Apps are a lot more to us than just an enormous line of code running in the background. Since the inception of smartphones, mobile applications have been the key player in turning the market upside down. Just think of any great idea that you may have, it is bound to be an app. Although, in this ongoing fight of which app is better, true heroes of today are fighting to make the best technologies more and more relevant, a big decision to make sometimes is between choosing all new Flutter Vs React Native (tried and tested). Since we are an App Development Company by profession,, so it is kind of our responsibility to talk about this tech fight in detail.

This ongoing feud is important since our future relies upon it. The best part about the tech world is that it updates from its mistakes. Companies like Facebook and Google are not making mistakes but all of these new frameworks are mere iteration that’ll lead to something better. One such fight that is currently happening is over Flutter and React Native. It is ideal to have a fight since both of these cater heavily to the UI, module based development, and nativity. Therefore, in order to get further clarity over the topic let’s deep dive and find ourselves a winner.

About Flutter

Initially launched in the year 2017 in the month of May, Flutter is an open source mobile app development framework by Google. The great thing about the framework is that it would be the only Framework capable of Developing apps for Google Fuschia(a work in progress OS by Google). Also, despite using DART as the programming language, it is being considered one of the better mobile app development frameworks by the developer’s community. Flutter is a great framework for people who are looking forward to some great Material Design, libraries of its own, and most importantly performance.

About React Native

While the latter was developed by Google, this one is associated with another tech giant naming Facebook. This one was the first of its kind. The mobile app development framework allows you to work with React features along with native platforms. This allowed React Native to make a great looking application for multiple OS. 

React Native was launched in the year 2015, and currently, it is running the 0.59.8 version(this one is a stable release). React Native works exactly the way how React Worked. The functionality of React is independent of the DOM structure. Instead, in case of React Native, the framework uses threads written in Javascript that runs in the background and interact with the application’s functionality. This is the reason there is no need for the HTML code to be written for the language.

The Whole Flutter Vs React Native Fiasco

React Native has been there for a while and has been a solo contender in its category(because of ease). Although, since Google launched Flutter debates started to surface which one is better. Why? Because both of these frameworks deal with great UI/UX making them all the more competitive(and the ease to involve backend functionality). There were talks in the tech circle, although after the release of a more stable version for Flutter, it kind of escalated. React Native being old has a bigger community plus the framework solved problems which only it could in those times. On the other hand, people who have tasted Flutter and like it because of its performance and ease of development despite using DART as a Native language. Therefore, in order to know who is the winner do read down the comparison below.

Flutter Vs React Native Comparison

Beginner Level

Well, for now, we are talking about a complete rookie in both frameworks. Also, neither do you know a lot of Javascript nor do you understand much about DART, now the real question is which one should be considered for the ease of learning. 

Well, to answer this we need to see the languages both the framework uses. Talking about React Native then in order to use the framework all you need is Javascript. On the other hand, Flutter uses DART which has been around but is significantly lesser known in comparison. Considering the learning curve for both the frameworks it is essential to address that Javascript has a larger community. 

Although, one thing that always arises in the debates that DART is relatively simple to learn. And Well, DART is better in certain aspects like Inheritance, Classes and interfaces, Global namespaces, and most importantly the syntax feels relatively easier. Therefore, in this section, our pick would be Flutter considering this one is completely from a beginner’s perspective.

Winner: Flutter

Language

You may be thinking that this aspect is quite similar to the previous one. Although the reason behind mentioning it separately is that Javascript is a more widely accepted language. Previously, we were talking from a beginner’s perspective but from a language standpoint, at least for the coming days, Javascript is the winner. 

Considering it a winner seems a little hypocritical although just think through. Javascript has been there for many years. It means that the amount of people who can take up React Native as a prospective Framework is much higher. No doubt with the increasing community of Flutter this may go out of the question but for now, React Native is our winner.

Winner: React Native

App Size and Performance

 If talking about the libraries that both the Framework use then React Native should have been the winner. Although, after the new stable release of Flutter the size has actually gone down by 2 MB(so flutter is the winner). Although, the App size doesn’t really matter since now we are not solving the memory issue. Also, while developing extensive apps an MB or 2 doesn’t make much just because the libraries are heavy.

If the performance of the two is considered then Flutter takes an upper hand. Well, the reason for that is simple, React Native compiles the code during runtime. Although in case of Flutter the code is compiled before-hand into the ARM code. Also, unlike React Native this one doesn’t require a bridge. Therefore, in this case, Flutter would be the winner.

