11 Best Android Frameworks for App Development

The Android vs iOS debate has been going on for a long time with no end in sight. But one point that makes android app development look bad is, that it is much more time-consuming. And sadly this is true, due to the fragmentation of the platform. But what if we told you, we can avoid it? Well, this is where Android Frameworks for App Development comes in.

These frameworks allow developers to create stellar android apps with amazing features too in a shorter time. Consider the fact that there are over 2 million apps in the android store as it dominates around 85% of market, it is only with frameworks that you can develop apps that stand out.

If you are curious about android mobile app development frameworks, this blog is all about that. Stick around till the end to find the best android frameworks for your project.

Top 11 Android Frameworks for App Development

Here, we shall be discussing 11 best android mobile app development frameworks. We shall be discussing each one of these in detail along with their main features.

Therefore, with this being said, let’s get right into it:

1) React Native – The Best Android App Development Framework

React Native isn’t strictly an android framework for app development but cross-platform app development.  It was developed by META (then Facebook), back in 2015.

As a successor to React, the demand to hire React native App Development Company has been growing rapidly. For the short time it has been around, React Native has become one of the best in market.

Now, one of the top features of this framework is that developers can create iOS and android apps with the same code. Consequently, react native app development is very cost effective and fast.

Various features of this platform contribute to its first place on the android frameworks list. And we highly recommend that you consider this for your android app development project.

With this said, let’s look at some of the main features of this platform:

 Feature

• Built in UI Components
• Native API Access
• Allow developers to create complex UI/UX design
• High performance applications
• Fast time to market
• Single code for hybrid app development

App Created with React Native

• Facebook
• Walmart
• Bloomberg
• Instagram
• SoundCloud Pulse.

2) Corona SDK

As you might have guessed through the name, Corona SDK is an open-sourced SDK framework. Since it has been around for more than a decade, released in 2009, it is tried and tested technology.

Now, this is a rather different framework in the sense that it is built for a specific purpose. And that is android game development.

With the simple syntax this framework offers, it allows developers to create entertaining and aesthetically pleasing applications. and the best part is, all of this can be done with fast-time-to-market and low development cost.

There are various android games and mobile app development services based around corona that you can take advantage of.

Feature

• Allows 10 times faster development
• Use a single code base for cross-platform development
• Available for both MacOS and Windows.
• Use Lua an easy-to-learn, lightweight, and robust multi-paradigm programming language
• Thousand on built-in APIs, plugins, as well as dynamic advertising platform
• Supports native UI development
• Allow developers to test app in real-time.

App Created with Corona SDK

• Designer City
• Zip Zap
• Gunman Taco Truck
• PKTBALL
• The Lost City

3) jQuery Mobile App Development Framework

if you are looking to hire dedicated developers for android app development, there are high chances that you have heard of JQuery.

This is a top cross-platform development framework that is based around HTML5. And it goes without saying that, it is one of the best android frameworks for app development.

This platform has it all, amazing features, huge community, support of other technologies, fast time-to-market, and so on. And the best part is, this doesn’t only allow you to create a mobile app, but also web apps.

All developers needs to do is write one code and it can be used for developing all other solutions. This is why it is known for making development process a lot easier for developers and this framework is quite popular among clients as well.

With this being said, let’s look at the feature of  jQuery, these are, as mentioned below:

Feature

• includes plugins like Pop-Up Boxes, Image Slider, Content-Slider, etc.
• Allow developers to create simple. User-friendly, and interactive consequences
• Compatible with other platforms and frameworks like and PhoneGap.
• Fast time to market
• Reusable codes, allowing faster cross-platform development

App Created with jQuery Mobile 

• Uber
• Udemy
• Twitter
• Reddit

4) Sencha Touch

Sencha Touch is a market leading android frameworks for app development. And this one is unlike any other we have discussed so far. This framework is specially focused on creating native Android apps.

This is also one of the reasons why it is also regarded as the best Android development framework.   

Moving on, the framework uses JavaScript as well as HTML5. This allows the developers to create dynamic yet robust and scalable mobile applications.

Therefore, if you are planning to create an application that delivers high performance and helps your business grow, Sencha Touch is something that you should try.

Moving on, a feature of this platform are, as mentioned below:

Feature

• Incorporates hardware acceleration techniques
• More than 50 UI components as well as native themes
• Enables developers to create capturing UI/UX design
• Fluid animations integrations
• Distinctive features
• Highly compatible with other technologies

5) The Apps Builder

As the name suggests, this is rather unique as well as one of the new frameworks. What makes the “TheAppsBuilder” stand out from the rest is, that it supports codeless UI designing.

Being based on HTML, this is a top framework instead of Kotlin framework for android.  The reason being that, you don’t need to write a single line of code, and allows you to create apps faster.

With drag-and-drop style, you might not even need developers to use this one and create amazing, informative applications.

