Comparison

PIX4Dcatch vs Sakura3D SCAN

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

Head to head
About

PIX4Dcatch

Transform your mobile device into a powerful 3D scanner. Capture images and LiDAR data to create accurate 3D models for professional use. Visualize, measure, and share your creations in AR.

Highlights
  • 3D model creation from images and LiDAR
  • RTK device compatibility for centimeter accuracy
  • Live feedback during capture
  • Augmented reality (AR) model visualization
  • Cloud processing and desktop export options
  • Measurement and geolocation capabilities
Read full description

Digitize Reality: Transform your mobile device into a powerful 3D scanner. Simply point and record to create professional-grade 3D models. Pair with a compatible RTK device for centimeter-level accuracy, precise measurements, and geolocated 3D reconstructions. Visualize the captured model in the app, upload and export, and view it in AR. New ArcGIS Workflow: PIX4Dcatch now streams ArcGIS data in realtime in AR to provide in-field operators full contextual information about the entire site including 3D reconstructions and attributes. Our capture feature generates complete and defensible georeferenced 3D reconstructions which can be communicated seamlessly back to ArcGIS. New Guide-To Feature: PIX4Dcatch has a guide-to feature directing users to specified geolocated assets for staking, boosting onsite efficiency and accuracy. Just select the point or reconstruction you would like to find and follow the arrows in AR. WORKFLOW 1 – Scan & Capture Walk around your site. The app automatically gathers data and provides live feedback using iOS LiDAR, ensuring you capture every detail. For enhanced accuracy, use an RTK device compatible with PIX4Dcatch, PIX4D Autotags with a fully automated workflow, or combine both. 2 – Process, Analyze & Share Process your data by uploading to PIX4Dcloud for online analysis and sharing, or export to PIX4Dmatic for desktop processing. Both platforms offer a 14-day free trial. Projects can also be exported to third-party photogrammetry software. Measure spaces, document results, and enjoy all the benefits of a detailed 2D/3D model of your surroundings. 3 – View in AR Experience an immersive augmented-reality view. Display 3D models and points directly in your phone camera in AR. ____________________ USE CASES • Digitize construction sites • Measure stockpiles and other objects • Document underground utilities • Digitize indoor and outdoor spaces with Autotags • Visualize and verify 3D models in AR in real time • Perform single-point measurements with RTK accuracy ____________________ COMPATIBILITY • Optimized for LiDAR-equipped devices (Pro series phones) • All ARKit-enabled devices • RTK devices: Emlid Reach RX and RX2, TopCon HiPer CR, Bad Elf Flex Mini, Bad Elf Flex, Trimble DA2, Leica Zeno FLX100 ____________________ TERMS OF USE https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Sakura3D SCAN

Capture 3D point cloud and mesh data for various professional applications like industrial inspection, topographical surveys, and construction progress. Export data in multiple formats for use in CAD systems.

Highlights
  • 3D point cloud scanning
  • Mesh scanning
  • Multiple export formats (ASC, TXT, PTS, OBJ, STL)
  • Integration with ClassNK-PEERLESS software
  • LiDAR sensor utilization
  • File export with size limitations on free plan
Features
Read full description

