# HackIllinois vs PhotoSensei

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HackIllinois at none against PhotoSensei's 2. HackIllinois also leads on ratings volume (32 vs 6) and device support (3 vs 1). PhotoSensei's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PhotoSensei sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. HackIllinois asks for nothing beyond the download.

PhotoSensei holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HackIllinois has 32 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

HackIllinois ships an update daily, PhotoSensei every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HackIllinois | PhotoSensei |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackillinois/id1451755268/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photosensei/id6794036301/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **32** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 2 days |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 46 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [ACM UIUC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1200368579) | [Fraley Atelier LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6794036303) |

## What reviewers say

### HackIllinois

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackillinois/id1451755268)

This app enhances the hackathon experience by providing event schedules, point-earning opportunities through QR scans and duels, and a shop for redeeming prizes. Users can track their progress, view rankings, and manage check-ins for food and events.

**Highlights:** Event schedule and details, Point system via QR scans and duels, Prize redemption in Point Shop, Personal progress and rank tracking, Event check-in functionality, Countdown timer for hacking

**In-app purchases:** none


### PhotoSensei

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photosensei/id6794036301)

Learn photography techniques through structured lessons and practical assignments. Receive AI-powered feedback on your photos to improve your skills. Progress through ranks from fundamentals to advanced concepts, all using your phone camera.

**Highlights:** Structured photography lessons, Practical shooting assignments, AI photo analysis, Progress tracking across ranks, Phone-camera focused learning, No external gear required

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| PhotoSensei Unlock | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HackIllinois free?

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

### Is PhotoSensei free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HackIllinois or PhotoSensei?

PhotoSensei is rated higher. HackIllinois averages 4.7 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while PhotoSensei averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do HackIllinois or PhotoSensei have ads?

Neither HackIllinois nor PhotoSensei shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HackIllinois or PhotoSensei?

HackIllinois ships an update daily, and PhotoSensei every 2 days. Most recently, HackIllinois was updated on October 24, 2026 and PhotoSensei on October 13, 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.*