Performance & Installation

PWAs install instantly from the browser and usually weigh under 1 MB. Native apps, however, access the GPU directly for intensive 3-D graphics.

Development Cost

A single PWA codebase (React + Workbox) targets Android, iOS and desktop, cutting initial cost by ≈ 35 %. Native apps require two repositories and App Store fees.

Offline Capability

Service workers cache APIs, enabling PWAs to work in areas with patchy 4G such as rural Oman. Native apps rely on SQLite / Room for full offline sync.

Push Notifications & Engagement

Both approaches support rich notifications, but iOS restricts PWA pushes to recently-used domains. Native Swift / Kotlin apps retain deeper background control.

SEO & Discoverability

PWA URLs are crawlable, giving start-ups extra organic reach. Combine them with App Links so Google results open the installed experience.