A Guide to the Total Android App Development Cost Required For Business Profits

According to Statista, the total revenue of the Android app development market is set to grow at a CAGR of 9.59% and reach a projected value of USD 673.80 billion by 2027. So, it is quite clear that businesses looking to develop an Android app must get into it as soon as possible. But, the first question that you must be asking is - how much would Android app development cost in an industry as competitive as today? Although the answer is not as straightforward as you would like, we have curated an article that breaks it down.

We have listed the numerous factors that play a role in the total Android app development cost and the benchmarks that you must refer to. We have also broken down the complete app development process into a few stages and described how they contribute to the total investment. So, what are you waiting for? Jump right into the article and learn what Android app development will cost your company.

Factors that Affect the Total Android App Development Cost

It is not easy to predict the total Android app development cost right off the bat because businesses must consider numerous factors that come into play. Hence, a professional Android app development company will first set up a meeting to discuss your app requirements and business needs. After proper evaluation, they will zero in on the total Android app development cost for the idea in your mind. Curious to know more about the different factors on which the total app cost is based? Check out the list of the numerous factors that the development company will take into consideration and stay prepared.

1. App Complexity

   One of the prime factors determining the total Android app development cost, app complexity also adds up to the total efficiency and diversity of the application. Some features that add up to the total Android app complexity are as follows:-

   • Deployment Architecture Model

     App backend development can be categorized into two parts - BaaS and Custom. In the case of the BaaS architecture, you will get access to a ready-made backend architecture which allows for lesser customization. On the other hand, the custom architecture requires your development team to build the model from scratch, which allows you to build the app as required.

   • Development of Admin Panel

     The admin panel of an application allows owners to track business operations and accumulate data for analysis. It also makes it easier for the owners to update the app content without having to get in touch with the design and development team.

   • In-app Purchase Features

     If your users are required to perform in-app monetary transactions, your developers must integrate a payment gateway. Although complicated, this can eliminate any dependency the app has on other payment modes.

   • Utilization of the Device's Hardware

     Android apps that require the utilization of device functions like location and Bluetooth, must be developed by a team that knows how to utilize a device's hardware.

2. App Type and Category

   The total cost of Android app development also depends on the type and category of the app. After all, every app has its functionality, demographics, security measures, and more. Although Android apps have become a necessity for every industry, the most popular categories are:-

   • eCommerce Apps

     eCommerce applications like Amazon's are loaded with functionalities that enable them to perform effectively in real time. They also have robust security protocols and are capable of handling millions of users together.

   • Social Networking Apps

     Another popular app category, social networking apps utilize third-party integrations and access device hardware functions like camera and audio. These must be scalable as they need to handle millions of users and ensure real-time data updates.

   • On-Demand Apps

     Simple on-demand apps have at least three variants- for the business that is offering its services, a free version for users, and a paid version. The more the number of plans, the greater the app complexity.

   • Hardware-Dependent Apps

     Generally, all IoT-based applications are hardware-based and utilize device hardware to send and retrieve data. These apps are quite complex and utilize advanced technology to offer users with their functionalities.

3. Android App Animation and Design

   Another crucial factor that adds to the total Android app development cost is app animation and design. With numerous animations and designs flooding today's industry, the cost of implementation is what we must focus on. After all, it is dependent on the type and quality that is required.

4. App Deployment on the App Store

   One of the most prominent stages that the other previous steps lead to is app deployment. The successful submission of your app to the Play Store plays an integral role in the overall cost of app development for Android. After all, there are certain prerequisites and guidelines that developers must follow to ensure that the app gets published on the Play Store. Note that Google charges $25 to launch any Android app on the Play Store and you must pay it to get your app live

5. Android App Maintenance

   Once your app is published, your Android app development cost does not end there. After all, you must ensure that your app is properly maintained and keeps catering to user needs. However crucial this step is, it can add a lot to the final Android app development cost. This is why it is a good idea to get in touch with your development company for an estimate that factors in maintenance costs.

6. Android App Development Team

   Your Android app development cost will also depend on the development team that you choose to design and build your application. Some common choices that you can check out include - outsourcing from a professional development company, hiring Android developers for an in-house team, and a local development company.

