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8 Best Ways to Reduce Android App Size

5 minutes, 29 seconds read

With the increase in mobile storage spaces that have gone up to 256 GB, app size is also growing. App size is sure to grow as developers are adding new features, trying to meet customer needs, and also trying to support their apps on various screen sizes. Around 74% of the world uses Android, and 70% of users consider app size before installing them. Moreover, as humans are getting accustomed to instant gratification, they ponder on ways to download apps as they take up storage spaces. Despite the cloud support for photos, videos, and files, android users face issues, such as mobile hanging due to app size. As customer expectations are increasing, android app developers are considering other ways to reduce app size while still incorporating significant additional features and keeping in mind the customer experience.

Below are the 8 best ways to reduce android app size:

1. Use Android App Bundle to Reduce App Size

When generating the release version of your app, you can choose between APK and Android App Bundle.  The second option will make Google play to generate the APK with only those features a specific user need. 

Use Android App Bundle

App Bundle Vs APK

Android App Bundle

  • It is a publishing format that includes compiled code and resources of your app, and delays APK generation and signing to Google Play.
  • With Android App Bundles, the compressed download size restriction is 150 MB. The app bundle cannot be used with APK expansion files.
Android App Bundle
Important: In the second half of 2021, new apps will be required to publish with the Android App Bundle on Google Play. New apps larger than 150 MB must use either Play Feature Delivery or Play Asset Delivery.

How to build android app bundles?

To build app bundles, follow these steps:

  1. Download Android Studio 3.2 or higher—it’s the easiest way to add feature modules and build app bundles.
  2. Add support for Play Feature Delivery by including a base module, organizing code and resources for configuration APKs, and, optionally, adding feature modules.
  3. Build an Android App Bundle using Android Studio. You can also deploy your app to a connected device from an app bundle by modifying your run/debug configuration and selecting the option to deploy APK from app bundle. Keep in mind, using this option results in longer build times when compared to building and deploying only an APK.
  4. If you’re not using the IDE, you can instead build an app bundle from the command line.
  5. Test your Android App Bundle by using it to generate APKs that you deploy to a device.
  6. Enroll into app Play App Signing. Otherwise, you can’t upload your app bundle to the Play Console.
  7. Publish your app bundle to Google Play.

Please note: Android Package Kit – As per developer console, by the mid of 2021, developers won’t be able to upload apk on play store)

  • Android operating system uses APK which is the package file format for distribution and installation of mobile apps, games and middleware. APK is similar to other software packages such as APPX in Microsoft Windows or a Debian package in Debian -based operating systems.
  • Google Play requires that the compressed APK downloaded by the users should not exceed 100 MB.
  • The expansion files for your app are hosted by Google Play which serves them to the device at no cost to you. The expansion files are saved to the device’s shared storage location (the SD card or USB-mountable partition).

2. Use Proguard

Proguard is probably one of the most useful tools to reduce your APK size. It reduces the source code files to a minimum and can reduce the APK file size upto 90%.

  • Use it in all variants whenever using “Proguard”
  • Helps to avoid conflict at the of generate apk or bundle if will use in all the variants.
  • We cannot let ProGuard rename or remove any fields on these data classes, as they have to match the serialized format. It’s a safe bet to add a @Keep annotation on the whole class or a wildcard rule on all your models.

3. Use Android Size Analyzer Plugin

This Android Studio plugin will provide you recommendations to reduce the size of your application.

With the APK Analyzer, you can accomplish the following:

  • View the absolute and relative size of files in the APK, such as the DEX and Android resource files.
  • Understand the composition of DEX files.
  • Quickly view the final versions of files in the APK, such as the AndroidManifest.xml file.
  • Perform a side-by-side comparison of two APKs.

There are three ways to access the APK Analyzer when a project is open:

  • Drag an APK into the Editor window of Android Studio.
  • Switch to the Project perspective in the Project window and then double-click the APK in the default build/output/apks/ directory.
  • Select Build > Analyze APK in the menu bar and then select your APK.

More details at: Jetbrains

4. Optimize Your App’s Resources

Whether used or not, every resource takes up memory. It is therefore necessary to have only those resources that you need, and to use those in a memory efficient way. In other words, you should consider the resolution of the image before finalizing on it.

5. Optimize Libraries

As large libraries consume huge amounts of space, it is advisable to remove parts of it in case you do not need them and if it is permitted by the license of the library. Proguard can aid you in this process but it is not always able to remove large internal dependencies.

6. Use Vector Graphics Wherever Possible

They are sharp and do not consume much space as they rely on mathematical calculations and not on pixels that need to be saved. However, they cannot be used for photography.

