May 19, 2022

What Is Mobile Testing? Strategies for App Testing on Devices

Mobile Application Testing

Mobile testing continues to increase in importance. And it’s important to have the right strategy and tools for each type of mobile testing. Here, you’ll learn what mobile testing is — and get the basics you need to conquer it.

Table of Contents:

What Is Mobile Testing?

Mobile testing for applications is the process by which mobile apps are tested for functionality, usability, and consistency. Mobile app testing on mobile devices can be done manually or with automation.

Get Your Complete Guide to Mobile Automation Testing >>

Why Testing Mobile Apps Is Important

Mobile app testing is important for many reasons. Mobile apps are important for conducting business. And to make sure that mobile apps work properly, it’s critical to test them.

In this blog, you’ll get an overview of testing mobile applications, including:

  • Types of mobile apps.
  • How mobile testing differs from web testing.
  • Types of mobile testing.
  • Mobile test automation frameworks.
  • How to create a mobile testing plan.

Test on real devices right now in the Perfecto free trial.

Start TESTINg now

Mobile Testing in 2022

In 2022, there are 6.65 billion smartphone users worldwide, which is 86% of the global population. Smartphones are not just a booming industry, but also an essential part of our daily lives. This means mobile testing should be an integral part of a development strategy to stay in the competitive environment. Mobile testing ensures your apps and smartphones are secure, reliable, and user-friendly.

Set up your mobile apps for success and update your test coverage with this blueprint for strategic testing.

Related Reading: Test Coverage Guide

What Are the Types of Mobile Testing?

There are three main types of mobile device testing.

Functionality

App functionality tests include:

  • Business flows.
  • UI testing (e.g., landscape/portrait, languages).
  • Cross-platform coverage.

Real Environment

Real environment condition testing includes:

  • Network conditions.
  • Interruptions (e.g., calls, text messages).
  • Background/foreground.
  • Gestures (e.g., force touch).

For real environment condition testing, it’s especially important to test on real devices instead of simulators.

Related Content: Mobile Testing Basics

Non-Functional

Non-functional testing includes:

  • Security.
  • Accessibility.
  • Performance and availability.
  • API testing.

There are different approaches you can take to these mobile testing types. This includes manual testing, automated testing, and continuous testing.

Related Reading: 10 Types of Mobile Testing Your Apps Need

 

Device Testing: Which Ones? How Many?

What combination of devices should you be testing against right now?  

It's a common question! The answer varies depending on your users, your location, and how risk averse you are. 

Testing one one or two devices is not enough. Testing on all devices is too much. Here are three considerations for determining the right devices.

Balance Data & Analysis

Combine data in this free test coverage guide sharing the devices you should be testing (by country) with your own analysis and risk assessment to decide how many devices (how much test coverage) you need to address a majority of your target users.

Map Coverage Against Your Pipeline

Map coverage needs to your test pipeline or apply to your test pyramid. Consider virtual devices for earlier phases of testing. Use real devices in later phases.

Optimize Your Lab Configuration

Consider your test data parameters (like number of tests, test duration, and required execution time). You may need to add devices or test in parallel in order complete all your tests within your cycle. 
 

How Is Mobile Device Testing Different From Web Testing?

Mobile testing is different from web testing in complexity.

Mobile apps usually have more users and need to work on a broader range of devices — with more communication. This increases testing complexity. While web apps are increasingly used on mobile devices, testing them is not quite as complex.

image-blog-mobile-testing-trends

 

 

Try Perfecto FREE for 14 days >>>

Mobile Test Automation Frameworks For Different Apps

There are several mobile test automation frameworks that you can use. Here are three of the most important ones.

Appium

Appium is a cross-platform mobile test automation framework. You can use it for Android and iOS apps. Get an Appium tutorial >>

Espresso

Espresso is a mobile test automation framework for Android. Find out the benefits of using Espresso Android >>

XCUITest

XCUITest is a mobile test automation framework for iOS. Learn why XCUITest is so popular >>

 

Related Blog: XCUITest vs. Appium vs. Espresso

 

Optimize Device Testing With Perfecto

With Perfecto, you’ll get access to everything you need to build a successful mobile test plan:

  • Test any type of app — native, hybrid, web, PWA.
  • Accelerate every type of testing — functionality, real environment condition, non-functional.
  • Do testing on real devices and emulators/simulators in the Perfecto Cloud.
  • Leverage seamless integrations with open-source test automation frameworks, including Appium, XCUITest, and Espresso.

See for yourself how Perfecto will deliver zero maintenance testing, a secure and scalable test cloud, and comprehensive test coverage.

Get started today with a free 14-day trial.

Test Mobile Apps With Perfecto

 

Related Content