Delhi and the wider NCR are full of app developers — from solo freelancers to large agencies — and their quotes for "the same app" can vary wildly. That makes choosing genuinely hard, and a wrong choice is expensive: a half-finished app, a codebase no one else can maintain, or a developer who vanishes after launch. The good news is that you do not need to be technical to pick well. You just need to know what to check and what to ask. This guide walks you through exactly that.
6 things to check before you hire
1. A real portfolio of live apps
Ask for apps that are actually on the Play Store or App Store, and open a few on your own phone. Do they work smoothly? Are they well designed? A relevant, live portfolio tells you far more than a slide deck of concepts.
2. The right technology
Confirm how they will build it — native Android and iOS, or cross-platform with Flutter or React Native. Cross-platform can save cost and time by sharing one codebase; native can be better for performance-heavy apps. A good developer explains the trade-off for your case.
3. Code and account ownership
This is non-negotiable. You should own the source code, design files, and Play Store and App Store accounts. Get it in writing before you start. If a developer keeps your code hostage, future changes and support become painful and costly.
4. A clear process
Look for a structured path: discovery, design sign-off, development in stages, testing, and store launch — ideally with weekly demos so you see progress instead of waiting months in silence.
5. Testing and quality
Ask how they test across devices and screen sizes, and how they handle bugs. Apps break in the real world; a serious developer plans for that rather than hoping it works on your one phone.
6. After-launch support
Android and iOS change every year. Ask what maintenance costs and what response time you get. A developer who disappears at launch leaves you stranded the first time the OS updates.
Questions worth asking in the first call
- Can you show me two or three live apps you have built, on the stores?
- Will I own all the source code and store accounts? Is that in the contract?
- Native or cross-platform — and why is that right for my app?
- What is the timeline, and will I see weekly progress?
- What is included in the price, and what will I pay separately (APIs, store fees, gateways)?
- What does support and maintenance cost after launch?
Green flag: a developer who answers these plainly, shows working apps, and puts ownership and timeline in writing. Red flag: vague answers, no live portfolio, pressure to pay everything upfront, or reluctance to give you the code.
Red flags to walk away from
- No live apps — only mock-ups or "we can build anything".
- A price that seems too good to be true — it usually hides missing scope you'll pay for later.
- No written scope or timeline — a recipe for endless delays and disputes.
- Refusing to hand over code — you become locked in forever.
- No plan for testing or support — the app will break and no one will own it.
What an app should cost in Delhi
Use these realistic 2026 starting prices as a benchmark, whoever you hire:
| App type | Starting price |
|---|
| Basic Android app (utility, 10–12 screens) | ₹69,999 |
| Business app (Android + iOS) | ₹1,49,999 |
| E-commerce / service app | ₹4,99,999 |
| Marketplace / multi-vendor app | ₹7,99,999 |
A price far below these usually means a template, missing features, or no support — not a bargain. See full details on our mobile app development and pricing pages.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a good mobile app developer in Delhi?
Check a real portfolio of live apps, confirm you will own the source code and store accounts, ask about their process and testing, and get an itemised quote with a timeline. A good developer explains trade-offs honestly, shows working apps, and supports you after launch — not just until the app goes live.
How much does it cost to build an app in Delhi?
A basic Android app in Delhi typically starts around ₹69,999, a full Android and iOS business app from about ₹1,49,999, and e-commerce or marketplace apps cost more. Final price depends on screens, features and integrations, so always ask for a detailed, written quote before starting.
Should I hire a freelancer or an app development company?
A freelancer can be cheaper for a very simple app, but support and continuity are risks if one person is unavailable. A company or studio gives you a team, a structured process and after-launch maintenance. For a business-critical app, that reliability usually outweighs a lower upfront price.
Will I own my app's source code?
You should, and you must confirm it in writing before starting. A trustworthy developer transfers all source code, design files and Play Store and App Store account access to you on final payment, with no lock-in. If a developer resists this, treat it as a serious red flag.
How long does it take to build an app?
A simple Android app usually takes 6–10 weeks, a full customer app for Android and iOS around 10–16 weeks, and a marketplace app longer. Ask for a timeline with milestones and weekly demos so you can see progress instead of waiting in the dark until launch.
Planning an app in Delhi NCR?
SRATECH builds Android and iOS apps you fully own — clear scope, weekly demos and support after launch.
SRA