How Much Does Android App Development Cost?

As a business owner, investing in Android app development is a profitable step to enhance your digital presence. However, before initiating a project, your first and foremost query might revolve around the cost to develop an Android app.

Providing an exact value is challenging, considering every app has unique features and functionalities affecting the overall expenses. However, as a professional Android app development company, we have included the notable factors that profoundly impact the cost of developing an Android app.

This blog will discuss prominent pointers that help you build a robust Android app without overrunning your budget. After going through this informational piece, you will understand:

• Estimating the overall Android app development price
• The Average cost to develop an Android app
• The factors affecting app development cost
• How to reduce the cost of building Android apps

But first things first — let’s understand why businesses prefer investing in Android app development.

Why Do Businesses Choose to Develop Android Apps?

Android applications hold a separate popularity base in the realm of mobile app development. With over 3.55 million apps already available in the Google Play Store, it becomes quite obvious why businesses prefer investing in Android app development.

Vast User Base

There were over 2.5 billion active Android app users in 2023. This figure is expected to boost in the coming years, considering more than 3.7K apps are added every day to the Google Play Store.

Moreover, users are expected to download 143 billion applications from the Google Play Store by 2026. This means if your app performs well and is integrated with great functionalities, it will ultimately garner a greater ROI. However, solutions catering to a diverse user base might incur more cost of app development.

Highly Cost-effective

You might be aware that Android is more cost-effective than iOS. Consequently, the cost to build Android apps is inexpensive since they just require a one-time $25 registration charge. Developers can easily create and test the software on their own devices after registering, which reduces overhead expenses. When it comes to the App Store, this price is roughly $99 a year.

Furthermore, Android is an open-source operating system offering robust Android app development frameworks. Using the integrated software development kit, Android app developers need not worry about licensing fees or royalties.

Easy Integration

The Android platform enables internal app integration along with efficient customization that fulfills the needs of the business by offering the right tools. Because these apps are simple to link with third-party APIs, less time is needed for development.

Compatibility with Various Devices

Android applications work with a wide range of devices. This is another advantage of developing an Android app for your business. One of the major reasons for this is the Android development cost, which is relatively lower than other operating systems. 

Also, since Android dominates the market, a significant number of consumer electronic manufacturers, such as Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, Google, etc. create products based on the Android operating system. 

Highly Customizable

Android applications may be customized to a great extent since the guidelines offered by Play Store allow for a lot of creative freedom. The adaptive applications may be used both as a standalone tool for process simplification and as an add-on to existing systems to improve capabilities.

High scalability is another feature that Android offers, which is essential for any startup or even a well-established company.

How Is the Android App Development Cost Calculated?

Evaluating the mobile app development cost lies in calculating the number of hours it would take for every single stage of the development process. The total is then multiplied by the chargeable hours of resources.

The below illustration comprehensively describes the process:

Determining the Average Cost to Develop a Mobile App

As per expert opinions, thinking of Android app development costs in terms of complexity is the most effective method to discuss them. Our categorization is as follows:

The Cost of Android App Development for a Basic Application

For an Android application with basic features, the cost of app development can range anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000. By “basic app”, we mean an application:

• Having a distinct vision for the collection of basic elements with simple business logic, which may include up to five screens
• Without any unique UI components and using a basic user interface
• Startups usually seek to enter the market

The Cost of Android App Development for a Medium-Complex Application

For a medium-complex Android application, the cost of app development can range anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000. By “medium-complex app”, we mean an application:

• With a few sophisticated features and intermediary business logic
• Containing between 6 and 15 screens
• That includes a few unique UI components and animations
• With at least up to two language localizations

The Cost of Android App Development for a Highly Complex Application

For a highly complex application, the Android app development cost will be over $100,000. By “highly complex app”, we mean an application:

• Including several intricate features and a well-sophisticated business logic
• That includes more than 15 screens
• Featuring completely customized UI and interactive animations
• having a substantial and multilingual user base
• That demands a complex mobile app architecture, numerous interconnections, and a secured platform

You may use this preliminary estimate as a jumping-off point to determining the average Android application development cost.

