Subtilizer vs Atkinson
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Subtilizer
This application allows users to apply subtle image processing effects like posterization, detail filtering, and edge enhancement. It transforms images into a more refined aesthetic. The tool is designed for creative image manipulation.
- Posterization effect
- Detail filtering
- Edge enhancement
- Subtle image conversion
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Posterization, filtering detail and edge enhance and convert to a little subtle image. Subtilizer is such an application.
Atkinson
This app processes photos using the Atkinson dithering algorithm, originally used for black and white displays on old Macintosh computers. It creates small file-sized images with options for square cropping, rounded corners, and white borders, offering a real-time preview of the effect.
- Atkinson dithering algorithm processing
- Square photo output
- Toggleable rounded corners
- White border option
- Real-time preview
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Transform your photos with the iconic Atkinson dithering algorithm — the same technique used on the original Macintosh by Bill Atkinson. Create stunning retro-style images with a single tap. # What is Atkinson Dithering? Atkinson dithering was the algorithm behind the classic 1-bit graphics of early Macintosh computers. It converts photos i nto beautiful two-tone pixel patterns, producing images with a distinctive vintage charm and remarkably small file sizes. # Features - Real-time Atkinson dithering preview through your camera - 7 retro-tech color palettes: Terminal Green, Amber Monitor, Original Macintosh, Game Boy, Apple II Green, White Phospho r, and classic black & white - 5 iconic frames inspired by computing history: MacPaint, Classic Mac window, Terminal, White Frame, and frameless - Adjustable brightness control - Rounded corner option - Square photo output optimized for social media - Lightweight PNG output with tiny file sizes # Color Palettes Go beyond black and white. Choose from color palettes inspired by legendary displays — the green glow of VT100 terminals, the warm amber of IBM monitors, the creamy screen of the original Macintosh, and more. # Retro Frames Wrap your dithered photos in frames inspired by classic software. The MacPaint frame features pixel-perfect tool palettes and menu bars, just like Bill Atkinson's legendary paint program. The Classic Mac frame recreates the iconic window chrome of early Macintosh. # Perfect for - Retro and vintage photo enthusiasts - Pixel art lovers - Social media posts with a unique aesthetic - Anyone who appreciates the beauty of 1-bit graphics
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Subtilizer at 5.0 against Atkinson's 3.3. Subtilizer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). Atkinson's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 22 months). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement 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. Atkinson sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Subtilizer asks for nothing beyond the download.
Subtilizer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Subtilizer's written reviews are positive against 71% of Atkinson's.
Subtilizer ships an update every 22 months, Atkinson monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Subtilizer | Atkinson |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better | 3.3 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 71.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 6 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Itoh Tomoaki | koyachi |
Customer experience
Subtilizer
Atkinson
In-app purchases
Subtilizer
No in-app purchases
Atkinson
- Standard Month$0.991 Month
- Standard Year$9.991 Year
