What Makes Up High-Quality Automated Android Testing

Teams have a love-hate relationship with Android. It’s highly customizable and has an incredibly vast community and toolkits. It’s indeed a very flexible OS. And that’s where the hate part comes in – working with devices that could rival human cells in their quantity. For that reason, automated Android testing has become a staple in QA resources.

But there’s something else that should take its place: high-quality, expertise-driven automation. Yes, automated software testing services are, without exaggeration, a miracle for many companies. Yet, it wouldn’t lead anywhere without skill and domain mastery.

Today, we discuss the little things that make your Android automation testing go big.

The Nuances of Android App Automated Testing

First and foremost, your team needs to know Android quirks by heart. And they need to understand them like basic math (one plus one isn’t two and a half). In the world of automated testing (AT), there are no universal solutions. Even the good old best practices should be taken with a grain of salt and modified to fit the needs of a specific project.

To make sure your automated Android app testing services are valuable and resource-efficient, you need to apply them in a targeted manner. That means using them where they’re genuinely beneficial and pausing them where they aren’t of help. And without knowing the environment you’ll be working with, that’s impossible.

Fragmentation

Android devices come in a wide range of hardware specifications, screen sizes, resolutions, and OS versions. Setting up automation that covers hundreds of configurations will take time. It’ll also have to cover gadget variability to secure compatibility. And you’re likely to use a ton of emulators as well as cloud farms. Yet, you can’t forget about real-device testing, as only it can properly replicate certain aspects, like hardware issues or connectivity.

OEM Customizations

Manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi often modify Android with custom skins, features, or preloaded apps. These alterations can lead to unexpected behaviors. So, your AT should account for such out-of-the-box scenarios.

App Distribution

Apps can be distributed via multiple platforms. There are Google, Amazon, and proprietary app stores in certain regions. That means that Android testing automation should validate that your project complies with different marketplace policies.

Permissions and Security Models

Just like iOS, Android enforces strict permission requirements for accessing sensitive data or device features. Though they are less stringent. Your automated tests need to handle varying permissions (granted, denied, revoked), as data control is increasingly important for users. Plus, you need to make sure the app doesn’t suddenly go off the rails when some permissions are denied (which is unfortunately quite common).

Network Variability

Android caters to an extremely diverse pool of users. That translated to people relying on their devices within different conditions. Customers may experience slow or intermittent connections or switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data. To keep your app optimized and users happy, Android automated testing needs to pay special attention to non-ideal network states.

System-Level Interactions

System-level features like notifications, background processes, and storage access are there to not damage a device’s battery, crash other apps, or question compliance. If your app conflicts with these in any way, it’s likely to get deleted sooner rather than later. So, AT should validate that apps integrate with the present Android ecosystem without disrupting other processes or consuming excessive resources.

Third-Party Integrations

Lots of Android apps rely on third-party SDKs and APIs to save time and money. Your automated testing needs to account for their dependency management, version compatibility, performance impact, and security risks. All of these could require rather frequent AT script changes.

Device Ecosystem

There are many device types within the Android bubble. If your project is designed to extend beyond smartphone use, compatibility with tablets, wearables, TVs, or cars should be among your priorities. Hence, your automated Android app testing needs to consider every device’s peculiarities. And your team should think about how their operations could impact the application itself.

OS Updates and Their Absence

Android releases updates annually. Plus, it offers simple tweaks throughout the year. That means that automated tests need to be frequently updated to remain useful. You also need to remember that a lot of users don’t like to update their OS. So, working with older versions shouldn’t be optional but almost mandatory.

Localization and Regional Variations

Among all the OSs, Android is the most popular one. It’s used by people from all corners of the world. You’ll definitely want to use automated testing for Android localization. But you shouldn’t forget that AT can handle only simple things, like UI changes, currencies, date formats, etc. When it comes to translation accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and other more sophisticated aspects, manual software testing is still your go-to.

We’d say that the biggest quirk about Android app testing automation is its inability to handle everything. That’s what a lot of companies think or want to achieve. And that may present the biggest risk. By applying AT everywhere to automate as much as possible, you’re robbing yourself of time, money, quality, users, and, ultimately, your success.

Though this article is dedicated to automated testing, not mentioning the impact of manual mobile QA is almost sinful. We’ve seen too many teams overdo it with AT. The best case scenario in such cases is months if not years of rework. And if you’re curious about the worst possibility, well, business closure is the answer.

We say all this to remind you to use Android app automation testing wisely.

Benefits of Automation Testing for Android

Let’s switch from the previous somewhat alarming note. Let’s talk about the good and the miraculous of automated app testing for Android.

• Automation tools allow running tests on multiple devices and versions simultaneously. Android’s unparalleled fragmentation won’t be as scary anymore.
• Some AT frameworks let you test Android and iOS apps using shared scripts. You’ll be saving a lot of time and resources while focusing on Android-specific quirks.
• Automated tests eliminate human errors common in manual testing. So, you’ll worry much less about Android’s intricate permission models and system-level interactions.
• Automation easily integrates with CI/CD pipelines, offering instant feedback after code changes. With Andoirid’s wild ecosystem and customizations, identifying and fixing bugs will go much quicker.
• Automated test scripts can be reused across multiple builds and updates. You won’t have to spend time creating new cases unless needed. You can just tweak them when required.
• Automation testing for Android handles repetitive and complex scenarios much faster than manual testing. It’ll allow you to reduce testing cycles and unload the team.
• Although automation has upfront costs, it reduces manual testing hours, scales effortlessly, and maintains quality. This means that you’ll have significant savings in the long run.

