Recently, I was asked what are the benefits of native android apps or iPhone apps over mobile browser-based applications. I get the impression that the similarities between Android apps and mobile browser apps are close and the feature gaps are minimal. Personally I am pro-Android. But if faced with the question (and ensuing argument), can it be said that really is the case ?
What are the defining attributes of smartphone application architecture that can be explained to the lay user to differentiate Android/iPhone from mobile browser-based web-apps as a preferred platform ?
Web apps are likely to work on more devices, but native apps can take full advantage of native ui metaphors. Native apps can also work when the device is offline or temporarily offline. Web apps may lag while users prefer immediate feedback. Native apps can interact with device more fully for cameras, etc. Native apps also act in their own context under their own icon instead of in a web page.