Mobile apps (native apps) are specially designed programs for iOS and Android installed through the App Store or Google Play; they provide the best performance, deep device integration and rich user experience. PWAs (Progressive Web App) are web apps that install from the browser, use caching and service providers to work offline, and don’t require publishing to stores. PWAs are faster to develop and cheaper to support, but may be inferior to native apps in terms of speed, access to some APIs and OS integration. The choice depends on the project goals: if you need maximum performance and deep work with the device – choose a mobile app, if speed to market, cross-platform and economy are important – PWA.
What is a mobile app?
A mobile application (native app) is a program developed in platform-specific languages (Swift, Objective-C for iOS; Java/Kotlin for Android) and installed via official app stores.
Native apps run directly in the OS, which provides fast response, access to “zero” APIs (Bluetooth, NFC, sensors, etc.) and high performance.
Key benefits
Maximize performance: code is compiled for a specific device, which reduces latency and lowers power consumption.
Deep integration: access to any APIs of the system (camera, geolocation, sensors) without restrictions.
Familiar UX: the interface follows iOS and Android guideline, which increases user loyalty.
Disadvantages
High cost of development and support of separate versions for different platforms.
Long release time: the process of publishing to the App Store can take up to several days.
Installation required: the user must visit the store and download the app.
What is a PWA?
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application that runs in a browser with the ability to “install” on a device’s home screen using serviceworkers and a manifest.
PWAs are written in standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and do not require platform-specific compilation.
Key benefits
- Cross-platform: the same app works the same on iOS, Android, Windows and web.
- Instant launch and updates: publishing and updates happen immediately on the server, without the need to update the client version.
- Low login threshold: the user only needs to go to the URL and “install” the application from the browser if desired.
Disadvantages
Limited API access: some features (DRM for media, full Bluetooth, NFC) are either limited or unavailable.
Performance: PWAs use WebView, which can put a higher CPU and memory load than native solutions.
Browser support: not all browsers (especially on desktop) support PWA stuff equally.
Comparison by key criteria
Development and support
- Native: requires separate teams or specialists for each platform, increasing costs to support two code bases.
- PWA: universal web technology stack, common code base, faster iteration.
Installation and distribution
- Native: App Store/Play Market; passing moderation and site commissions.
- PWA: installation via browser, can be promoted via SEO and direct links.
Performance
- Native: minimal latency, optimized for the hardware, less power consumption.
- PWA: higher CPU/memory load, browser performance dependency.
Offline mode
Native: data caching and local database without restrictions.
- PWA: Service Workers allow caching static resources and API responses, but with capacity limitations and complex synchronization logic.
Safety
- Native: security through OS sandboxing and app store.
- PWA: HTTPS is mandatory, web application vulnerabilities are possible, but Service Workers and Content Security Policy (CSP) improve security.
Cost and timing
- Native: 2-3× more expensive to develop, long testing and publishing timeframes.
- PWA: lower budget, fast MVP (from a few weeks).
Updates
- Native: have to release new versions in the store, users update late.
- PWA: immediately on the server – no user dependency.
When to choose a mobile app?
Complex logic and heavy graphical tasks (games, AR/VR).
Deep integration with the device (scanners, biometrics, NFC).
Performance-critical tasks (photo editors, video conferencing).
Distribution strategy through marketplaces and linking to the ecosystem (Apple Watch, Android Auto).
When to choose a PWA?
Operationalize the product to market and test hypotheses.
Limited budget for development and support.
A project with broad platform coverage and a focus on SEO.
Content-oriented services (news portals, blogs, catalogs).
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all “best” solution between mobile apps and PWAs: the choice depends on business goals, feature-intensive features and audience needs. If the priority is speed, cross-platform and cost reduction, PWAs are a great choice. If maximum performance, depth of integration and premium UX are important, you should invest in a native application.
We will be happy to discuss your project and find the best solution – we will be happy to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it possible to convert a PWA into a mobile app?
Yes, there are wrappers (e.g. Cordova, Capacitor) that allow PWAs to be packaged in a native container for publishing to stores.
2. Does iOS support all PWA features?
Partially: Safari on iOS has limitations on background synchronizations and some APIs (e.g. push notifications).
3. How do I measure PWA performance?
Use Google Lighthouse and WebPageTest tools to audit speed, accessibility, and SEO.
4. How much does it cost to develop a PWA?
On average 30-50% cheaper than a native application, depending on complexity.
5. Can I publish PWAs to Google Play?
Yes, Google Play supports publishing PWAs via Trusted Web Activity (TWA).
