The main difference between applications (aka apps) and web apps/browsers is that native apps are stored on your device, whereas web apps and web browsers can only be accessed when you are connected to the internet. Therefore, you must be using a specific device when attempting to open a mobile app, but it doesn’t matter which device you are using when connecting to a web app.
A quick look at some of the most popular apps in the world
Some of the most popular apps in the world that many of you will already be familiar with by now are WhatsApp, TikTok, Twitter, Messenger, Facebook, and Snapchat. Other popular apps include Google Play, Instagram, the App Store, Netflix, Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Maps, Tinder, and Amazon Shopping. Both native mobile apps and web apps can be used for doing anything from your weekly online shopping, to watching your favourite videos to playing your favourite strategy games.
The main similarities and differences between native mobile apps and web apps
Native mobile apps have been designed to be viewed directly from a smartphone or tablet device, but web apps that work just like downloadable apps can only be accessed from your smartphone or tablet’s web browser. Also, an iOS app can only be accessed from iOS devices (e.g., Apple iPhones), and Android apps can only be accessed from Android operating devices (e.g., Samsungs and Google devices). You don’t need to download web apps, but you do need to download native mobile apps.
Mobile apps are often regarded as being far superior in terms of efficiency and how quick they are, and the fact that you don’t need an internet connection to be able to run them is convenient for a lot of people. However, they can be a nightmare in terms of how often they need to be updated. In comparison, you don’t need to update web apps because they will automatically update themselves from time to time. Downloadable apps are also more advanced with regard to functionality and the type of in-app features that are available.
Pros and cons of downloadable mobile apps
In general, native mobile apps that require a download are more secure, which is great for the user, and as mentioned, they work faster than web apps, plus they can be accessed offline. Downloadable apps are more expensive to develop than web apps, plus they also require storage room before you can add them to your device. No storage is needed to access a web app. Web apps, on the other hand, won’t work offline, and they are slower than downloadable apps.
Are web apps better than native download apps?
In short, many people will say that downloaded apps are better than web apps in a number of ways. However, others will argue that web apps are better than downloadable apps. Each person is different and will have their own reasons for which type of app is better. For example, some people prefer to download apps to their devices, whereas others prefer to access them using their device’s web browser.
More top apps to keep an eye out for in 2022
Some of the other popular apps (native and web-based, free and paid-for) that are proving extremely popular in 2022 are Gmail, Roblox, Disney+, Pokémon Go, Twitch, Minecraft, ESPN Tournament Challenge, Finger on the App 2, Geometry Dash, Zoom Cloud Meetings, Stardew Valley, and Plague Inc. Other notable mentions include Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, YouTube, Candy Crush Saga, BIGO Live, PUBG Mobile, and HBO Max.
