# UC Browser vs Photo Compressor X

The clearest difference is rating: UC Browser at 4.4 against Photo Compressor X's 3.0. UC Browser also leads on ratings volume (4.9K vs 2) and chart position (#64 vs unranked). Photo Compressor X's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. UC Browser sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Photo Compressor X sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UC Browser holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: UC Browser has 4.9K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | UC Browser | Photo Compressor X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (4.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uc-browser/id1048518592/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photo-compressor-x/id1528551360/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.9K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 72.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#64** | — |
| Size | 427 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [UCWEB SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1817323327) | [志勇 吴](https://appshunter.io/developer/917633861) |

## What reviewers say

### UC Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uc-browser/id1048518592)

**Currently charting:** #64 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

This app offers a private and secure browsing experience with a built-in VPN and incognito mode. It features professional search tools, smooth video streaming, AI translation, and an ad blocker for an optimized online experience.

**Highlights:** Built-in VPN for secure browsing, Incognito mode for privacy, Professional search tools, Smooth video streaming, AI translation, Ad blocker, Data saving technology

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UC VPN premium | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| UC VPN premium | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| UC VPN premium | $1.99 | per month |
| uc drive premium | $2.99 | per month |
| uc drive premium | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| UC VPN premium | $5.99 | per month |
| UC VPN premium | $9.99 | per month |
| uc drive premium | $59.99 | per year |
| UC VPN premium | $2.99 | one-time |
| UC Drive premium | $3.99 | one-time |
| UC VPN premium | $6.99 | one-time |
| uc drive premium | $8.99 | one-time |
| uc drive premium | $9.99 | one-time |
| UC VPN premium | $12.99 | one-time |
| UC VPN premium | $17.99 | one-time |
| UC VPN premium | $39.99 | one-time |
| UC VPN premium | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast browsing experience
- 👍 Useful video player features
- 🔒 Ad blocking capabilities
- 💡 Customizable home page

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🔋 High storage usage
- 👎 Removed useful features (dark mode, custom backgrounds)
- 🙁 Lost user data after updates

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to find downloaded files and media
- Inconsistent behavior when rotating screen
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add option to manually add frequently used websites
- Improve video playback and subtitle support
- Integrate with other apps (e.g., share downloaded files)


### Photo Compressor X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photo-compressor-x/id1528551360)

Easily reduce the file size of your photos to save storage space. Supports batch compression for multiple images and various formats like JPG, PNG, and HEIC.

**Highlights:** Compress JPG, PNG, HEIC, Save 30-80% storage, Easy to use interface, Batch compression support, Quick creation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One Month Pro | $2.49 | per month |
| One Year Pro | $9.49 | per year |
| Liftetime Pass | $12.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is UC Browser free?

UC Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Photo Compressor X free?

Photo Compressor X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, UC Browser or Photo Compressor X?

UC Browser is rated higher. UC Browser averages 4.4 out of 5 from 4.9K ratings, while Photo Compressor X averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do UC Browser or Photo Compressor X have ads?

UC Browser shows ads; Photo Compressor X does not.

### Which is updated more often, UC Browser or Photo Compressor X?

UC Browser ships an update fortnightly, and Photo Compressor X fortnightly. Most recently, UC Browser was updated on October 24, 2026 and Photo Compressor X on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*