Winner: Flutter

Platforms

Talking about the number of platforms both the frameworks can support. Well, it is essential for any cross-platform mobile app development framework to have support for as many platforms as possible. Both Frameworks support all the major platforms like Android and IOS. Although, Flutter will be capable of developing applications for Google Fuschia. This operating system is not releasing soon and is only going through the testing phase but it is anticipated that it can be huge. Therefore, Flutter has an upper hand in this.

Winner: Flutter

Rendering Assets

By all means, this is an essential feature that most people overlook. How organic it is to establish a connection between the assets of the device we are using with the UI logic. By organic, I mean the ease of doing it. In Flutter, you get all these options as Flutter plugins, for instance, GeoLocator, Image Picker, Facebook Login, firebase, and much more. Although, the same can actually be achieved by React Native. Also, both the languages support third-party plugins which gets them extensive usability.

Winner: None

P.S: I found this amazing library of plugins if you are looking forward to developing in Flutter.

Ease of Use

It’s not just me who feels that making an app in Flutter is faster and efficient but most of the tech blogs Vlogs, and forums say the same. We are discussing this aspect because while in case of Flutter all the code that is written for UI is reused for both Android and IOS. In case of React Native, some of the segments of UI code needs to be written separately at times. Also, setting up Flutter is very easy in comparison to React Native. Therefore, the winner here is Flutter.

Winner: Flutter

UI Components(Widgets and Material Design)

As far as the UI components are concerned both the framework provides you with some exceptional looking UI components. When talking about both the framework in this context, you are more than capable of creating anything from them. Although, React Native uses a lot of third-party plugins to achieve the same while flutter uses plugins that have been designed by the Google Team. In this case, beauty is in the hands of the beholder although working with something that is in-house is much easier in comparison to something which relies more on third-party. Therefore, the winner here is Flutter.

Winner: Flutter

State Management 

Managing state of your components is of utmost importance. Although since choosing the parent class to make the changes in the state could lead to many problems both the framework have come up with their own solution. The architecture of React Native is based on Flux and Redux while on the other side Flutter uses the BLoc approach. 

Talking about React Native well they are using the same old Flux and Redux approach which are effective but to an extent. If Flutter is to be concerned then it does have the Redux approach but what really eases the developer is its BLoc Architecture. We won’t call it better but it is definitely from a developer’s POV. 

A BLoc Architecture takes the help of streams. When making an app in Flutter we use Streambuilder along with the component. These streambuilder upon receiving a state change via a stream makes the change accordingly. The great part about BLoc architecture is that it separates the business logic from the UI Logic.

Winner: Flutter

Native Look

Both the frameworks are capable of making great beautiful looking Native UI. Although, in case of React Native you get the support of Obj-C, Swift, or C++. By this, they don’t want the developer to get struck while making something. This allows the user to develop anything and everything they want even if it doesn’t exist in the React Native framework(custom built).

On the other hand, Flutter is already being known for the native appeal it has. Although, writing in Flutter saves you from integrating endless libraries. Flutter is known for shelling out Native looking application. The best part is that once you write a code for a current OS then it is auto-compatible with previous versions too.

Winner: Flutter

Support for Threads

If we are talking about the support for threads then it is essential to address the elephant in the room. Well, I am talking about the language both of these frameworks use. DART(used by Flutter) use “Future” and “Async” API to perform asynchronous programming. Also, you have to use “Await” and the “then” function for the same.

Unlike Android, it uses a single thread for even the heavyweight functionality such as downloading or playing music in the background. On the other hand, Javascript does the same and manage functionalities using Web Workers. Although, since DART has a core library to deal with such a situation I believe it is more capable of handling future issues better.

Winner: Flutter

Animations and SVG Integration

Well, animations are a huge part of UI experience these days. These are important since they make your application very interactive. In case of React Native what you are getting is a strong community which has developed a whole lot of third-party plugins for you to use. 

Although, in case of Flutter most of the animations are served to us as widgets and all of those are proprietary. Also, adding SVG to the code in case of flutter is really easy. One thing that is of utmost importance that Flutter is capable of rendering all these animations at 120 Hz(on devices that are capable otherwise 60 Hz) while with React Native the performance of animations is not that fluid.

Winner: Flutter

Hot Reload

Well, both the framework supports Hot Reload. Using Hot Reload a developer can easily just type in any change in the code and it will be automatically inflicted on the virtual device. This feature in Flutter is known as “Stateful Hot Reload” but since both the Frameworks are equals in this, we got no winner.

