Should You Build an Android App? Pros, Cons & Business Considerations Explained

Introduction: Why Platform Choice is a Strategic Business Decision

Mobile application development plays a crucial role in the digital transformation strategy of a business. Businesses of every size and type are already investing more and more in mobile solutions to optimize their internal operations, enhance customer engagement, and boost their digital presence. Choosing the right mobile application development platform is an important, strategic decision in this journey.

Many businesses consider Android a strong contender because of its global market dominance and open-source flexibility. However, like any strategic technology-related decision, Android app development has its pros and cons. From device fragmentation to lower revenue per user (RPU), businesses need to consider factors like these carefully.

This blog will talk about the advantages of Android app development along with its disadvantages, providing valuable insights to help businesses develop a mobile strategy. This blog will be helpful for businesses of all sizes, from startups seeking cost-effective solutions to an enterprise looking for scalable, globally-ready solutions.

What Is Android App Development?

Android app development means building applications that run smoothly on devices based on the Android operating system. Application developers use programming languages like Java and Kotlin and use tools like Android Studio and Jetpack libraries.

According to the Android Developers Guide, modern Android apps are encouraged to use Jetpack Compose for UI, Kotlin for logic, and Firebase or Room for backend/database support.

The Dominance of Android App Development in 2025

Is Android Development a Business Opportunity?

Let’s know this with insights on Android market share and user base.

Android covers more than 70% of the global mobile phone market. This is why it is the most popular mobile operating system in the world. The dominance of Android is particularly evident in emerging markets such as the USA, India, the UK, and others, driven by the rapid adoption of affordable Android devices. For companies seeking global adoption or budget-conscious consumers, Android provides an unmatched market reach.

Trends Driving Android Popularity

• Introduction of low-cost smartphones.
• Google Play Store and Android App Ecosystem expansion.
• Adoption of Android Tablets and smart devices. 
• Android OS features supporting enterprise needs. 

Your business may reach a wide audience with Android's substantial user base, attracting users who might not be available on other platforms.

Top Advantages of Android Application Development for Businesses

1. Expansive Market Reach

Android has attracted 70% of the smartphone market, making it the widely used operating system. This adoption is particularly observed in developing economies like the USA, India, Africa, and more.

• Businesses may reach a larger audience by developing Android apps. 
• Increases user engagement by enabling local features and regional customization
• Due to Android’s large user base and availability through the Google Play Store and other third-party marketplaces, it raises awareness. 

Real-World Implications: Companies that want to launch low-cost products or aim for widespread market adoption benefit greatly from Android’s high reach.

2. Seamless Integration with the Google Ecosystem

Android applications seamlessly integrate with the Google Ecosystem, which includes tools such as Google Maps, Google Drive, and Google Ads.

• Real-time location tracking with Google Maps APIs
• You can use Firebase for powerful backend functions like performance monitoring, real-time databases, and cloud messaging. 
• You can make use of Google Ads and analytics to streamline user statistics and monetization. 

Business Benefit of Android - Google APIs Integration: Android apps are faster to market and have stronger infrastructure support for app scalability and user retention.

3. Open Source Flexibility for Customization and Innovation

Android’s open-source nature provides developers with a unique level of freedom. This platform is developed on the Linux Kernel and allows for substantial customizations, which is not possible on platforms like iOS.

• Android allows for customized UI/UX, which is unique for your brand. 
• It efficiently integrates with specialized third-party services and custom hardware.
• Ideal for vertically specific solutions like smart devices, kiosks, or POS systems. 

We, at WEDOWEBAPPS, have built Android apps with custom kernels and modified system features for enterprise clients, something not easily possible with closed-source platforms like iOS.

4. Cost-Effective Development and Larger Talent Pool

Android app development is usually more cost-effective than iOS. With a larger pool of developers and open-source tools and frameworks, app development costs are usually lower.

• Lower publishing fees on the Google Play Store as compared to the Apple App Store. 
• Android supports cross-platform tools such as Flutter and React Native. 
• Android’s preferred language, Kotlin, offers crisp syntax and lower bug rates, which leads to faster development cycles. 

Perfect for: Startups and SMEs who are looking for budget-friendly app launches without compromising on functionality.

5. Faster MVP Launch and Agile Development

Because of Android's adaptability, companies can quickly prototype and launch minimal viable products (MVPs) and test ideas in actual market settings without having to make significant upfront investments. Android's agile development cycles enable ongoing iteration in response to user feedback.

6. Developer-Friendly Tools

Android Studio, Kotlin, Jetpack Compose, Firebase, and Material Design offer a comprehensive and evolving development ecosystem.

Disadvantages and Business Risks to Consider

1. Device Fragmentation and Testing Complexity

Device fragmentation is the largest technical obstacle in Android development. Maintaining a consistent user experience is challenging given the hundreds of devices running different OS versions, screen sizes, and hardware specifications.

Key disadvantages:

• Requires thorough debugging and testing of the gadget.
• Multiple resolutions and performance capabilities must be accommodated in the design.
• increases post-launch maintenance and QA cycles.

