If you are planning an app for iOS and Android, you will usually hear two names: Flutter and React Native. Both let you build from a shared codebase instead of two separate apps, but they differ in language, in how they draw the interface and in the team each one suits.
This is a neutral comparison based on each technology's official documentation. To be clear: Maham Pro builds its apps with Flutter, and we do not develop with React Native.
Flutter in brief
- An open-source framework supported and used by Google, for building multi-platform apps from one codebase: mobile, web, desktop and embedded devices.
- Written in Dart.
- Draws its own interface: according to Flutter's architectural overview, it does not map to the platform's own UI controls; it has its own implementation of each control, and uses the Impeller renderer on native platforms.
- For release, code is compiled to machine code (ARM or Intel), or to JavaScript for the web.
- During development, stateful hot reload applies changes without restarting the app and losing its state.
React Native in brief
- Released by Meta in 2015 and maintained by Meta since, with contributions from companies and individuals in the community.
- Written in JavaScript using React's model for building interfaces; its motto is "learn once, write anywhere".
- Uses native UI components: according to its official site, primitives such as View, Text and Image map directly to the platform's native UI building blocks.
Comparison table
| Item | Flutter | React Native |
|---|---|---|
| Backed by | Google and an open-source community | Meta and an open-source community |
| Language | Dart | JavaScript |
| UI rendering | Its own renderer and widgets | The platform's native UI components |
| Look across platforms | Consistent, because Flutter draws it | Closer to each platform's components |
| Package repository | pub.dev | npm |
| Best-fit team | A team ready to work in Dart | A team experienced in React and JavaScript |
| Platforms | Mobile, web, desktop, embedded | iOS and Android; check its docs for other platforms |
What the differences mean in practice
How the interface is drawn
Because Flutter draws every element itself, an app looks consistent on both platforms and across OS versions, and custom brand interfaces are straightforward to build. React Native's reliance on native components can make an app look closer to the platform's defaults in some cases. Which is better depends on whether you want one brand look or a platform-native appearance.
Team experience
If your company has an in-house team already working in React on its website, React Native may come easier to them. If you are hiring an external developer, what matters is that their experience in the technology they propose shows in published apps.
Arabic interfaces
In Flutter, right-to-left support comes with the official localisation tools, which set text direction by language. Whichever technology you use, check that the packages you rely on handle Arabic, and design and test the app in Arabic from the start.
Packages and device features
Each has a large package ecosystem. Before starting, check that reliable, maintained packages exist for exactly what you need: your payment gateway, maps, notifications and camera. Where they do not, the team will have to build that part, which affects scope and cost.
When you might choose each
| Your situation | Usually closer |
|---|---|
| You want a custom brand UI consistent on both platforms | Flutter |
| You may expand to web or desktop from the same code | Flutter |
| You have a strong in-house React and JavaScript team | React Native |
| You want a look close to the platform's default components | React Native |
| You are hiring an external developer | The technology they have published work in |
What matters more than the technology
- Clear requirements and a defined first-version scope.
- Designs approved before coding.
- A clean architecture that allows maintenance and new features.
- Code and store accounts owned by your company.
- A clear plan for post-launch support.
Good technology with weak planning produces a weak app, and the reverse holds too.
Why we work with Flutter
At Maham Pro we chose to specialise in Flutter: one codebase for iOS and Android, custom Arabic-first interfaces, and back-end integration through REST APIs. Our work includes the Masrof school wallet app. Specialising in one technology means what we propose to you is what we actually work with.
FAQ
Is one always faster than the other?
There is no single answer for every app; performance depends as much on how the app is built as on the technology.
Can an app be moved from React Native to Flutter?
There is no automatic conversion; moving means rebuilding the interface and logic, and the scope is assessed as a project.
Do you develop with React Native?
No. We build our mobile apps with Flutter only.
Next step
Read our Flutter app cost guide and the app development stages, explore our mobile app development service, or book a free 30-minute introductory session to discuss whether Flutter suits your project.