Understand the compilation difference
The IL2CPP manual describes its ahead-of-time pipeline. Mono and IL2CPP support and restrictions depend on the Unity version and target platform.
Check the Android build documentation matching your editor before assuming every architecture/backend combination is available.
Compare operational trade-offs
| Dimension | What to evaluate |
|---|---|
| Build time | Editor/CI turnaround for the project |
| Runtime performance | Representative gameplay and workload |
| Reflection/generation | Backend and AOT compatibility |
| Crash diagnostics | Required managed/native symbols |
| Package size | Equivalent architecture and content output |
A synthetic method benchmark does not represent a complete game with graphics, I/O and native plugins.
Test dynamic code paths
Reflection, serialization and generic instantiation can expose AOT or stripping assumptions. Use the library's documented Unity/backend support and preserve required code narrowly.
Do not disable all stripping as a permanent unexplained fix for one missing reflective entry point.
Keep release supportability
Archive the exact native symbols and managed diagnostic material needed for the selected backend. A native address from an IL2CPP release cannot be reliably explained using symbols from a later rebuild.
Measure the same game
Use identical scenes, asset settings, architectures and device conditions. Record startup, frame performance, memory and artifact size separately.
APKLint's Unity Analyzer can help identify backend-related package clues and native libraries. It does not benchmark Mono against IL2CPP or prove resistance to reverse engineering. The choice should be supported by compatibility tests and measurements from your actual project.
Sources and further reading
Reference review: 22 September 2026. Examples illustrate the workflow; check your installed versions, release artifact and account-specific Console requirements before applying them. This guide is not a claim that APKLint executed your project or verified your private account.
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