PQ Calc vs Patterns Mobile
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PQ Calc
Easily convert luminance levels (nits) to digital values and vice versa using the SMPTE ST 2084 (PQ) electro-optical transfer function. Supports various bit depths and ranges for professional video workflows.
- Bi-directional conversion
- Luminance (nit) to digital level
- Digital level to luminance (nit)
- Supports Full, SMPTE, SDI-Full ranges
- Calculations in float, percent, 8-16bit
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PQ Calc offers a quick and easy way to convert values along the SMPTE ST 2084 (PQ) electro-optical transfer function (EOTF). The app is bi-directional and will convert the luminance level (nit) to the digital level in Full, SMPTE, or SDI-Full range and vice versa. Calculations are available in float, percent, 8bit, 10bit, 12bit, and 16bit. To use, enter a value in either the "Level" field or the "Nits" field and choose your range. The application will then populate the other fields simultaneously-- it's that simple!
Patterns Mobile
This advanced generator supports HDR and color management for accurate image validation across various color spaces. It's designed to work with professional calibration software or independently for precise visual content creation and consumption.
- HDR support
- Color management compliant
- Fine Tune calibration
- Supports multiple color spaces
- Works with Calman software
- Remote control option
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Backed by Metal, Patterns™ is the world’s first generator to support HDR on iOS. It doesn’t stop there, Patterns™ is also color management compliant allowing for validation through the entire processing path and Fine Tune calibration on supporting devices. Patterns is best utilized when paired with Portrait Display's Calman(R) color calibration software. Without the program, Patterns may be used via in app menu or through Patterns Remote. With Calman software, calibration via Apple Fine Tune is made possible for supporting displays. For Calman, A valid Calman license and version 5.13.2 or later is required. Color accuracy starts here. Whether creating or consuming content, having an accurate image preserves the artists’ creative intent.. Photography, Visual Effects, Editing, Color Grading, Web Surfing, Gaming, ect. Color makes a difference. Patterns tests the system, not just the display. The app is designed to work in the color spaces you work in. While other solutions may test a single path, Patterns tests many; after all, your web browser may be in sRGB but that movie you’re color grading could be in P3-D65, ST 2084, so why would you only calibrate or test sRGB?
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: PQ Calc at $4.99 against Patterns Mobile's $59.99. PQ Calc also leads on chart position (#198 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (14.2 vs 16.0). On rating, ratings volume, 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
PQ Calc costs $4.99 and Patterns Mobile $59.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for PQ Calc against 5.0 for Patterns Mobile. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.
PQ Calc ships an update every 22 months, Patterns Mobile every 19 months. The most recent releases landed on September 4, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PQ Calc | Patterns Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 — better | $59.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | Every 19 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #198 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 14.2 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Avical | Portrait Displays, Inc. |
Customer experience
PQ Calc
Patterns Mobile
In-app purchases
PQ Calc
No in-app purchases
Patterns Mobile
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PQ Calc free?
Is Patterns Mobile free?
Which has better reviews, PQ Calc or Patterns Mobile?
Do PQ Calc or Patterns Mobile have ads?
Which is updated more often, PQ Calc or Patterns Mobile?
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