Is C++ the Right Choice for Your Android App Development Strategy?
Perhaps, every business that sells its goods and services online and seeks to occupy a solid position in the sun admits that having a convenient and user-oriented mobile app is non-negotiable.
We’ve already stepped into 2025, but the mobile application market is still divided between iOS and Android, with the latter holding the leading mobile operating system position with a market share of 70.7% (Apple’s iOS has a market share of 28.5%).
In numerical terms, this means that out of the 8.2 billion global population, around 4 billion people use Android phones.
India and China which rank one and two on the list of the largest populations have more Android smartphone users than any country in the world, leaving Apple with only a tiny couple of percent of the total market.
With all this data in mind, you might quickly conclude that developing a custom Android app is not just a nice-to-have option, it’s a pure must.
Different development companies will be only too happy to help you create your own application, offering many suggestions on how to make it faster, more convenient, and safer.
Today, we’ll have a look at whether it’s a good idea to build an Android app using C++ and if it can give your app a distinctive edge in a sea of application copycats.
Why Consider C++ for Android App Development? What’s Wrong with Other Technologies?
Why does such a question arise at all? Do other programming languages have any minuses that make developers try alternative options?
In fact, here we are talking not so much about the disadvantages of other mobile technologies as about the advantages of C++.
First things first, C++ is renowned for its swiftness and execution, as it gives developers tight control over how their apps consume system memory and hardware.
If your app must cope with tons of data in a split second, C++ is an amazing instrument for making things move really at a lightning speed.
Another big plus is C++’s libraries. In simple terms, they can be easily integrated into Android applications, making it simpler to bring over code from desktop apps or use advanced features without starting from scratch.
Another reason to consider C++ is when it comes to apps that need a lot of resources, like games, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or multimedia solutions.
It lets you get the most out of the device’s CPU and memory and assemble high-performance apps that push the limits of what mobile devices can demonstrate.
How C++ Compares to Other Android Programming Languages
If we turn to Google, we will instantly find out that the most common technologies for Android app development are Java or Kotlin because they’re easy to use and work well with Android tools.
Above, we’ve recently identified all of C++’s strong sides, what about its direct rivals? Let’s plunge into tech nuances.
Java/Kotlin
Java and Kotlin are the go-to languages for Android because they’re super friendly with Android’s instruments and clear to use.
They’re great for most apps, but if you need first-class performance for things like complex calculations, C++ is the way to go. Let’s not hide that it can be trickier to pick up than Java or Kotlin but it’s definitely faster.
Flutter/Dart
C++ is great for apps that must be extra fast and have direct control over the hardware. Flutter/Dart, however, makes building apps easier and lets you target multiple platforms with one codebase.
It’s more about simplicity and convenience, but it can’t match the speed and performance that C++ shows.
Rust
Rust is another language that’s similar to C++ and is known for being extremely safe with memory management. It avoids many of the bugs that can trip up C++ developers.
But C++ is more established and better supported by Android’s development tools, which makes it a more suitable alternative if you’re working on Android apps.
When C++ and Android Are a Great Match
All in all, C++ is a terrific pick for Android apps where speed and performance are a necessity, such as gaming, AR, VR, and media-heavy products.
If your app needs to run complex and sophisticated tasks, work with existing C++ libraries, or operate on multiple platforms, C++ is an unquestionable programming language.
It’s great for complete user safety and awesome optimization. Just remember, C++ can seem more complicated, so it might mean higher development and maintenance costs.
Popular Android Apps Built with C++
If our reasons and arguments haven’t still persuaded you to try C++, let’s turn to a bunch of global technology software giants that have used C++ to create speedy Android apps capable of processing demanding tasks.
Fortnite: Creative
This tremendous game runs on C++ to produce first-class graphics and slick gameplay across devices. Thanks to C++, players can enjoy outstanding visual effects and immersive gaming adventures.
PUBG Mobile
Another gaming giant, PUBG Mobile, uses C++ to regulate its intense graphics and real-time multiplayer activity, numbering millions of users.
Call of Duty: Mobile
Call of Duty: Mobile is famous for its fast motion and sharp graphics, and it uses C++ to handle all the intense computations and visuals that gamers love.
Blender
A go-to tool for 3D modeling and animation, Blender applies C++ for flawless and powerful performance when rendering complex scenes and visuals.
VLC Media Player
VLC’s ability to play just about any media format without a hitch comes purely from C++. It helps the app give out the maximum and handle all kinds of multimedia files.
Skype
For lengthy and stable video and voice calls, Skype uses C++ to ensure everything works as intended behind the scenes, keeping calls clear and sound.
Verdict: Is It Worth Dealing with C++ for Android Applications?
To sum it up, if you need serious performance, like for games or products that oblige you to use real-time processing, C++ makes the best language for Android app development.
It’s great when you need speed and control, but it’s definitely more problematic to work with. Still, if you order mobile app development from an outsourcing software company like SCAND, you can skip this point.
Also, you’ll likely spend more time and finances, but if your app really needs that extra power, it’s worth the deal.
For simpler apps, though, you might want to stick with something more common to save time and capital.
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