Comparison

Polygloss vs Fossil Identifier

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

Head to head
About

Polygloss

Features
Read full description

Polygloss helps you to learn a language outside the classroom by turning your world into a textbook. Users can point their camera at objects or places and the app will translate it into the desired language. For example, point your camera at your laptop, and the app will tell you how to say it in French (l'ordinateur portable)! Save these translations to build your own personalised glossary of language cards. The app currently supports translations from English to French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese.

About

Fossil Identifier

Instantly identify fossil species, age, and ancient habitats by taking a photo. Explore Earth's history with fascinating facts and insights into prehistoric life. Ideal for students, researchers, and enthusiasts.

Highlights
  • Instant fossil recognition via photo
  • Detailed species identification
  • Fossil age and habitat information
  • Learn about ancient environments
  • Fascinating facts on prehistoric life
Features
Read full description

Point your camera at any fossil, shark tooth, bone or rock and find out exactly what you are holding — in seconds. Fossil Identifier is built for beachcombers, rockhounds, field collectors, students and anyone who has ever picked up a strange stone and wondered how old it is. WHAT ONE PHOTO TELLS YOU • Species identification — the scientific name and full taxonomic classification • Geological age — the period it formed in and how old the specimen actually is • Type of fossil — tooth, bone, shell, imprint, petrified wood and more • Rock matrix and formation — the stone it is embedded in and what that reveals • Location of discovery — where specimens like yours are typically found • Ancient habitat — the prehistoric world this creature actually lived in SEE WHAT SIMILAR FINDS SELL FOR Every identification includes real marketplace listings for comparable specimens, with photos and asking prices. Know whether the shark tooth in your hand is a common beach find or something worth a much closer look. BUILD YOUR COLLECTION • Every scan is saved automatically to your personal collection • Search your collection instantly by name or fossil type • Your full identification history stays on your device LEARN WHILE YOU HUNT • Browse a built-in reference library of fossils and species • Identification tips that teach you what to photograph, and how • Articles on paleontology, fossil hunting and what to look for in the field WHAT IT IDENTIFIES Shark teeth and megalodon teeth, dinosaur bone, ammonites, trilobites, crinoids, brachiopods, coral, petrified wood, amber, arrowheads and stone artifacts, geodes, minerals, crystals, meteorites, skulls, vertebrae, and hundreds of other specimens. HOW IT WORKS 1. Photograph your specimen against a plain background 2. The AI analyses shape, texture, matrix and preservation 3. Get a full identification report, comparable listings and a saved record Whether you are walking a fossil beach, working a quarry, sorting an inherited collection or just curious about the rock on your windowsill — Fossil Identifier turns a mystery object into a story you can actually read. Download Fossil Identifier and start reading the past, one specimen at a time. Fossil Identifier offers auto-renewing subscriptions that unlock unlimited identifications and full access to every specimen report. Subscription renews automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription at any time in your Apple Account settings. Identifications are generated by AI and are intended as a guide for enthusiasts and learners. For specimens of scientific or financial significance, confirm with a qualified palaeontologist or appraiser. Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/fossil-privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://sites.google.com/view/fossil-term-of-use

Screenshots

Polygloss4 screens
Fossil Identifier4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Polygloss at none against Fossil Identifier's 3. Polygloss also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). On price 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

Both are free to download. Fossil Identifier sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Polygloss asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Polygloss ships an update fortnightly, Fossil Identifier every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
Polygloss versus Fossil Identifier: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPolyglossFossil Identifier
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (7 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—7 — better
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size145 MB95 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBenjamin LimTho Hop

In-app purchases

None

Polygloss

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Fossil Identifier

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Weekly$3.997 Days
  • Premium Yearly$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$59.99

Questions

Is Polygloss free?
Polygloss is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Fossil Identifier free?
Fossil Identifier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Polygloss or Fossil Identifier have ads?
Fossil Identifier shows ads; Polygloss does not.
Which is updated more often, Polygloss or Fossil Identifier?
Polygloss ships an update fortnightly, and Fossil Identifier every 3 months. Most recently, Polygloss was updated on October 26, 2026 and Fossil Identifier on October 24, 2026.

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