Developing a mobile apps is only half the battle — the other half is making sure it works flawlessly across devices, OS versions, screen sizes, and network conditions.

Mobile users are quick to uninstall if an app crashes, lags, or doesn’t display properly on their device. That’s why testing across devices and platforms is critical to building apps that not only launch, but succeed.

At Robust Softech, we support startups and enterprise teams alike with testing strategies that ensure apps work across a fragmented mobile landscape — from the latest iOS releases to low-end Android devices still running old builds.

Why Mobile App Testing Is More Complex Than Web Testing

Unlike browsers, which are relatively standardized, mobile testing has to account for:

• Hundreds of devices with different screen sizes, resolutions, and chipsets

• Multiple OS versions (Android 9 to 14, iOS 14 to 17+)

• Manufacturer skins and behaviors (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, etc.)

• Limited connectivity and battery conditions

• Touch gestures and hardware sensors

No single simulator can accurately replicate all these variables. That’s why real device testing, combined with smart automation, is so important.

Key Areas to Test Across Devices

1. UI & Layout Consistency

Make sure app interfaces adjust gracefully across:

• Screen sizes (e.g., iPhone SE vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra)

• Display ratios (18:9, 21:9)

• Notches, punch-holes, and dynamic islands

• Font scaling and system display settings

Use responsive layout testing tools and device labs to validate rendering.

2. OS-Level Compatibility

An app that works on Android 12 might crash on Android 10. You need to:

• Test on minimum supported versions (especially for budget Android users)

• Account for OS-level permission changes (e.g., location access rules)

• Validate behavior across iOS versions, especially for in-app purchases, camera, or background fetch

3. Performance Under Load

Apps should remain responsive under:

• Low memory conditions

• Poor network signal

• Concurrent tasks (e.g., video call + file upload)

Tools like Firebase Performance Monitoring or Xcode Instruments help simulate these scenarios and analyze bottlenecks.

4. Battery & Resource Usage

Excessive CPU use or background activity drains battery and leads to negative reviews. Test:

• App launch time

• Resource consumption under idle and active usage

• Background process behavior when the app is minimized

5. Crash and Error Recovery

Mobile users won’t reopen your app after a crash. QA teams should:

• Test unusual input combinations

• Force network disconnects mid-task

• Validate offline behavior and reconnection handling

• Use crash reporting tools (Firebase Crashlytics, Sentry)

Tools That Help Streamline Device Testing

You don’t need 50 physical phones on your desk. A smart blend of real devices and cloud platforms works well.

Cloud Testing Platforms:

• BrowserStack App Live – Real devices in the cloud

• Firebase Test Lab – Great for Android

• AWS Device Farm – Scales across many device types

• Sauce Labs – Wide OS and device coverage

Automation Frameworks:

• Appium – Cross-platform, supports Android and iOS

• Espresso – Native Android testing

• XCTest/XCUITest – Native iOS automation

• Detox – React Native apps

Robust Softech typically combines device cloud testing with physical test kits for key markets (e.g., popular U.S. devices) to catch issues earlier.

Manual vs. Automated Mobile Testing

Not everything should be automated. Here’s how we balance both:

Client Experience:

Navigation App Stability Improved for Irish Client

A navigation-focused mobile app provider based in Dublin, Ireland partnered with Robust Softech after experiencing frequent crashes and UI inconsistencies on older Android phones used by their local driver base.

Their users reported issues such as:

• Blank map tiles on mid-range Android models

• Slow location updates in rural areas

• UI overlaps when the app was run on split-screen mode

• App freezing when switching between portrait and landscape modes

The internal team had only tested on recent iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models — missing critical coverage.

Our solution:

• Ran compatibility testing on Android 9–13 using BrowserStack and physical devices popular in Ireland

• Introduced automated Appium tests to validate real-time location tracking and map tile rendering

• Added network simulation for weak signal scenarios

• Manually tested navigation features using accessibility settings and larger font sizes

• Delivered a QA checklist tailored to hybrid navigation workflows (multi-stop, turn-by-turn, rerouting)

Results:

• 92% drop in crash reports on mid-tier Android phones

• Better performance and GPS accuracy in weak-signal zones

• App rating improved from 3.4 to 4.7 on Google Play in under 8 weeks

• Drivers using older phones reported smoother guidance and fewer disruptions

This engagement reinforced the value of testing for real-world usage, not just flagship devices — especially for navigation apps where reliability is everything.

Client Success Story

How Robust Softech Helps You Ship Better Mobile Apps

We embed QA into your mobile development cycle with:

• Real device labs and cloud platform access

• Automated regression testing pipelines

• Edge-case and compatibility testing

• Accessibility and performance audits

• Reporting that highlights priority bugs and improvements

Whether you’re building native, hybrid, or cross-platform apps, our team ensures you release with confidence across every screen your users touch.

Book a free Consultation Now!