Comparison

RNI Flashback vs Distressed FX

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

RNI Flashback

This app offers a unique approach to photo editing, simulating the behavior of traditional film rather than using pre-defined filters. It generates distinct editing options each time, allowing users to achieve a truly artistic and film-like aesthetic for their digital images.

Highlights
  • Deep photo editing
  • Simulates real film behavior
  • Generates unique editing options
  • No pre-defined filters
  • Artistic flair and film-like color harmony
  • Uses real film data simulation
Features
Read full description

This app is a pretty scientific experiment in deep photo editing. At RNI we wanted to make our photos look more special with less effort and more fun. So we created RNI Flashback — an app that works like film not like an app. Using Flashback is simple. You just press the button and it generates editing options for you. And then you choose the best one. Because you’re the boss. Unlike other apps, RNI Flashback has no pre-defined filters. Instead it mixes virtual 'chemicals' and creates a unique look every time you press the button. This transforms digital medium making it more true to life and more refreshing. Flashback is created for everyone. But professional photographers and aficionados familiar with shooting film will especially love it. Because Flashback works more like photographic film rather than like digital software. Unlike any other existing software, Flashback uses real film data and simulates the response of real film layers by light when processing digital colours. This results in a completely unique output which can't be achieved in traditional image editors with conventional tools. Some of its looks can be weird, some can render skintones too red. But some will be just absolutely fabulous, making for film-like colour harmony and colour separation, far beyond what’s achievable in any other piece of software you have ever tried. Experience RNI Flashback now. Bring custom artistic flair into your photos and never get bored again. -- #RNIFlashback Tag your photos with #RNIFlashback for a chance to get featured in RNI’s official newsletter, blog and Instagram @reallyniceimages. To find out more about RNI products please visit reallyniceimages.com

About

Distressed FX

Transform ordinary photos into unique works of art with a vast collection of textures and overlays. This app offers exclusive access to all current and future filters and effects for a single payment, making photo editing accessible and creative.

Highlights
  • Access to all current and future filters
  • Exclusive new effects and features
  • Wide range of textured images and overlays
  • Transform mundane photos into art
  • Ideal for still life and landscape photography
Features
Read full description

Distressed FX Plus is a special edition of the highly acclaimed original. For a small single payment, you will get access to all current and future filters, as well as exclusive access to all new effects and features ahead of release on the original app. This is an extraordinary opportunity to harness all the amazing effects from Distressed FX. If you are ready to take your photos to the next level, this is the ideal investment at a bargain price. Creating gorgeous artwork from your photos has never been easier. With Distressed FX, simply take a photo and choose from a wide range of textured images and overlays. Transform even the most mundane photo into a work of art. See our hashtag #distressedFX on Instagram to see 100k+ examples! ** Featured by Mac Format and Black + White Photography Magazine Join us at: www.facebook.com/DistressedFX www.instagram.com/distressedfxapp/ • Particularly suited to still life and landscape photography - this app will perfectly compliment your existing collection of photo apps. Distressed FX is powered by the textures of Cheryl Tarrant, a texture artist from Tennessee. Her popular and unique style is now available in your pocket, wherever you go. • Follow Cheryl on Instagram http://instagram.com/distressedfxapp • Be our friend on Facebook www.facebook.com/DistressedFX • Follow us on Twitter : @distressedfx See examples of the Cheryl's distinctive work here: www.flickr.com/photos/jewellofdistressed/ ** Find out more about Distressed Textures at www.distressedfx.com & www.distressedtextures.com Distressed FX (tm) is a trademark of Cheryl Tarrant in the United States of America.

