How To Perform Mobile Browser Testing?
Chamsi Pirson
2 years ago | Technology
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Introduction
It is critical for developers to understand how to test mobile app in browser, as web browser testing is performed more often than desktop testing.
Around two decades ago, testing was strictly desktop-based. With the fast growth of smartphone use and widespread availability of the internet, testing has moved across a wide variety of platforms. It is critical for developers to understand how to test mobile app in browser, as web browser testing is performed more often than desktop testing.
When is it necessary to do mobile web browser testing?
With the widespread usage of smartphones worldwide, it is now possible to access any application at any time. Nevertheless, there are several applications for which there are no native applications or for which some functions are only available via online or desktop applications.
In such instances, access to such functions becomes essential via a mobile web browser or a desktop web browser. Due to the widespread availability of mobile phones, people attempt to access that application using a mobile web browser rather than logging into their systems and visiting the URL.
Scenario 1: Lack of a native application-provided feature
The add beneficiary details option is not available in the HDFC bank's native app; it is only available via the online platform. In such instances, if a user needs to add a beneficiary immediately, they may just click the URL on their phone's browser and add the beneficiary.
Scenario 2: No application exists
'Mirae Asset' is a mutual fund that does not have a native application. If a user needs to check the current status of their funds at any time, they may simply log in using a mobile web application and do so.
Why is mobile browser testing important?
There are a plethora of gadgets available on the market now for viewing applications. Each smartphone has a unique screen size and resolution, works at a different network speed, and is equipped with a fantastic set of hardware capabilities.
In a world of 7.5 billion people, 4.3 billion individuals will carry and utilize this little gadget every day by 2023. Although the pandemic delayed this rise, Gartner estimates that sales will increase 11% in 2021. Are you taken aback by these statistics? These are presented to demonstrate a single point - the crucial necessity of a mobile phone!
All forms of testing must be conducted on mobile web browsers to guarantee that an application behaves consistently across all browsers and has a consistent user interface.
Testing for Compatibility:
This testing ensures that the program behaves consistently across all devices, independent of the phone/tab used. While it is hard to test every phone on the market, we can test on the desired device prior to launching a web application. The devices that will be targeted are determined by the most frequently used phones by the targeted clients (potential users).
Determine the Application's Usability:
In comparison to desktop programs, Google's search engine prioritizes applications. Google rates programs according to their user-friendliness. As a result, the more user-friendly an application is, the faster and easier the user will find it.
Testing Helps Identify an App's Latency Time:
When users seek information or reserve a flight/movie ticket, they prefer to utilize their mobile phones over their desktop computers. The reason for this is due to the speed and ease of mobile phone use. Thus, in order to give consumers rapid access to your app, it is critical to assess its responsiveness. The more quickly an application loads, the better the user experience.
Testing Enhances the App's Look and Feel:
Device-specific testing may help guarantee that your site looks and feels good on mobile devices. Any application's appearance and feel are the first impressions it makes on users. The application's design should be such that it entices users to return.
How to Conduct Browser Testing on Mobile Devices?
Using Chrome's Mobile Emulation
The mobile version of apps may be seen or tested using the DevTools for mobile emulation. To access an application's mobile version in Chrome, follow the instructions below:
- Launch Chrome and browse the mobile application that needs to be tested.
- Developer Tools may be accessed through Settings -> More Tools -> Developer Tools. macOS users can utilize the fn + f12 shortcut. Control + Shift + J can be used by Windows users.
- Select the Toggle Bar for Devices.
- Select an Android or iOS device to simulate from the available list.
- Once complete, it will show the application's mobile version on the specified device. Apart from the Device Toggle bar, the Inspect feature allows for inspection of individual site components in the mobile view.
Mobile Browser Testing Best Practices
- To ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of mobile browser testing, it is always prudent to adhere to the standards.
- To maximize the output from the testing process, all business needs and stakeholder expectations should be tested appropriately.
- Create a checklist of the devices and mobile browsers that you wish to test for your application's responsiveness.
- Develop a plan that adheres to the norms and regulations to assure quality and consistency across the board.