Using Expo adds a small overhead because it includes extra libraries and services by default. This can slightly affect app startup time and memory usage compared to bare React Native. Bare React Native apps can be more optimized for performance since you control native code and dependencies directly. However, for most apps, Expo's performance is smooth enough to maintain 60fps UI rendering.
With Expo, optimize by minimizing heavy libraries and using Expo's managed APIs efficiently. Avoid large assets and unnecessary dependencies to keep frame rates high. In bare React Native, you can optimize by writing native modules for heavy tasks and fine-tuning native code. Both approaches benefit from using React Native's profiling tools and avoiding blocking the main thread.
Expo apps tend to have larger bundle sizes because they include many built-in modules even if unused. This can increase download size and startup time. Bare React Native apps can be smaller since you include only what you need. However, Expo's over-the-air updates can speed up delivering fixes without full app store updates, improving user experience.
Expo provides a consistent experience across iOS and Android with unified APIs, simplifying cross-platform development. Bare React Native requires managing native code separately for each platform, which can lead to platform-specific optimizations but also more complexity. Expo handles iOS code signing and build processes in the cloud, while bare React Native requires manual setup for both platforms.
Both Expo and bare React Native apps must comply with Apple App Store and Google Play policies. Expo apps use standard native wrappers approved by stores, so no extra review hurdles. Bare React Native apps must ensure native modules comply with guidelines, especially for privacy and security. Both require proper code signing: Expo automates this, bare React Native requires manual setup.
Your app takes 5 seconds to load this screen. What's likely wrong?