Codon One vs Science Practical Simulator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Codon One
Master molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and life chemistry through interactive modules and quizzes. Explore essential concepts with clear diagrams and concise explanations. Includes helpful tools for sequence analysis and genetic code reference.
- Interactive learning modules
- Quick quizzes for comprehension
- Clear diagrams and plain language
- Molecule reference guide
- Sequence analysis tools
- Genetic code exploration
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Codon One helps you learn biology step by step, with short lessons, quick quizzes, flashcards, and a searchable glossary. Build a solid foundation in molecular biology, genetics, evolution, cell biology, development, and the history of science. Each section breaks complex ideas into clear explanations, diagrams, and focused checks for understanding. Core course (Modules) Module 1: Chemistry of Life – atoms & elements, bonds, water, pH, biomolecules Module 2: Genetics – chromosomes, replication, transcription, translation, regulation Module 3: Evolution – history of life, phylogeny, selection, drift, speciation, molecular evolution Module 4: History of Science – ideas, methods, and experiments that shaped modern biology Module 5: Cell Biology – membranes & transport, organelles & energy, cytoskeleton, signaling, cell division Module 6: Development – fertilization & body plans, differentiation, pattern formation & morphogenesis, growth & repair, evo-devo Additional topics are planned for future updates, including Animal Physiology, Microbiology & Immunology, Plant Biology, and more. Glossary & Flashcards Look up the essentials in one place - key terms from every module, plus the 20 amino acids and the nucleobases. Turn any topic into a flashcard deck and review with smart, spaced practice that focuses on the cards you find hardest. Quiz & Progress Practice across biochemistry, genetics, evolution, cell biology, development, and science history in a dedicated quiz area. Track improvement with success rates and per-topic stats, and let the app resurface your weak questions for targeted review. Keep a daily streak going to build a steady habit. Got a good question? Submit it directly from the app. Built-in Tools Sequence Operator: paste DNA, reverse or complement it, transcribe to RNA, translate in all six reading frames, and view length, GC content, and melting temperature. Codon Picker: explore the genetic code, see which codons map to each amino acid or stop signal, and tweak bases to see the effect. Triplet Encoder: write a message in amino-acid single-letter code and encode it as a DNA triplet sequence, then decode it by translation. Found a bug or have suggestions? Email info@codon-one.com - we read every message.
Science Practical Simulator
This app provides interactive simulations for science practicals, guiding users through each step with clear instructions and equipment identification. It's designed for revision, offering method quizzes and progress tracking to help students prepare for exams and develop essential lab skills.
- Step-by-step practical guidance
- Equipment identification ('highlight ID')
- Method quizzes after each practical
- Progress tracking and completion counts
- Unlimited revision attempts
- Adjustable background colors for dyslexia
- Expandable instructions for visual impairment
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Key Features • LEARN Be taken through each of the practicals step-by-step with easy to read instructions, featuring 'highlight ID' which identifies the pieces of equipment. • REVISE The main purpose of the Science Practical Simulator is to help revise for science exams. Go over what has been taught in class and test yourself with the method quiz after each practical. The practicals within the app have been created based on the suggested practicals for most exam boards. • IMPROVE Easily keep track of their progress and have something to show for your work as the app counts completions and displays the number within the topic lists pages. Unlimited attempts allow for you to keep coming back to look over things! Gain the valuable skills needed for when you're in the practical lesson. Practicals included: Biology - Enzymes, Reaction Time, Photosynthesis, Osmosis, Microscopy, Field Investigations, Food Tests Physics - Specific Heat Capacity, I-V Characteristics, Resistance, Density, Waves, Acceleration, Force and Extension, Radiation and Absorption Chemistry - Electrolysis, Temperature Changes, Chromatography, Water Purification, Rates of Reaction, Making Salts Accessibility We have taken into consideration the need for different colour backgrounds to accommodate those who have Dyslexia. You can change the background colour on the settings page. Choose from six different colours and select which is best for you. We have also included a feature for those with visual impairment. You can choose to have the instructions on the board expand as you press and hold on the area. Just tick the 'Zoom board on press' box in settings.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Codon One at 76% against Science Practical Simulator's 8%. Codon One also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months). Science Practical Simulator's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
Both are free to download. Codon One sells 7 one-off in-app purchases and Science Practical Simulator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Codon One ships an update every 3 weeks, Science Practical Simulator every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Codon One | Science Practical Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (24 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 76.5% of reviews — better | 8.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 24 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 277 MB | 59 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Daniel Gebert | Science Practical Simulator ltd |
Customer experience
Codon One
Science Practical Simulator
In-app purchases
Codon One
- Module 1: Chemistry of LifeFree
- Module 2: Genetics$2.99
- Module 3: Evolution$2.99
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- Module 4: Science History$2.99
- Module 5: Cell Biology$2.99
- Module 6: Development$2.99
- Unlock All$8.99
Science Practical Simulator
- Full Simulator Access$0.99
Questions
Is Codon One free?
Is Science Practical Simulator free?
Do Codon One or Science Practical Simulator have ads?
Which is updated more often, Codon One or Science Practical Simulator?
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