A native application is a program developed for a particular platform or device. Hence, a native iOS, Android, Windows Phone or other apps can be built.
With Native development, you would have either Android or iOS apps and the development will be completely separated for each platform.
Pros of Native development:
Performance and speed. Since your application is built for a specific platform, so it will work as efficiently as on the platform. In particular, it productively uses the battery and the memory of the phone. It fastens the code and eases the integration of new functions. Gestures, multi-touch and tracking of geographical location also get easier to be implemented.
User Experience. The experience used to the interface of Android will feel different when using iOS, uncomfortable exactly.
Access to Software and Flexibility in Implementation. In native development, you can implement everything that the technologies of a mobile operating system can do, without limitations compared to construction in cross-platform. Full access to smartphone’s functions and services can benefit the application (i.e., databases, geolocation, camera, etc.).
Ensuring reliable data protection. Only possible with native development, it is connected with mathematics, and the most efficient use of hardware resources is required for operations.
Convenience of testing. It is easy for Native Platform to control application performance. If the app consumes more than expected memory, or more CPU resources in the testing process, this is immediately apparent.
Availability and support from app stores. Users download the app from their "native" stores, such as the App Store or Google Play. Also, stores are interested in offering high-quality products and therefore no projects with low performance and quality, which is more likely for cross-platform development. Besides, native plat-formed projects are more likely to be on Featured sections of the App Store and Google Play, except for game projects in which the interface is not systemic.
Use of the latest technology. The OS is available for implementation right after the corresponding updates are released. Meanwhile it will be necessary to wait not only for a new version release of the OS, but also to update the corresponding framework for cross-platform development. When it needs support for certain new features and whether it is impossible to predict whether it will happen.
And you need a Native Mobile Application if
No requirements for access to all resources and services of the phone.
The most responsive application is needed.
It is possible to work offline for the app.
You want a complex application with a wide functionality;
Your app should use as much as possible of the hardware parts of the device.
If the project is not about gaming, or is long-term development and requires positive user experience, native development is the best and only option.