Scanning and exporting data utilizing Sakura3D SCAN can come in handy for various fields. For example, plants can acquire the current status of pipes and other factory equipment, while construction and civil engineering firms can utilize Sakura3D SCAN in topographical surveys and construction progress management. Import your scanned data into our point cloud modeling software "ClassNK-PEERLESS" and create 3D models that can be imported into various CAD systems. ■ Export format Point cloud: ASC, TXT, PTS Mesh: OBJ, STL ■ Sakura3D SCAN requires the LiDAR sensor for scanning, as a result we only support the following devices iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 12 Pro iPad Pro 13 inch (M4) iPad Pro 11 inch (M4) iPad Pro 12.9 inch (6th generation) iPad Pro 11 inch (4th generation) iPad Pro 12.9 inch (5th generation) iPad Pro 11 inch (3rd generation) iPad Pro 12.9 inch (4th generation) iPad Pro 11 inch (2nd generation) ■ Difference between a free plan and subscriptions All features are available for free, except for file output and certain premium features (e.g., Center of Gravity Visualization). By subscribing, you can enjoy unlimited file exports and gain full access to all premium features. File export is also free under following conditions. ・Point cloud: less than 500K points ・Mesh: less than 50K vertices ・Unlimited export: Once every 24h With a subscription, there is no limit to the number of scans you can export. ■ FAQ ・ How can I increase the quality of my scans? When measuring please try to move slowly and avoid shaking the device. Please try to avoid measuring the same location twice. The trick is not to scan the same point over and over again. The following are some of the factors that can hinder a good scan: - When the object is a transparent object made of glass, a shiny metal object, a mirror, etc. - When the distance to the object to be scanned is too short (within 10 to 20 cm) ・I don't know which scan accuracy to use. Scan accuracy depends on the scan target, scan environment, and setting method. For a personalized inquiry please send an email to sakura3d@armonicos.co.jp with your target, environment and setting method. ・What distance allows for an accurate measurement? The recommended distance is within 5m. ・How many points can be obtained in each scan? You can get up to 25 million points. ・Is it possible to check the number of points during a scan? The number of acquired points is displayed on the screen, during a scan, with the following color encoding as a guideline for memory usage: "green (low)-> yellow (medium)-> red (high)" . ・I don't know how to export data. There are two methods, one is via the Internet using Dropbox, AirDrop, email, various SNS, or Google Drive, and the other is to connect the device (iPhone, iPad) directly to the PC with a cable and copy the data using iTunes. ・Can the output data be imported into other software? Data created with Sakura3D SCAN can be imported into any software that supports point cloud formats (ASC, TXT,PTS) or mesh formats (STL, OBJ). It can also be imported into our software packages: spGate, spGauge, spScan, and ClassNK-PEERLESS. Sakura3D SCAN Terms of Service (ToS) https://www.armonicos.co.jp/shop/sakura-tos/

Screenshots

PIX4Dcatch4 screens
Sakura3D SCAN4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: PIX4Dcatch at 264 against Sakura3D SCAN's 1. Sakura3D SCAN's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads 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. PIX4Dcatch sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $159.00 per month and Sakura3D SCAN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Sakura3D SCAN holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PIX4Dcatch has 264 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of PIX4Dcatch's written reviews are positive against 40% of Sakura3D SCAN's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PIX4Dcatch versus Sakura3D SCAN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPIX4DcatchSakura3D SCAN
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (264 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews32.5% of reviews40.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings264 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size239 MB54 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPix4DArmonicos Co., Ltd.

Customer experience

PIX4Dcatch

All ratings264 ratings
Positive92.0%
Neutral1.5%
Negative6.4%
Written reviews40 reviews
Positive32.5%
Neutral7.5%
Negative60.0%

Sakura3D SCAN

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive40.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative40.0%

Bugs and requests

PIX4Dcatch

Reported bugs

18 issues
  • App crashes or shows SDK error with Emlid RX
  • Upload doesn't work for Dropbox or OneDrive
  • Mesh doesn't display like past versions
  • Cannot build an accurate model
  • App locks out
Show 13 more
  • Outputs contradict (geo tags vs GCP coordinates)
  • Cannot log into Pix account inside the app (keyboard issue)
  • Does not recognize license
  • Stopped uploading
  • Photos stored in app, impossible to get if not uploading
  • Create account impossible
  • Cannot register
  • Cannot get contact without registration
  • App unbrauchbar (unusable)
  • Trial cannot be cancelled
  • Scan took 4 days to process
  • Fatal results
  • Slow and annoying

Requested features

6 requests
  • Make it possible to work with any GNSS through NMEA Protocol
  • Export GCP's in GPS coordinates as well
  • Add instructions or tips
  • Allow export to local device instead of cloud
  • Allow export of images to PC for free
Show 1 more
  • Allow testing of 3D generation with a limit of pictures or generated 3Ds for free

Sakura3D SCAN

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

PIX4Dcatch

Subscriptions1
  • PIX4Dcatch Professional14 Days trial$159.001 Month
3 purchases

Sakura3D SCAN

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Subscription$1.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription$5.491 Month
  • Yearly Subscription$46.991 Year

Questions

Is PIX4Dcatch free?
PIX4Dcatch is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Sakura3D SCAN free?
Sakura3D SCAN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, PIX4Dcatch or Sakura3D SCAN?
Sakura3D SCAN is rated higher. PIX4Dcatch averages 4.7 out of 5 from 264 ratings, while Sakura3D SCAN averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do PIX4Dcatch or Sakura3D SCAN have ads?
Neither PIX4Dcatch nor Sakura3D SCAN shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PIX4Dcatch or Sakura3D SCAN?
PIX4Dcatch ships an update every 2 weeks, and Sakura3D SCAN every 2 weeks. Most recently, PIX4Dcatch was updated on October 20, 2026 and Sakura3D SCAN on September 29, 2026.

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