Benefits of Simulators and Emulators in Mobile Testing
Tags: mobiletesting, emulatorsinmobiletesting, simulators, emulators
Published: 2022-10-11 06:04:20

QA teams have the responsibility to ensure that the quality and usability requirements of the mobile application are met before they are released. To achieve this, mobile testing is performed. To streamline the mobile testing process, the devices where the tests take place plays a key role. Virtual device testing (emulators and simulators) and real-device testing are the two main types of mobile testing. Emulators and simulators are quite effective in the mobile testing process. In this article, you will get to know the benefits of emulators and simulators in [mobile testing](https://www.testingxperts.com/services/mobile-testing/ca-en).

**What are Emulators?**

It is a software program through which the features of another hardware, operating system and software of the target device are mimicked. The application is tested by emulating a real device. Emulators are used in debugging, unit testing and automation. Platform–specific software is important, hence, developers make separate applications for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android.
Various emulation techniques are used by different types of emulators. The objective is to make sure that the experience of using the application or hardware is simulated. An authentic product is outperformed by some emulators in terms of performance and also extra features being incorporated. There are many online APK emulators available to run app tests on various OS versions and various devices without the need to install and configure them on the machine.    

**What are Simulators?**

A Simulator is also a software program that provides the necessary access to your device to run certain specific programs that are built exclusively for different operating systems. [Simulators for mobile testing](https://www.testingxperts.com/blog/testing-on-real-devices-vs-simulators-vs-emulators/ca-en) are written in high-level languages and are specifically used for iOS devices. iOS Simulators for mobile app testing are applied to make sure that the application works correctly as intended across different environments.   
For example, an application’s capacity is assessed in order to transfer data to another application. Simulated testing environments are also helpful in making sure that an application’s interface is projected clearly at multiple screen resolutions.

**The following are four key benefits of emulators and simulators in mobile testing:**

**1. The Reliability factor: **The need for a factory reset is eliminated by simulators and emulators and the test execution’s reliability is improved. 

**2. The relevance of cross-platform testing:** A wide range of operating systems and devices can be imitated by virtual devices (emulators and simulators for mobile testing), thereby enabling teams to perform tests easily on different devices and platforms.

**3. Improved debugging process:** While difficulties may be encountered by testers who are capturing errors on real devices, but when it comes to virtual devices (emulators and simulators) simple and feasible debugging features are available for solving errors.    

**4. Cost-efficiency:** Simulators and emulators are a cost-effective framework when it comes to performing mobile testing. Some of them are available online for free.

**The synergy between simulators and emulators:**

Simulators and emulators are used for testing most of the functionalities, but, when it comes to validation, a real device is needed. Real-device testing is considered to be a viable option before the deployment, but, it is also considered to be slow and tedious during the development process. 
There are a few simulators that aren’t considered to be good tools. One of the key reasons is that the vendor lacks in updating vendor updates. Hence, there is a need to find a strategic mix of simulators and emulators. 

**Conclusion:** If you are looking forward to implementing mobile testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a well-established software testing services company that will provide you with a methodical testing blueprint that is in line with your project specific requirements.

**About the author:** I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.