Have you ever broken your mobile phone and had to send it in for a replacement? Chances are, you received a remanufactured phone in return. So how do you know that you are getting a quality product? That’s where mobile device testing comes in!
Mobile device testing is the process of testing devices and their functions to ensure hardware and software are properly installed, meet original equipment manufacturers standards, and are in working order before reaching the consumer. Mobile device testing is designed not only to verify the device was manufactured or remanufactured correctly, but to also ensure the device can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Importance of Mobile Device Testing
Mobile device testing is an important process to ensure that mobile devices are functioning properly and are up to set standards before being distributed to the end user. Because of the importance of mobile devices in our daily lives, it is equally important that consumers receive quality, secure, and standard mobile devices that are in working order. Mobile device testing is designed to help carriers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) verify that mobile devices meet set standards.
Types of Mobile Device Testing
There are a variety of mobile device tests, but most fall under either the destructive testing umbrella or the non-destructive testing umbrella. These types of tests are designed to verify proper manufacturing and remanufacturing of mobile devices for carriers and OEMs, ensuring customers receive functional and secure devices.
Non-Destructive Testing
Non-destructive testing is the process of testing mobile devices without damaging the device in the process. Non-destructive testing involves the use of machinery and technology to verify the correct parts within a mobile device.
Non-destructive testing includes:
- X-ray testing
- IP67/68 verification
- Functional testing
- Oleophobic testing
- Radio Frequency testing
- X-ray Fluorescence testing
Technicians and operators use x-ray technology to ensure mobile devices have been reconstructed properly and meet set standards from individual carriers or OEMs. X-ray fluorescence is used to analyze the external elements of a mobile device, including any logo material or back cover.
Other non-destructive tests are put in place to check compliance with water submersion standards (IP67/68), oleophobic, or oil-resistant testing on glass displays, and inspections to validate the remanufacturer’s workmanship. During non-destructive testing, mobile devices must pass these tests in order to enter the market.
Functional Testing
Functional testing falls under the umbrella of non-destructive testing and is designed to mimic the end user’s experience with their mobile device. Functional testing includes testing a mobile device’s camera, microphone, and voice activation. This also encompasses lighting and touchscreen capabilities.
Destructive Testing
Destructive testing involves a variety of tests designed to verify a mobile device’s durability under typical, every-day conditions.
Destructive testing includes:
- Drop test
- Tumble test
- Submersion test
- Impact test
- Tear down
Destructive testing helps operators understand a mobile device’s structural weakness in order to provide consumers with quality, sturdy products. Mobile devices are dropped, rotated, submerged, and impacted by ball bearings to inspect damage patterns. All destructive tests are done using a slow-motion camera to capture the damage. This helps engineers design mobile devices made to last.
Benefits of Mobile Device Testing
Mobile device testing is a vital step in the mobile device lifecycle. Using both destructive and non-destructive testing, technicians are able to verify a new or remanufactured device is functioning properly with all of its OEM parts intact. Mobile device testing ensures a device’s usability is on par with the specifications of each individual carrier or OEM, further ensuring customer satisfaction.
Because each carrier and OEM may have different standards to follow, having a customizable testing process for mobile devices is essential. Not every device is the same, so testing needs to accommodate for those individual specifications. Utilizing both expert technicians as well as automated processes can help with testing customization.
Conclusion
Customizable destructive and non-destructive mobile device testing is an essential step in mobile device lifecycle. Because of the amount of time we all spend on our mobile devices, testing them to verify proper OEM parts and proper functionality will lead to longer lasting mobile devices, greater customer satisfaction, and enhance the reputation of the OEM. So, if you find yourself having to replace your mobile device with a remanufactured one, you can be confident that it has gone through many tests to ensure the best user experience.