All of these perks and more are achievable. But, of course, you’ll have to put in some work. So, next, we’ll discuss insights and practices that help you make superb use of Android application automation testing.

Challenges in Automation Testing for Android Apps

Here, we need to address a few challenges that’ll require your attention. These points don’t require dodging maneuvers. They’ll be there no matter how advanced your team is. The best way to view difficulties you encounter when you automate Android testing is to look at them like tasks. And to complete them, you should plan your QA strategy ahead.

Unreliable System-Level Interactions

Automating interactions with system-level features can be unreliable. Automation tools may lack direct access to these elements or struggle to emulate them correctly. So, you’re likely to need custom scripts or additional tools to handle these scenarios, increasing the workload and requiring expertise.

Performance Disparities Across Devices

Android devices vary significantly in hardware capabilities and software optimization. AT tests that pass on high-performance devices might fail or perform poorly on low-end devices. Hence, you can be left with inconsistent test results. To avoid that, you’ll need more time, resources, and infrastructure to secure reliability through testing on various devices. You’ll also have to analyze and optimize tests for device-specific performance issues.

Unrealistic Battery and Resource Usage

Automated tests typically focus on functionality and may overlook app behaviors that consume excessive resources. This gap can result in undetected performance issues. That’s why you should incorporate specialized monitoring tools or write custom scripts to measure battery and resource usage.

Framework Setup and Expertise Requirements

Some Android automated testing frameworks require significant setup and configuration. They may also have limitations that necessitate workarounds or complementary tools. So, you need to consider the possibility of investing in learning and troubleshooting frameworks. Alternatively, you might need to hire specialists in particular mobile application testing services.

Vulnerabilities of Open-Source Tools

Open-source tools often rely on community support. And updates may lag behind Android platform changes. To prevent compatibility or security issues, you’ll have to
troubleshoot tool hitches on your own. You’re also likely to juggle between multiple tools to cover your testing needs. And that may require extra training or engineers.

Continuous Test Suite Maintenance

Frequent app updates or changes in Android APIs can cause test scripts to break. Because of that, maintaining and updating the test suite becomes a continuous effort. And it’s a task you can’t escape.

We should point out that the above troubles of automated Android app testing are universal. You’re bound to run into them. But, you should also be aware of specific challenges, like those particular to your niche, such as Android game testing, or your project. So, make sure that your team is well-familiar with your product. A custom, targeted QA process will save you lots of money and time and advance your app’s quality in meaningful ways.

How to Automate Android App Testing

Another thing that’ll greatly simplify your automated Android testing is a structured and you-oriented workflow. The guide below will be the backbone for it. But do remember that you can modify or expand it as you see fit.

Set Automation Goals

Clearly define what you aim to achieve with Android automation testing. This will help direct your efforts, better allocate resources, and appoint relevant specialists. You can use the SMART framework to help define your goals. For example, instead of “improve test coverage”, go for “achieve 90% test coverage for core user flows within two sprints”.

Define Test Coverage

Don’t rely on arbitrary numbers. Determine what “good test coverage” means for your case and identify which areas actually need AT. Prioritize frequently used features, critical paths, and modules prone to bugs. Consider testing user flows, edge cases, and device-specific behaviors.

Select the Framework

Choose a framework that aligns with your testing needs and integrates well with your tech stack. Make sure your team is familiar with your selected Android automated testing framework. Alternatively, plan ahead for potential training.

Select the Tool(s)

Be mindful of the tools you’re choosing. They should be able to decently cover your requirements and match your crew’s skills. Pay attention to how Android automation testing tools scale, as your needs might change with time.

Prepare Test Scripts

Write test scripts that align with your AT goals and test coverage plan. Use modular and reusable code structures to improve readability and maintainability. Also, keep your scripts well-described to ensure the entire team can work with them without back-and-forth questions.

Set Up the Environment

Configure the testing environment to replicate real-world scenarios. Use emulators and cloud-based solutions for covering widely-present aspects. And turn to real device testing to check gadget-specific or highly critical elements.

Run Tests

Start with smaller test suites to validate scripts and environment setup. Gradually scale up to larger, more complex suites. Monitor execution to ensure tests run as intended and adapt if issues arise.

Analyze Results

Collect and analyze test results. Use reporting tools to identify trends, detect failures, and understand test coverage. Prioritize fixing critical issues while documenting insights for future iterations. You can also add a feedback loop to share results with developers for continuous improvement.

Refine the Test Suite

Regularly review and update your test suite to ensure it remains relevant. Remove obsolete tests and add new ones as the app evolves. Include maintenance tasks in your testing timeline to ensure outdated scripts don’t slow down your Android testing automation.

