# HKUST Research vs smartUST

The clearest difference is rating: HKUST Research at 5.0 against smartUST's 1.0. smartUST's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 12.4). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

HKUST Research holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

HKUST Research ships an update every 2 months, smartUST monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HKUST Research | smartUST |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hkust-research/id1360149546/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartust/id1361574826/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 21 MB | 77 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/332536363) | [CardApp Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/539151439) |

## What reviewers say

### HKUST Research

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hkust-research/id1360149546)

This app serves as a platform for researchers to find and receive reminders about research-related information. It aims to streamline access to important academic data and updates.

**Highlights:** Research information search, Research-related reminders, Platform for researchers, Access academic data

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### smartUST

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartust/id1361574826)

This app enhances the university experience by connecting students to campus life. Discover activities, events, facilities, housing, and special offers for a seamless integration into the university community.

**Highlights:** Campus activities and events, Facility information, Housing services, University services, Special offers, Seamless campus connection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HKUST Research free?

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

### Is smartUST free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HKUST Research or smartUST?

HKUST Research is rated higher. HKUST Research averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while smartUST averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do HKUST Research or smartUST have ads?

Neither HKUST Research nor smartUST shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HKUST Research or smartUST?

HKUST Research ships an update every 2 months, and smartUST monthly. Most recently, HKUST Research was updated on October 13, 2026 and smartUST on October 4, 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.*