# phyphox vs SAM 3D

The clearest difference is review sentiment: phyphox at 79% against SAM 3D's 0%. phyphox also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). SAM 3D's advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs every 3 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

phyphox ships an update every 3 months, SAM 3D every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | phyphox | SAM 3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (276 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyphox/id1127319693/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **276** | — |
| Positive reviews | **78.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 19 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RWTH Aachen University](https://appshunter.io/developer/371466796) | [Brave New Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/1357153779) |

## What reviewers say

### phyphox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyphox/id1127319693)

Unlock your phone's sensors for scientific exploration. Conduct pre-built experiments or create your own using accelerometers, magnetometers, and more. Analyze and export data in various formats for further study.

**Highlights:** Pre-defined experiments, Data export (CSV, TSV, Excel), Web-based remote control, Custom experiment editor, Access to phone sensors, Advanced analysis functions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Access to phone sensors
- 🔬 Useful for physics experiments
- 📊 Data logging and export
- 🆓 Free and no ads
- 🤔 Sparks curiosity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 📉 Inconsistent performance
- 🔒 App locks/minimizes recording
- ❓ Units not always clear
- ⚠️ Potential for device damage

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on older devices
- Barometer not working on iOS 17.4
- Network error: Generic error
- Sound measurement curve disappears
- App crashes frequently

**Requested features**

- Add infrasound detector
- More units of measurement (G-force, PSI, feet)
- NFC/RFID support
- In-app bug report feature
- Allow other sensors via USB-C


### SAM 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-3d/id1617776490)

Experience a historical journey through augmented reality, virtually restoring a classic car. Explore different versions and colors of the Hotchkiss and learn its fascinating history, from its brand to its engine.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality car restoration, Explore historical car versions, Discover car history and details, Virtual exploration of classic automobile, Interactive museum experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is phyphox free?

phyphox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SAM 3D free?

SAM 3D is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do phyphox or SAM 3D have ads?

SAM 3D shows ads; phyphox does not.

### Which is updated more often, phyphox or SAM 3D?

phyphox ships an update every 3 months, and SAM 3D every 11 days. Most recently, phyphox was updated on October 12, 2026 and SAM 3D on October 5, 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.*