For businesses that want a native app on Google Play, we plan, design and build Android apps in Kotlin or Java, with a written scope before design starts.
Quick answer
Android app development is the process of planning, designing, building and testing apps that run on Google's Android operating system. Pugmarks Media builds native Android apps in Kotlin or Java for Google Play, starting with a written scope and clickable wireframes. We also test across Android versions and screen sizes before release.
01Overview
Android app development is the work of designing, building and testing software that runs on phones, tablets and other devices powered by Google's Android operating system. The finished app is usually distributed through Google Play, though it can also be installed in other ways, such as inside a company.
A simple example: a regional restaurant group wants customers to order ahead and collect loyalty points. The app needs a menu screen, a cart, a login, payment and push notifications. A developer builds these screens for Android, connects them to the restaurant's ordering system, and tests them on different phones before publishing.
Most Android apps today are written in Kotlin or Java. These are the languages Android supports directly, which is why apps built with them are called native. Native apps tend to work well with device features such as the camera, GPS and notifications.
Android also differs from other mobile app platforms in one practical way: many manufacturers make Android devices, with different screen sizes and software versions. Good Android work therefore includes testing across that range, not just on one phone.
Developers use standard mobile app development tools for this, including Android's official development environment, emulators and real test devices. The right tool set depends on the project more than on any single product.
If you are still weighing platforms, our pages on iOS app development and cross-platform app development explain the alternatives.
02Fit
Owners whose customers already browse on phones and want ordering, loyalty points or push offers. They get a native Android app with login, cart, payments and notifications connected to their existing ordering system.
Founders with an idea but no technical team. They get a written scope, clickable wireframes and a prioritized feature list, so the first release covers only what matters.
Operations teams that need staff to log jobs, scan items or check schedules on Android devices. They get an app that can be installed inside the company, not only through the public store.
Teams whose current app crashes on newer Android versions or looks dated. They get a rebuild in Kotlin or Java, Material Design screens and testing across versions and screen sizes.
Marketing and product leads serving regions or customer groups where Android devices dominate. They get a native build that uses device features such as camera and notifications.
Owners comparing platforms before committing budget. We discuss the options on a discovery call, including cross-platform app development as an alternative.
03Scope
04Process
6 steps. You always know what's next.
The same path for every engagement.
11-3 days (estimate)
We talk through your goals, users and existing systems. You share your idea, any current app or ordering system, and competitor apps you admire. You receive a short summary of what we understood.
2Week 1 (estimate)
We turn the call into a requirements brief covering features, user types and Android device targets. You review and approve it, and you receive a prioritized feature list for the first release.
3Weeks 1-2 (estimate)
We draw each user journey screen by screen as clickable wireframes. You click through them and mark changes before any visual design starts, so edits stay cheap. You receive approved flows.
4Weeks 2-3 (estimate)
Designers apply your brand to the approved screens, following Material Design conventions that Android users know. You supply logos, colors and feedback, and you receive UI design files for sign-off.
5Several weeks to months, depending on scope
Developers write the native app in sprints and connect it to your backend or APIs. You test working builds on a real device each sprint and receive a running app that grows with each cycle.
62-4 weeks before launch (estimate)
We test across Android versions and screen sizes, fix issues, then prepare your Google Play listing. You provide store account access and receive a testing report, a live app and monthly reporting.
05Deliverables
| Deliverable | What it is | Cadence | Starts in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery summary | Short written recap of goals, users and existing systems | One-time | Days 1-3 |
| Written scope | Requirements brief with features, user types and Android device targets | One-time | Week 1 |
| Prioritized feature list | Ranked list that defines the first release | One-time | Week 1 |
| Clickable wireframes | Screen-by-screen user journeys you can click through | One-time, revised on feedback | Weeks 1-2 |
| Native app builds | Working Kotlin or Java builds installable on a device | Every sprint | After scope approval |
| Device and version testing | Checks across Android versions and screen sizes | Every sprint and before release | During build |
| Google Play release support | Preparation and submission of the app to Google Play | One-time | After testing |
| Progress report | Written update on work done and next steps | Monthly | First month |
06Compare
Swipe to compare →
| Criteria | In-house | Typical agency | Pugmarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to start | Depends on hiring and onboarding | Depends on sales and team availability | Starts with a discovery call, then a written scope |
| Specialisation | Skills limited to hired developers | Varies by agency; often several platforms | Native Kotlin or Java for Android, plus iOS and cross-platform siblings |
| Reporting | Internal updates, format set by your team | Varies by contract | Monthly reporting, plus working builds every sprint |
| Cost model | Salaries, tools and overhead | Project fee or hourly rate | Scoped estimate based on screens, features and integrations |
| Risk | Key-person dependency if a developer leaves | Depends on contract and handover terms | Scope approved in writing before design starts |
| Flexibility | High control, slower to add skills | Often fixed to the agreed scope | Prioritized feature list, revised on feedback |
07Cost
Android app development cost depends on scope, not a fixed rate. The main drivers are the number of screens and features, backend and integration needs such as payments or an existing ordering system, and how many Android versions and devices you need to support. Competition in your category also shapes how much polish and testing the app needs. For a scoped estimate, review the pricing page or contact our team with your idea.
Package prices are published so you can compare before you call.
See all packages08Proof
Only results our clients have approved for publication. No made-up logos or numbers.
FAQ
Ask us directly. We reply with honest next steps, even if that means we're not the right fit.
Ask our teamBuild time depends on the number of screens, features and integrations, so a fixed figure would be misleading. Our process starts with a discovery call and a written scope, then clickable wireframes in the first weeks. Native builds follow in sprints. After scoping, we can give you a timeline estimate in writing.
Cost depends on scope: the number of screens and features, backend and integration needs such as payments, and how many Android versions and devices you support. A simple app costs less than one with logins, payments and custom admin tools. See our pricing page or contact our team for a scoped estimate.
Build for the platform where most of your customers already are. Check your website analytics and ask customers which phones they use. Some businesses start on Android, others on iOS, and some choose one shared codebase. Our iOS app development and cross-platform app development pages explain those options.
Yes, you own the code we write for you once the project is paid in full. At handover you receive the source code and repository access. We use open-source libraries under their own licences, which stay subject to those licence terms.
A native Android app is written specifically for Android, in Kotlin or Java, while a cross-platform app shares one codebase across Android and iOS. Native apps typically give closer access to device features. Cross-platform can suit teams needing both platforms at once. The right choice depends on your features and budget.
Prepare a short description of your goals, your users and any systems the app must connect to, such as an ordering system. Examples of apps you admire also help. You do not need technical documents. We turn the discovery call into a written scope that you review and approve.
Yes, a pilot is available. It is a short, fixed-scope project where the scope, deliverables and timeline are agreed in writing up front. You see how we work before committing to a longer engagement, and there is no obligation to continue after the pilot.
No, nobody can guarantee approval, downloads or revenue. Google Play reviews apps against its own published policies, and downloads depend on your market, app quality and promotion. We build to current policy requirements and test across Android versions and screen sizes before release to reduce avoidable problems.
09Keep reading
Our iOS and cross-platform app development pages cover the other platform choices, and our healthcare app development page covers that sector.
Get in touch
Share your idea and we will arrange a discovery call, then agree a written scope before any design starts.
