Due to the enormous worldwide usage of personal smartphones, almost every consumer business now has or should have a mobile app. And, if a company decides to go mobile-first, it must be unambiguous and insightful about it.
What does it cost to create an Android app for your company? It’s the first thing you should consider when estimating app development costs in 2022.
Here we have a high-level view of Android App development costs depending on the scope and complexity of the App:
Cost of a Simple App – $40K to $60K
Cost of Moderate App – $60K to $150K
Cost of Complex App – Begins from the range of $300K
Though this is a generic price range, the cost may vary depending on the,
1. Location
2. Scope
3. Complexity
4. Functionality
5. Design
6. Security
7. Infrastructure, and
8. Category of the Application and Many More…
To understand these cost terms of Android App development, we have drafted a concise elaboration of everything you need to know to do a thorough cost analysis of your Android App development. Ultimately you will be able to choose a compatible mobile app development company that meets all your needs.
Why Do Industries And Businesses Prefer Android Applications?
Like Nikon and Canon, or Pepsi and Coca-cola, Android and iOS have long been rivals. Both have a large fan base and work hard every day to prove better than the other. Because of the rise of both of these platforms, the mobile app development industry is growing.
According to emizentech statistics:
● In 2020, the Google Play Store had around 2.95 million apps accessible for download.
● According to Statista, 96.9% of Android applications are freely available on the Google Play Store in August 2021.
● Android has almost 2.8 billion users.
● About 49% of mobile apps check the Google Play Store 11 times daily.
Android OS is the clear winner, with over 45 percent of the worldwide Operating System market. However, this isn’t the only reason business owners prefer Android to iOS.
Below mentioned are the top 5 factors that make Android Apps drive over iOS Apps:
1. Easily Customized
Because of the Play Store standards, Android applications are very configurable. Developers can add universal apps to current systems to improve functionality or streamline processes. Your app should accurately reflect your company’s vision, which can accomplish mobile application development. Android also has a lot of scalabilities, which is essential for any company or a well-established company.
2. Easy Integration
The Android platform allows for internal app integration and effective customization to match the organization’s needs by providing the necessary tools. In addition, these apps are simple to integrate using third-party APIs, which cuts development time in half.
3. Broad Customer Base
You’re probably aware of the Android platform’s widespread popularity among users. Android app downloads for 2020 totaled 109 billion, which justifies its fame. According to Statista, by 2025, customers will have downloaded 187 billion apps from Google Play Store. Therefore, you will be able to reach millions of people with your app, generating an even greater ROI.
4. Technology Adoption
Another advantage of designing Android apps seems to be that they work with a wide range of devices on the market. Because Android dominates the market, many manufacturers (One Plus, Samsung, and others) create Android-based devices. One of the main reasons for this is the lower cost of Android-powered devices than Apple’s.
5. Enhanced Security
Your android application must be well-protected and free of security flaws. Android application development generally depends on Linux, ensuring the security and better control of any android app on Google MarketPlace. It also comes with built-in protection from viruses and malware.
The below figure depicts that iOS Apps are found to have more code vulnerabilities compared to Android Apps.
If the Android platform has piqued your interest, you may want to learn more before using it for any application development needs. As a result, the inevitable question of “How much would it cost to design an app?” will arise in your mind.
Though it’s difficult to give a precise figure, a few key factors play a role in deciding the cost of developing a mobile app. But first, let’s have a look at the mobile app cost calculator formula.
The Formula For Estimating Android Application Cost
A formula has been developed to quantify the cost of Android app development accurately. All you need is to calculate the cost of your App design individually, Frontend features and backend features, and multiply it with the cost spent on the hourly rate of the developers.
To instantaneously estimate the cost of the development time, use venturepact.
Critical Factors Affecting The Cost Of An Android Application
The complexity of the app and the number of features it contains are essential variables in determining the ultimate cost of Android app development. They aren’t, however, the only ones. So let’s glance at some of the aspects that affect the cost of developing an Android app.
1. Number of Features
Since you control which gadgets and applications you want to support, a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) app for internal users is undoubtedly more inexpensive than a bring-your-own-app (BYOA) app for external users.
Depending on what features and functionality you choose to include, the price of your app will vary. As your app’s features and options expand, the price will rise.
Therefore, you must distinguish between your application’s primary and secondary functions.
2. Numbers of Screens
The number of Android app screens will affect the development cost. The number of screens depends on the functionality of the app and the coherence between them. The UI and UX elements make a difference. For example, advanced animations will cost you a little more than usual if you are using advanced animations.
If the functionality of your app is interdependent on many pages, then the complexity of the app development increases, thereby increasing the duration of the product. Which is directly proportional to the overall development cost
3. Complexity of Features
Developing a mobile app depends on the type of app you want to create. Therefore, your design team will evaluate the person-hours you need to incorporate your requirements several times before starting cooperation. This is a crucial step in the project preparation process.
The app’s features and functions, platforms you want to build for, visual design customization, the sophistication of backend infrastructure, and administrative and maintenance costs (which we’ll discuss later) are essential aspects that influence our development prices.
The number and complexity of functionalities you plan to include in your app will, in reality, determine the cost of app development. Of course, we’re referring to how much business logic needs to be translated into software and how many screens, widgets, and other features require third-party integrations, such as in-app purchases.
Certain features are relatively easy to implement, while others are more difficult. As a result, the development team may employ ready-made solutions or develop code from scratch, depending on the intricacy of the project.
