The profile changes test conditions
A mobile audit simulates different constraints from a desktop profile. Available processing power, network settings and screen size affect results. Compare mobile results with other mobile results.
The layout may load different content
A responsive website may choose another image, rearrange content or hide components. A hidden element may still download its resources. Check requests and diagnostics instead of assuming that mobile always loads less data.
JavaScript also takes time
File size is not the whole story. The browser must also parse and execute code. Expensive scripts can slow down a constrained device. TBT and main-thread diagnostics help identify these issues.
Complement simulation with real usage
Open the site on a phone and try the menu, search and forms. An automated audit replaces neither observation of user journeys nor a manual accessibility review. The approaches reveal different problems.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Organize two review journeys
- Audit the page using the mobile profile.
- Try the main actions on a phone.
- Repeat using the desktop profile.
- Compare each profile’s resources and diagnostics.
- Keep separate histories to assess progress.
Do not try to make the scores identical at any cost. The profiles use different conditions. A difference may be consistent with the work required of the browser. The goal is to understand issues in each context and check that visitors can complete their tasks.
Sources and scope
This guide suggests a working method. No numerical improvement is guaranteed. To check definitions and explore the audits: official documentation.