# Photon Camera vs Piko

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Piko at none against Photon Camera's 3. Piko also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (17.5 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. Piko asks for nothing beyond the download.

Photon Camera ships an update every 3 weeks, Piko every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Photon Camera | Piko |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (71 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photon-camera/id1439310090/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **71** | — |
| Positive reviews | 24.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 60 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.5** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LateNiteSoft S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/283292600) | [Abdullah Hariri](https://appshunter.io/developer/1772876852) |

## 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


### Piko

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piko-gallery-cleanup/id6806648683)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Photon Camera free?

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

### Is Piko free?

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

### Do Photon Camera or Piko have ads?

Neither Photon Camera nor Piko shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Photon Camera or Piko?

Photon Camera ships an update every 3 weeks, and Piko every 2 days. Most recently, Photon Camera was updated on November 2, 2026 and Piko on October 31, 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.*