Tips for Executing a Mobile Performance Test

As with any form of software testing, there will be some common challenges that arise. For best results, you should keep the following in mind as you proceed with your mobile performance test so you are not surprised. 

Metrics That Paint the Whole Picture

Your KPIs will be your guideposts throughout your mobile performance test. Capturing as many different insights as possible can present a challenge depending on your resources. You will want to gain insight into device performance, with KPIs like app startup time, battery consumption, and memory usage. 

You should also measure how effectively data is being transmitted between the server and your app, and how the server responds to requests from the app. Additionally, you will need to be able to measure how your app responds to varying network conditions. 

The more metrics you have to gain actionable insights, the more comprehensive the data you have to work with. 

Simulating Real-Word Scenarios

You will want to replicate real-world behavior as closely as possible to ensure your app will function the way you want it to upon release. How does your app respond to high-speed WiFi versus 3G versus 4G? How does it hold up under sudden, dramatic spikes in traffic? The more scenarios you are able to simulate in your mobile performance test, the better prepared your app will be. 

Checking the Boxes of Multiple Devices & Networks

These days, there are so many different devices available to consumers. Ensuring your app works seamlessly on a wide range of devices is crucial. On top of that, your app will be used under differing geographic locations that all come with varying network stability and speeds. A consistent UX across all those devices and circumstances may present a formidable challenge.  

Identifying Root Causes of App Issues

Root cause analysis will help you solve an app’s issue instead of simply treating its symptoms. But this is easier said than done; you will need an in-depth understanding of your app’s architecture and a comprehensive analysis of its performance. Fortunately, BlazeMeter’s Root Cause Analysis functionality utilizes the latest advancements in AI to drastically reduce the amount of time trying to find that needle in the haystack. In fact, BlazeMeter will simply tell you where the needle is. 

5 Tips for Executing a Mobile Performance Test

In order to get the most out of your mobile performance test, below are a few tried-and-true steps to take. 

#1 Choose the Right Testing Tools

Having an effective testing tool goes a long way in ensuring your app performs seamlessly. While there are many out there on the market, you should choose one that suits both your needs and your budget. Using a tool that offers automated testing and the use of real devices should be priorities. 

BlazeMeter offers plans that can fit any team both big and small. From our Freemium plan all the way to our Unleashed Enterprise plan that scales up to more than two million users, there is a testing solution for everyone. 

#2 Test on Real Devices & Simulators

You can get the most comprehensive test coverage for your mobile performance test by utilizing both real devices and simulators (or emulators for Android devices). While you can never quite match the authenticity and accuracy of testing your app on real devices, leaning on emulators and simulators will vastly expand the number of devices you can test on at once at a far more cost-effective rate. 

Pairing BlazeMeter’s performance testing with Perfecto’s unrivaled device lab will help you strike just the right balance between real and virtual devices. You can even request a demo to see them in action. 

#3 Focus on User Locations and Network Conditions

Test where you think your users will be. As you have gone about the development process, it is likely that you determined your key demographics at the outset. Ensure you are covering those locations around the world and the network conditions likely to be used in them. Test against different mobile service carriers and network speeds; how does your app perform under T-Mobile's 3G network compared to Quantum Fiber internet? 

#4 Monitor Resource Usage

Keep a close eye on the resources your app consumes. One of the most impactful insights you can get from your mobile performance test is how your app handles CPU, memory, and battery consumption. This will determine if your app can efficiently manage memory and minimize battery drain, which will be greatly appreciated by your users. 

#5 Test Early & Often 

Do not fall prey to the illusion that once a test is complete, it is time to move on to the next phase of the development lifecycle. For an app to be at its absolute best, it is essential that you perform mobile performance tests not only early in development, but also repeatedly throughout. And while it may take some time to set the parameters of your initial mobile performance test, utilizing CI/CD pipelines for test automation and iteration will make subsequent testing go much faster. 

Bottom Line

Mobile performance testing is the key to creating an app that stands out among the millions — yes, millions — of apps in the Apple and Google app stores. The higher your rating is in those respective stores, the more visibility and downloads it will receive. 

To ensure an app rating that you can be proud of, you should put it through a rigorous mobile performance test gauntlet. Follow the guidelines laid out above — such as testing under real-world conditions, striking a balance between real and virtual devices, and testing early and often throughout the development lifecycle — and you will be well on your way to securing your spot on lists of Top Apps. 

Performance testing with BlazeMeter means you are testing with the best. Nobody else can match the power, agility, and scalability of our robust features. And when it comes to your mobile performance test, combining BlazeMeter with Perfecto’s robust mobile app testing platform is the most efficient and cost-effective way to blow your competition out of the water. 

You can start testing with BlazeMeter for FREE today:  

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Or you can request a demo of how BlazeMeter and Perfecto work together to witness the power for yourself. 

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But, honestly, you would be better off simply doing both.