Mobile testing is the process of determining if a portable device application meets specific functional, visual, performance, and security criteria. There are two ways of testing applications on mobiles: real and virtual (emulators and simulators). Even though both emulators and simulators are virtual environments, the primary distinction is that simulators only simulate application aspects, whereas emulators encompass both application and hardware.
Mobile testing includes discovering and correcting flaws in a mobile application, such as identifying sign-up difficulties, reviewing the payment process, or detecting navigation errors before it goes into production. This may be accomplished through manual mobile testing or automation, and using the correct mobile testing approach helps fulfil all quality and usability standards.
One of the components required for a smooth testing procedure is the selection of the appropriate testing instruments. As a result, it is critical to understand the similarities and distinctions between various sorts of mobile testing tools. This article will clearly evaluate all two types: emulator vs real device, recommending best practices for selecting the proper device depending on your specific requirements.
What is Emulator Testing?
In general, an emulator allows you to execute a programme on a device that would not normally run it. Emulators are created for Android apps in order to test them on a PC. Emulators duplicate or mimic the mobile app on the PC, thus their name. Android developers prefer to test their apps on a PC rather than an Android smartphone since it is faster and more convenient.
The emulator provides near-native capabilities, allowing the test to control functions such as physical sensors, geolocation, and more. However, these characteristics restrict the emulator from operating at full speed, resulting in a slower app than it would be on a real device.
What is Real Device Testing?
Emulators are appropriate for testing mobile apps during the early phases of development. However, evaluating it on a PC as the programme develops becomes increasingly difficult. Emulators cannot account for all of the aspects that contribute to a successful user experience.
Furthermore, real-device testing allows you to uncover issues that simulators may report as false positives. These issues might have an impact on performance, bugs, the user interface, and systems. Real-device testing is more reliable since it allows you to test the hardware of a device that consumers would use to navigate the app.
Difference Between Real Device Vs Emulators Vs Simulators In Mobile App Testing
| Feature | Real Devices | Emulators |
| Hardware Testing | Tests on real physical devices. | No physical device, but simulates hardware. |
| Performance | Reflects real device performance. | May not accurately reflect device performance. |
| Accuracy | Most accurate representation of device behaviour. | Less accurate than real devices but more accurate than simulators. |
| OS Versions | Tests on specific OS versions installed on the device. | Can simulate multiple OS versions and devices. |
| Real-world Factors | Accounts for real-world factors like network conditions, battery life, etc. | May not accurately replicate real-world conditions. |
| Cost | May require purchasing various devices. | Generally free, but may require high-performance hardware. |
| Environment Setup | No setup required other than having the physical device. | Requires setting up the emulator software. |
| Integration | Often integrates seamlessly with other tools and services. | Integration may be limited based on the emulator software. |
When To Do Mobile App Testing on Real Devices and Emulators?
Mobile app testing is an essential component of the development process since it ensures that the application works properly and delivers a consistent user experience across several devices and platforms. Both real devices and emulators have advantages and limitations, and the decision between them is based on the unique testing objectives and project limits.
Advantages of Testing on Real Devices
- Testing on real devices gives an accurate picture of how the app will behave in the real world. It enables the assessment of parameters such as battery consumption, performance under changing network circumstances, and compatibility with various hardware configurations.
- Real devices can assist in uncovering hardware-specific faults that emulators may not detect. These include difficulties with the camera, GPS, accelerometer, and other hardware components.
- Testing on real devices provides a more realistic evaluation of user interaction, including gestures, touch input, and general usability.
Disadvantages
- Real testing equipment is expensive. However, Cloud based testing platforms make it more affordable.
- Testing on real devices may be challenging, especially with a diverse range of phones and a limited schedule.
Advantages of Testing on Emulators
- Emulators are a cost-effective alternative to real devices. They offer an easy approach to testing an app on numerous device configurations without the requirement for real devices.
- Emulators may execute tests faster than real devices, allowing for more frequent iteration and feedback cycles throughout development.
- Emulators provide a controlled testing environment, making it easier to recreate and debug errors that might otherwise be impossible to replicate on real devices.
Disadvantages
- Since emulators are only virtual environments, they can’t perfectly simulate real devices’ hardware and software characteristics.
- Some hardware-specific functions like camera, battery life, or GPS should take place in real context to create more precise results.
- Testing UI/UX in virtual environments can be too basic, as capturing the true feeling and responsiveness of real devices, such as touch sensitivity and physical buttons, would be challenging.
When to Use Real Devices
While emulators may be utilised throughout the development process, it is best to perform the final testing on real devices. This ensures that the application performs as intended in real-world scenarios and detects any bugs that slip through the cracks. Real devices are recommended for accurate performance testing since they represent hardware and software configs more accurately. Testing Real devices should be utilised for user acceptability testing since they provide a more accurate assessment of the app’s usability and user experience.
When to Use Emulators
Emulators are ideal for testing in the early phases of development when the emphasis is on functional testing and basic compatibility tests. Emulators are frequently more suited for automated testing since they provide a constant and controlled environment to execute test scripts. If access to real devices is restricted or too expensive, emulators can be used for preliminary testing, followed by focused testing on real devices.
Best Practises For Choosing Real Device And Emulators Mobile App Testing
When deciding between real devices and emulators for mobile app testing, following best practices is critical to guarantee thorough and efficient testing. Below are some excellent practices:
- Emulators are useful for early-stage testing, including functional, user interface, and basic compatibility tests. They offer a cost-effective and controlled environment for quick iteration.
- Before release, Use real devices for critical testing phases, such as performance, user acceptability, and final testing. Real devices correctly replicate real-world situations and can reveal faults that emulators may miss.
- Ensure compatibility and usability by testing popular device combinations, operating system versions, and screen sizes for various user groups.
- Emulators offer a constant and controlled environment to perform test scripts, making them ideal for automated testing and continuous integration.
- When testing on real devices, replicate real-world scenarios, including network changes, battery consumption, and device orientations, to uncover possible difficulties.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, both emulator vs real device have their advantages and should be used in a complementary manner throughout the mobile app testing process. Real devices accurately represent real-world conditions, while emulators offer a cost-effective and controlled testing environment. The choice between the two should be based on the specific testing requirements, project constraints, and the stage of development.