7. Compress Your Images

By using tools such as pngcrush, you can reduce the file size of PNG images. It is advisable to do this images as they still look the same. 

8. Only Support Specific Densities

If only a small portion of users use a specific density, it might be better to let Android scale your other densities for them as it would reduce your APK size.


As mobile storage space is growing, people are installing a large number of apps to meet a wide range of needs. But as app size is increasing, people are continuing to struggle with storage issues. With provisions such as Proguard, one can compress the APK file size and optimize libraries easily. Compressing images and using vector graphs are also useful in reducing app size.

About the author: Anand Singh is Tech Lead at Mantra Labs. He is integral to the company’s Android-based projects and enterprise application development.

Further Reading:

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CX Innovations in Healthcare: Doctor Engagement Strategies in the USA

The importance of customer experience (CX) in healthcare cannot be overstated. A positive CX is crucial not only for patient satisfaction but also for the overall efficiency and success of healthcare providers. One critical aspect of CX in healthcare is doctor engagement, which refers to the strategies and practices used to involve doctors in the healthcare delivery process actively.

Doctor engagement is essential for several reasons. Firstly, engaged doctors are more likely to be committed to their work, leading to better patient care and outcomes. Secondly, effective doctor engagement can improve communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals, enhancing the quality of healthcare services. Finally, engaged doctors can provide valuable insights and feedback, helping healthcare organizations to continuously improve their services and adapt to changing patient needs.

State of Doctor Engagement: Pre-Innovation Era

Traditionally, doctor engagement in healthcare was primarily focused on face-to-face interactions and personal relationships. Doctors were engaged through regular meetings, conferences, and direct communication with hospital administrators and other healthcare staff. While these methods were effective to some extent, they had several limitations.

One major limitation was the lack of scalability. As healthcare organizations grew and the number of doctors increased, it became challenging to maintain the same level of personal engagement with each doctor. Additionally, traditional engagement methods were often time-consuming and resource-intensive, making them unsustainable in the long term.

Another limitation was the lack of data-driven insights. Traditional engagement practices relied heavily on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences, which did not always provide a complete or accurate picture of doctor engagement levels. This made it difficult for healthcare organizations to measure the effectiveness of their engagement strategies and identify areas for improvement.

Furthermore, the pre-innovation era of doctor engagement often lacked customization and flexibility. Engagement strategies were typically one-size-fits-all, failing to account for the diverse needs and preferences of individual doctors. This lack of personalization could lead to disengagement among doctors who felt that their unique contributions and perspectives were not being valued.

Emerging Problems and the Need for Innovation

As the healthcare industry continued to evolve, several emerging problems highlighted the need for innovation in doctor engagement strategies. One significant issue was the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery. With advancements in medical technology and the growing diversity of patient needs, doctors were required to navigate more complex treatment options and care protocols. Traditional engagement methods often fell short in providing the support and resources needed to manage this complexity effectively.

Another problem was the rising demand for healthcare services, fueled by factors such as an aging population and the prevalence of chronic diseases. This increased demand put pressure on doctors, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Without effective engagement strategies, healthcare organizations struggle to retain skilled doctors and maintain high levels of patient care.

The digital transformation of healthcare also posed challenges for doctor engagement. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and other digital tools required doctors to adapt to new ways of working. However, the lack of proper training and support for these digital tools often led to frustration and resistance among doctors, hindering their engagement.

Moreover, the shift towards value-based care, which focuses on patient outcomes rather than the volume of services provided, required a more collaborative approach to healthcare. Traditional doctor engagement methods were not always conducive to fostering teamwork and shared decision-making, making it difficult to align doctors with the goals of value-based care.

These emerging problems underscored the need for innovative solutions that could address the changing dynamics of healthcare delivery and support effective doctor engagement in the modern era.

Innovative Solutions: Transforming Doctor Engagement

In response to these challenges, a range of innovative solutions emerged to transform doctor engagement in healthcare. One key innovation was the development of digital platforms and tools designed specifically for doctor engagement. These platforms provided a centralized hub for communication, collaboration, and access to resources, making it easier for doctors to connect with their peers and stay informed about the latest developments in their field.

Another significant innovation was the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) in doctor engagement. By analyzing data on doctor behavior, preferences, and performance, healthcare organizations could gain insights into what drives doctor engagement and tailor their strategies accordingly. AI-powered tools could also help identify patterns and trends in doctor engagement, enabling proactive interventions to prevent disengagement.

