React Native vs Native: The Ultimate Comparison, Which One is Better?

Mobile applications are created using native languages conventionally. With an increasing demand for React Native, well-known online apps, including Pinterest, Uber, Facebook, Skype, Instagram, etc, are wholly or partly written via React Native. If you’re a startup, you might think about whether to go with React Native App Development Services or cross-platform development. 

What is a Native Application? 

A Native app is developed to extend its usage to specific devices or platforms. Native can use hardware and software employed in specialised devices. It offers optimized performance and leverages the benefits of updated technology, like Augmented Reality or Biometrics, in contrast to mobile cloud applications created to be comprehensive across different operating systems. 

What is a React Native Application? 

React Native is a JavaScript-oriented framework used for designing Android and iOS apps. It is managed by Facebook, which supports its operation through cross-platform apps consisting of a shared codebase. Though it is synonymous with Native in look, it offers additional portability. By default, the JSX extension is built to induce the writing of declarative User Interface elements. A significant difference is React Native executes the code in a different thread, so the UI is not blocked, and animations run smoothly. Both Android and iOS have the same infrastructure but have fundamental differences. Looking at the more giant arena, three significant segments of the React Native platform are: 

• Javascript VM: The central part is the JS Virtual Machine executing all the Javascript codes. React Native utilises JavaScriptCore on iOS or Android devices. 
• Native Modules: The majority of the native codes of iOS are written using Swift or Objective C, whereas, in Android, Java or Kotlin language is used. But in the case of React Native apps, we hardly require native code for Android or iOS. 
• React Native Bridge: It is a Java or C++-supported bridge that leads to communication between the Javascript and native thread. For the sake of the transfer of messages, a custom protocol is involved. 

React Native vs Native Contrast 

To decide which approach suits your needs, let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you are still unsure, look for the best React Native App Development Solutions in the market to get guidance on what is feasible for your project requirements. 

Pros of Native App Development 

1. Native apps can be used on a broad scale when functionalities such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality come into the picture. 
2. In the case of Apple’s operating system, when any upgraded version is released with new features, the native developers can get quick access to those functionalities and need not wait for their execution when considering any cross-platform technology. 
3. As Native is used in designing OS, it is convenient for the experts to unite with hardware and software solutions. Again, this gives accessibility to devices like SDKs, sensors or different platform-directed attributes that might not be available externally to the native ecosystem. 
4. It is dedicated as it allows execution of lower grade codes as well as possessing effective control. The code can be instantly debugged and analysed. 
5. There is no layer in the middle to get the camera, GPS, or Touch ID access, and apps benefit from every process performed by the mobile platform. 

Cons of Native App Development

1. Generally, when a need arises to develop discrete apps backed by varying technologies, an immense need comes up to hire highly skilled mobile app developers. This directly contributes to the development budget. Remember that development is just not a segment of the overall process; seeking and recruiting professional developers is not low-priced either. 
2. After the final app release, it must be ensured that for any minor changes that need to be fixed in addition to the bugs, there must be someone to perform this task. The problem that can be presented at this stage is the requirement of two developers, one handling a single platform at a time. This adds up to the monthly expenses if the application is used extensively and new bugs keep appearing. 
3. The native technology is fabulous for designing complicated apps, but these are still not used in new businesses. So, if an e-commerce app is to be developed similar to Walmart, for example, then keeping two discrete teams is not money-friendly. 
4. It is particularly crucial for companies that plan to launch their application for several platforms at once. It might be acceptable for a Mobile app Development Company if it has sufficient funds, but for a new entrant running with restricted resources and money, it could pose challenges. If a company has engaged effectively in the research of market trends and has the information to support the decision on which is the profitable platform to choose, it is excellent. 

Pros of React Native App Development

1. React Native is a commendable technology as it gives native-similar experiences to users across different mobile app platforms possessing platform-directed characteristics. The fact that both Android and iOS applications can operate on the basis of shared code makes them even higher. 
2. It provides support to over-the-air (OTA) updates, helping it offer a smooth experience to its users when changes are brought up in the apps that are used. The OTA feature assists in performing updates to the app without asking users to download it manually. During the app launch, it will automatically go through background updation. 
3. React Native induces the release of apps quickly across multiple platforms and updates them as soon as possible because if an update is drafted, it will be applied to both platforms. 
4. By employing JavaScript as the core technology, Node.js and React can run the backend and front end, respectively. In this manner, the whole team of experts has applied the same language. This helps in managing and adding a developer throughout the process. It also indicates that there is someone who is capable of assisting with the alimentation of the React Native Apps, in case a crisis occurs. 

Cons of React Native App Development

1. React Native is not suitable for resource-intensive apps. When highlighting a few obstacles in the communication with the hardware of an internal device, it is not shocking that the efficacy of the React Native-based apps would be lower in status than the apps created through Native. 
2. Companies such as Google and Apple launch Operating System updates with upgraded features accessible to the developers; it is time-consuming for the people who take care of the maintenance to execute the functionalities into the infrastructure. So if the application becomes totally reliable on the updates then React Native is not something you’re looking for. 
3. React Native faces the issue of limited access to APIs and third-party operators. Nevertheless, it can be resolved by designing modules using the native platform. 
4. Some of the UI features and animations are complex which shows the negative side of React Native. Some mobile app elements cannot be drafted in JavaScript, so the developers should be skilled in native app development for both iOS and Android operating systems. 

Why is React Native a Better Choice for New Businesses? 

React Native is a popular choice among developers and has an influential community. If you’re a startup, you can engage with experts to solve any issues since it is the standard framework for any React Native App Development Company. As a new business, it is important to adjust rapidly to the prototype of the technology. It strongly applies to MVP creation or introducing a product in the market. This is counted as its strength due to its fair determination about whether it suits the developmental needs of a project or whether the native would be a better choice. 

Some of the businesses have the budget as a constraint, so those companies are good to go with a hybrid scheme that aligns with a single codebase. It has fascinating effects on logistics as it lowers the starting cost to the minimum mark. Thus, React Native is the one for new entrants if the application is not dependable on the Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs) and functionalities like Augmented Reality (AR) and Internet of Things (IoT). How your app outcomes would be is solely reliant on the skilled people you have employed. It ensures they know the dos and don’ts of React Native in contrast to Native app development. While supporters of React Native still need to focus much on polishing the edges, it is a valid option for the majority of the B2B apps, internal process software, and apps consisting of vigorously generated views. 

Final Thoughts 

The growing emergence of React Native is not something to be underestimated. In some cases, such as B2B services it is a perfect choice. Its cost-effectiveness and shorter time duration for development make it a viable option. Though native remains in the supreme position for a long time, many factors of React Native have contributed to an emerging ecosystem that might leave people amazed in the upcoming years. Nonetheless, React Native’s future holds uncertainty. It is considerate that React Native’s community is growing at a fast pace, but observing the ongoing version of React Native being 1.0, there is much more to expect. Overall, this technology is a powerful tool for businesses today other than just the heart for development due to its flexibility in allowing startups to generate effective products without pondering over the composite technology stack.