The biggest annoyance for me is hitting the back button in my browser as it doesn't remember how far down I scrolled on the page.

There are lots of other little convenience things but that's what prompted me to download an app.

Apps are generally more optimised for phones, and thus work a little bit better (with the exception of www.wefwef.app). But if you like the website, you don't have to use apps.

It's probably just that the majority of users here are here because their Reddit app stopped working yesterday! So they're used to a certain app and are looking to fill that hole

Nothing is wrong if that is your preferred method. Period end of story.

I prefer the option to just scroll without accidentally putting myself back at the top of the list.

Nothing really. The mobile app is mainly to browse on the phone when not in front of the computer. I guess you can browse it in a phone's browser but it's more convenient, at least for me, to use an app.

If you can stand it, then go for it. You don't need to explain what's wrong with it, to most it's a terrible and janky experience immediately. There's a reason why people prefer native. If you don't see why, then who cares?

I found it would constantly jump to the top when reading/scrolling as new content was added, so I found various apps to be a much better experience. I guess that's what happens with such a jump in new lemmings coming online!

I understand the scrolling/jumping problem was supposed to be addressed in 0.18.1, which is great!

Apps have a few advantages not the least of which are Push notifications, individualised UIs, additional functionality like swipe to upvote etc. Webapps are ok, native Applications in General just have greater flexibility and access to more features of your Smartphone.

You're not missing anything by not using apps, as other people said, many people came here because reddit apps stopped working and they're looking for replacements.

I never used apps on reddit, old.reddit on desktop was by far the best experience for me, I don't intend to use apps on lemmy either.

Nothing wrong at all with using a browser to view. Lemmy. People just like an app because it can better organize the site, posts, and comments. It really comes down to what you find most efficient and visually appealing.

I downloaded Connect for Lemmy as I'd seen others recommend it. I suppose I was drawn to using an app out of instinct rather than need. I'm waiting for Sync for Lemmy and can't be bothered to try out a bunch of other apps before then.

Am I missing out on something by not using an app?

Right now you are not missing out on anything. Infact most apps are not fully functional yet.

Who said there's something wrong using a browser?

My biggest gripe using the browser was the constant auto-refresh. I’m using wefwef which has better functionality and looks way nicer, feels more like a ‘Reddit’ experience.

nothing wrong my guy. it just that apps feel more fluid and smooth than web apps on mobile. wefwef is web based but it feels great to use.

I use my phone for Reddit mostly. The web UI was awful on mobile, and constantly annoying you to install their app. If the mobile UI for lemmy works well it's not an issue. But I think many people have a workflow that consists of an app for interacting with Reddit, and now lemmy

I don't think there's anything wrong with using a web browser. I think people like the app just because it makes it easier to manage when browsing on the phone.

Since I work from home on a company PC now trying to use my own PC for anything is depressing lol so now I browse pretty much exclusively from my Android phone

I'm firmly a desktop user here, I'm old-fashioned, I don't like using my phone, I'd rather be doing just about anything else than reading and typing on a phone screen. But each to their own!

If someone wants to make a desktop app I'd be interested (there never was one for Reddit), but the browser experience is just fine - especially with version 0.18 it's starting to feel polished.