The Clash of Clans: Kotlin Vs. Flutter

Published on Aug 26, 2019

Updated on Apr 13, 2020

First things first – Kotlin is a programing language whereas Flutter is a framework. As frameworks provide solutions to particular problems, you’ll find several inbuilt functions in Flutter to complete an application. And, of course, programming languages know no limit for app development.

Since May 2019, Google officially supports Kotlin for mobile app development on Android. But, Flutter is an open-source mobile application development framework created by Google itself!

Both Kotlin and Flutter have a ‘Google tag’ attached with them. Therefore, ‘which is better’ is a big question before developers. Reading further, you’ll get to know ‘when’ to use Kotlin or Flutter.

When to use Kotlin?

Kotlin is a cross-platform general-purpose programming language. Although it relies on Java Class Library, its syntax is more concise. Want to know the difference between Kotlin and Java? Here’s your answer.

The scope of app development in Kotlin is unlimited. For instance, Uber’s internal tooling processes (e.g. Annotation processors, Gradle plugins, etc.) are coded in Kotlin. Pinterest app moved from Java to Kotlin to provide users a better interface.

Source: Pinterest@GooglePlay

Following are the situations where Kotlin supersedes any other programming language for mobile app development.

#1 Adding Features to an Existing App

Kotlin works well and is interoperable with Java and Java components. If you want to add features to an existing app, then instead of revamping the entire architecture or changing the platform, you can simply use Kotlin to solve the purpose.

#2 Simple Syntax for Sophisticated Codes

With intuitive syntax, it is easy to write and deploy new codes in Kotlin. For apps that require heavy coding, Kotlin is simple to maintain.

#3 Inbuilt Debugging

Kotlin’s fail-fast compiler can search bugs automatically and prevents them from coming again. Thus, Kotlin is safer than Java and reports and resolves crashes instantly.

StackOverflow survey 2019 reveals- Kotlin is the fourth most loved programing language!

When to use Flutter?

Flutter is a framework developed by google on Dart programming language. Its architecture includes the Dart platform, Flutter engine, Foundation library, and design-specific widgets. Flutter got the spotlight because apps developed in Flutter are compatible with both iOS and Android.

The Flutter framework is capable of building full-fledged applications in different domains like e-commerce, utility, social, and entertainment. For example, Alibaba’s mobile app is built in Flutter.

Image source: Alibaba@GooglePlay

#1 For Building Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

If you want to build an application in minimum possible time, you should go for Flutter. Be it to impress investors, or present prototypes, Flutter is just sufficient (and fast too) to give a clearer idea of the product.

#2 Quick Fixes

Flutter’s hot reload feature allows developers to execute code changes in real-time. If you know, the project will require frequent changes, Flutter can give you quick fixes.

#3 Easy Set-up

Flutter is easy to set-up, even in low-end PCs. It enables developers to access native features like Geo-location and camera along with additional widget support.

It would be unjust if we don’t discuss the situations where Flutter doesn’t meet developers’ expectations.

At present Flutter is still in its early stages. There aren’t too many CI (Continuous Integration) Platforms (e.g. Jenkins and Travis) that support it. Flutter, although makes it easy to build apps for android and iOS, does not cover web-apps. Therefore, Flutter is a misfit for businesses that require both mobile and web applications.

Now that Kotlin vs. Flutter is a hot-topic, should ‘React JS’ feel left out?

React JS, which is backed by Facebook was once popular for developing mobile user interfaces. Many developers still prefer React Native, which enables native Android, iOS, and UWP development with React. However, the new-age developers are more inclined towards Kotlin and Flutter.

What Developers say on Kotlin Vs. Flutter

“Dart is just a wannabe amateur hobby me-too project compared to Kotlin.”
Mike Milpot, Software Architect, Inventor

“Apart from the fact that you can still call Android/iOS APIs, building Flutter UIs is a bit more exhaustive than it is on Android.”
Wilberforce Uwadiegwu, Mobile Software Engineer, NCK Tech

“You can of course, use the Flutter knowledge to develop iOS apps later, so it can be a more useful knowledge if you want to focus on mobile development, but learning java will give you a step if you want to work on Back-end web development.”
Maycon Miranda, Web Developer, Bio Extratus

“Currently flutter lacks library/guide when comparing to Kotlin/Java. Therefore sometimes you’ll need to transfer or wrap Android library to flutter by yourself. It’ll make the time of developing your application increased.”
Phạm Anh Minh, Samsung Vietnam Mobile R&D Center

Final Thoughts

Kotlin and Flutter are competitive and are going to be better with every release. Experts say, if you want to strengthen back-end app development skills, you should learn Java followed by Kotlin. Thereafter, with little effort, you’ll automatically get hold of flutter.

The insurance industry thrives on relationships—but it can only scale through efficiency, precision, and timely distribution. While much of the digital transformation buzz has focused on customer-facing portals, the real transformation is happening in the field, where modern sales apps are quietly driving a smarter, faster, and more empowered agent network.

Let’s explore how mobile-first sales enablement platforms are reshaping insurance sales across prospecting, onboarding, servicing, renewals, and growth.

The Insurance Agent Needs More Than a CRM

Today’s insurance agent is not just a policy seller—they’re also a financial advisor, data gatherer, service representative, and the face of the brand. Yet many still rely on paper forms, disconnected tools, and manual processes.

That’s where intelligent sales apps come in—not just to digitize, but to optimize, personalize, and future-proof the entire agent journey.

