Comparison

Atkinson vs Trichromy

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

Head to head
About

Atkinson

This app processes photos using the Atkinson dithering algorithm, originally used for black and white displays on old Macintosh computers. It creates small file-sized images with options for square cropping, rounded corners, and white borders, offering a real-time preview of the effect.

Highlights
  • Atkinson dithering algorithm processing
  • Square photo output
  • Toggleable rounded corners
  • White border option
  • Real-time preview
Features
Read full description

Transform your photos with the iconic Atkinson dithering algorithm — the same technique used on the original Macintosh by Bill Atkinson. Create stunning retro-style images with a single tap. # What is Atkinson Dithering? Atkinson dithering was the algorithm behind the classic 1-bit graphics of early Macintosh computers. It converts photos i nto beautiful two-tone pixel patterns, producing images with a distinctive vintage charm and remarkably small file sizes. # Features - Real-time Atkinson dithering preview through your camera - 7 retro-tech color palettes: Terminal Green, Amber Monitor, Original Macintosh, Game Boy, Apple II Green, White Phospho r, and classic black & white - 5 iconic frames inspired by computing history: MacPaint, Classic Mac window, Terminal, White Frame, and frameless - Adjustable brightness control - Rounded corner option - Square photo output optimized for social media - Lightweight PNG output with tiny file sizes # Color Palettes Go beyond black and white. Choose from color palettes inspired by legendary displays — the green glow of VT100 terminals, the warm amber of IBM monitors, the creamy screen of the original Macintosh, and more. # Retro Frames Wrap your dithered photos in frames inspired by classic software. The MacPaint frame features pixel-perfect tool palettes and menu bars, just like Bill Atkinson's legendary paint program. The Classic Mac frame recreates the iconic window chrome of early Macintosh. # Perfect for - Retro and vintage photo enthusiasts - Pixel art lovers - Social media posts with a unique aesthetic - Anyone who appreciates the beauty of 1-bit graphics

About

Trichromy

Explore trichromatic photography with this unique camera app. Capture stunning color images by layering three monochromatic exposures, offering a distinctive visual style. Experiment with different timings and capture orders for psychedelic or subtle effects.

Highlights
  • Trichromatic photography capture
  • Layering of 3 monochromatic images
  • Adjustable delay between exposures
  • Individual colored shutter controls
  • Straightforward user interface
  • Historical photographic process exploration
Read full description

Discover and capture the ethereal beauty of trichromatic photography with this one of a kind camera app. Trichromy is the process of creating color images by combining 3 monochromatic images: typically red, blue, green. Because the exposures are taken at separate times, they layer in ways that range from subtle shimmers to utterly psychedelic. This app features a beautiful, straightforward interface that lets you experiment with trichromatic photography on your phone, no fancy equipment or complicated workflow required!  Use the main shutter to capture three successive exposures with a delay, which you can change with the slider. Or use the individual colored shutters to capture channels in any order and timing you want. This method of producing color images goes back to the 19th century and was one of the earliest. Notably, Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky used the trichromic process to document large swaths of early 20th century Russia. Lear more about the history of this little known photographic process on our website, trichromy.net !

Screenshots

Atkinson4 screens
Trichromy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Trichromy at 5.0 against Atkinson's 3.3. Trichromy also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (80% vs 71%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence 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. Atkinson sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Trichromy sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Trichromy holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 8 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Atkinson's written reviews are positive against 80% of Trichromy's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Atkinson ships an update monthly, Trichromy every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Atkinson versus Trichromy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAtkinsonTrichromy
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (6 ratings)5.0 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews80.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings68 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTsutomu KoyachiHéliographe, Inc

Customer experience

Atkinson

All ratings6 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral16.7%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%

Trichromy

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Atkinson

Subscriptions2
  • Standard Month$0.991 Month
  • Standard Year$9.991 Year
4 purchases

Trichromy

One-time4
  • Small Tip$4.99
  • Full Unlock$4.99
  • Medium Tip$9.99
Show 1 more
  • Large Tip$19.99

Questions

Is Atkinson free?
Atkinson is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Trichromy free?
Trichromy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Atkinson or Trichromy?
Trichromy is rated higher. Atkinson averages 3.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Trichromy averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.
Do Atkinson or Trichromy have ads?
Atkinson shows ads; Trichromy does not.
Which is updated more often, Atkinson or Trichromy?
Atkinson ships an update monthly, and Trichromy every 3 weeks. Most recently, Atkinson was updated on June 5, 2026 and Trichromy on September 18, 2026.

Other comparisons