"I need an app" is often the first sentence of a project. But an app installed from a store and a web app have neither the same cost nor the same possibilities. Here is how to decide.
In a hurry? Describe my project
The web app, installable from the browser
It opens from a web address and can be installed on the phone's home screen, without going through a store. It updates itself, also works on a computer and can, if well designed, keep working offline.
That is the choice made for Tabalé: the till installs from the browser and runs on an entry-level Android phone.
The installed app (Android, iPhone)
It is downloaded from a store or a file. It becomes useful when you need:
- deep access to the phone: camera, fingerprint, local storage;
- to work entirely without a connection, data included;
- to be present on a store to reach the general public.
Looking for a solution for your business?
Talk to Kazi-SoftThe question of cost
A web app serves every device with a single development. An installed app often requires work per platform, plus publication and updates on the stores. For the same need, the web app generally costs less.
Our advice
Start with the web app if your users are your employees or your regular customers. Move to the installed app if you are targeting the general public or need the phone's advanced features.
Frequently asked questions
Can a web app work without internet?
Yes, if it is designed for it: data is saved on the device and synchronised when the network comes back.
Can we start with the web and move to mobile later?
Yes. It is even a careful way to validate usage before investing in an installed app.