When it comes to testing mobile apps, there are two main methods you can choose from: manual testing and automated testing. Each method has its own pros and cons, which can greatly affect how an app is developed.

Key Differences:

1. Process:

   • Manual Testing: In this method, testers check the app by hand without using special tools. It's flexible, but it can take a lot of time.
   • Automated Testing: This uses software tools to run tests automatically. It’s faster for tasks that need to be done again and again.

2. Speed and Efficiency:

   • Manual testing takes much longer, usually about 80% of the total testing time. On the other hand, automated testing can cut that time down by nearly 90% for repetitive tasks.

3. Cost:

   • At first, automated testing can be expensive. It might cost 70-80% more for the tools you need. However, it can save you money in the long run since it takes less time compared to manual tests.

4. Test Coverage:

   • Automated testing can handle more test cases. While manual testing might only check around 20% of what could go wrong, automated testing could check 80-90%.

5. Error Detection:

   • Research shows that human mistakes can cause up to 30% of the problems in software during manual testing. Automated testing helps reduce these mistakes.

6. Maintenance:

   • Manual tests need constant planning and updating. Automated tests usually only need changes when the app is updated a lot.

In short, deciding between manual and automated testing can really change how efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality your mobile app development will be.