Gamification techniques were also applied to doctor engagement, leveraging the principles of game design to make engagement activities more interactive and rewarding. For example, doctors could earn points or badges for participating in training sessions, contributing to research, or achieving certain performance metrics. This approach helped to motivate doctors and make engagement more enjoyable.

In addition, there was a growing emphasis on personalized engagement strategies that recognized the individual needs and preferences of doctors. Personalized communication, tailored training programs, and flexible engagement options allowed doctors to engage in ways that suited their unique circumstances and preferences.

These innovative solutions represented a significant shift in how healthcare organizations approached doctor engagement. By leveraging technology, data, and personalization, they could create more effective and sustainable engagement strategies that address the challenges of modern healthcare delivery.

To illustrate the impact of these innovative solutions, let’s examine some case studies of healthcare organizations that have successfully implemented new doctor engagement strategies:

Digital Collaboration Platform

A large hospital system introduced a digital collaboration platform for its doctors. This platform allowed physicians to easily communicate with each other, share knowledge, and access patient information securely. As a result, the hospital saw improved coordination among doctors, leading to better patient outcomes and increased doctor satisfaction. A real-world example can be given of Connect2Clinic, a doctors’ portal developed by Mantra Labs for Alkem Labs. The solution allows doctors to manage their patients efficiently with lots of handy features and effectively run operations. It is a complete clinic management solution.

AI-Driven Feedback Tool

Another healthcare provider implemented an AI-driven tool that collected and analyzed feedback from doctors in real time. This tool helped identify areas for improvement in hospital operations and doctor support services. By addressing these issues promptly, the healthcare provider was able to enhance doctor engagement and reduce turnover rates.

Personalized Learning Programs

A specialty clinic developed personalized learning programs for its doctors, offering courses and resources tailored to their interests and career goals. This approach led to higher participation rates in training programs and a more engaged medical staff who felt valued and supported in their professional development.

Challenges and Considerations in Implementing Innovations

While innovative solutions for doctor engagement offer numerous benefits, healthcare organizations may encounter challenges in their implementation. Here are some key considerations:

  1. Resistance to Change: Doctors, like any other professionals, may resist new technologies or processes. Addressing concerns, providing adequate training, and demonstrating the value of innovations are crucial steps in overcoming resistance.
  2. Integration with Existing Systems: New engagement tools must seamlessly integrate with existing healthcare systems, such as EHRs, to avoid disruption and ensure smooth operation.
  3. Data Privacy and Security: With the increased use of digital platforms, protecting patient and doctor data is paramount. Healthcare organizations must adhere to strict data privacy regulations and ensure robust security measures are in place.
  4. Cost and Resource Allocation: Implementing new technologies can be costly. Organizations must carefully plan their budgets and resources to support the adoption of innovative engagement strategies.
  5. Measuring Impact: It’s essential to have metrics in place to evaluate the effectiveness of engagement initiatives. Regular monitoring and adjustment of strategies based on data are necessary for long-term success.

Future of Doctor Engagement in Healthcare

Looking ahead, the future of doctor engagement in healthcare is likely to be shaped by ongoing technological advancements and evolving healthcare needs. Here are some potential trends:

  1. Increased Use of Telemedicine: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine. This trend is expected to continue, offering new opportunities for engaging doctors remotely.
  2. Personalized Engagement Platforms: As technology advances, we can expect more sophisticated platforms that offer personalized engagement experiences for doctors, tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
  3. Collaborative Healthcare Ecosystems: The future may see more integrated and collaborative healthcare ecosystems, where doctors, patients, and other stakeholders are closely connected through digital platforms, enhancing engagement and communication.
  4. Focus on Well-being: With growing awareness of doctor burnout, future engagement strategies may place a greater emphasis on supporting doctors’ well-being and work-life balance.
  5. Leveraging AI and Machine Learning: These technologies will continue to play a significant role in analyzing engagement data, predicting trends, and providing insights for improving doctor engagement strategies.

As healthcare continues to evolve, staying ahead of these trends and adapting engagement strategies accordingly will be crucial for healthcare organizations seeking to foster a highly engaged and motivated medical workforce.

Doctor engagement is a critical component of delivering high-quality healthcare. As the healthcare landscape evolves, so too must the strategies for engaging doctors. The innovations discussed in this blog, from digital collaboration platforms to personalized learning programs, offer promising solutions to the challenges of doctor engagement in the modern era.

The success stories and data presented highlight the tangible benefits of these innovative strategies, including improved patient outcomes, increased doctor satisfaction, and enhanced operational efficiency. However, healthcare organizations must navigate challenges such as resistance to change, data privacy concerns, and the integration of new technologies with existing systems.

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