Top Skills to Look for When Hiring Android Developers in 2025

In the fast-paced world of mobile technology, businesses are constantly looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve. With Android continuing to dominate the global mobile OS market in 2025, hiring skilled Android developers has become more important than ever. But what exactly should you look for when you want to hire Android app developer talent that delivers quality, innovation, and performance?

Here are the top skills to look for when hiring Android developers in 2025:

1. Proficiency in Kotlin and Java

Kotlin has become the preferred language for Android development, endorsed by Google as the official language. However, Java remains a foundational skill. A proficient Android developer should be fluent in both, using Kotlin for modern, concise code and Java for legacy support and deeper system-level development.

Tip: When you hire Android app developer candidates, check their GitHub or code samples to see their command over both languages.

2. Familiarity with Jetpack Compose

In 2025, Jetpack Compose is the go-to toolkit for building modern UIs in Android. Unlike traditional XML layouts, Jetpack Compose allows for faster, more flexible UI development. Developers familiar with this tool can create sleek, responsive designs that users love.

This skill is a must-have for any project that demands rich, interactive user interfaces.

3. Experience with Android Architecture Components

To build scalable and maintainable apps, developers need to understand architecture patterns such as MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel) and use Android components like LiveData, Room, ViewModel, and Data Binding. These tools help manage app lifecycle and data flow, making the codebase more stable and testable.

If you're planning to hire Android app developer experts, make sure they understand clean architecture and separation of concerns.

4. Understanding of APIs and Backend Integration

A great Android app isn’t just about front-end performance. It needs to communicate seamlessly with back-end systems using RESTful APIs, GraphQL, or WebSockets. Developers should know how to handle API integration, secure data exchange, and manage network errors effectively.

Bonus points if the developer has experience using Retrofit, OkHttp, and Coroutines for smooth asynchronous processing.

5. Knowledge of App Security Best Practices

Security is a top concern in 2025, especially in industries like fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce. Developers should be well-versed in data encryption, secure authentication, biometric integration, and protection against common vulnerabilities like code injection or data leaks.

When you hire Android app developer professionals, prioritize those who follow OWASP Mobile Security Guidelines and stay updated with Android security patches.

6. Experience with Cross-Platform Tools (Optional but Valuable)

While native Android skills are essential, some businesses benefit from hiring developers with knowledge of cross-platform frameworks like Flutter, React Native, or KMM (Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile). These tools can reduce development time and cost if you're building for both Android and iOS.

This is especially helpful for startups or companies seeking a faster MVP launch.

7. Soft Skills and Collaboration

Beyond technical abilities, the best Android developers are also great communicators and team players. Look for developers who can collaborate with designers, QA testers, and product managers, and who are proactive in solving problems.

Good developers don’t just code—they think critically, ask questions, and suggest improvements.

Final Thoughts

As mobile applications continue to evolve, the criteria to hire Android app developer talent in 2025 must go beyond the basics. You need developers who are not only technically sound but also adaptable, security-conscious, and user-focused.

Whether you're building a healthcare app, an e-commerce platform, or a financial solution, choosing the right developer can make all the difference in your app's success.