Short answer: Choose cross-platform (React Native or Flutter) for most business apps — one codebase, faster first release, lower cost. Choose native (Swift, Kotlin) when the app depends on heavy device features, complex graphics or platform-specific UX. In Romania, senior mobile teams build either from €9,500 for a bounded first slice.
| Native | Cross-platform | |
|---|---|---|
| Codebases | Two | One |
| First-version cost | Higher | 30–40% lower |
| Performance | Best | Very good |
| Device APIs | Full | Most, via bridges |
| Best for | Hardware-heavy, graphics | Business, commerce, content apps |
Our default
We start cross-platform unless there is a concrete reason not to, and drop to native modules where needed. Examples are on our work page.
Related: Kotlin engineers on demand, offline inventory app guide.
Next step
Related services: staff augmentation, mobile app development, nearshore outsourcing and all services. Case studies: CodCheck, vehicle tracking and an AI voice agent for a hospitality group.
Not sure what team you need? Try the nearshore team planner. Or see the published pricing, live work and the nearshore lean approach, or send a short brief — we reply within one working day.
Frequently asked
Is cross-platform cheaper than native?
Usually 30–40% cheaper for the first version because one codebase serves iOS and Android. Native wins for heavy device integration, complex animation or platform-specific UX.
How long does a mobile app take?
A focused first version typically takes 8–16 weeks with a senior team.