Simple Shell vs Dumb Phone
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Simple Shell
This utility app offers a secure and efficient SSH client for iOS devices. It provides a cost-effective alternative for remote terminal access, based on an open-source project.
- SSH client functionality
- Mosh protocol support
- Remote terminal access
- Cost-effective alternative
- iOS compatibility
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This project is a clone of shell application for iOS by Nicolas Holzschuch, https://github.com/holzschu/blink It is created to provide lower cost version of the ssh client for iPhone and iPad with older iOS versions
Dumb Phone
Transform your iPhone into a distraction-free launcher with customizable widgets and retro themes. Quickly access your favorite apps and enjoy a cleaner, more focused mobile experience. Unlock premium features for unlimited apps and advanced customization.
- Distraction-free interface
- Customizable widget layouts
- Retro-inspired design themes
- Quick app access
- Premium customization options
- Unlimited apps (Pro)
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Transform your iPhone into a minimalist powerhouse with MakeRetro - the ultimate widget-based launcher. KEY FEATURES: • Clean, distraction-free interface • Customizable widget layouts • Retro-inspired design themes • Quick app access • Premium customization options PERFECT FOR: • Minimalism enthusiasts • Productivity-focused users • Anyone wanting a cleaner iPhone experience Get Pro to unlock: • Unlimited apps • Advanced themes • Custom layouts • Premium wallpapers Download MakeRetro today and rediscover the joy of simplicity.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Dumb Phone at 100% against Simple Shell's 0%. Dumb Phone also leads on price (Free vs $1.99) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 40 months). Simple Shell's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On 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
Dumb Phone is free to download; Simple Shell costs $1.99 up front. Dumb Phone sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Simple Shell asks for nothing beyond the download.
Simple Shell ships an update every 40 months, Dumb Phone every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Simple Shell | Dumb Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 40 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 19 MB | 17 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | ASHER SYED | ONE SML LAB PTE. LTD. |
Customer experience
Simple Shell
Dumb Phone
In-app purchases
Simple Shell
No in-app purchases
Dumb Phone
- MakeRetro Pro$9.99
Questions
Is Simple Shell free?
Is Dumb Phone free?
Do Simple Shell or Dumb Phone have ads?
Which is updated more often, Simple Shell or Dumb Phone?
Other comparisons
