Benefits of Mobile Testing

Overview

Did you know that there are 5.1 billion active users of the internet? Did you also know that more than 90% of these people tend to access the internet using mobile devices only? It has been stated that more than 60% of worldwide online visits come via mobile devices, and the remaining from desktops and laptops. So it is a safe bet to say that the world seems to be craving better mobile applications and device usage. And looks like it will keep on happening for at least a few years down the line, or maybe more.

Not so long ago, companies were solely focusing on enhancing their online presence by creating more mobile-friendly websites. However, now companies across the globe are highly focusing on developing robust, scalable, and innovative mobile applications since they offer enormous advantages, and the risks associated aren’t as impactful as those for a website.

In the present scenario, customers are no longer dim-witted, instead, they are some of the most modern, tech-savvy people who are willing to opt for user-friendly mobile applications that ensure faster and seamless navigation within their daily lives.

So yes, mobile development is extremely important, and much like mobile app development, the concept of mobile app testing seems to be gaining momentum like never before. Only when you conduct proper mobile app testing is it possible to assess and ascertain each app’s performance right before it is launched. A ready and profitable market for mobile apps is waiting for you, so why not make the most of it? As the title suggests, the following post focuses on what mobile app testing is, why it is so much in demand, and, of course, how it is beneficial in the long run.

What is mobile app testing?

The term mainly refers to the procedure to validate a developed mobile application, irrespective of any platform, mainly on the basis of its overall functionality, performance, and usability right before it is being launched publicly. Conducting app testing in tandem with app development can surely assist in determining the fact that the developed solution is capable enough to meet all kinds of pre-determined requirements, be they technical or business.

To conduct successful mobile app testing, experts are allocated who excel in testing apps across several scenarios, including screen resolutions, operating systems, distinct network bandwidths, and whatnot! By doing so, one can be doubly sure that the developed app is capable enough to perform flawlessly among a wide range of device configurations. Mobile app testing normally looks like this:

Testing apps' performance among distinct OS versions
Testing apps in both kinds of modes, portrait as well as landscape.
Validating apps' overall compatibility as well as performance, especially when operated in specific kinds of settings.
Checking app compatibility with Gyroscope, Accelerometer, GPS, and several other mobile app sensors etc.
Lastly, test the app’s GUI, including the menu, dropdown, and navigation buttons for seamless functionality.

The need or ultimate reason behind conducting mobile app testing is that it is considered for developing mobile apps to enhance business outreach to more and more users across the globe. Now, you tell me something will you consider using an app that is faulty or difficult to use? Of course not! And to be honest, even businesses do not want their customers to uninstall the apps right away and switch to their competitors. Believe it or not, it is one of their worst nightmares ever.

So, earlier, when mobile app testing wasn’t much taken into consideration, users ended up encountering unwanted bugs and issues, which led to a bad user experience and the failure of the developed app. When we talk about establishing a presence online, creating a never forgettable first impression is extremely important; one small mistake can lead to an unexpected crash and immediate uninstallation of the app. This leads to a severe loss of potential customers and revenue.

Some sources revealed

Around 80% or more of customers have deleted apps that are below average
50% of customers try uninstalling the app, which occupies ample space
48% of customers uninstall or abandon an app, especially when it happens to be too slow.

And above all this, fixing bugs later on, once the app is produced, is much more costly than fixing bugs in prototype or pre-release stages. This principle is pretty much in context to the shift-left movement, where testing early is recommended for a successful software development cycle.

The top three key criteria to consider here include:

Adopting agile methodologies
Implementing Test-driven development (TDD) or Behavior-driven development (BDD)
Involving testers from the very early stages of app development processes. Yes, right from planning to design, leveraging valuable insights and expertise.

Mobile App Testing vs Web App Testing

Now, many of you have this misconception that mobile app testing and web app testing are the same. Well, they are definitely poles apart. Yes, mobile apps are developed to operate for mobile devices where whereas web apps are basically software apps that mainly reside on web servers and can be accessed via top web browsers.

Now, both the terminologies, web apps and mobile apps, are different from each other. First of all, in the way they are built, and secondly, the way users interact with different app gestures such as scrolling, pinching, and zooming on their touchscreen mobiles.

Mobile app testing, as the name implies, mainly focuses on testing the app irrespective of devices and platforms. On the contrary, web app testing focuses on proper validation of the app in terms of appearance and functionality, irrespective of multiple browsers.