Benchmarks Determining Android App Development Cost

App Complexity	Projected Cost	Estimated Time
Simple App	$16,000 - $32,000 USD	2 - 4 months
Medium App	$32,000 - $48,000 USD	4 - 6 months
Complex App	$72,000+ USD	9+ months

Note that these are just estimates and the actual development timeline and Android app development cost is dependent on numerous factors. The above table offers you a bird's eye view of the estimated time and cost and does not include the cost of app updates. For the most accurate estimate, it is best to get in touch with a professional mobile app development company that you want to partner with.

App Development Stages That Add Up To the Total Android App Development Cost

App design and development is not as straightforward as it might seem and includes numerous stages. Knowing how much each stage in Android app development costs can help companies properly allocate funds and gauge the total investment required. Check out the following table to learn how much each stage can approximately cost and stay prepared.

App Development Stage	Estimated Cost
Discovery/Pre-Research	$5K - $15K USD
UI/Design	$5K - $25K USD
Development	$10K - $40K USD
Testing and Deployment	$5K - $15K USD

Android App Development Cost Calculator for Estimates

Although it is not possible to effectively calculate the total cost to build Android apps, experts have curated a formula to get an estimate. This involves the multiplication of the total amount of time spent on the project with the billable per-hour rate. You can check out the equation below for more clarity:-

Average Cost for Your App = (UI/UX Design Hours+Platform Dependent App Development Hours+ Backend Server Hours) x Hourly Rate of Developers

Once you have had an estimate of the total Android app development cost, you must also do a comparative analysis of iOS and Android apps.

Comparative Analysis of iOS vs Android App Development Cost

Since Android and iOS are the most prominent mobile operating platforms, all development comparisons happen between these two. You can also opt for cross-platform app development to get the best of both worlds. Find a detailed comparison of Android vs iOS cost and the related factors in the section below.

1. App Development Cost

   For Android, developers primarily use Kotlin and Java, while iOS development relies on Swift and Objective-C. The costs can vary, often due to market demand and the specific challenges associated with each platform's development environment, which may make iOS development generally more expensive.

2. App Design

   There is not much difference in the time spent designing the UI/UX of an android app and that spent on designing the UI/UX of an iOS app. Hence, the app design cost for both Android and iOS applications is the same.

3. Testing Process

   Testing Android apps can be more complex and costly compared to iOS apps, due to the need to ensure compatibility across a diverse range of devices, screen sizes, and OS versions.

4. App Launch

   Google Play Store does not have restricted entry but Apple's App Store has a set of comprehensive guidelines that applications must fulfill. Note that both these app stores have publishing criteria that might add to the ultimate app development cost.

How To Cut Down On The Total Android App Development Cost?

It is clear from the above sections that the total Android app development cost can be quite high and might not fit your budget. But, the good news is, there is some workaround that will help you cut down on the total development cost. Find the top ways to cut down app development costs listed below:-

1. Create a Product Requirement Document

   Before you start designing and developing your app, it is crucial to zero in on the app requirements. The major problem that businesses face is that they do not have a clear idea or vision of the app that is to be built. Hence, it is always better to start by detailing a product requirement document that outlines your app features and projected tech stack. A well-defined requirement document helps in minimizing iterations and keeps the development process streamlined, thus reducing costs.

2. Prioritize Features and Functionalities

   In the planning stage, the development team must collaborate with the business owner to understand the features and functionalities to be added to the app. Filter features that are the most important and logical for your app to keep it simple. You can keep the non-essential features aside and include them in the later app versions. This approach helps in managing the project's budget effectively and ensures a clear focus during development.

3. Build an MVP

   The best way to save on the total Android app development cost is by building a minimum viable product (MVP). An MVP has limited features that cater to the needs of general users and is tested in the early app development stages.This approach not only reduces initial development costs but also enables you to test and validate your product idea in the market, reducing the risk of investing in non-essential features.

4. Choose the Right Development Partner

   The right development partner has the expertise to bring your ideas into reality and fit your budget. Look for a team that not only fits your budget but also understands your business vision and target audience. We recommend checking out the portfolios of development companies to decide whether they are a good fit or not.

Conclusion

Investing in Android app development not only helps businesses build a stronger brand identity and cater to customer needs but also promises significant ROI by reaching a vast Android user base. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing Android app development costs and how you can optimize your investment. Hire Android app developers in India to build an expert team while cutting down on the total investment needed.