Recon vs SOS Emergency Light
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Recon
Capture accurate 3D data using photogrammetry and your device's lidar sensor. Process data locally for privacy or in the cloud. Includes optional scaling with April Tags and exports in e57 format for further analysis.
- Photogrammetry and lidar fusion
- Cloud or on-device processing
- Optional April Tag scaling
- e57 format export
- Privacy-focused local processing
Read full descriptionHide full description
Recon-3D is a scanning application that fuses photogrammetry and the lidar sensor on the iPhone/iPad Pro. The data can be processed on the cloud or in case of sensitive data, directly on the device only with no data transmitted over the internet. The app provides optional scaling via April Tags which immediately adjusts the scale of the 3D model to match real-world reference measurements. The data can be exported to other programs for inspection, analysis and visualization in e57 format. Privacy Policy: https://www.recon-3d.com/privacypolicy Terms of Use: https://www.recon-3d.com/termsandconditions
SOS Emergency Light
Read full descriptionHide full description
SOS Light is an emergency distress signaling app designed to transmit the internationally recognized SOS Morse code pattern using your device’s screen, flashlight, audio, or a combination of all three. Designed for roadside emergencies, hiking, camping, boating, outdoor recreation, power outages, and other situations where attracting attention may be important, SOS Light helps increase visibility by broadcasting a recognizable distress signal that may assist nearby individuals in locating you. Once activated, SOS Light can automatically transmit the SOS distress pattern using: • Device screen signaling • LED flashlight signaling • Optional SOS audio playback • Or all methods simultaneously Features: • Automated SOS Morse code transmission • Synchronized screen and LED distress signaling • Optional SOS emergency audio playback • One-tap emergency activation • Continuous emergency beacon broadcasting • Minimal emergency-focused interface • Dark mode optimized design • Designed for rapid activation during emergencies SOS Light is intentionally designed as a dedicated emergency signaling tool rather than a traditional flashlight app. The visual and audio outputs are timed to automatically transmit the internationally recognized SOS distress signal. Important Safety Information SOS Light is not a communication device and does not contact emergency services, search and rescue organizations, law enforcement, medical providers, satellite networks, or any third-party monitoring service. The app cannot send messages, place phone calls, transmit your location, or guarantee that anyone will see, hear, or respond to its signals. Users should always hike, camp, boat, travel, and recreate responsibly. Before participating in outdoor activities, inform others of your plans, expected route, and estimated return time whenever possible. Carry appropriate safety equipment and reliable communication devices, such as a charged mobile phone, satellite communicator, personal locator beacon (PLB), emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), satellite phone, or other emergency communication equipment appropriate for your activity and location. SOS Light is intended only as a supplemental signaling aid and should not be relied upon as your sole means of communication, emergency notification, navigation, rescue coordination, or personal safety. Whether stranded roadside, injured outdoors, lost while hiking, experiencing a vehicle breakdown, or attempting to attract attention during an emergency, SOS Light provides a simple automated SOS signaling tool that may help improve visibility when every second counts.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Recon at Free against SOS Emergency Light's $0.29. SOS Emergency Light's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
Recon is free to download; SOS Emergency Light costs $0.29 up front. Recon sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $99.99 per month. SOS Emergency Light asks for nothing beyond the download.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Recon | SOS Emergency Light |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $0.29 |
| Rating | 4.8 (278 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 278 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 94 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Recon-3D Inc. | 405Media |
Bugs and requests
Recon
Reported bugs
7 issues- Program crashes when hitting save
- App requires update in rural areas without data
- Camera is laggy and slow to update screen after update
- Permission problems block app usage
- App shows 'Oops' screen asking for permission despite all permissions granted
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- Sign up process is not working
- Password recovery is not working
Requested features
1 request- Tool for measuring in the app
SOS Emergency Light
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Recon
- Recon3D One Month Subscription$99.991 Month
- Recon3D 1 Year Subscription$599.991 Year
- 5 Additional Uploads$49.99
- 10 Additional Uploads$79.99
- Recon3D 1 Year Subscription$299.99
SOS Emergency Light
No in-app purchases