Enough said, let’s look at some of the leading features of this framework:

Feature

• Amazing features like feedback, content updates, polls, push notifications
• Built-in components
• Seamless Integration
• No code
• Fast and Easy development process

6) Xamarin

Xamarin is one of the top choices among clients when it comes to hybrid app development services. Developed by Microsoft, this open-source android framework for app development is something that developers across the United States of America preferred.

This framework is mainly used for creating UI/UX design for the android application. And all of this is done using “.NET”.

When combined with other mobile app development technologies like Visual Studio IDE, it becomes that much more capable and attractive to companies.

Moving on, the features of this framework are, as mentioned below:

Feature

• Advanced toolset
• C#/XAML.based Shared code
• Fast development time
• Unmatched testing features
• Compatible with Microsoft Cloud testing services

App Created with

• Oro
• MRW
• CA Mobile.
• APX
• The World Bank.

7) Appcelerator Titanium

Appcelerator Titanium is one of the rare android frameworks and libraries that is aimed at native android app development.

Based on JavaScript, this is one of the best android frameworks for app development.  And being open-sourced makes the whole pack that much better.

All in all, if you want to create a robust android application that has unmatched performance natively, this is something that you should consider.

Feature

• Code is 60%-90% reusable
• Native API Access
• Less Development Time
• Open-sourced
• Hardware specific features
• Features like menu buttons, OS-centric controls, and platform-appropriate notifications.

App Created with Appcelerator titanium 

• RSS Reader
• Todo List
• Geocoder
• Kitchen Sink

8) Ionic

This framework is something that you should pay special attention to. Not only is it one of the best android framework architecture but also certified by one of the best technical universities, The MIT.

It was developed back in the year 2012, which makes it a decade old. And being open-source, it is free for anyone to use.

There are various reasons to look for android app developers for hire for Ionic. However, it is not a native platform, rather than hybrid one. This platform uses HTML5 and CSS3, as well as JavaScript.

Moreover, with the right development firm, you not only create android application but also desktop. And the best part is, it also enables progressive web app development with the same code.

Feature

• Host CLI, allowing emulators, live reload, logging, etc access
• Offers scalable and flexible development
• Compatible with a range of libraries & java frameworks for mobile app development
• Cordova plugins introduced more features

App Created with Ionic

• MarketWatch
• Pacifica
• Sworkit
• Diesel
• McLaren Automotive

9) Flutter

Well, this is a name that everyone who is familiar with mobile app development knows. Flutter SDK was created and owned by none other than tech giant Google themselves.

Being an open-sourced framework, this platform allows developers to create high-performing cross-platform applications.

As such, this platform used Google’s own Dart Language and also utilized a single codebase.  This is one of the reasons it is not only used for development but also app maintenance & support.

Therefore, it goes without saying with this framework you can create high performing applications. There are various features that allow you to do just that, some of these are, as mentioned below:

Feature

• 2D rendering engine – SKIA
• Exceptional material design and Cupertino style
• Solid testing framework
• Useful features like quick rendering, a screen reader, a bunch of themes, etc.

App Created with

• Google Ads
• KlasterMe
• Reflectly
• Xianyu by Alibaba
• Postmuse – Instagram photo editing app

10) PhoneGap

Backed by Adobe and Apache, PhoneGap is an open-sourced android framework for app development that has been growing in popularity.

It comes with many modern technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. This allows the developers to use the framework to create robust applications with seamless design.

For it’s amazing prowess, the top custom android app development company takes full advantage of this framework.

Moving on, let’s look at some of the amazing features that PhoneGap packs:

Feature

• Accompanied with Cordova WebView
• Code integration with native applications
• Feature includes an extended plugin library,   third-party software tools, and a growing community.
• No hardware specific limitations

App Created with

• Rormix
• HealthTap
• Wikipedia

11) NativeScript

NativeScript is an open-source framework that is backed by Telerik, a well-known Bulgarian-based software company. While there is no doubt that it is one of the best android frameworks for app development, it also doubles as hybrid app development framework.

To be specific, this framework is an SDK. As such, it relies on  Vue.js, TypeScript, or JavaScript. This allows seamless mobile app development.

Moving on, let’s look at some of the best features of this native script, these are:

Feature

• Highly time effective
• Low cost app development
• Compatible with iOS and Android APIs
• Free templates, plugins, app samples etc.

App Created with

• ActiveLook
• Aura CO2
• Badabee
• Checkpoint Curly
• Chess Clock

Conclusion

We have come to the end of android mobile app frameworks comparison. And going through all the Android Frameworks for App Development, you might have found one befitting your android app development project. Now, all that is left to do is hire dedicated mobile app developers and create your own.

For that, it is recommended that you first consult a globally renowned android app development company that can help you with the same.  

FAQ

Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma is the CTO of Nimble AppGenie, a prominent website and mobile app development company in the USA that is delivering excellence with a commitment to boosting business growth & maximizing customer satisfaction. He is a highly motivated individual who helps SMEs and startups grow in this dynamic market with the latest technology and innovation.