6 Types of Mobile Application Testing  

Mobile testing is an essential step in the development of mobile apps. This stage ensures that the app is functional, usable, and ready for public consumption. Much goes into testing mobile apps because of the varied device screen sizes, screen resolutions, and operating systems. But aside from these, there are vital aspects to be tested during mobile app testing. To ensure that you’re testing the right things, you need to know the different mobile app testing options available. 

Types Of Mobile App Testing 

There are more than ten types of mobile app testing, but we’ll discuss six and why they are needed. 

Compatibility Testing 

Compatibility testing checks that the mobile app is compatible with multiple devices and functions properly on them. When people talk about testing mobile apps across different screen sizes, resolutions, and operating systems, they refer to compatibility testing. This type of testing is important for standard performance. 

Compatibility testing highlights the following: 

• Screen Size;
• Screen Resolution; 
• Phone Memory; 
• Operating Systems (iOS, Android, Windows);
• Browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox).

Functionality Testing 

Functionality testing checks that the app works as it is intended to. During a functionality test, the tester checks that the app meets the product requirements and meets consumers’ expectations. For example, in testing for an app that allows you to record audio, functionality testing aims to see if the user can record and save their recording. 

There are three aspects of functionality testing, and they are as follows. 

Integration Testing

Integration testing tests the integration of two code modules, such as from recording audio to saving audio. 

Unit Testing

Unit testing is where developers test small code units for functionality. 

End-to-End Testing

End-to-End testing is a thorough and complete functionality test that checks the app’s functionality from login to the last process. In the audio recording app, end-to-end testing will test from when the app is opened to recording and saving in a flow.  

Localisation Testing 

Localisation testing ensures your mobile app is suited to the region. This covers time, language, culture, and even currency. Localisation testing is important because it increases the chances of widespread mobile app adoption across several regions. 

The ideal app with great localisation testing can be customised to the region of use, and this can be achieved with automatic localisation that seamlessly tailors the app to the region where it’s used. For example, by changing the language settings, WhatsApp can be localised to any language and region. 

Are you planning on carrying out localisation testing anytime soon? Here’s a handy checklist of things to consider:

• Cultural Peculiarities; 
• Language; 
• Symbols, logos, and inputs; 
• Command, messages, help documents; 
• Currency; 
• Maps; 
• Time format;
• Credit card processing, etc. 

Usability Testing 

Usability testing is a test for the consumer’s user experience when using the app. This testing looks for elements of UI and UX. The purpose of usability testing is to ensure that the target audience for the app can understand and use the app easily. This test answers the following questions. Are users able to catch on to how the app works on time? Can they carry out tasks without needing help? Are the buttons and layouts easy to understand?

Usability testing is usually done on actual devices and with users who are given tasks to complete and then asked to give feedback on their experience — the feedback from the users after the test is used to modify the app for better UX. 

There are five stages in usability testing, and they are: 

• Planning; 
• Recruiting; 
• Test Execution; 
• Analyses; 
• Reporting. 

Performance Testing 

Mobile app testing doesn’t just check for the app’s functionality in ideal conditions, and it also tests the app’s performance when there is an increased workload. Without performance testing, users may discover that your app functions only when the device is under heavy stress or working on a heavy load. Some of the parameters considered in mobile app performance testing include the following: 

• Memory use; 
• Battery consumption;
• Data transfer; 
• Speed. 

There are five types of performance testing, and they include:

Load Testing

Load testing evaluates the performance of the app when there’s a heavy load, for example, too many people on a streaming site. 

Stress Testing

Stress testing is a type of productivity testing that evaluates the app’s performance at more than usual high loads. 

Spike Testing

Spike testing monitors the application’s response to a sudden increase or decrease in workload. This test helps developers resolve future functionality problems associated with spikes in workload. 

Volume Testing

Volume testing checks the app’s ability to simultaneously handle and process a high volume of requests or tasks. 

Endurance Testing

Endurance testing evaluates the app’s performance when there’s a heavy load for a long time. It’s tested by providing a high load for long periods. 

Security Testing 

Security testing checks for data protection and conducts the app’s vulnerability assessment to malicious attacks. The critical aspects of security testing include the following: 

• Removing hacking vulnerabilities; 
• Authentication and Authorisation; 
• Safe Communication; 
• Data Security. 

Conclusion 

Mobile app testing is a cumbersome process, with developers trying their best to test for all scenarios and possibilities to ensure smooth operation and functionality.