# Photon Camera vs Matte Photo

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Matte Photo at none against Photon Camera's 3. Matte Photo also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). Photon Camera's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Photon Camera sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Matte Photo asks for nothing beyond the download.

Photon Camera ships an update every 3 weeks, Matte Photo every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Photon Camera | Matte Photo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photon-camera/id1439310090/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **70** | — |
| Positive reviews | 24.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 60 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LateNiteSoft S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/283292600) | [Manuel Schunder](https://appshunter.io/developer/6802785358) |

## What reviewers say

### Photon Camera

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photon-camera/id1439310090)

Transform your iPhone into a professional camera with full manual controls. Achieve DSLR-quality photos with advanced tools like focus peaking, live exposure, and RAW capture. Take creative control with AI processing options and a minimalist interface.

**Highlights:** Full manual control (ISO, shutter speed, white balance), Focus peaking and focus loupe, Live exposure and histogram, RAW, ProRAW, HEIF, and JPEG capture, Adjustable AI processing (Process Control), Minimalist and intuitive interface, Image browser with photo details

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| One-time purchase | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great camera controls
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 🔋 Efficient battery usage
- 💡 Direct USB storage option
- 🚀 Fast and responsive

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔒 Lack of transparency around app ownership
- 🔒 Concerns about developer trustworthiness
- 🔍 Limited zoom and lens options

**Reported bugs**

- Manual mode crashes
- Inability to access external storage
- Incompatibility with certain devices
- Unreliable photo saving and syncing

**Requested features**

- Bracketed HDR mode
- Customizable white balance controls
- Landscape orientation support
- Macro mode
- Integration with other photo apps


### Matte Photo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/matte-photo/id6802785356)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Photon Camera free?

Photon Camera is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Matte Photo free?

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

### Do Photon Camera or Matte Photo have ads?

Neither Photon Camera nor Matte Photo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Photon Camera or Matte Photo?

Photon Camera ships an update every 3 weeks, and Matte Photo every 5 days. Most recently, Photon Camera was updated on October 23, 2026 and Matte Photo on October 14, 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.*