Android app development has taken the world by storm.
Currently, there’re 2.5 billion android users compared to 1.8 billion iOS users.
When it comes to comparing the number of apps on Google plays store vs Apple app store.
Google app store is far ahead.
According to the figures released by the Google play store, there’re 3.5 million apps available to download. Among them, the majority are free and can be installed at any time.
The number tells, that if you’re in the mood to create a mobile app your first priority should be the google play store.
And why shouldn’t be?
Remember: android mobile app development is more than just mobile app development.
There are several factors that determine the cost of android app development.
But before we discuss the factors it’s important to know why should you prefer android app development.
Read More: How Much Does It Cost To Put An App On The App Store
Why Should You Prefer Android App Development?
In 2022, the success and popularity of a business rely on the success of the app.
For businesses, the easiest easy to approach customers, get recognized, and increase revenue is by building a mobile app.
Let’s catch on to why businesses need android app development.
1. Build Customer Base
Android is the largest platform to download apps.
Google play store users download 111.3 billion mobile apps, up from 76 billion apps in 2018.
It’s projected that downloads will reach 187 billion by the end of 2025.
In such massive figures, introducing your business app allows you to generate revenue and eventually attract higher ROI.
2. Low Priced
A very common perception in the app development industry is that android app development cost is cheaper than iOS app development.
And we’ve some well-known facts to prove the point.
To publish the app on the Google play store you require to acquire a developer account that cost just $25. On the other side, you need to pay $99 to get your app to publish.
Swift and Objective-C developers cost 15% more than Java and Kotlin developers.
3. Hassle-free Integration
Android platforms allow third-party integration which deducts the development time and cost.
4. Compatibility With Devices
The fact that Android apps work with a wide range of mobile devices is another advantage of creating them. One of the main causes of this is that Android-powered devices are less expensive than Apple-powered ones.
5. Next Level Security
The security of the application is the most important thing. Linux serves as the foundation for Android application development, ensuring the security and smooth operation of every mobile app available on Google MarketPlace.
Five Factors Contributing to the Android App Development Cost
If you ask any app developer how much it takes to make a mobile app.
He’ll never give you a straightforward figure.
In fact, he’ll ask you a question what do you need?
Because mobile app development costs can’t be determined without analyzing your app’s requirements first.
1. Set Of Skills Required
When creating a budget, business owners sometimes overlook this aspect of the cost.
But in actuality, it has value all on its own.
There are several participants with various backgrounds and technological specialties.
More people with particular skill sets join the project depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Therefore, the cost of development will increase as more people join the initiative.
A business analyst, UI/UX designer, project manager, solution architect, QA engineers, and developers make up a typical app development team.
2. Operating System Of A Mobile Device: iOS Vs Android
The two most popular mobile operating systems are Android and iOS.
The platform you select has a significant impact on the price of mobile app development.
There are many kinds of users of Android and iOS.
You can choose the ideal platform with the potential to generate more traffic based on the target demographic.
Most business owners are frequently unaware of their target market, so the development company frequently does this form of market research.
Because they can better advise you on the platform to choose.
Despite the fact that more than 70% of smartphones are Android-based. In-app purchases are still more expensive for iOS users.
The notion in the mobile app development industry is that it is more expensive to create an iOS mobile app than an Android one.
Let’s determine whether the perception is accurate or not.
A developer with expertise in both Java and Kotlin is required to create an android application. In contrast, you need a skilled Swift and Objective-C developer to construct an iOS mobile app.
Swift and Objective-C developers charge 15% more than Java and Kotlin developers, according to a comparison of hiring costs.
Android comes in countless screen variations. Conversely, iOS has fewer than 20.
As a result, if you desire complete device compatibility, the price of designing an Android app will be a little higher.
3. App Design And Number Of Screens
The number of screens is directly proportional to the cost of android app development.
Secondly, it’s not just about the number of screens but what kind of screens you want to develop.
4. App Security
Maintaining the security of your user data and information is the most important thing.
However, most app developers dont pay attention to this important part which makes them unreliable and low revenue stream.
5. Application Mode (Online vs. Offline)
Business owners often undervalue the power of offline mode and usually prefer online mode.
However, the online mode might have several benefits over the offline mode but the cost of development is almost double.
On the other hand, offline mode is very economical and time-effective.
To make a decision that is more advantageous consider its impact on your business.
Read More: Offline vs Online Application Design
Top 5 Software For Android App Development
Android Studio
You just can’t start a list of software needed to develop an Android app without mentioning Android Studio at top of the table.
Google-backed and supported Integrated Development Environment used to develop and design all kinds of android apps for phones, tablets, Android Wear, Android TV, and Android Auto.
Not only this, the software is totally free to download and use. Plus, you can consult with a large number of Android developers through their community.
Android Studio lets you perform different tasks and functions like code editing, debugging, and testing tools. Its Drag and Drop feature is fun to use.
Features
- Instant App Run
- APK Analyzer
- Translations Editor
- Addition of New Activity as a Code Template
- Firebase and Cloud integration
- Support KOTLIN
- Intelligence Code Editor
- C++ and NDK support
Price: Free to use
Platform: Android, Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X
Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
Android Debug Bridge is a sought-after software and comes with Android Studio. The primary function of this tool is to connect an Android device with a development device/PC.
This tool work as a bridge or communication path between an Android device and computer so the different functions such as changes and alteration can be carried out simultaneously.
Read More: How to Install ADB on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Price: Free to use
Platform: Windows, Linux, macOS
Features
- Detect bugs and errors
- Copying files from the host computer
- Use the Unix shell to conduct commands
- Installing applications that are restricted to your location
- Rooting your phone
- change hidden settings and set up programs
AIDE
Want to build Android apps on an Android device? AIDE is here to help you out.
It enables you to modify your android device to an app development tool so you can continue with the app development process; anywhere you are.
The most interesting fact about AIDE as it provides a comprehensive guide for coding learners to nourish their coding capabilities.
You can perform numerous functions including writing code, running, testing, and debugging. AIDE is relatively a better option for newbies in Android app development than Android Studio or IntelliJ IDEA.
AIDE has over 2 million active users and supports Java/XML, C/C++, Java console, and Eclipse.
Features
- Full-house integrated development environment for your Android device
- Dropbox and Git integration, Eclipse & Android Studio compatible
- Perform coding-related functions (Life error checking, Smart code completion, and Code navigation
- Support for Web development
Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, BSD, and Android
Languages support: Java, C/C++, HTML5, CSS and JavaScript
Android Virtual Device (AVD) Manager
Another productive tool and part of Android Studio that helps you to run Android apps on a computer.
It is an emulator that lets you see how your app will appear in different screen sizes.
It allows you to test app performance and responsiveness on different screen sizes, resolutions, and versions from one platform.
AVD provides a clear picture of your code on a wider screen so you can make changes and adjustments conveniently.
Price: Free to use
Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android
Visual Studio with Xamarin
The biggest embarrassment for a developer is when the app fails to deliver the intended purpose. Or the user isn’t satisfied with the experience.
To provide a solution for this issue Visual Studio with Xamarin was introduced.
It’s Microsoft-supported Development Environment that allows building native apps for Android, iOS, and Windows when combined with Xamarin.
Visual Studio is a highly suggested tool for those developers who want to develop cross-platform apps or games.
Price: $45 per month
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS
Features:
- Develop a cross-platform app with a single code base
- build native apps for android, iOS, and macOS
- use C# or XAML to build cross-platform user interfaces
- Create testable and extensible code for future growth with built-in support for the Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) pattern.
- Connect with the developer community