Comparison

SAM Root vs PhotonAI

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

Head to head
About

SAM Root

Learn programming through interactive robotics with three progressive coding levels, from graphical blocks to Python 3. Control robots in real-time or test your code with a built-in 3D simulator.

Highlights
  • Three progressive coding levels
  • Graphical blocks to Python 3
  • Real-time robot control
  • Built-in 3D simulator
  • Seamless level switching
  • Bluetooth robot pairing
Read full description

SAM Root makes it easy and fun to learn programming through hands-on robotics! With three progressive coding levels—from graphical blocks to hybrid blocks to Python 3 syntax—you’ll be building real coding skills and controlling robots in no time. MASTER CODING WITH 3 LEARNING LEVELS No coding experience? No problem! SAM Root meets you where you are and grows with your skills: - LEVEL 1: Graphical Blocks – Start with drag-and-drop, graphical blocks to grasp the fundamentals of coding logic—no reading required. - LEVEL 2: Hybrid Blocks – Transition into more advanced coding structure with blocks that blend visuals and coding script. - LEVEL 3: Python Code Blocks – Discover the structure and syntax of professional coding languages with full-text Python 3 code blocks. SEAMLESSLY SWITCH BETWEEN LEVELS Change coding levels anytime with a tap. SAM Root automatically converts your code, so you can match your skill level and learn the professional Python syntax behind each block. CONNECT TO ROOT ROBOTS Pair with a Root coding robot via Bluetooth and bring your programs to life! Control movement, lights, sounds, sensors, and more—while watching your code run in real time. TEST WITH THE BUILT-IN SIMULATOR Use the built-in 3D simulator to test your programs, speed up execution, and try new ideas—all without needing hardware.

About

PhotonAI

Features
Read full description

Curiosity and the will to explore the unknown are some of our biggest strengths. By discovering new technologies, we open new possibilities and transform the world. Bring the future to your classroom with the Photon AI Discovery Kit.

Screenshots

SAM Root4 screens
PhotonAI3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: SAM Root at 13.0 against PhotonAI's 15.5. On price, update cadence, 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

SAM Root ships an update monthly, PhotonAI every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
SAM Root versus PhotonAI: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSAM RootPhotonAI
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (42 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings42 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.5
Further details — not scored
Size92 MB231 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSAM LabsPhoton Entertainment sp. z o.o.

In-app purchases

None

SAM Root

No in-app purchases

None

PhotonAI

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SAM Root free?
SAM Root is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PhotonAI free?
PhotonAI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SAM Root or PhotonAI have ads?
Neither SAM Root nor PhotonAI shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SAM Root or PhotonAI?
SAM Root ships an update monthly, and PhotonAI every 6 weeks. Most recently, SAM Root was updated on September 22, 2026 and PhotonAI on October 3, 2026.

Other comparisons