Comparison

Handy Ruler vs Subtext

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

Head to head
About

Handy Ruler

This tool uses your device's camera to measure the distance between two points on screen. Simply tap to set start and end points, and get instant results in inches and millimeters.

Highlights
  • Camera-based measurement
  • Measure distance between two points
  • Instant results
  • Displays in inches and millimeters
  • Simple tap interface
Features
Read full description

Handy Ruler is a simple and efficient measurement tool for measuring the distance between two points. Get instant results by selecting the start and end points on the screen. How to Use: 1. Point the camera at the object you want to measure. 2. Wait for the camera to stabilize, and small yellow dots will appear. 3. Select the start point by touching the screen. A green point will mark the start. 4. Select the end point by touching the screen. Another green point will mark the end. 5. The measurement result will display at the top of the screen in both inches and millimeters. We value your feedback and are committed to improving the app. Enjoy measuring with Handy Ruler!

About

Subtext

Features
Read full description

Subtext is a communication tool built for autistic adults. Neurotypical messages are full of subtext: "no rush" that means hurry, "we should talk" that means nothing bad, "fine" that means anything. Subtext reads the message with you and shows what it likely means — never pretending there's only one answer. DECODE Paste a message (or share it straight from Messages, Mail, or any app). Subtext shows the plain meaning, then 2–3 possible readings with how likely each one is, the tone, and what the sender probably expects. Multiple readings, always — because certainty would be a lie. Screenshot a whole conversation and Subtext reads it in context. DRAFT Write what you actually want to say, bluntly. Subtext turns it into a reply in YOUR voice at the armor level you choose: direct, neutral, or polished. Your "no" never becomes a "maybe." Add samples of your writing so drafts sound like you, not like AI. TASKS Any overwhelming task becomes small concrete steps, sized to the energy you have. A quiet body-double mode keeps you company while you work. ENERGY Track your social battery in seconds, spot low-streaks, and send a pre-drafted "I need to reschedule" before burnout picks the words for you. REHEARSAL Practice a hard conversation before it happens — with an AI that plays the other side, shows how it might branch, and recaps only what you did well. BUILT DIFFERENT, ON PURPOSE • Nothing stored: decodes and drafts are processed, then gone. No account. No history on our side. • Never used to train AI. The switch doesn't exist. • No streaks, no guilt screens, no red alarms, no fake cheer. • Calm by default: no sounds, no vibrations, no surprise animations unless you turn them on. • Everything personal (people profiles, tasks, energy logs) stays on your phone, deletable in one tap. Subtext is a tool, not a therapist, not a medical device, and not trying to make you "more normal." It's for adults 18+. Autistic? Help build this. Our advisors are paid, credited, and hold veto power: thai@subtext.im

Screenshots

Handy Ruler3 screens
Subtext4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Subtext at every 6 days against Handy Ruler's every 8 months. Handy Ruler's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.1 vs 16.4). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Handy Ruler ships an update every 8 months, Subtext every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Handy Ruler versus Subtext: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHandy RulerSubtext
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.1 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB35 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperSTRENGCON LLCAlpha Seed Inc.

In-app purchases

None

Handy Ruler

No in-app purchases

None

Subtext

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Handy Ruler free?
Handy Ruler is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Subtext free?
Subtext is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Handy Ruler or Subtext have ads?
Neither Handy Ruler nor Subtext shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Handy Ruler or Subtext?
Handy Ruler ships an update every 8 months, and Subtext every 6 days. Most recently, Handy Ruler was updated on October 7, 2026 and Subtext on September 30, 2026.

Other comparisons