Comparison

SmashX QC vs Compass Retro

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

Head to head
About

SmashX QC

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SmashX QC assists when color management and stability is a key factor in your business. QC is a sturdy Color Control tool for remote and quick color checks. It enables you or your brand user to check, compare and reproduce color on the fly. Preload QC with your color standards for reference or simply compare batch to batch. Even load your color formula book for instant production of any close match.

About

Compass Retro

Experience a photorealistic retro compass that transforms your device into an intuitive navigation tool. It offers a full-screen analog display with smooth needle alignment to true north. Choose between light and dark themes for a visually appealing experience.

Highlights
  • Full-screen photorealistic display
  • Smooth true north alignment
  • Intuitive analog instrument feel
  • Light and dark theme support
  • Purpose-built for reliable navigation
Features
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A full-screen, photo-realistic retro compass fills your display, recreating the look and feel of a classic analog instrument. When you hold your device flat, the needle smoothly aligns to true north, turning your phone into a dedicated, intuitive navigation tool. The app supports both light and dark themes, each with its own carefully crafted photograph: in light mode, the compass rests in bright, daytime lighting; in dark mode, it's bathed in the warm glow of an evening sunset. This app is purpose-built for one thing only-being a beautiful, reliable compass-with no extra screens, menus, or distracting features.

Screenshots

SmashX QC4 screens
Compass Retro4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SmashX QC at none against Compass Retro's 1. SmashX QC also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). Compass Retro's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 19 months). On price and device support 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. Compass Retro sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SmashX QC asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SmashX QC ships an update every 19 months, Compass Retro every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SmashX QC versus Compass Retro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmashX QCCompass Retro
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 19 monthsEvery 8 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB36 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSmashX B.V.akira ohmachi

In-app purchases

None

SmashX QC

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Compass Retro

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$1.99

Questions

Is SmashX QC free?
SmashX QC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Compass Retro free?
Compass Retro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SmashX QC or Compass Retro have ads?
Compass Retro shows ads; SmashX QC does not.
Which is updated more often, SmashX QC or Compass Retro?
SmashX QC ships an update every 19 months, and Compass Retro every 8 days. Most recently, SmashX QC was updated on November 7, 2026 and Compass Retro on November 3, 2026.

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