4. Size of the Development Team
The choice of your app development company has a significant impact on the overall cost. You have two options: hire a professional Android application development company or hire a freelance Android developer.
The cost of the generated app will be minimal if you hire a startup development business or even a team of freelance Android app developers. They will focus on improving their portfolio, with monetary gains coming in second.
A company has access to the most up-to-date technology and specialists who work tirelessly to make the apps the best. In contrast, a California app development company with a larger workforce will focus on clients that can pay more since it has a bunch of mouths to feed. However, the finished product will be well worth the investment but will be superior to that of freelancing developers.
However, a few exceptional Android development businesses provide excellent mobility services at a low app development cost, making them ideal for startups.
5. Online vs. Offline
It is your mistake if you believe that offline apps have no value and that all apps must be online to be relevant, competitive, and valuable to your company’s needs. An online Android app takes more time and effort, which results in higher Android app development costs.
On the other hand, an offline Android application is less expensive and less time-consuming. To choose between online and offline development, you must consider your Android app development requirements.
6. Size of the App
Android app development costs are directly affected by the size of your application. Therefore, a larger Android app development project will require more resources to create and maintain.
7. API Integrations
API integration is a messaging system that allows businesses to automate numerous business activities by establishing seamless connectivity. It connects two or more apps via their APIS, allowing them to exchange information. When developing an Android app, there are numerous ways and scenarios in which you may need to establish multiple API Integrations to add various functionality to your app.
If you want to build an eCommerce Android app or add any products or services that your users can buy, you’ll need to incorporate a payment system that allows them to pay through net banking, wallets, or other means.
Payment APIs allow Android developers to integrate most of these payment gateways straight into their apps.
The average time it takes to integrate payment gateways into a Mobile application is 50 hours or more. Given that you’ll be using at least two payment services in your Android app, the typical cost of this functionality will be between $2400 and $5k.
8. UI/ UX
Modern users value beautiful design above all else. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to create a remarkable product without a skilled designer who can provide UI/UX design services.
A designer’s responsibilities include:
● Reviewing relevant applications
● A study of the preferences menu
● Wireframes development
● Designing the final product
Hence, you should also consider the complexity and the features of UI/UX design in your app development cost.
9. Location
The location element is equally important in evaluating the entire cost of app development. Due to specific factors governing each region, the price and quality of the same services can vary significantly worldwide. For example, the pricing of a mobile app development company in California can differ considerably from that of an app development company in other regions such as Texas, Florida, etc.
Source
As illustrated in the map below, the difference between the west and the east is unavoidable. In this regard, you need to keep in mind that the cost of Android development in India is far lower than in the United States or any other Western country. This is due to several factors, including the abundance of technologically skilled people and lower prices for their services.
10. Hidden Costs
Apart from the app development costs we’ve already addressed, you should be aware of several hidden fees associated with Android app development.
Here’s a list of some of these hidden costs:
● Hosting
Your Android app needs a trustworthy and dependable hosting provider to store user data and ensure the app’s proper performance. The price of your hosting plans will depend on the type of material your app typically consumes. For example, video formats require more processing power than static media such as text. Aside from that, you’ll need to pick a hosting package based on the number of active users, predicted growth, and other factors.
● Maintenance and Monitoring
When determining your Android app development budget, keep in mind that maintenance is a recurring expense. It’s critical that your app runs smoothly and is free of bugs or malfunctions that detract from your customers’ experience. The cost of maintenance will depend on the app’s scalability and size.
● Upgrades
You need to update your app regularly to remain competitive in the marketplace and for your users to see that you are continually improving their experience. Updates also aid in delivering new features, the improvement of issues and repairs, and improving the program’s overall appeal.
● Licensing
Launching your Android app on the Play Store requires investing in an Android app license.
● Notifications
It is dependent on the service provider. For example, you may use platforms like Twilio to incorporate SMS messaging services into your app. Also, push notifications to boost user involvement and inspire your users to do the activities you want them to take.
● Email Integrations
Email integration allows you to send promotional emails, special discounts, and other marketing materials to your users’ email addresses.
How to Cut Down Android App Development Costs?
Here are some suggestions for minimizing your Android app development costs:
1. Prioritize Features
Sit down with your team during the planning stage of developing an Android app and talk about the features you’ll require. Then, reduce the number of options to the most necessary and sensible for your app. Finally, run your test app inside the field and collect feedback to learn how to improve and progress with your Android app development.
2. Build an MVP
Build a minimum viable product (MVP) with basic functionality that general users and app developers may test in the early phases of app development to save money on app development. Then, during that time, if there are any issues, we can resolve them instantly.
3. Make a Documentation of Your Requirements
Planning is essential for getting your Android app development project off the ground. For this, you need to write a product requirement document that details your app’s features and the technology stack you want to employ to develop your Android app.
In addition, your paper should include details such as the company’s history, app features, a timetable, the reasoning behind the app’s development, budget estimations, and platform requirements. This tactic will save you the costs of requirements planning.
4. Choosing an Offshore Android App Development
A business with Android app development experience can only assist you if it fits your price and requirements. So, to obtain the most return on your investment, hire the best Android app development company.
Choose Wisely, and Get Your Best Android App at an Affordable Price!
So that was everything about app development and how much it costs to create an app. Now, it is your turn to use this app development cost guide to create a fantastic Android app for your business and estimate the cost of mobile app development.
Author Bio:-
A Content Marketing Specialist with over 7 years of experience. I have experience in creating brand awareness for various app development companies. Currently I am working with Parangat Technologies & helping them spread awareness about digital transformation.
