INTRODUCTION
In the present era, mobile websites and applications are customers’ most popular digital items. Offering an outstanding and seamless experience throughout a customer’s journey with a brand is therefore critical to attracting and keeping consumers, staying ahead of the competition, and achieving business goals.
However, establishing this excellent digital experience is a significant issue for businesses. Developers and testers must not only deal with the different characteristics of mobile devices but also consider market fragmentation caused by the expanding number of devices and the increasing pace with which OSs are created. To achieve such goals, one must have a good grip on tools for mobile testing.
Forecast of global mobile device sales from 2020 to 2025
WHAT IS MOBILE TESTING?
Mobile app testing ensures that a mobile app or website works properly and fulfills the expectations of the user. Because the mobile industry is constantly evolving, testing your app or website across various devices and platforms is critical. Mobile testing tools are essential as they automate mundane tasks and save time.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
The mobile testing tool must verify that apps run correctly on mobile devices. Apps on mobile devices may crash, freeze, or otherwise malfunction if not properly tested. Mobile testing also assists in identifying any flaws or faults in an app before it is launched to the public.
A BRIEF OUTLINE OF CHARACTERISTICS OF MOBILE PHONES:
Connections to the internet
There are various standards for mobile data connections. EDGE, UMTS, 2G, 3G, 4G, and Wifi are the most common (b, g, n). Connection speed and quality vary enormously, particularly across foreign markets.
Every instance must be evaluated, and the unlimited bandwidth for all users must be considered. Because customers are mobile, the connection type changes based on their location, which is another crucial factor influencing the performance of your digital product.
Operators of mobile phones
While your users move locations, especially when going internationally, their cell operators may change since roaming is enabled. Devices may also go offline from time to time.
As a result, tests must encompass scenarios with online, offline, and restricted network circumstances. This is especially critical for travel apps, as users may need to retrieve their boarding ticket temporarily offline.
Dimensions of the screen
Screen sizes differ from device to device. Material.io, a site run by Google, provides the screen sizes of popular devices: There are around 12 commonly used screen sizes for mobile devices and tablets, and the differences between them are significant. For example, for Apple goods, sizes range from 35″ inches for smartphone displays to 12″ inches.
Resolution of the display
Display resolutions differ significantly amongst devices. Because of Microsoft’s Universal Windows Platform, the resolution for Windows devices is fixed to 2560 x 1600 pixels. However, this might hold for some companies.
OS
Each operating system runs differently, and the user experience criteria are not the same. Three major operating systems are as follows:
- Android
- iOS
- Windows
Android and iOS are updated regularly to attract consumers. These are often loaded with new or upgraded features supported by robust marketing efforts. While iOS users lap up the chances to get a new Apple device, Android users typically take a while.
Browsers
The most popular browsers are Safari and Chrome (which are used by around 85% of all smartphones). However, popular browsers such as Opera for Android, Firefox, Silk (Kindle Fire), UC Browser for Android are crucial points to consider.
Consider how the available screen sizes and display ratios affect content and navigation when testing. Testing a wide variety of operating systems, versions, and browsers enables the detection of faults that may exist independently and the adaptation of the user experience to a combination of specificities.
User experience
Users access touch displays on most cell phones using their fingertips. Links, call-to-action buttons, and forms will need to be adjusted to account for this.
Content
The content cannot just be a duplicate of the existing desktop website. It must be tailored to screen sizes and the information consumers may seek while using a mobile device. It is important to remember that consumption and reading habits differ depending on the device.
Locations
Users of mobile digital products are frequently on the move. As a result, the value of features such as GPS should be evaluated.
The influence on hardware
Mobile digital products, particularly applications, influence the physical functionality of devices. Memory and battery use are significantly affected. Battery life has improved with the release of new devices, while apps have used more battery.
When testing, energy consumption and memory space occupied by the app on the device must be monitored to ensure that they are kept to a minimum.
Don’t forget to read this: Types of Hot Metal Detectors
Permissions
When installing an Android application, users provide this digital product permission to access the device’s functions (access the SD card, the internet, and the calendar). Users who install an iOS app allow basic permissions (such as internet access) by default and are then requested to grant additional rights when the program needs to access particular capabilities. This indicates a potentially sensitive security problem that must be adequately tested for users.
Testing on mobile devices introduces various nuances, and tests must account for all aspects mentioned above to offer a consistent user experience regardless of the conditions.
CONCLUSION
Mobile testing is necessary to guarantee that your app functions as planned and satisfies user expectations. Several sorts of mobile tests can be done, and it is critical to select the ones that are appropriate for your project. You may offer a high-quality product that your consumers will like if you apply the correct mobile testing technique. HeadSpin helps in mobile automation testing by remotely testing and debugging applications on thousands of devices worldwide. Global enterprises trust it. It tests your mobile apps on more than 90 locations worldwide, facilitating your mobile testing journey.
