As mobile devices are taking center in today’s developing world, people are becoming more connected than before. Wearables, tablets, and smartphones are some mobile devices. These devices connect us to the digital world and help us to communicate.
Mobile devices play an indispensable role in our lives, so ensuring that they work excellently is necessary. Hence, mobile app testing needs to be used for the proper functioning of the device. This is where mobile device testing creeps in. It allows testing the functionality, consistency, and usability of applications developed for handheld devices. Mobile device testing ensures the proper working of mobile devices as expected.
In this article, we will understand mobile devices, their types, and mobile device testing. We will also get to know why mobile device testing is important, the types of mobile device testing, and common approaches for the testing.
Understanding mobile device
Mobile devices are the replacements of larger computers. These devices are portable and handy, unlike the larger computers. Mobile devices can perform most of the functions that a computer can do. It can be data storage, internet access, and various other tasks. These advanced mobile devices can replace traditional computers completely in certain cases.
In this developing world, mobile devices serve multiple purposes for businesses and individuals. Devices such as smartphones and tablets provide users with plenty of software applications.
Mobile devices provide several common characteristics such as battery power, user input, portability, wireless connectivity, app store, touchscreen interface, virtual assistant, and many more. In addition to the characteristics mentioned, mobile devices provide other functions like cameras, fingerprint scanners, and GPS receivers.
Let us also get a brief idea about the types of mobile devices.
Types of mobile devices
A mobile device is nothing but a replacement for computers. Mobile devices are portable and handy. They may differ in size, Operating systems, and the ability to perform different functions. Mentioned below are some major types of mobile devices:
Smart Phones
Smartphones are more than phones as they provide a variety of functions. They can connect to the internet and devices, like smart TVs, and headsets, and run many apps. Smartphones contain a handheld computer and a mobile phone in one single device.
Tablets/iPad
Tablets are touchscreen devices. They do not have a separate keyboard or mouse. They are used to perform tasks that are normally done on a computer or laptop.
PDA
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are touch-sensitive devices. They are usually operated with the help of fingers or stylus. They are used to input data. PDAs were very popular before the arrival of tablets/iPads. PDAs can make calls, use browsers to access the internet, and many more.
PDAs are handheld devices. They contain elements of internet, telephone, computing, and networking. PDAs can also function as a fax sender, web browser, personal organizer, and cellular phone.
Overview of mobile device testing
Mobile device testing is a QA process. It is a complicated and dynamic field that demands several strategies and approaches. Mobile device testing involves examining a mobile device to ensure that hardware and software function properly as expected. Being a QA process, it ensures that the device meets the required standards and criteria.
This testing process identifies issues in the device. It also ensures the device’s performance, usability, and stability to meet the standards and requirements of users. It certifies that mobile devices such as smartphones, wearables, and tablets work as the user expects.
After getting a brief idea about mobile device testing, let us know why mobile device testing is important.
Why is mobile device testing important?
The need for mobile device testing has increased nowadays. These handy devices have changed the way people interact with the digital world. With the boom of mobile devices, the necessity for a perfect device has increased.
By testing mobile devices, the testers and developers can recognize and correct issues in the hardware and software of the device. It reduces the chance of malfunctioning in the mobile device. Mobile device testing also ensures that apps run properly on mobile devices.
Mobile device testing plays an important role in restoring the confidence and trust that the users have in their devices. Malfunctioning, security breaches, and crashes weaken user confidence and trust. It may also lead to consequences when there is involvement of sensitive data.
Types of mobile device testing
Mentioned below are some key types of mobile device testing:
Performance testing- Performance testing examines the performance of the device. It examines how the device handles distinguished scenarios. The tester can run multiple apps and evaluate a slow internet connection to assess the device’s performance under various scenarios.
Usability testing- Usability testing examines how easily and quickly users can interact with the device. It generally includes giving users tasks and observing their interaction with the device.
Compatibility testing- Browser compatibility testing is needed to ensure the proper functions of the device on different OS, networks, and other devices.
Functional testing- Functional testing ensures that the basic features of the device function correctly. In mobile devices, it looks after the proper working of functions, like web browsing, making calls, sending texts, etc.
Localization testing-Localization testing is needed to validate the device’s adaptation to different cultures and languages. It ensures that a text displays correctly in the relevant language.
Security testing- Security testing examines a device to identify and uncover security vulnerabilities in the device and its application. It may involve attempts to violate the device’s security or install malware to assess its resistance to such threats.
Common approaches for mobile device testing
A few approaches for mobile device testing are listed below:
Start with a plan
First, the testers need to understand what they need to test. Then they can create a plan that outlines their testing process. The testers should have a clear idea of what they are testing, the features and functionality, and the OS and devices they need to test on.
Make use of a variety of devices and operating systems
The tester should use various testing devices and operating systems that the users might be using. It may include legacy devices as well. Making use of the latest devices to test is not a good approach.
Test on real mobile devices
Using emulators and simulators to test can be helpful sometimes. However, the user must test the apps on real mobile devices. The reason is that emulators and simulators cannot always replicate real-world scenarios.
Test early and test often
The tester should start the testing process early and not wait until the last minute. Testing often throughout the testing process helps in identifying and fixing bugs early.
Test the user experience
Ensuring that the device functions correctly is required. The testers should also ensure the device provides an easy and enjoyable user experience.
Test on different network conditions
The device may be used on different networks. So, testing the device under varied network conditions is important. This might include testing on Wi-Fi, slow networks, or cellular networks.
Use automation testing
Automation testing can save time and effort by automating the testing process. There are many automation testing platforms available like LambdaTest.
Continue testing after release
Even after the device is released the tester should not stop testing. This may help in identifying and fixing bugs if introduced in the future.
Use cross-platform
Today, users choose various operating systems and devices, so the tester must test the devices on all of them to deliver excellent performance on these platforms. Using cross-browser platforms, like LambdaTest can help ease the process and provide flawless results. It allows users to conduct cross-browser compatibility testing to ensure that the website renders the same across all browsers.
Lambdatest is an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform that is used for testing web and mobile applications both manually and automated. This platform allows testers to perform real-time and automation testing at scale, by providing access to more than 3000 environments, real mobile devices, and browsers online.
The tester can use LambdaTest’s virtual testing platform and real device testing to optimize their mobile device testing. LambdaTest efficiently analyzes usability, functionality, and visual appeal across various devices, and reduces the device lab cost so choosing LambdaTest is the best option.
Along with this, integrated debugging and testing features are also provided. Users can simultaneously perform parallel testing using the LambdaTest platform to increase the efficiency of the application delivery and test cycles
Conclusion
Mobile device testing plays a crucial part in today’s evolving world. As people rely more on mobile devices, testing the devices becomes essential. The testers need to ensure that the devices function correctly and provide the users with a seamless performance. Meticulously testing the devices can ensure a user-friendly experience and the device’s reliability. It enables us to stay connected with the fast digital world.
The common approaches for mobile device testing mentioned in the article will help provide an effective and agile mobile device. With mobile devices playing a vital role in our lives, it is necessary to ensure that they work excellently.
Hope, this article helps you understand the importance and need of mobile device testing. It also provides the knowledge of common approaches to help provide an effective mobile device.
