Comparison

SMO vs Microscope App

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

Head to head
About

SMO

Capture detailed macro and microscopic photos and videos with enhanced magnification and illumination. Features digital zoom, adjustable autofocus, and a timer for stable shots.

Highlights
  • Capture photos and videos
  • Digital zoom for magnification
  • Adjustable flashlight for illumination
  • Manual and autofocus control
  • Full-screen observation
  • In-app timer for stable shots
Features
Read full description

Application with dedicated functions for easy use of the BLIPS lenses; for Macro photos or videos, or for observation at Microscopic scales. FEATURES: - Ability to take pictures and to shoot videos. - Digital Zoom to further increase the magnification and to observe microscopic details on the smartphone screen. - Flashlight can be activated whenever the user wants to increase the illumination on the observed subject, for enhancing the image definition. - Autofocus normally turned off; it can be easily activated and locked, if needed. - Full use of the screen to observe the tiniest details directly on your smartphone. - Timer: for keeping the camera still during the shot

About

Microscope App

Features
Read full description

Use your iPhone with a compatible microscope eyepiece adapter to view, align, photograph, and record what your microscope sees. Microscope App provides a clean live camera view designed for imaging through a physical microscope. Get clear setup guidance for your iPhone model, align the rear 1× Main camera with the eyepiece, and start viewing. VIEW AND ALIGN • Clean live view through your microscope • Guidance for positioning the iPhone’s 1× Main camera • Minimal center marker for precise alignment • Zoom and tap to focus CAPTURE PHOTOS AND VIDEO • Take native photos and record video through the eyepiece • Save captures to a dedicated Microscope album in Photos • Preview and share using familiar iPhone tools PRECISION CONTROLS WITH PRO • Fine-tune focus and exposure • Adjust color temperature and tint on supported cameras • Customize the center marker’s visibility, color, and opacity • Choose additional supported photo resolutions and video quality profiles PRIVATE BY DESIGN • No ads • No account • No analytics SDK or tracking • Microscope App never uploads camera frames or captures • Saved media follows your Photos and Apple sync settings WHAT YOU NEED A physical microscope and compatible iPhone eyepiece adapter are required. Microscope App uses the iPhone’s built-in rear 1× Main camera. It does not connect to Wi-Fi or USB microscopes. Use Microscope App for specimens, classroom demonstrations, electronics inspection, gems, collectibles, and hobby imaging. Microscope App is an observation and imaging utility. It is not a medical diagnostic or calibrated measurement tool. Free includes live viewing, zoom, tap to focus, photo and video capture, and a fixed center marker. Pro is available as a monthly subscription or a one-time lifetime purchase. Both options unlock the same Pro features. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://sahilsatralkar.com/apps/microscope/privacy

Screenshots

SMO3 screens
Microscope App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SMO at none against Microscope App's 2. SMO also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 26.0). Microscope App's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). On price and ads 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

Both are free to download. Microscope App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. SMO asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SMO ships an update every 4 months, Microscope App weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SMO versus Microscope App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSMOMicroscope App
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.2 (16 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews45.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings16 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS8.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSmartMicroOpticsPriya Satralkar

In-app purchases

None

SMO

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Microscope App

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Pro$1.991 Month
One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro$9.99

Questions

Is SMO free?
SMO is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Microscope App free?
Microscope App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SMO or Microscope App have ads?
Neither SMO nor Microscope App shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SMO or Microscope App?
SMO ships an update every 4 months, and Microscope App weekly. Most recently, SMO was updated on October 3, 2026 and Microscope App on October 6, 2026.

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