Real-World Use Cases: What Smart Sales Apps Are Solving

Across the insurance value chain, sales agent apps have evolved into full-service platforms—streamlining operations, boosting conversions, and empowering agents in the field. These tools aren’t optional anymore, they’re critical to how modern insurers perform. Here’s how leading insurers are empowering their agents through technology:

1. Intelligent Prospecting & Lead Management

Sales apps now empower agents to:

Prioritize leads using filters like policy type, value, or geography
Schedule follow-ups with integrated agent calendars
Utilize locators to look for nearby branch offices or partner physicians
Register and service new leads directly from mobile devices

Agents spend significantly less time navigating through disjointed systems or chasing down information. With quick access to prioritized leads, appointment scheduling, and location tools—all in one app—they can focus more on meaningful customer interactions and closing sales, rather than administrative overhead.

2. Seamless Policy Servicing, Renewals & Claims

Sales apps centralize post-sale activities such as:

Tracking policy status, premium due date, and claims progress
Sending renewal reminders, greetings, and policy alerts in real-time
Accessing digital sales journeys and pre-filled forms.
Policy comparison, calculating premiums, and submitting documents digitally
Registering and monitoring customer complaints through the app itself

Customers receive a consistent and seamless experience across touchpoints—whether online, in-person, or via mobile. With digital forms, real-time policy updates, and instant access to servicing tools, agents can handle post-sale tasks like renewals and claims faster, without paperwork delays—leading to improved satisfaction and higher retention.

3. Remote Sales using Assisted Tools

Using smart tools, agents can:

Securely co-browse documents with customers through proposals
Share product visualizations in real time
Complete eKYC and onboarding remotely.

Agents can conduct secure, interactive consultations from anywhere—sharing proposals, visual aids, and completing eKYC remotely. This not only expands their reach to customers in digital-first or geographically dispersed markets, but also builds greater trust through real-time engagement, clear communication, and a personalized advisory experience—all without needing a physical presence.

4. Real-Time Training, Performance & Compliance Monitoring

Modern insurance apps provide:

On-demand access to training material
Commission dashboards and incentive monitoring
Performance reporting with actionable insights

Field agents gain access to real-time performance insights, training modules, and incentive tracking—directly within the app. This empowers them to upskill on the go, stay motivated through transparent goal-setting, and make informed decisions that align with overall business KPIs. The result is a more agile, knowledgeable, and performance-driven sales force.

5. End-to-End Sales Execution—Even Offline

Advanced insurance apps support:

Full application submission, from prospect to payment
Offline functionality in low-connectivity zones
Real-time needs analysis, quote generation, and e-signatures
Multi-login access with secure OTP-based authentication

Even in low-connectivity or remote Tier 2 and 3 markets, agents can operate at full capacity—thanks to offline capabilities, secure authentication, and end-to-end sales execution tools. This ensures uninterrupted productivity, faster policy issuance, and adherence to compliance standards, regardless of location or network availability.

6. AI-Powered Personalization for Health-Linked Products

Some forward-thinking insurers are combining AI with health platforms to:

Import real-time health data from fitness trackers or health apps
Offer hyper-personalized insurance suggestions based on lifestyle
Enable field agents to tailor recommendations with more context

By integrating real-time health data from fitness trackers and wellness apps, insurers can offer hyper-personalized, preventive insurance products tailored to individual lifestyles. This empowers agents to move beyond transactional selling—becoming trusted advisors who recommend coverage based on customers’ health habits, life stages, and future needs, ultimately deepening engagement and improving long-term retention.

The Mantra Labs Advantage: Turning Strategy into Scalable Execution

We help insurers go beyond surface-level digitization to build intelligent, mobile-first ecosystems that optimize agent efficiency and customer engagement—backed by real-world impact.

Seamless Sales Enablement for Travel Insurance

We partnered with a leading travel insurance provider to develop a high-performance agent workflow platform featuring:

Secure Logins: Instant credential-based access without sign-up friction
Real-Time Performance Dashboards: At-a-glance insights into daily/monthly targets, policy issuance, and collections
Frictionless Policy Issuance: Complete issuance post-payment and document verification
OCR Integration: Auto-filled customer details directly from passport scans, minimizing errors and speeding up onboarding

This mobile-first solution empowered agents to close policies faster with significantly reduced paperwork and data entry time—improving agent productivity by 2x and enabling sales at scale.

Engagement + Analytics Transformation for Health Insurance

For one of India’s leading health insurers, we helped implement a full-funnel engagement and analytics stack:

User Journey Intelligence: Replaced legacy systems to track granular app behavior—policy purchases, renewals, claims, discounts, and drop-offs. Enabled real-time behavioral segmentation and personalized push/email notifications.
Gamified Wellness with Fitness Tracking: Added gamified fitness engagement, with rewards based on step counts and interactive nutrition quizzes—driving repeat app visits and user loyalty.
Attribution Tracking: Trace the exact source of traffic—whether it’s a paid campaign, referral program, or organic source—adding a layer of precision to marketing ROI.
Analytics: Integrated analytics to identify user interest segments. This allowed for hyper-targeted email and in-app notifications that aligned perfectly with user intent, driving both relevance and response rates.

Whether you’re digitizing field sales, gamifying customer wellness, or fine-tuning your marketing engine, Mantra Labs brings the technology depth, insurance expertise, and user-first design to turn strategy into scalable execution.

If you’re ready to modernize your agent network – Get in touch with us to explore how we can build intelligent, mobile-first tools tailored to your distribution strategy. Just remember, the best sales apps aren’t just tools, they’re growth engines; and field sales success isn’t about more apps. It’s about the right workflows, in the right hands, at the right time.

The Clash of Clans: Kotlin Vs. Flutter