What are the best mobile testing strategies for compatibility with different devices and operating systems?

1 Choose the right testing tools

When it comes to mobile testing, one of the first steps is to select the right tools that meet your app's needs and goals. Various tools are available in the market, each with its own features and advantages. Emulators and simulators are software programs that replicate the behavior and functionality of real devices and operating systems - they are helpful for testing the basic layout and functionality of your app, although they cannot simulate actual performance or user interactions. Real devices are physical gadgets that run your app in actual scenarios - they are essential for examining usability, compatibility, and reliability, but they can be costly, time-consuming, and hard to manage. Cloud-based testing platforms are online services that give access to a variety of emulators, simulators, and real devices through a web browser - they are convenient for testing your app across multiple devices and operating systems, yet they depend on the quality of the internet connection. When choosing tools, you should consider your budget, timeline, and quality standards. To get comprehensive and precise results, you should use a combination of these tools.

2 Define your testing scope and criteria

When mobile testing, it's important to define your testing scope and criteria, which means deciding what, how, and when to test your app. This should factor in your target audience, the app's type and category, and the development stage and release cycle. For example, you should identify the target users' preferences and expectations to determine which devices and operating systems to prioritize in your testing. Additionally, you should consider the app's type and category to define the appropriate testing methods and techniques. Finally, you should plan your testing activities according to your app's development stage and release cycle. It is essential to document your testing scope and criteria clearly and communicate them to your testing team and stakeholders for consistency and efficiency in the process.

3 Design and execute your test cases

The next step in mobile testing is to design and execute your test cases, which are the specific scenarios and steps used to verify your app's functionality and quality. To do this effectively, you should use a test case management tool to help create, organize, track, and report your test cases. Additionally, it can automate some of your testing tasks. Furthermore, you should follow the best practices for writing test cases, such as using clear and concise language and including positive and negative scenarios. It's also important to conduct cross-platform and cross-browser testing to ensure compatibility across different environments and user preferences. Lastly, you should perform both manual and automated testing to benefit from the advantages of each. Designing and executing your test cases systematically and rigorously will guarantee that your app meets your quality standards and user expectations.

4 Review and analyze your test results

The final step in mobile testing is to review and analyze your test results, which are the outcomes and feedback that you obtain from your testing activities. You should collect and consolidate your test results from different sources, such as test case management tools, bug tracking tools, analytics tools, or user surveys. It is also essential to identify and prioritize your issues, classify them according to their type, severity, frequency, and impact, assign responsibility and deadlines for resolving them. Additionally, you should implement and verify your solutions by documenting them and updating your test cases accordingly. You should also report and communicate your findings with clear and concise language, visual aids, and metrics to present them. Finally, share your findings with the testing team, developers, and stakeholders to ensure transparency and collaboration. Regularly reviewing and analyzing your test results will help ensure that your app is continuously improved and optimized.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?