Comparison

Mini Chess 5x5 vs Halfchess

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Mini Chess 5x5

Experience a unique chess variant on a 5x5 board. Play against AI with adjustable difficulty or use it as a physical board for two players. Enjoy a streamlined chess experience with simplified rules.

Highlights
  • 5x5 chess board variant
  • Play against computer AI
  • Multiple AI difficulty levels
  • Two-player mode
  • Simplified chess rules
Features
Read full description

A chess variant on 5×5 board, the simplified version of the classic chess. You can play against the computer (several levels of difficulty) or use the app as a chess board when playing with a partner. Exceptions from the standard chess rules: the pawn double-move and castling are not allowed.

About

Halfchess

Features
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Most games are designed to keep you hooked. This one isn’t. Half Chess is a quiet, focused alternative to endless scrolling and dopamine-driven games. You get one puzzle a day. One attempt. Then you’re done. One Game. Then Stop. No infinite levels. No binge sessions. One puzzle every day One chance to solve it No retries, no grinding You play, you think, and you move on. Designed to Respect Your Time This is not a game that tries to keep you. No ads No streak pressure No manipulation loops Just a few minutes of real focus. A Daily Mental Reset Think of it as a short break for your mind. Step away from noise and distraction Engage deeply for a few minutes Return sharper Simple. Minimal. Intentional. Everything unnecessary has been removed. Clean interface No clutter No interruptions Only the board and your decisions. Half Board. Full Attention. The smaller board increases intensity. Every move matters No passive play Constant engagement Built for People Who Value Focus Busy professionals Deep work enthusiasts Anyone tired of mindless scrolling Most apps compete for your attention. This one gives it back.

Screenshots

Mini Chess 5x54 screens
Halfchess4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Halfchess at none against Mini Chess 5x5's 1. Halfchess also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 12 months) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Mini Chess 5x5 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Halfchess asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mini Chess 5x5 ships an update every 12 months, Halfchess every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Mini Chess 5x5 versus Halfchess: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMini Chess 5x5Halfchess
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (79 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews43.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings79 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB41 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGolmiumnaval saini

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Mini Chess 5x5

One-time1
  • Mini Chess 5x5 full version$0.99
None

Halfchess

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Mini Chess 5x5 free?
Mini Chess 5x5 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Halfchess free?
Halfchess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Mini Chess 5x5 or Halfchess have ads?
Neither Mini Chess 5x5 nor Halfchess shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Mini Chess 5x5 or Halfchess?
Mini Chess 5x5 ships an update every 12 months, and Halfchess every 3 weeks. Most recently, Mini Chess 5x5 was updated on October 5, 2026 and Halfchess on October 13, 2026.

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