As most of us have already discovered with some reluctance, people are very attached to their phones. You can hardly step outside, wait at the bus stop, or enjoy the morning coffee without catching someone on the phone, even as they are walking across the street without looking. Smartphones have become an extension of many of our limbs. We use them to perform all manner of tasks throughout the day, from navigating to playing music to shopping to paying bills and beyond.
So, the question becomes, should I go with the app or stick with the mobile browser? Will users soon ditch the World Wide Web altogether in favor of apps? Keep reading to learn why apps have the edge over the mobile browser.
The Advantages of Apps vs. the Mobile Browser
Apps are specialized software packages. There is virtually an app for everything, from ordering food, scheduling appointments, online gaming, and the latest predictions on sports betting apps, to routine online banking. The mobile browser is equipped to handle the same features as apps, however, it pulls the websites via the mobile browser like Google Chrome and Safari for Apple users.
Apps Offer Superior Security to the Mobile Browser
When using a mobile browser, it is 99% certain you are using a public Wi-Fi network. You don’t need us to tell you the chronic security loopholes for hackers to exploit on a public Wi-Fi network. However, mobile apps are more secure in some aspects. Apps must pass rigorous standards to make it to the App Store and Google Play for public download.
If you use a mobile browser, not all sites use the appropriate SSL encryption. It is more easier than you think to visit a fake site, and suddenly your device is flooded with malware and ransomware. If you already have a service’s official app on your phone, you have no need to access the service through a website, which eliminates the possibility of entering the wrong one.
Speed is a very important factor in user experience for most people. In general, apps are faster than websites since the data is stored locally in the app and doesn’t need to constantly ping the internet for data like websites do. You want to be able to open an app and get to what you need very quickly when necessary. Think about the speed you rely on with your GPS apps. If you don’t get the directions fast enough, you could go the wrong way or get stuck in traffic.
The App’s UI Experience and Accessibility
Apps offer more simplified and customized UIs. You can have larger buttons to click on, a better optimized interface for scrolling, less clutter, and more intuitive navigation. The website may give you more information at a time, which can create clutter to navigate.
Apps keep your details, your history, and your settings behind one small button on your home screen. That’s why apps will always be the most convenient option.
Mobile apps also allow users to stay signed in and use them whenever they want. They don’t need to log in manually each time they want to use their favorite apps.
Customize How You Wish to Get Notified
Push notifications on your device are one of the primary benefits of apps. Apps are designed to get you real-time updates/alerts to your phone. This way, you will never miss out on time-sensitive services, such as messaging apps and appointment reminders. Apps allow you to stay current with the latest news and more, without needing to actively engage with the service. Many of the most popular apps, especially news and entertainment apps, let you customize notifications to minimize intrusions without missing out on the information.
Final Thought
Using a mobile browser isn’t a bad option. There are sometimes geo-restrictions to consider. With the right VPN and a mobile browser, you have a better chance of beating these restrictions compared to the latest apps. However, the top apps offer more frequent updates. At the end of the day, using a mobile browser or the app depends on frequency and comfort.
