Android is an open platform with various manufacturers, models, and multiple OS
versions. These various combinations offer developers a broad market
opportunity but also demand compatibility and optimization across different
environments. In-depth analysis and a thorough list of target Android devices
are essential for a successful game launch. This guide presents considerations
and best practices for Android game developers during the launch process.

## Analyze target Android devices for launch

### Consider hardware specifications

A device's CPU, GPU, memory, and other hardware components directly influence
how your game will perform on that device. Categorizing devices based on their
hardware capabilities helps optimize your game for different graphic quality
tiers. The following list is an example breakdown of device categories. This
may differ for your game depending on your workload requirements.

An example of device categories based on RAM followed by GPU variants:

- Low-end devices (2-4 GB RAM): Prioritize optimization for devices with the lowest RAM capacity (2 GB), because they represent users with limited resources who might experience performance issues.
- Mid-range devices (4-8 GB RAM): Focus on devices with lower RAM within this range (around 4-6 GB), balancing performance and quality for the majority of users.
- High-end devices (8 GB RAM and above): Target newer, high-end devices to maximize the game's full graphics potential and advanced features.
- Premium devices: Target the latest Android flagships with highest RAM and fastest GPU to showcase high-fidelity graphics and innovative capabilities.

### Device list examples

Note that some device variants may have differing amounts of RAM.

| Device | RAM | GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Realme C11 | 2/3 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Vivo Y11 | 2/3 GB | Adreno 505 |
| Oppo A5s | 2/3/4 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Motorola Moto E7 | 2/4 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Lenovo Tab M10 HD | 2/4 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Samsung Galaxy A12 | 3/4 GB | Mali-G52 |
| Itel A70 | 3/4 GB | Mali-G57 |
| Honor X6 | 4 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Huawei Y9 | 3/4/6 GB | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| Redmi Note 8 | 3/4/6 GB | Adreno 610 |
| Infinix Note 12 | 4/6 GB | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| Google Pixel 4a | 6 GB | Adreno 618 |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro | 4/6/8 GB | Adreno 619 |
| POCO X3 | 6/8 GB | Adreno 618 |
| OnePlus Nord CE 2 | 6/8 GB | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | 8 GB | Xclipse 920 or Adreno 740 |
| Tecno Spark 10 | 8 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Xiaomi 11T | 8 GB | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 | 8/12 GB | Xclipse 920 or Adreno 730 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | 8/12 GB | Adreno 750 |

### Identify devices with high market share

To ensure that your game performs optimally, it's crucial to understand the
hardware capabilities of the devices used by the majority of your target
audience. You can gather this information by referencing your
[Reach and Device](https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/10770882) statistics in the Google Play Console or using data
from external market research firms. That way, you can identify the most
popular devices and tailor your game development accordingly.

## Ensure compatibility and optimize performance

### Support various screen resolutions

Android devices are available in a wide range of sizes and form factors, from
compact smartphones to large tablets and innovative foldable devices.
Consequently, it is essential to design applications with responsive layouts
that can seamlessly adapt to these diverse screen configurations.

#### Design for foldable devices

Foldable devices introduce new screen dimensions and user interactions
because they can switch between folded and unfolded states. [Optimize your
game](https://developer.android.com/games/develop/multiplatform/support-large-screen-resizability) to handle dynamic screen changes seamlessly. Make sure that UI
elements adjust appropriately when the screen size changes, and test for
aspect ratios that are unique to foldable screens. Use Android's APIs for
foldable devices to detect state changes and adapt your game's layout and
features accordingly.

### Optimize performance

To provide a smooth gaming experience, you must optimize frame rates and
loading times. Carefully consider enhancements to graphic and physics engines,
resource management, and memory usage. Minimize unnecessary computations or
resource loads. Prevent memory leaks and performance degradation through code
optimization. Additionally, optimize network communications to ensure stable
operation even in environments with unstable network connections.

For further information, refer to the [Slow Sessions](https://developer.android.com/topic/performance/vitals/slow-session#slow_frame_causes_and_solutions) documentation.

## Devise a testing strategy

### Test on major device models

To ensure a smooth launch and optimal user experience, it's crucial to conduct
rigorous testing directly on popular devices. This helps to pinpoint and address
any device-specific issues early in the development process. Focus on core
functionalities like graphics, touch input, and audio, while also performing
stress tests to ensure stability across a wide range of usage scenarios.
This proactive approach will minimize post-launch problems and enhance overall
player satisfaction.

### Collect user feedback through beta testing

Conduct beta tests with a limited group of users to gather feedback from
real-world usage. This process helps identify bugs or improvement areas that
might not have been discovered during internal testing and lets you fix them
before the official release. Use Google Play's
[open or closed beta testing features](https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/9845334) and provide beta testers with
channels to offer feedback, such as in-app feedback forms or community forums.

## Prepare for the Play Store

### Comply with Google Play Store guidelines

The [Google Play Store reviews](https://play.google.com/console/about/reviews/)
various policies during the app approval process. Violations can trigger app
rejection or removal. Thoroughly follow store policies to prevent issues during
the review process. Specifically, check the content policy for standards on
violence, sexual content, and copyright infringement, and establish clear
notifications and consent procedures for user data collection and usage under
the privacy policy. Ensure the app meets technical requirements for stability,
performance, and compatibility.

### Optimize APK or app bundle size

Larger app file sizes lead to longer download times and can be burdensome for
users on data plans. Minimize the app size through resource compression, code
obfuscation, and removal of unnecessary files. Using the
[Google Play App Bundle feature](https://developer.android.com/guide/app-bundle)
allows users to download only the resources needed for their specific device,
improving efficiency. Consider providing a "lightweight version" for users in
regions with limited network capabilities.

## Monitor stability post-launch

Continuously monitor the app's stability even after the game is launched. Use
tools like
[Firebase Crashlytics](https://firebase.google.com/docs/crashlytics)
or the [ANR](https://developer.android.com/topic/performance/vitals/anr) \&
[Crash](https://developer.android.com/topic/performance/vitals/crash) Reports in the Google Play Console to
track issues and fix them promptly. This approach helps prevent user churn and
enhances the app's credibility.

Recently, monitoring the
[Slow Sessions](https://developer.android.com/topic/performance/vitals/slow-session)
metric has become crucial for understanding performance from the user's
perspective. Slow Sessions refer to periods when the app responds sluggishly,
causing a poor user experience even if it doesn't crash. Use
[performance monitoring tools](https://developer.android.com/studio/profile)
to track metrics like frame rate drops, long loading times, and slow screen
transitions. Analyze these sessions to identify bottlenecks in code execution,
rendering, or resource loading. By optimizing these areas, you can enhance
overall user satisfaction and retain a larger player base.

Analyze devices or OS versions with high crash frequencies or performance issues
to focus on resolving problems in those specific environments.

## Conclusion

Achieving success in the Android game market requires thorough understanding and
preparation for the diverse range of devices and user environments. By
meticulously managing every stage---from analyzing target devices, ensuring
optimal performance, conducting comprehensive testing, preparing for the store,
to post-launch monitoring---you can provide users with the best gaming experience.
Adhering to these best practices lets you reach a broader user base and
paves the way for long-term success. Maintain a user-centric approach at every
stage of game development, and strive to create competitive games through
continuous improvement and innovation.