Mobile app testing services check that your app works well on the phones and tablets your users really have. Mobile is harder than web because of the number of devices, operating system versions, screen sizes and network conditions. This guide explains what is included and how to choose a provider.
What mobile app testing covers
- Functional testing: features work as designed on iOS and Android.
- Compatibility testing: different devices, screen sizes and OS versions.
- Usability testing: the app is easy to use with touch, gestures and one hand.
- Performance testing: start-up time, battery use, memory and behaviour on slow or dropped connections.
- Interruption testing: calls, notifications, low battery and switching between apps.
- Installation and update testing, including upgrades from older versions.
- Security testing: how data is stored and sent.
Real devices vs emulators
Emulators are useful early because they are fast and cheap. Real devices show how the app behaves with actual hardware, sensors, networks and manufacturer changes to Android. A good provider uses both and picks the device list from your users’ real data.
Manual and automated mobile testing
Manual testers are best for usability, new features and edge cases. Automation, for example with Appium, is best for repeated regression checks across devices. Most teams need both.
What affects the price
- The number of platforms (iOS, Android, or both) and devices.
- App size and complexity.
- How much is automated, and how often you release.
- Whether you need app store submission checks and beta testing support.
How to choose a provider
- Ask how they choose the device and OS list for your app.
- Ask what mix of real devices and emulators they use.
- Look for experience with your type of app, such as e-commerce or fintech. See our mobile app automation case study.
- Check the bug reports: they should include device, OS version, steps and screenshots or video.
- Start with a trial on your real app.
Try it on your own product
Stelo Technology provides mobile app testing services. Start a risk-free 2-week trial on your real product: we onboard, test your current sprint, automate a critical flow and send a quality report. You keep the bug reports and test cases either way.