2. Security and Privacy Concerns

Security vulnerabilities are also introduced by Android's open-source nature. Malware is more likely to be found in the Google Play Store since its app review procedures are rigorous than those of Apple's App Store.

What companies must do:

• Use HTTPS for all network operations and adhere to secure coding guidelines.
• To fix vulnerabilities, do routine app audits and upgrades.
• For further security, use programs like SafetyNet and Play App Signing.

3. Lower Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)

Android frequently generates less revenue per user than iOS, despite its larger user base. The popularity of free apps and user behavior in emerging markets are the primary causes of this.

• Dependence on freemium or ad-based revenue models can be necessary.
• Android users are less likely to make in-app purchases, particularly in areas with lower incomes.

4. Maintenance Overhead and Longer Support Cycles

Updates for the Android OS are rolled out inconsistently among devices. Because some users might never update, it might be challenging to add functionality or address bugs on all devices.

• Longer support for older Android versions is required.
• Regression testing was given more attention.
• Untested versions run the risk of app crashes or feature malfunctions.

Strategic Considerations for Businesses

When planning Android app development, align the strategy with your broader business goals.

• Audience Geography: If your users are in cost-sensitive or emerging markets, Android provides the best coverage.
• Budget and Resources: Android’s affordability makes it ideal for startups and growing businesses.
• Industry Fit: Android’s flexibility serves well in sectors like healthcare (telemedicine apps), education (e-learning platforms), and logistics (fleet tracking solutions).
• Future-Proofing: Android’s support for wearables (Wear OS), cars (Android Auto), and smart TVs (Android TV) makes it ideal for multi-device roadmaps

When Android App Development Makes the Most Business Sense

Android app development fits businesses that:

• Target large, diverse user bases, especially in emerging markets or budget-conscious segments.
• Want to leverage the Google ecosystem for marketing, analytics, and cloud infrastructure.
• Need highly customizable apps that integrate with custom hardware or enterprise systems.
• Are startups or SMEs aiming for quick MVP launches with limited budgets?
• Seek to maximize reach rather than immediate revenue per user.

Case Study: Real Challenges from Our Kotlin-Based Android Project

In 2024, our team at WeDoWebApps developed a warehouse inventory management app using Kotlin, Jetpack Compose, and Firebase. A major challenge was ensuring stable payment integration across different Android versions (10 to 14).

"We used Firebase Test Lab to simulate real-device behavior and caught a critical bug on Samsung devices running Android 12. Without it, we would have missed a major compatibility issue."

We reduced load time by 45% by optimizing Jetpack Compose layouts and implementing lazy lists effectively.

When You Might Want to Consider iOS or Cross-Platform First

Conversely, consider iOS or cross-platform if:

• Your audience consists primarily of premium users in developed markets (the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia).
• You prioritize a consistent UI/UX experience with minimal device variations.
• Your revenue model depends heavily on subscriptions or in-app purchases (higher on iOS).
• You want to reduce maintenance by building a single app for both platforms (using React Native or Flutter).
• Security and privacy regulations favor iOS’s closed ecosystem for sensitive applications.

Android vs iOS: Comparison Table

How to Strategically Choose the Right Mobile App Platform

Selecting the right platform depends on a clear understanding of your:

• Target Audience: Analyze demographics, geography, and device preferences.
• Business Model: Consider revenue streams - ads, subscriptions, e-commerce.
• Budget & Timeline: Evaluate your development resources and speed-to-market needs.
• Technical Needs: Assess required integrations, customization, and security.
• Long-Term Maintenance: Plan for updates, bug fixes, and OS upgrades.

Use this strategic framework to prioritize your platform choice, whether Android-first, iOS-first, or cross-platform.

Our Consultative Approach to Platform Strategy

At WEDOWEBAPPS, we understand that no two businesses are alike. Our consultative approach means we start with your business goals and challenges, not just technology specs. We help you:

• Analyze your target market and user personas.
• Benchmark competitors and industry trends.
• Evaluate platform pros and cons for your specific context.
• Recommend cost-effective, scalable development strategies.
• Provide end-to-end mobile app development, from ideation to launch and maintenance.

Expert Insights & Tips

• Use Kotlin over Java: Kotlin offers null safety, extension functions, and cleaner syntax.
• Adopt Jetpack Compose: For modern UI development with less boilerplate code.
• Invest in QA automation: Use tools like Espresso and Firebase Test Lab.
• Plan for backward compatibility: Ensure support for older OS versions.

Don’t underestimate testing on low-end devices. In many markets, they make up your biggest user base.

Conclusion: Aligning Platform Choice with Business Goals

Android app development offers undeniable advantages: massive market reach, flexible development, and lower costs. But it also presents hurdles like device fragmentation, security issues, and inconsistent monetization.

The key lies in understanding your business goals and matching them with Android’s strengths. If you prioritize scale, flexibility, and innovation, Android could be your platform of choice.

Looking ahead: Choose Android when you need global scalability, seamless Google integration, or hardware-level control. And always work with an experienced Android app development company to navigate its complexities.