Winner: None

Compatibility with IOT/Embedded Devices

If you are thinking of going cross-platform for developing an IoT device then currently React Native and Flutter are two great choices. With both the frameworks it is possible to get support for IOT. Although, Flutter has got so many widgets right off the bat while in React Native it requires a whole lot of extra work. Therefore, the winner here is again Flutter.

Winner: Flutter

Migration

When I was in school I heard about WORA(Write Once Run Anywhere), this was the term used for Java since it has its own JVM. In case of React Native also this was publicised but was it really the case. Well, React Native does provide the code reusability because of which migrating an app from one OS to another was relatively easy. Although, in case of React Native you still have to make some changes while in case of Flutter, well, a flutter migration is a flutter migration. You don’t have to write additional code since the DART code is directly being converted to machine language. It means that you just have to compile your code for the other OS without adding an inch of script. The whole process of migration becomes really easy hence the winner is Flutter.

Winner: Flutter

Documentation

You just open the internet and search about Flutter and React Native Documentation, word of mouth is that the documentation of Flutter is way better than React Native. Documentation is important because it is a manual that will help you use the product better. Also, I felt the same for both of them.

Winner: Flutter

Community

Documentations are essential(in fact very important) but let’s just address it, without a good community things can get pretty rough. Developing an application is a challenging process and there are instances where one can easily get stuck. Although, it is the community of that particular framework or language that helps you during the time.

In this case, React Native is a clear winner. Why? It has an enormous range of plugins available, developers know about it, StackOverflow has got answers to many of your query. Basically, if in case of React Native you are lost in the middle then you can find a way to many helping hands while in case of Flutter the community is not that strong(it is surely catching up). Therefore, React Native is the winner in this case.

Winner: React Native

Industry Adaptation

If you are a complete beginner then you may be strolling around with the idea which framework is better from the job perspective. Well, React Native has been adopted by industries quite well so the answer would be React Native. Flutter is doing a lot to promote it and many big companies have started to adopt the tech but they have just started. Therefore, one may argue about the future but for now, React Native is better.

Winner: React Native

Dynamic Updates

Well, both frameworks are equally capable of providing dynamic updates to your current application. Although, we know none of the languages that are made has been developed in coherence with the idea but these two platforms still manage to do so. In case of React Native since all the code is written in javascript, therefore, they use a utility known as Codepush. Codepush constantly asks the server whether it has any updates for the apps if the answer is yes then the aspect is updated instantly.

On the contrary, on Flutter most of the work is being done in DART but some of the instances may require javascript(depending upon the developer). Here Flutter shows the flexibility of cross-language integration. One can easily make a code in Javascript and deploy it. For the extra effort again I feel Flutter is the winner since they are being perceptive of the arising problem. Therefore, it will be much easier to fix bugs and add functionalities without any hassle. 

Winner: Flutter

Release Date

The aspect on which the winner will be decided has been discussed earlier i.e. community. The older your framework is the more support and updates you have for it. Currently, React Native is a running trend adopted by many big industries. You got stable releases for that too. Although, much like the Flutter this one does not actually have any official support for making desktop apps but you got community support for that in React Native. In Flutter, for now, it is not possible because of the weaker community.

Winner: React Native

Flutter vs React Native – Moment of Decision

Well, as you know the clear winner in terms of functionality is Flutter. It is easier to learn, has a robust framework, handles nativity well, and whatnot. Although the real question that arises after the dust settles is it gonna kill React Native. Well, that is a question for which the answer would be a No. Despite the extensive features that flutter offer it is very difficult to obliterate React Native from the market. Why? Because it is a trending technology with a very large community. We already got a whole lot of applications that are already built using the framework which makes React Native almost indispensable. When React Native came into the market a lot of people thought that it might completely takeover Angular(a product of Google) but that didn’t happen. Angular already had a community which made it sustainable for the market. Also, who knows that React Native betters itself in the future when the next update comes.
So this was our article on Flutter vs React and a detailed comparison of why one of the frameworks is better than the other one. Both of these frameworks offer a whole lot of ease to the developers. Although, facts are facts and we can’t change them. In case if you are inquisitive about us then we are an app making coming known by the name Agicent Technologies based in India. In case if you read similar articles as this then you can click on the link here. We hope that this article may have been of some help to you. Also, thank you for reading it until the end.#HappyReading