Factors Affecting The Android App Development Cost

Well, to be honest, no specific figure can represent the exact cost of app development over Android. However, getting a rough idea of how long it takes to develop an Android app can surely highlight the estimated app development prices.

Several factors impact the overall Android app development cost. These expenses may vary as per the needs, features, and functionalities of the app. Also, these factors vary from app to app.

Internal vs External Development Sources

No doubt, different teams have different skill sets. Even if you have a team of skilled developers, designers, and testers, there might come situations when you need to outsource app development. Hence, in such a case, the type of support will ultimately determine the Android app development cost.

For instance, imagine your in-house development team has designed the app but they also require some engineering support from outside. In such a scenario, outsourcing an app development project becomes a priority. Therefore, the type of work you are planning to outsource will play a key role in deciding the Android app development price.

Backend and API Development

The backend is the powerhouse of the application and every app project requires elements of engineering work that will help the app to communicate with the backend. 

Various variables like API development are involved in the backend process. Their integrations play a major role in deciding on Android app development costs. One of the mistakes that are often made by app developers is designing both APIs and apps at the same time, directly impacting the Android app developer costs.

Third-Party App Integrations

Several Android apps carry a series of different features that come from different sources. To integrate the app with specific features, sometimes, specific third-party integrations are needed. 

If the app requirement consists of a particular UI design, social media analytics, location accessibility, etc, the Android mobile app development cost will increase automatically.

Animations Support

Who doesn’t like interactive animations and graphics?

Well, to offer the best-in-class experience while letting users stick to the app, building UI animations is the ultimate solution. These interactive animations can significantly increase engagement but they can impact the overall Android app development cost, as well. 

Also, the incorporated graphics and animations will directly impact the UI/UX of the app. Due to this, the design cost might be affected, exerting an influence on the overall cost of app development.

Maintenance and Support

The role of an Android app development company does not end with the release of the application. Even after the launch, it is required to be maintained along with constant updates and frequent feeds. This post-launch app maintenance cost can also trigger the overall Android app-building expenses. 

Apart from this, fixing specific bugs and errors in the app needs expert consultation. Hence, app maintenance and support play a crucial role in impacting the final Android app development price. 

How to Reduce the Android App Development Cost?

If there are factors that can increase the Android app-building expenses, there are also some strategies to lower the cost to create apps.

Create a Product Requirement Document

When it comes to launching your Android app development process, planning is essential. To attain this, you must create a product requirement document (PRD), detailing the features of your app and the anticipated tech stack you will need to build your Android app.

For this, you should include the company’s objectives, features to be included, formulated strategies that will be used to create the app, projected costs, and platform needed.

Prioritize Features 

Discuss the features you need on priority in your app before constructing your Android app. Make sure you first pick only those that are essential and sensible for your application.

Run a prototype with those features and gather user feedback to make improvements to your app. Once you are done with the improvements, continue building your Android app with the best Android app development tools.

Build an MVP

Another way to reduce your Android app development cost is by leveraging MVP development services to build a minimum viable product. But, how?

Well, first of all, the cost of building an MVP is relatively lower and affordable, especially for startups. All you need is a proficient app development company with expertise in building an MVP for startups.

Secondly, with fewer features, both regular users and app developers can test it early on in the app development process, saving time, money, and effort of the resources. Also, if any problem persists, it can be fixed right away.

Choosing the right app development company 

Last but not least, you can significantly lower your overall Android app development cost by choosing an Android application development partner that best suits your ideas and budget. In order to obtain the maximum return on your investment, finalize an app development company that aligns with your business goals and expectations.

How Does Appventurez Help You with Seamless Android App Development?

Appventurez is a well-established and reliable mobile app development company that guarantees scalability with expertise in everything related to Android application development. Our Android app development services range from app development consultation to UI/UX design, software testing, and multi-platform deployment.

Once our client approves a rough estimate, we draft a detailed Android app development cost breakdown structure, stating the scope of work requirements and other project-related documentation.

Besides, exemplary Android app development services, we are also well-versed in cross-platform app development, software development services, and mobile app testing. In a nutshell, you get a robust solution, as per your requirements, and within your budget.