# Color Encoder vs SmartPLL

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Color Encoder | SmartPLL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/color-encoder/id1342147868/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartpll/id1623497556/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 8 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.2** | 13.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rei-Chi Lin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1276005906) | [Z-Communications](https://appshunter.io/developer/1285508714) |

## What reviewers say

### Color Encoder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/color-encoder/id1342147868)

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.

**Highlights:** Encode real-world colors, Decode color codes, Augmented reality support, Adjusted graphic user interfaces, Supports iOS 12 SDK

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SmartPLL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartpll/id1623497556)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Color Encoder free?

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

### Is SmartPLL free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Color Encoder or SmartPLL?

Color Encoder and SmartPLL are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Color Encoder or SmartPLL have ads?

Neither Color Encoder nor SmartPLL shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Color Encoder or SmartPLL?

Color Encoder ships an update every 8 months, and SmartPLL every 3 months. Most recently, Color Encoder was updated on November 2, 2026 and SmartPLL on November 3, 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.*