What model of Android phone would you start with for testing a Java app? Is there one phone of which you can say, "Well, it works fine on here. There’s a good chance it’ll work on 75% of other Android phones and tablets"?

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Are you sure about this? I haven't run a Java app on Android in over a decade. Back then and maybe now the requirement to install a Java Runtime was asking too much of the end-user.

Are you sure you can't make this a web site or native app?

commented: Installing a Java runtime was never possible on Android, nor ever needed to develop Android apps. +0

It doesn't really play great role in what physical Android device you check your app because you have already checked it in several virtual devices in Android Studio / Tools / Device Manager (I am sure other IDEs have similar functionality)

If you're looking to test your Java apps on Android, I'd recommend starting with a phone that offers a good balance of performance and affordability. The Google Pixel 6a is a great choice since it offers a clean, stock Android experience and regular updates directly from Google, ensuring compatibility with the latest Java APIs. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, the Samsung Galaxy A52/A53 or OnePlus Nord 2 are also solid options with good performance and reliable software updates. These phones will give you a smooth testing experience without breaking the bank!

Hope this helps!

commented: Thank you so much! Very helpful comments. Almost everyone seems to recommend Pixels for their plain vanilla Android, which is what I need to start. +0

RAM (at least 4GB), a mid-range processor, and support for the latest Android version. Popular options for testing include the Google Pixel series or OnePlus devices, as they offer good performance and compatibility with Android development tools.

For testing a Java app, a good choice would be a mid-range device like the Google Pixel series or a Samsung Galaxy A series. These models generally have a clean Android experience and receive regular updates, which can help ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices.

Additionally, using an emulator can be beneficial for testing, as it allows you to simulate different screen sizes and Android versions. If you focus on those, you should have a solid foundation for compatibility across many other devices. For more information on custom Android app development, you can check out Idea Maker Agency services.

I used to get Nexus devices (predecessors of the Pixels) for a plain vanilla Android environment, but these days I no longer value that so much. As I don't fancy the Chinese manufacturers, that leaves Samsung for decent-priced midrange phones. IMO the changes they make to the Android UI don't make a difference for development, and of you really need vanilla Android, the emulator works fine for that.

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