Types of mobile app testing

Functional Testing - It is possible to successfully automate to a large extent, which is why it is highly considered in parallel testing.
Performance Testing - Here, it is required to test among a wide range of devices as well as networks; this definitely makes parallel device execution highly beneficial and highly stimulating environments.
Usability testing - The next one is usability testing. This type is mainly conducted on a manual basis, and several aspects, such as navigation flow, are supposed to be tested in a parallel manner among a wide range of devices. So, in other words, it is possible to receive diverse user feedback.
Compatibility testing - This type of mobile testing is highly recommended for conducting parallel device execution. By doing so, one can be doubly sure that these apps perform seamlessly among the broadest possible range of devices as well as operating systems.
Security Testing - This type of mobile app testing is mainly suitable for conducting seamless integration into the automation framework. Though this one does require high-range specialized tools and manual testing efforts for thorough coverage.
Regression Testing - Another interesting mobile app testing highly recommendable for automation is the regression testing. This type of testing is highly beneficial for executing parallel tests, and the overall impact can be verified of relevant changes among all functionalities.
Exploratory Testing - This type of mobile app testing is pretty challenging, especially to scale and automate. Now, this is possible due to its significant nature. However, this type of mobile app testing is pretty important for uncovering a unique range of issues and concerns. Not to mention, exploratory testing can be collaborated well along with other testing types in a balanced strategy.

Benefits of Mobile App Testing

Further, I would like to mention certain key benefits of considering mobile app testing.

Enhanced user experience - With the help of mobile app testing, nothing can stop the app from functioning seamlessly. So in the end, you are bound to receive a smooth and hassle-free experience. This surely leads to great user satisfaction, positive reviews, and great customer loyalty. So when you have a full-fledged app, to can retain end users as well as attract new ones.
Reduced development costs - The next benefit to consider is successfully catching and fixing bugs. This also means that all kinds of potential issues will be well taken care of, leading to reduced development costs. You see, most of the time, addressing issues after the app is released can be pretty expensive. Proper testing measures can assist in identifying as well as rectifying problems right before things become major. This surely saves ample time and money for the business in the long run.
Improved brand reputation - The next benefit of mobile app testing is enhanced brand reputation. Do you know one glitch or issue that can tarnish years of branding and hard work? Here, the scope for robust testing can play a significant role in creating a positive brand image to make sure that the app performs seamlessly. This surely minimises the risk of negative user feedback as well as public relations crises.
Increased revenue - This benefit means that conducting mobile app testing can successfully drive user engagement as well as conversions, which ultimately leads to an increase in revenue for any business. Here, receiving a high return on investment is the case when the apps tend to function more effectively and efficiently.
Gain a significant edge over the competition - Last but not least, conducting a successful name in today’s crowded app marketplace can be pretty tricky, but if you end up creating an app that offers nothing less than a seamless mobile experience, then this is it. You have your answer- mobile app testing is the key!

On and all, mobile app testing isn’t limited to fixing bugs or finding errors, but it is very important to deliver a high-quality product, which can assist you in enhancing user experience and brand reputation and lead to great business success.

Final Words

And we are done for now! Developing a mobile app is a bit trickier in comparison to its desktop counterparts. Not to mention, it does come with its own set of challenges and concerns, but this doesn’t mean it is no longer a doable job.

What happens when you develop a high-quality app?

Sales growth
Seamless customer communication
Exclusive store mode
Exclusive customer loyalty programs
Direct Marketing
Back-to-back reminders
Mobile-friendly apps
Assist in building trust
Quick and accurate analytics

To be precise, the future of mobile app testing is pretty rosy. Some of the most anticipated trends include:

Increased adoption of AI and machine learning
Great integration with DevOps
Enhanced support for mobile and IoT devices
Rise of codeless test automation solutions for improved efficiency
With the ever-evolving technology, mobile app testing does play a significant role in ensuring that apps sustain or even excel in the ever-changing dynamic landscape worldwide. By conducting proper mobile app testing, you risk cutting corners like no other.

I hope you did find the following post worth reading. In case you have any doubts or queries, feel free to mention them in the comment section below. We will reach you in no time.

Also, real-world conditions cannot be predicted at all, they are pretty much challenging when it comes to mobile app testing. Therefore, it is advisable to look around for a reputable and reliable software development company that offers great mobile app testing services and solutions. Good luck with your upcoming software development venture.