businessmen and customers.

Advantages	Disadvantages
High level of interactivity for a user.	The cost of development, support, and maintenance of the app will be higher than in the case of a mobile site.
The ability to access all the functionality of the device, for example, GPS navigation, contacts, and camera.	High compatibility requirements — the program must meet the requirements of the specific OS under which the device operates for the normal functioning of the site.
Mobile apps load faster and provide a better user experience.	The creation of a mobile application usually takes more time.
A high level of personalisation is ensured thanks to the ability to store user-specific content and various data and perform complex calculations.	The user must install the app to use it on their device.
Can be used offline, without an internet connection.	Sometimes the user may not have enough memory to install the app.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Web App?

If your goals are primarily related to marketing and communications, you need additional coverage of your target audience and inform them about various events or marketing activities — a web app is a perfect solution. However, mobile site also has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages	Disadvantages
The traditional interface is familiar to most users.	Autonomous access is not possible
Compatibility with any device regardless of the OS installed.	A lower level of convenience, as it is impossible to fully use all mobile phone functions.
Wider coverage — taking into account the previous point, when comparing “mobile app vs mobile site,” the site can attract more customers. Because users just need to follow the link to start interacting with the site.	Not always a good user experience, as it is hard to implement the same interface on desktop and mobile devices.
It is easier to fix errors or change functionality. There is no need to release updates, as in the case of mobile applications. Any changes become active and visible immediately on all devices.	Slower work compared to the app web since the download speed depends on the Internet connection;
The cost of entering the market (except for development) is lower because it is enough to pay for the domain name and hosting. To publish an application in the App Store, or Google Play Market, the owner must meet some requirements;
It is easier to find a team of developers to create a site since less complex technologies are used for this.
The cost of site maintenance is usually cheaper and requires a smaller team of specialists.

What Is The Biggest Difference Between A Web App And A Mobile App?

There are many differences between a web application and a website depending on the purpose of the owner. Each business pursues its own goals, so each type of application has different advantages and disadvantages for different projects.

Users can view and listen to the content posted on the sites. And this does not change the operation of the resource in any way. In the case of a web app, users can also manipulate certain data and do some simple actions.

Authentication

Authentication is not a mandatory process for common websites. Users may be prompted to register to access advanced functionality or subscribe to updates in rare cases. But you cannot access the mobile app without authentication. The functionality and spectrum of the mobile app are much wider than on the website. You also need to log into your personal account using a login and password to use the mobile app.

The Level Of Complexity Of The Tasks

If the site simply displays the data available on its pages, the web application has much more complex functionality.

Content Consumers

All data is static and most often open to all visitors on the web apps. The interaction of a web application with users is more complex and is not fully possible without authentication.

Deployment

You don’t need a full compilation and deployment to make simple changes to the site. All you need is just updating the HTML code. The developer needs to compile the new one and then deploy the software to change the web application.

Conclusion

The choice of web development depends on the goal of the project. There is no specific answer to the question of which is better — a mobile site or a mobile application. But you will be able to choose what is best for your product and target audience after studying the features of each of the options.