Which LLM Should You Choose to Build a Mobile App?

Give each candidate the same small task

Example brief: Build a local to-do list in this React Native app. Support adding and completing tasks, and keep them after reopening the app. Show the plan first, then changed files and checks actually run. Do not add accounts, payments or a new server.

Use the same starting project and acceptance criteria. Record the model version, tool, time spent and corrections needed. This is a proposed evaluation method, not a published ranking of model performance.

Actual AlbaPin store images illustrate a mobile interface. They do not imply that AlbaPin was developed with the tools discussed here.

How to check the result

• Does the app build on the target device and retain the list after reopening?
• Have empty input, long text and a narrow screen been checked?
• How much human correction did the completed task require?

There is no best model for every project

A small interface change and a Bluetooth integration need different evaluations. Check current pricing, access and data-use terms for the product you choose. A persuasive response is not evidence that the app works correctly on a device.

Building mobile apps with AI: the series

Explore model selection, development tools and release preparation in six parts. Each article stands on its own; the links lead to the complete series.