Comparison

SAM Root vs Robotical

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

Robotical

Features
Read full description

====Important: This app requires an additional 30MB download after installation to access all features.===== The Robotical app is the new home for controlling and coding your Robotical devices. This app lets you connect, control, and code with both Marty the Robot and Cog in one seamless, hassle-free experience. Whether you are just getting started or expanding your Robotical setup, everything you need is now in one place. With built-in activities and a structured learning journey, the app makes it easy to move from first coding steps to more advanced projects. Key Features: Control Marty and Cog Connect and control both Marty the Robot and Cog directly from the app, with a smooth and intuitive interface. Built-in activities Get started quickly with guided activities designed to help you explore features, learn coding concepts, and build confidence. Designed for learning The app introduces coding concepts in a clear and accessible way, with a device-based approach that supports a structured learning progression without requiring prior experience. Blocks Jr offers a simple, visual introduction to coding, where you can control Marty and Cog alongside on screen sprites with simple icon-based blocks. Then students can move to Marty Controller to learn sequencing with Marty. And as learners progress, Blocks unlocks more advanced tools, allowing you to control multiple Marty and Cog devices, and explore AI and machine learning using sound, image, and gesture models. The Sensor Dashboard allows students to explore real-world data with Marty’s sensors. Cog Games adds a further layer of gamified learning, helping reinforce key concepts through play based challenges that encourage sustained engagement with STEM learning. Important Information: New app experience This is the latest Robotical app, offering improved performance, new features, and support for both Marty the Robot and Robotical Cog. The previous Robotical app is still available, but it is no longer being updated with new features. For the best experience, we recommend moving to this new app.

Screenshots

SAM Root4 screens
Robotical4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Robotical at fortnightly against SAM Root's monthly. SAM Root's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SAM Root ships an update monthly, Robotical fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
SAM Root versus Robotical: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSAM RootRobotical
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (42 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings42 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size92 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSAM LabsRobotical Ltd

In-app purchases

None

SAM Root

No in-app purchases

None

Robotical

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SAM Root free?
SAM Root is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Robotical free?
Robotical is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SAM Root or Robotical have ads?
Neither SAM Root nor Robotical shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SAM Root or Robotical?
SAM Root ships an update monthly, and Robotical fortnightly. Most recently, SAM Root was updated on September 7, 2026 and Robotical on September 21, 2026.

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