Color Encoder vs SmartPLL
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Color Encoder
This utility app allows you to encode colors from the real world or decode color codes into visual representations on your screen. It supports augmented reality for an enhanced experience. The interface has been updated for a more visually appealing look.
- Encode real-world colors
- Decode color codes
- Augmented reality support
- Adjusted graphic user interfaces
- Supports iOS 12 SDK
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Encode the color you see in the real world. Or you can type the code and decode it to the color on your screen. -- Release note for ver. 2.4.4 : + graphic user interfaces (GUIs) adjusted and beautified + source code partially revised for being adapted to current SDK on iOS 12 + augmented reality(AR) supported - 'Palette' tab view and related features
SmartPLL
This application allows users to program and control Z-COMM SSG series Smart Phase Locked Loop (PLL) modules. Adjust frequency, sweep mode, step time, and power output via Bluetooth or USB. Features LED status indicators and a rugged enclosure for versatile use.
- Programmable frequency, sweep, and step settings
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity
- LED status indicators
- Rugged enclosure for field use
- Internal or external reference input
- High performance RF tool
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The Z-COMM SSG series of Smart Phase Locked Loop (PLL) modules provide high performance in a compact package suitable for any number of applications. Fully programmable through a unique Bluetooth interface, or USB cable, the user may adjust functions such as frequency, sweep mode, step time, step size, and power output, among others. LED indicators provide a visual cue of the status of the various functions. Its rugged enclosure lends itself to in-field use as well as bench top testing. The highly reliable output signal, excellent phase noise, and flexibility of an internal reference or input for an external reference, provides RF engineers with an adaptable RF tool.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: SmartPLL at every 3 months against Color Encoder's every 8 months. Color Encoder's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.2 vs 13.1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Color Encoder against 5.0 for SmartPLL. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.
Color Encoder ships an update every 8 months, SmartPLL every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Color Encoder | SmartPLL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.2 — better | 13.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Rei-Chi Lin | Z-Communications |
Customer experience
Color Encoder
SmartPLL
In-app purchases
Color Encoder
No in-app purchases
SmartPLL
No in-app purchases
