# R2 vs Side By Side

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Side By Side at 100% against R2's 23%. Side By Side also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

R2 ships an update every 4 months, Side By Side every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | R2 | Side By Side |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.4 (376 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/r2-d2-droid-control/id1403826626/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **376** | — |
| Positive reviews | 22.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 37 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [De Agostini Publishing S.p.A.](https://appshunter.io/developer/446742474) | [Orthors LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1345078962) |

## What reviewers say

### R2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/r2-d2-droid-control/id1403826626)

Control your interactive R2-D2 droid from your smartphone or tablet. Steer the droid, view its camera feed, and activate unique features like its projector and pop-up lightsaber. The droid can also operate autonomously and respond to voice commands.

**Highlights:** Dual mode control (command/AI), Video/still camera with face detection, Holographic message projector, Pop-up lightsaber, Extending arms and manipulator probes, Voice command response

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works well when functioning properly
- 🎮 Endless features and functionality
- 🔧 Resolves issues with reinstallation
- 📱 Compatible with multiple Apple devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes on startup frequently
- 📵 Connection failures to R2-D2 unit
- ⚠️ Not updated for latest iOS versions
- 🔌 WiFi connectivity issues (local and direct modes)
- 💔 Product becomes unusable without working app

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes immediately upon opening
- Unable to connect to R2-D2 via Bluetooth or WiFi
- Local WiFi connection mode not working
- Direct WiFi mode intermittently functional
- iOS 14, 16, 17, 18, 18.1 compatibility issues

**Requested features**

- Update app for iOS 16, 17, 18, and 18.1 compatibility
- Diagnostic feature to check R2-D2 problems
- Volume control option
- Programming/automation functionality
- Controller support (PS2/gamepad)


### Side By Side

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/side-by-side-puzzle-game/id6587561602)

This puzzle game challenges players to change the color of squares, affecting adjacent ones. With hundreds of levels and a minimalist design, it offers a relaxing yet strategic brain-training experience for all ages.

**Highlights:** Intuitive color-changing gameplay, 100+ unique puzzles, Achievements and rewards, Strategic move planning, Minimalist visual design, Soothing soundtrack, Frequent updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is R2 free?

R2 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Side By Side free?

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

### Do R2 or Side By Side have ads?

Neither R2 nor Side By Side shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, R2 or Side By Side?

R2 ships an update every 4 months, and Side By Side every 3 weeks. Most recently, R2 was updated on October 24, 2026 and Side By Side on October 16, 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.*