This “handbook” can also help you trace the origin points of issues. For example, if your team is struggling to secure consistency during test runs, perhaps your environment or scripting need work. And if you can’t select a tool or framework, maybe you should spend some more time on project learning and goal definition.

So, your Android app automation testing flow is your roadmap to success and improvement. That’s why you ought to make sure it’s expertly crafted.

Best Practices for Automated Android Testing

Now, a few words from our sponsor QA experts. No article writing happens without them. Today, we asked them what practices and tips made their work with Android automation testing easier and brought in desired or better results.

• Know your app’s architecture, workflows, and user base. It’ll help direct your testing and save resources.
• Follow consistent coding standards for test scripts to improve readability and collaboration. Use comments and modular code.
• Define metrics to evaluate test effectiveness, such as pass rates, execution time, and defect detection rates.
• Prioritize repetitive, time-consuming, or critical test cases for automation, such as login, payments, and navigation flows.
• Avoid automating scenarios that rely heavily on human judgment or change frequently.
• Use tools that align with your app’s complexity and team expertise. Ensure compatibility with Android platforms and support for essential testing features.
• Simulators are great for early testing. But only real devices reveal issues related to hardware, network, and system variations.
• Cover a range of Android versions, screen sizes, and manufacturers to address fragmentation challenges.
• Focus on automating regression tests to save time and quickly validate that updates do not break existing functionality.
• Run tests on multiple devices or configurations simultaneously to save time and improve efficiency.
• Incorporate variables like network throttling, background processes, and power usage into your testing to mimic actual user environments.
• Regularly review and refine your test scripts to match app updates and remove obsolete tests.
• Design your automation framework to handle an increasing number of tests and growing complexity as your app evolves.
• Maintain clear documentation of your testing process, framework setup, and test scripts. This helps onboard new team members and ensures consistency.

Expert insights will be the diamonds for your product. They’ll make everything better and neater. That’s why we encourage you to use them. But more so, rely on the knowledge of your crew. Even if you think you have an optimized testing strategy, prompt your team to share their opinions. As the funny thing about quality is that it can always be improved.

Android Automation Testing Tools

Lastly, let’s take a look at tools you might want to consider. The following list presents good options for your automated Android testing. Think of it as a guide on what decent tools should offer. But don’t feel pressured into reviewing only the presented options. Hold your own research and involve your crew to find a tool or tools (yes, you’re free to work with multiple) that match your needs and opportunities.

Appium

Appium is an open-source tool that supports cross-platform testing for Android, iOS, and web apps. It provides a unified API using Selenium WebDriver protocol. It’s also language agnostic, compatible with Java, Python, JavaScript, etc.

Unique perks. Appium can test on real devices, emulators, and simulators. Offers record-and-playback features for easier test script creation.

Espresso

Espresso is a lightweight Android-specific testing framework from Google. It focuses on UI testing by directly interacting with app elements.

Unique perks. Espresso provides fast test execution and detailed synchronization between app interactions and tests. Best suited for developers working within the Android Studio ecosystem.

UI Automator

UI Automator allows testing across Android apps and system interactions (e.g., notifications and settings). It supports Java and Kotlin for scripting.

Unique perks. UI Automator is ideal for black-box testing. It can perform complex operations like handling system pop-ups and cross-app interactions.

Kobiton

Kobiton is a cloud-based platform that provides access to a wide range of real Android devices for manual and automated testing.

Unique perks. It supports performance testing and integrates well with Appium for automation. Offers session recordings and detailed reports.

TestComplete

TestComplete is a commercial tool supporting Android, iOS, and web testing. It provides both keyword-driven and script-based test automation.

Unique perks. TestComplete simplifies testing for non-coders through record-and-playback and AI-powered object recognition. Ensures robust cross-platform support.

Robotium

Robotium is another open-source tool for testing native and hybrid Android apps.

Unique perks. It provides APIs for writing simple and robust UI tests in Java. Integrates smoothly with Android Studio.

Ranorex

Ranorex is a versatile tool supporting mobile, web, and desktop app testing. It offers record-and-playback functionality and keyword-driven testing.

Unique perks. Ranorex is great for beginners with step-by-step guidance and script-free testing options. Supports parallel testing on real devices.

Selendroid

Selendroid is a framework for Android app testing that uses WebDriver protocols. It works on both hybrid and native apps.

Unique perks. Selendroid supports multi-device testing and allows user interaction simulations (e.g., swipes and drag-and-drop). It integrates well with Selenium Grid for parallel execution.

Always keep in mind that there’s no one perfect tool that’ll cover 100% of your requirements. Sometimes, you’ll have to compromise, combine options, or involve manual work to clean up the edges in your project. The important thing is that you do so.

To Sum Up

Every crew working on a project should remember the saying “It’s all about the details”. Our specialists have offered you a guide on productive Android app automated testing. But (!) it’s only valuable as a base. If you don’t customize it to your needs, your team, and your resources, you’ll only have an app of that basic quality.

Do use practices and insights that are tested and proven. Yet, for something more, for something better, for something more meaningful – put a little bit of “you” into the work you’re doing. And if you need help, our QA talents are here for you.