# RNI Flashback vs Distressed FX

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | RNI Flashback | Distressed FX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$3.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (264 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rni-flashback/id1102052516/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distressed-fx-plus/id1441905750/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 264 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 56.7% of reviews | **72.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#83** |
| Size | 68 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RNI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1012002506) | [We Are Here](https://appshunter.io/developer/585702634) |

## What reviewers say

### RNI Flashback

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rni-flashback/id1102052516)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💾 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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### Distressed FX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distressed-fx-plus/id1441905750)

**Currently charting:** #83 Top Paid · Photo & Video (US App Store)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Beyond Skies | Free | one-time |
| The Heavens | Free | one-time |
| Bokeh Illusions | Free | one-time |
| The Lights | Free | one-time |
| Box of colors | Free | one-time |
| Old World Gallery | Free | one-time |
| Painterly Grunge | Free | one-time |
| The Neutrals | Free | one-time |
| Vintage Collection | Free | one-time |
| Atmospheric Light | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


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