Comparison

Retinal vs Horizontal Accelerometer

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

Head to head
About

Retinal

Features
Read full description

Not all displays for Mac are well suited to display the user interface in a non-scaled resolution. A pixel density of about 110 pixels per inch (PPI) for non-Retina, and about 220 PPI for Retina is comfortable for most people. Use Retinal to work out the pixel density of any display.

About

Horizontal Accelerometer

This tool measures real-time horizontal acceleration, deceleration, and lateral G-force for automobiles. It features color-coded zones and sounds for easy understanding while driving and can also be used for engineering education and evaluating structural rigidity.

Highlights
  • Real-time horizontal acceleration measurement
  • Measures deceleration and lateral G-force
  • Color zones and sound alerts for values
  • Calibration for accurate readings
  • Peak hold and max value tracking
  • Adjustable color zone thresholds and sound
Features
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“Horizontal Accelerometer” displays horizontal acceleration in real time and uses sound to indicate changes in acceleration. (Uses) • Automotive: Measures vehicle acceleration, deceleration, and lateral G-force. Color zones and sound make changes in acceleration easier to recognize while driving. • Table leg rigidity testing: Evaluate the rigidity of table legs by measuring acceleration. • Engineering education: Students can measure and experience acceleration firsthand, helping them understand the equations of motion. • Children’s toy: The Smooth mode of the Acceleration intensity sound feature, which changes sound according to acceleration, is a big hit with children! • Musical instrument: You can also use it as a musical instrument. Give it a try! (How to Use) 1. Secure the Device Secure your device (iPhone or iPad) to the object being measured. It does not need to be level. • Measuring vehicle acceleration: Secure the iPhone firmly to the dashboard at an angle that makes the screen easy to see. • Testing table leg rigidity: Place the iPhone on the tabletop. If it slides when you shake the table, secure it with tape or a similar material. • Using it as a toy: Hold it in your hand and move it around freely. 2. Calibration Tap “Calibration" button, then tap "Calibrate". The horizontal acceleration value will begin to appear. When measuring vehicle acceleration, perform calibration while the vehicle is stationary on a level road. 3. Acceleration intensity sound When Acceleration intensity sound is enabled, sound begins playing in response to acceleration as soon as the horizontal acceleration value starts being displayed. (Screen Display) • The number at the top of the screen shows the real-time horizontal acceleration value. • Peak Hold shows the peak horizontal acceleration value. It resets after the configured time has elapsed. • Max shows the maximum horizontal acceleration value. Tap Reset Max to reset it. • The acceleration value can change color to red or yellow according to the configured thresholds. (Sound) • Acceleration intensity sound can be turned on or off. You can choose between Smooth and Step modes for sound variation. • Sound can be played when the acceleration value changes color. • Adjust the volume using the iPhone’s volume buttons. Sound also stops when you close the app. (Calibration Dialog) Tap “Calibration" button on the main screen to open the Calibration dialog. • Run Calibration: Calibrates the device in its current mounted position. • Load Calibration: Loads a previously saved calibration. • Save Calibration: Saves the current calibration. (Settings Dialog) Tap “Settings" or "Settings / Remove Ads” button on the main screen to open the Settings dialog. • Settings: Opens the Settings screen. • Remove Ads & Add Features: Opens the in-app purchase screen. (Settings Screen) • Color zone (Value G or more): Set the color zone thresholds and turn color changes and sound on or off. • Peak hold time (s): Set how long the peak value is retained. • Harshness cut filter: Turn the Harshness Cut Filter on or off. Harshness refers to impact vibrations. • Desensitization (%): Set the percentage by which sensitivity is reduced. • Acceleration intensity sound: Turn the feature on or off and select Smooth or Step mode. • The values in parentheses to the right of each setting indicate the default values. (Notes) • Tilting the device also tilts the horizontal plane established during calibration, causing the acceleration value to change. • Do not look at or operate the device screen while driving. Secure the device and complete all necessary settings in a safe location before driving. • The developer assumes no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties which may arise from the use of this app. Terms of Use: This application is provided under the Apple Standard End User License Agreement (EULA). https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Retinal1 screens
Horizontal Accelerometer2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Retinal at none against Horizontal Accelerometer's 1. Retinal also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). Horizontal Accelerometer's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price 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. Horizontal Accelerometer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Retinal asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Retinal ships an update fortnightly, Horizontal Accelerometer every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 3 level
Retinal versus Horizontal Accelerometer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRetinalHorizontal Accelerometer
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Ad-supported
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNico RohrbachTakao Ichimura

In-app purchases

None

Retinal

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Horizontal Accelerometer

One-time1
  • Remove Ads & Add Features$5.99

Questions

Is Retinal free?
Retinal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Horizontal Accelerometer free?
Horizontal Accelerometer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Retinal or Horizontal Accelerometer have ads?
Horizontal Accelerometer shows ads; Retinal does not.
Which is updated more often, Retinal or Horizontal Accelerometer?
Retinal ships an update fortnightly, and Horizontal Accelerometer every 6 weeks. Most recently, Retinal was updated on October 27, 2026 and Horizontal Accelerometer on November 3, 2026.

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