Think of a development company as a full-service restaurant. They have a well-trained, educated team that ensures smooth service, A dedicated and well-defined infrastructure provides the team members with all the resources needed (development process). This guarantees a well-rounded approach and expertise in various aspects of app development. However, like a fancy restaurant, the experience comes at a premium cost.
Hiring a freelance developer is more like a local food stall. You get a single, skilled cook (developer) who can whip up a delicious dish (app) based on your specific preferences. The communication is direct, and the cost might be lower. However, this approach might need more variety and support staff found in a restaurant. They might be great at the core recipe, but adding complex side dishes (additional features) later could be challenging.
When you look at today’s applications, none of them are simple. They are design and feature-rich. They offer extraordinary services to their customers that are intriguing yet difficult to build. To stand out from the crowd you would have to offer compelling and thought-provoking features in your app. And if you ask me, Android app development companies are safer options for a complex gourmet experience (feature-rich app) with ongoing maintenance.
Android App Development: Statistics
Did you know that 88% of mobile time is spent on apps? That’s True! And an average American checks their phone 262 times per day! That’s shocking!
When delving deeper into the statistics – there are 2.87 million apps on the Google Play Store and an average smartphone user uses 10 apps per day and 30 apps each month.
To understand the number of downloads, last year 218+ billion apps were downloaded, which is a 7% increase in downloads.
If you think all the downloads were made because they were free, then you are right. About 96.5% of downloads from the 100% were free while only 3.5% were paid ones downloaded from Google Play Store.
Google App Store has certainly higher download rates with Games being the most popular category (From June 21). The stats are endless to prove that Android apps are a win-win to create when they are solving a real problem. So, if you have a brilliant idea, all you need is to find a reliable and experienced partner to transform that idea into reality.
To do so, you must look for several mobile app development companies. Start with listing websites like Rankfirms, Clutch, Goodfirms, etc. They have a list of the best companies offering app development services for both iOS and Android devices.
Once you have selected a few companies prepare some questions to ask, such as their experience, client references, portfolio, time required to develop the app, and more.
However, by preparing questions you will learn about some FAQs. Below we have mentioned a few that will help you find a reliable firm.
10 FAQs You Should Know Before Hiring An Android App Development Firm
Here, we explore ten crucial questions to ask a potential Android app development company, equipping you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
1. What are the 3 most important things to consider when developing an Android app?
Top 3 Considerations for Successful Android App Development:
Defining Your App’s Purpose:
A clear vision of your app’s functionality and target audience is paramount. What problem does it solve? Who will use it? Having a well-defined purpose guides the development process and ensures the final product aligns with your goals.
User Experience (UX) Design:
A user-friendly and intuitive interface is crucial. Consider navigation, design elements, and information flow to create a seamless user experience that keeps your audience engaged.
Development and Testing:
Partner with a team that utilises a structured development process like the Agile Development Life Cycle (ADLC) for efficient project management. Rigorous testing throughout the app development process ensures your app functions flawlessly across different devices and Android versions.
2. How much does it cost to develop an Android app?
The cost of developing an Android app can vary significantly depending on several factors:
App Complexity:
Simpler apps with basic functionalities will cost less compared to feature-rich apps requiring complex backend integration.
Development Team Size and Expertise:
The number of developers involved and their skill sets will influence the cost. Larger teams with specialised expertise generally command higher fees.
Project Duration:
The development timeline plays a role. Longer development cycles can incur higher costs compared to shorter, more focused projects.
3. Do you have experience in developing Android apps? Can you provide client references, product reviews and ratings of the pre-built apps?
Experience:
A reputable development company will have a proven track record of successful Android app development projects. Ask about their experience level, the types of apps they’ve developed, and the challenges they’ve overcome.
Client References & Reviews:
Request client references to connect with past clients and hear about their experiences. Look for online reviews and ratings of the company’s pre-built apps (if applicable) to gain insights into their work quality and customer satisfaction.
4. Which is the best tool & technology for Android app development?
Instead of best, companies prefer to use the word “popular choice”. As every individual has different choices and preferences for language, we have considered the most popular and reliable technology used lately for developing an Android app.
Programming Languages:
Kotlin (the preferred language by Google) and Java are the primary choices for building Android apps.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE):
Android Studio, the official IDE by Google, provides a comprehensive suite of tools for building and managing Android apps.
Development Frameworks:
Tools like Jetpack and libraries like Retrofit can streamline development and integrate common functionalities.
5. What is the minimum requirement for Android app development?
There are minimum hardware and software requirements for developing Android apps:
Operating System:
A recent Windows, macOS, or Linux operating system is recommended.
Development Tools:
Installing Android Studio and the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) is essential.
Hardware:
While minimum specifications can vary, a computer with sufficient processing power, RAM (at least 8GB recommended), and storage space is necessary.
6. Do the company have an Android Virtual device? Do they use GPU for Android Studio?
Most IT services companies utilise Android Virtual Devices (AVDs) to emulate real Android devices for testing purposes. This allows developers to test app functionality on various screen sizes and Android versions without needing physical devices.
Regarding GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) usage in Android Studio:
While not mandatory, a dedicated GPU can significantly improve performance, particularly when working with complex graphics or animations within your app. Many development companies invest in workstations with powerful GPUs to streamline development.
7. Which is the Best Processor for Android Studio and which does the company use?
There’s no single “best” processor, but focus on cores (ideally 4+) and clock speed (2.3 GHz+) for smooth multitasking during development.
Best software development companies workstations utilise powerful processors suited for development tasks, often from recent Intel Core I series (i7, i9) or AMD Ryzen lines.
They also prioritise confidentiality but can assure the clients that their chosen processors are optimised for development workflows.
8. Does the company have a minimum requirement to run Android Studio?
While minimum specifications can vary slightly, here’s a general guideline that an experienced Android app development company must follow:
Operating System:
Windows 10 (64-bit) or later, macOS Mojave (10.14) or later, or Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or later (64-bit).
RAM:
At least 8GB of RAM is recommended, with 16GB or more preferable for smoother performance.
Storage:
A minimum of 500GB of free disk space is recommended to accommodate the Android SDK and project files.
Processor:
An Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent with at least 4 cores and a minimum clock speed of 2.3 GHz is recommended.
9. What are the skills required to develop an Android app?
A successful Android app development team requires a blend of skills:
Software Development:
Expertise in programming languages like Kotlin and Java is fundamental.
Android Development Knowledge:
Developers should possess in-depth knowledge of the Android platform, APIs, and best practices.
UX/UI Design:
A skilled designer creates user-friendly interfaces that are both visually appealing and intuitive.
Project Management:
Effective project management ensures smooth workflow, communication, and adherence to deadlines.
Quality Assurance (QA) Testing:
Rigorous testing across various devices and scenarios is crucial for a robust and bug-free app.
10. What are the five steps of Android app development(explain ADLC)?
The ADLC is a structured development process typically used by Android development companies. Here’s a breakdown of the five key stages:
Planning & Requirements Gathering:
Defining project goals, target audience, and functionalities.
Design & Development:
Building the app’s UI, functionalities, and backend integration.
Testing & Quality Assurance (QA):
Rigorous testing to identify and fix bugs before launch.
Deployment & Launch:
Publishing your app on the Google Play Store.
Maintenance & Support:
Providing ongoing bug fixes, updates, and potential new features.