Screenshots

RNI Flashback4 screens
Distressed FX4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: RNI Flashback at $3.99 against Distressed FX's $19.99. RNI Flashback also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). Distressed FX's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (72% vs 57%). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

RNI Flashback costs $3.99 and Distressed FX $19.99 up front. Distressed FX sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. RNI Flashback asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Distressed FX holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 264 and 1.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of RNI Flashback's written reviews are positive against 72% of Distressed FX's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RNI Flashback ships an update every 2 months, Distressed FX every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
RNI Flashback versus Distressed FX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRNI FlashbackDistressed FX
Price$3.99 — better$19.99
Rating4.6 (264 ratings)4.8 (1.2K ratings) — better
Positive reviews56.7% of reviews72.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2641.2K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
Best chart rank—#83 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size68 MB51 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRNIWe Are Here

Customer experience

RNI Flashback

All ratings264 ratings
Positive90.5%
Neutral4.5%
Negative4.9%
Written reviews164 reviews
Positive56.7%
Neutral12.8%
Negative30.5%

Distressed FX

All ratings1,234 ratings
Positive96.7%
Neutral1.7%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews101 reviews
Positive72.3%
Neutral5.9%
Negative21.8%

User reviews

RNI Flashback

From 264 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎨 Unique, unpredictable film effects that feel authentic
  • ⚡ Simple, intuitive one-tap interface
  • 🎬 Realistic vintage film grain and color processing
  • 🎯 Low-pressure creative tool that prevents decision paralysis
  • ✨ Consistently beautiful and original results

Room to improve

  • 💾 No ability to save or name discovered presets
  • 📱 Poor iPhone X/newer device screen optimization
  • ⚙️ Limited manual control over filter strength
  • 🖼️ Image resolution reduced during processing
  • 🌗 Bright white interface causes eye strain

Distressed FX

From 1.2K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Creative and artistic photo editing
  • 🎨 Excellent texture and overlay options
  • 💡 Customizable layers and blending modes
  • 🎨 Ability to create unique digital art

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Compatibility issues with new iOS versions
  • 🐛 Crashing and download errors
  • 🐛 Inability to restore previous purchases
  • 🤔 Lack of clear instructions and tutorials

Bugs and requests

RNI Flashback

Reported bugs

9 issues
  • App crashes during photo rendering/export
  • Saving to camera roll causes app freeze
  • Photo picker crashes on iOS 12
  • Burst photos cause rendering failure
  • Advanced menu controls cut off on certain devices
Show 4 more
  • Blank image preview on iPad when selecting from library
  • App not compatible with latest iOS updates
  • Highlight slider inaccessible on iPhone X
  • White interface elements extend beyond screen boundaries

Requested features

14 requests
  • Save and reuse favorite filter presets across multiple photos
  • Ability to adjust filter strength/intensity slider
  • iPhone X and newer device screen support
  • Landscape orientation mode
  • Built-in camera to capture photos directly
Show 9 more
  • Dark mode interface option
  • Lightroom integration or desktop version
  • Batch apply filters to multiple photos
  • Swipe gestures to cycle through filters
  • Filter naming and organization system
  • Slideshow mode for filter variations
  • Export to RNI Films app for further editing
  • Raw file format support
  • Global preference to disable grain and scratches by default

Distressed FX

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Inability to download or load certain textures/overlays
  • App crashing when opening photos
  • Saving edited photos at lower resolutions

Requested features

4 requests
  • Masking and selective editing tools
  • Zoom and precise control for editing
  • Ability to use app on Mac devices
  • Improved customer support and communication

In-app purchases

None

RNI Flashback

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

Distressed FX

One-time10
  • Beyond SkiesFree
  • The HeavensFree
  • Bokeh IllusionsFree
Show 7 more
  • The LightsFree
  • Box of colorsFree
  • Old World GalleryFree
  • Painterly GrungeFree
  • The NeutralsFree
  • Vintage CollectionFree
  • Atmospheric LightFree

Questions

Is RNI Flashback free?
RNI Flashback costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Distressed FX free?
Distressed FX costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, RNI Flashback or Distressed FX?
Distressed FX is rated higher. RNI Flashback averages 4.6 out of 5 from 264 ratings, while Distressed FX averages 4.8 from 1.2K ratings.
Do RNI Flashback or Distressed FX have ads?
Neither RNI Flashback nor Distressed FX shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RNI Flashback or Distressed FX?
RNI Flashback ships an update every 2 months, and Distressed FX every 3 months. Most recently, RNI Flashback was updated on November 2, 2026 and Distressed FX on November 2, 2026.

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