Ensuring Android apps run smoothly across different devices and OS versions is a major challenge due to fragmentation.
Inconsistent behavior can lead to crashes, poor performance, and negative user experiences. Traditional testing methods, like in-house device labs, are costly and complex.
This article explores an alternative approach: running Android apps directly in a browser on real devices, offering developers and testers a cost-effective and scalable solution.
Running Android Apps in a Browser
An ideal alternative to using a mobile device lab is to opt for a cloud-based testing platform that offers app testing on real devices directly in web browsers.
BrowserStack’s real device cloud provides teams and individuals with a comprehensive test infrastructure to remotely test apps on desired Android devices.
QAs can test their Android app directly through a browser on real handsets from popular vendors like Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Motorola, Pixel, etc. They don’t need to worry about any complex setup or configurations.
Steps to Run Android Apps in a Browser
Follow the steps below to run Android apps in a browser on your PC
- Signup for a free trial for Browserstack App-Live.
- Once the App-live dashboard opens up, click on the Uploaded apps section.
- Click on the Upload button and upload the Android app (APK file) to be tested.
- Select the desired Android handset to test the app on. (Let’s consider testing on Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in this example). Refer to the image below for more clarity on the process.
- Clicking on the desired handset will initiate a new App-Live session on the desired handset.
- The selected APK file is downloaded and installed on the chosen device (Galaxy S21) once the session begins. Now, simply run the necessary tests on the app.
Refer to the image below:
That’s how easily one can install and run Android apps in Chrome or Firefox browser on real devices. One can also use Edge, Safari, and other web browsers. All tests on BrowserStack are conducted in real user conditions; in this case, actual Android devices hosted on a secure cloud.
Developers and QAs can also leverage the following features for app testing:
- Device rotation to view the app’s appearance in Portrait and Landscape mode.
- Geolocation Testing for testing websites from different geographic locations.
- Network throttler for simulating poor network conditions.
- Access to native device features like push notifications, in-app purchases, etc.
Refer to the complete list of features here.
Also Read: How to test Push Notifications on Android
Importance of Testing Android Apps in Browsers on Real Devices
Below are the reasons why it is important to test Android apps in browsers on real devices with BrowserStack App Live:
- Ensures Comprehensive Test Coverage: Android apps must function across various devices and OS versions to provide a consistent user experience.
- Eliminates Costly On-Premise Labs: Setting up and maintaining physical device labs is expensive and impractical for small and mid-sized businesses.
- Cloud-Based Testing with BrowserStack: Select the desired real Android device and run tests directly in the browser without any setup.
- Accurate, Real-World Testing: Testing on actual devices helps identify performance issues, UI inconsistencies, and network-related challenges in real user conditions.
- Enhanced Accessibility and Scalability: Teams can test apps from anywhere, ensuring a seamless experience across different devices and network environments.
Conclusion
Running Android apps in a browser simplifies testing by eliminating the need for on-premise device labs. With BrowserStack Real Device Cloud, teams can test apps on real Android devices, ensuring accurate results across various versions and models.
This approach enhances efficiency, reduces setup efforts, and accelerates the development cycle.
