Compare Simulator vs Emulator vs Real Device in Mobile Testing

Application testing and web testing have always played a significant role in the entire development process. Testing involves detecting and fixing bugs such as breaks in payment processing, issues with signup forms, glitches in navigation, or even a small difference in font size. 

A robust testing process can be ensured based on the devices on which the tests are being run. For this purpose, testing on mobile devices plays an important role. In this article, you will get to know the differences between emulators, simulators, and real devices.    

Understanding the Meaning of Simulator and Emulator in Mobile Testing

Emulator

It is a virtual device through which an application can be tested by emulating a real Android device. The device emulator mimics the hardware or OS of the device. The process of mimicking takes place when the ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) of the target device is translated to the specific computer that is being used for performing testing using binary translation.

ISA is written in Machine Language and is basically a set of instructions. When the ISA of the target device is translated into your computer, mimicking can be done in the way your target device works. Through this, a virtual environment is formed for testing.  

An operating environment is created by emulators that function and looks like the mobile device model. Many capabilities are provided by emulators in a real android device, such as:

• Hardware sensors
• Device rotation and orientation 
• Location services 
• The speed of various networks
• Emulated text messages and incoming phone calls.

Simulator 

For iOS devices such as iPads and iPhones, a simulator is used as a virtual device. The application is tested by simulating the real devices’ behavior on a Mac host.      

It is used for early iOS testing. An operating environment has been created that functions and looks like the mobile device model. The limitations should be recognized. For basic functional testing, emulators are considered to be helpful. Simulators should not test real-world conditions, gestures, or hardware components.

The iOS simulators mimic the iOS operating system, and the required application runs inside it, sitting on top of the computer’s operating system. macOS is required to run the iOS simulator as Apple’s native Cocoa API is needed. The Cocoa API is essential for runtime, GUI, and other specific operations.     

Developers must decide when it comes to virtualizing macOS on their existing systems or working on the MacBook. Unlike emulators, simulators cannot mimic hardware. Thus, while simulators for testing, certain functionalities cannot be investigated, like cellular interrupts, battery usage, etc.

Please note that “Emulators” and “Simulators” are considered virtual devices.

What Does Real Device Mean?

The various models of mobile handsets are known as Real devices. These are used to run the application or website to test its behavioral and functioning patterns. End users will be using these mobile handsets, which are basically actual handsets.

A few mobile handsets like iPads, tablets, Android phones, iOS phones, and Blackberry phones are used by testing teams to test their software applications. Tests should be run using real devices so that an application can be properly validated. The accuracy of the UI can be validated by a real device. Usability issues can be easily identified and fixed.

More reliable and accurate performance measurements are provided on transaction times. All possible real-time scenarios can be tested appropriately using Real devices. Brightness displays, exact color, incoming interrupts, and battery issues can be easily simulated using real devices. 

Comparing Emulators vs Simulators vs Real Devices

(Please note that for ease of understanding, “Emulators” and “Simulators” will be collectively referred to as “Virtual Devices”).

Differences Between Simulators vs Emulators

Analyzing when to use Emulators, Simulators, and real devices for testing purposes:

Virtual devices (Emulators and Simulators) and real devices provide specific features and thus can be used based on the testing scope to obtain better outcomes. Cross-browser compatibility becomes a lot easier, and optimized results can be delivered by tactically using these devices.

Better debugging facilities are provided by virtual devices, and it can be optimally used in the early stages of code development. Faster testing cycle times can be expected using virtual devices, and frequent iterations can be done efficiently.

Real devices provide accuracy; hence, user acceptance testing and sanity testing can leverage real devices.      

If you are looking forward to implementing Mobile testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a well-renowned software testing services company that will provide you with a methodical testing strategy that is in line with your project-specific requirements.