Android: apk size increases when I generate signed build

Question

If I generate a build normally in my android studio, it generates an apk with a size but when I generate signed apk for the same code it increases apk size?

In my case unsigned apk size is 7856 kb and for signed apk it's 8680 kb. It's increased by 824 kb, Why?

Answer 1

Android adds few files to the build by itself...it also merges few manifest files to the build in order for it to be recognisable as a release build. You can get a better idea of exactly what and how large things are added to your apk , by analysing your normal build apk and release apk with the APK analyser tool in studio 2.2+

Keeping minifyEnabled true , would help you reduce your apk file size,if you need to