When it comes to software testing, knowing your platform is key!

Aug 21, 2024

2 min read

Mobile and Web testing have their own unique challenges, so it’s important to grasp these differences.

By understanding them, you can pick the right tools and methods to keep your product in top shape.

	Mobile	Web
Platforms & Operating Systems	Requires testing across different platforms like iOS and Android, as well as various OS versions and device types - phones, tablets and so.	Involves testing across different browsers - Chrome, Firefox, Safari and operating systems - Windows, macOS, Linux.
Hardware	Testing must consider different devices with various screen sizes, resolutions, and performance levels (processor speed, memory).	Focuses primarily on browser compatibility, with less variation in hardware like mouse and keyboard compared to mobile devices.
User Interaction	Includes touch gestures, screen rotation (portrait/landscape), use of sensors (GPS, camera), and concerns like battery life.	Primarily involves interaction through mouse and keyboard, with minimal direct integration with sensors or hardware features.
Network	Testing needs to account for different network conditions WiFi, 4G/5G, airplane mode and how the app handles network transitions or weak signals.	Primarily focuses on different network conditions but usually assumes a stable connection (like Wi-Fi) with less concern for mobile network challenges.
Updates & Installation	Testing involves the app's installation, updates, and uninstallation processes across various devices and versions.	Updates are mostly done server-side, with no need for user installation or uninstallation.
Security	Involves security considerations like permissions, access to local data, and sensitivity to personal information.	Security is more focused on threats like cyber-attacks, browser vulnerabilities, and user data protection.
Performance	Testing considers how the app impacts device performance - memory usage, battery life, and its behavior under different conditions like device heating.	Primarily concerns page load times, system resource usage on the computer, and browser performance.
Target Audience	Users expect quick, seamless interactions, often on the go, so the app must be highly responsive and optimized for mobile use.	Users typically expect richer content and functionality, often using a larger screen with more processing power.

*Additionally Mobile testing requires attention to unique checks like localization and push notifications, which are vital for ensuring a seamless user experience across different regions and devices.

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With no doubt knowing the platform helps us, as testers, to test the product more effectively, accurately, and intelligently, ensuring a high level of quality.