Mobile App Testing: Tips for Android and iOS Platforms

It's a fact that the presence of smartphones in our lives has evolved into a globally dominating reality today. According to a recent reports by Statista, 85.74% of the general population, or roughly 6.93 billion people, are using smartphones and over 7.33 billion people are using mobile phones. This huge figure points to the fact that smartphones are being adopted fast and have become essential to our day-to-day lives. 

The diverse ecosystems within Android and iOS come with unique opportunities and challenges for developers & testers to fulfill the high user expectations for functionality, usability, and performance across devices. With the number of mobile phone users expected to rise to 7.49 billion by 2025, robust mobile app testing services on both platforms are required to cater to this ever-expanding and diverse audience.  

In this blog we will be sharing well-researched insights of mobile app testing and will understand the differences between mobile testing for iOS & Android platforms. Additionally, we are looking forward to introducing MoboRaptors, a revolutionary AI-powered framework, which is all set to boost the testing industry. 

What is Mobile App Testing? 

Mobile app testing is a critical process that ensures an app meets the desired standards of quality, functionality, user experience, and performance on various devices. Unlike traditional desktop applications, mobile apps face unique challenges, such as diverse device configurations, operating systems, and user interactions. 

Here’s what a comprehensive mobile app testing framework should cover: 

• Battery Usage: Monitoring an app's battery consumption is vital. An app that drains the battery quickly can frustrate users and lead to negative reviews. 

• Application Speed: Response time is crucial for a positive user experience. Testing should evaluate how an app performs across devices with varying memory capacities and network conditions. 

• Data Requirements: It's essential to consider the data usage for downloading and running the app, especially for users on limited data plans. 

• Memory Requirements: The app should be optimized for memory usage, ensuring it can be downloaded, installed, and run efficiently across different devices. 

• Functionality: Ensuring the app functions correctly under various scenarios, such as network interruptions, is crucial to prevent crashes and ensure reliability. 

Why Opt for Android App Testing? 

Before releasing your new Android app, make sure that it's ready for everyone. That's precisely where Android testing can be a game-changer for you; it's like putting your app through a boot camp to ensure that it is smooth, efficient, and user-friendly. Think of testing as different challenges your app needs to ace.  

You've got unit testing for individual components, integration testing to see how well they work together, and functional testing to ensure everything does what it's supposed to. Then there's UI testing for a slick interface, performance testing for lightning speed, and security testing to keep bad guys at bay. 

Don't forget – people have all sorts of Android devices! Test your app on actual phones and tablets, not just simulators. Imagine having access to thousands of real devices – cloud testing gives you that power. Testing isn't just about finding bugs; it's about making your app shine. Set clear goals, choose the right tools, and write clear, consistent test scripts.  

Track how your testing goes, learn from mistakes, and don't forget – manual and automated testing are teammates, not rivals. And, when things go wrong (because hey, tech!), act like a debugging detective. Use detailed reports, screenshots, and videos to track down the culprit and get your app back on track. 

Why iOS App Testing is Necessary? 

So you've built an iOS app, but before releasing it to the whole world, ensure that it passes the testing phase.  

Emulators might seem tempting, but they're like training with holograms, they just don't capture the whole experience. Grab real devices, the latest iPhones and iPads, and put your app through its paces. Remember, user interactions, battery life, and network hiccups don't appear in the virtual world.  

Embrace automation! It's your robot companion, tirelessly executing tests, saving you time, and boosting coverage. Plus, it's way more efficient. Share the testing journey with your development team. They can help manually test and even automate some cases – teamwork makes the dream work, right?  

Crash logs are your detective kit. Use them to chase the offender, fix the issue, and make your app crash-proof. A picture is worth a thousand words (or bugs). Screenshots and screen recordings capture the issue visually, making it easier for your team to diagnose and fix it. Think of them as evidence in your bug-busting courtroom! 

Key Differences Between Android & iOS App Testing

While both platforms aim to deliver a seamless user experience, their testing approaches differ significantly. Here are some key distinctions to keep in mind: 

Device Fragmentation 

Android: A vast ocean of devices with varying screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware configurations. This diversity demands extensive testing across numerous devices to ensure your app adapts flawlessly. 

iOS: A controlled ecosystem with limited device types and consistent resolutions. This simplifies testing but might miss edge cases found in Android's diverse landscape. 

Image Resolution 

Android: Requires multiple image sets (1x, 2x, 3x, etc.) to cater to different screen densities. Testers must meticulously verify image clarity and UI element alignment across devices. 

iOS: Utilizes fewer image resolutions (1x, 2x, 3x), reducing testing complexity. However, attention to detail is still crucial for optimal visual experience. 

Performance 

Android: Performance optimization is paramount due to the wide range of device capabilities. Testers need to ensure smooth app operation even on lower-end devices. 

iOS: With a more controlled hardware environment, performance testing focuses on maximizing user experience within the expected range of devices. 

Software Updates 

Android: Fragmentation extends to software updates, with manufacturers controlling individual device upgrade schedules. This adds complexity to testing, requiring compatibility checks across various OS versions. 

iOS: Updates roll out simultaneously across all devices, streamlining testing as compatibility concerns are minimized. 

Beta Testing 

Android: Beta builds are accessible to users enrolled in the program through the Play Store. Testers need accounts with the appropriate email IDs to access beta versions. 

iOS: Beta testing often involves a dedicated app or website, providing more control over participant access. Testers can leverage this to target specific user groups. 

So, there you have it, these are all the differences between the two platforms. Navigating these differences requires a flexible testing strategy tailored to harness the strengths and mitigate the challenges unique to each platform. 

Recommended Tools 

There are several mobile testing tools on the market that elevate the testing process with features tailored to overcome common testing challenges. 

MoboRaptors  

MoboRaptors is your secret weapon for conquering the testing challenge! This powerful framework tackles dynamic environments, tracks defects like a hawk, and generates reports that sing. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with APIs, databases, and even your DevOps flow. 

Leverage the power of four testing frameworks in one - modular, keyword-driven, data-driven, and behavior-driven. That means flexible, efficient testing tailored to your needs.  

Here's what MoboRaptors offers: 

• 10x Faster Execution: Unleash the testing beast and get results ASAP. 

• Reporting Rockstar: Generate captivating reports that everyone can understand. 

• Cost-Effective Hero: Save your precious budget for other awesome apps. 

• Database Dynamo: Connect to your existing databases for seamless testing. 

• Effortless Learning: No need for a PhD in testing; even newbies can get started quickly. 

Want to know more about MoboRaptors, click here. 

So, There you Have it!  

We've navigated the complexities of mobile app testing for both Android and iOS, equipped you with battle-tested strategies, and even introduced MoboRaptors, your trusty steed for conquering testing challenges. 

Remember, a successful mobile app isn't just about features; it's about flawless user experience. For instance, having buggy or glitchy mobile applications can be troublesome, specifically if you're in the healthcare industry; that is why healthcare mobile app testing is essential for medical institutions to ensure that their mobile applications are running smoothly without a hitch because even a single issue can cause irreparable damage to them.  

Embrace the power of testing, tailor your approach to each platform's unique landscape, and unleash your app with confidence. The app store awaits, and with the right testing magic, your app will be a shining star!