What is a Mobile Web App?
- A Mobile Web App is simply a website optimised for mobile devices that look like a Native Mobile App.
- Mobile: Uses a Responsive Layout for providing an optimal experience for all mobile devices (phones/tablets) and orientations (landscape/portrait). Responsive means the use of fluid layout (widths in %) + flexible images + adaptative layout.
>>> As opposed to Desktop that uses a fixed layout (set widths in pixels).
- Web: As it is a website, it uses the same technology as a computer website (HTML, CSS, JS).
>>> As opposed to Native which uses a special programming for each device OS platform.
- App: App means some interactivity/functionality with the user.
>>> As opposed to Presentation which just shows information.
- Examples of Web Apps
Web App vs Native Mobile App
|
Web App |
Native Mobile App |
| Language |
One Website (HTML) for all |
Differents (ObjectiveC for iOS, Java for Android) |
| Installation |
No need |
Yes, Through an app store (Apple Store, Google Play) |
| Stored |
On Internet |
On the Device |
| Connection |
Needs Online normally |
Can work Offline |
| Speed |
Slower than Native Mobile App |
Faster than Web App |
| Device Features |
Limited access |
Complete access |
| Discoverable |
More discoverable on web |
Less discoverable on web |
| SEO |
Yes |
No |
| Maintenance / Cost |
Easy / Reasonable |
Complicated / Expensive |
| Approval / Fees |
No |
Yes |
| Universal accesibility |
Yes |
No |
Progressive Web App »