Exploring Emulators vs. Simulators vs. Real Device Testing

When developers create software for mobile devices, they must test the application for its stability, performance, functionality, and usability. With modern Agile processes, testing is performed frequently so that problems can be addressed early in the software development lifecycle.

Developers use various tools and techniques for application testing. Each has its pros and cons when weighing costs, time, accuracy, and other factors.

Differences Between Emulators and Simulators in Mobile Device Testing

Emulators and simulators are two commonly used application testing tools. We’ll define them and explore a few considerations when deciding on using emulators vs. simulators in mobile testing below.

What Is an Emulator in Mobile Testing

An emulator replicates the behavior of a device by virtualizing almost all of the capabilities of the device’s hardware, operating system, and software. It re-creates the real device as much as possible.

What Is a Simulator in Mobile Testing

A simulator mimics a device’s basic behavior by creating a model of the device’s internal functionality. 

When To Use an Emulator in Mobile Device Testing

Device manufacturers provide emulators to facilitate testing. Emulators are generally written in assembly language — low-level code that interacts with the machine language of the device. They tend to be slow because they have to translate instructions into binary machine code. They are typically used early in the application development process to test the device’s external behaviors such as performing calculations.

When To Use a Simulator in Mobile Device Testing

Simulators are available from device manufacturers and third-party providers. They are written in a high-level language — one that has to be compiled (translated) to create a set of machine language instructions. Simulators are faster than emulators but not as reliable in terms of debugging the basic functions of the app. They are typically used to test the device’s internal behavior and the flow of the application.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Emulators and Simulators

Emulators and simulators offer a low-cost, easily available means of application testing. They allow developers to test a wide range of devices without the expense of purchasing different models. In some cases, testing timelines don’t allow developers to source and purchase all the required devices.

However, emulators and simulators have a number of drawbacks. They do not allow the testing of every potential hardware-related issue and do not support the full gamut of mobile applications. Additionally, emulators and simulators tend to have more memory than real devices, so they are not suitable for testing memory-related issues. Performance tends to be slower on emulators and simulators, and it’s difficult to test the application flow in unusual situations.

Why Real Device Testing?

Emulators and simulators are valuable, but there’s no substitution for testing on actual devices. Real device testing provides more accurate performance testing and makes it easier to validate the application’s interaction with the device’s hardware and sensors. A real device is also more suitable for testing the user interface, including the brightness and color of the screen.

That said, real device testing does come with challenges. Testing labs must have a way to securely store the devices while providing power and network connectivity and managing heat.

Enconnex real device testing racks, cabinets, and enclosures are manufactured according to our exacting standards to deliver maximum performance, flexibility, and durability. Shielded and non-shielded options are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations. We can also custom design solutions to meet specific requirements and offer an array of shelves and trays, cable management options, and other accessories.

Enconnex is your one-stop source for real device testing solutions. Contact one of our infrastructure specialists to discuss your real device testing needs.