Better Together: Real Devices, Emulators & Simulators for Mobile Testing

Simulators and emulators can be used together with real devices in an automated testing environment to get the most out of mobile testing efforts. While simulators mimic the look and feel of a device, they do not recreate it down to the chip, making them faster and more memory-efficient than emulators. Emulators, on the other hand, re-create the entire device in software, providing a more realistic test experience but with potential speed and lag issues. Real devices are ideal for testing normal functions under normal conditions, especially when combined with automation tools. A balanced approach that uses simulators, emulators, and real devices can provide speed, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive coverage of mobile testing efforts.