# Smart Mahjong vs Shadowverse

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Smart Mahjong at none against Shadowverse's 12. Smart Mahjong also leads on review sentiment (60% vs 35%) and rating (4.0 vs 3.8). Shadowverse's advantage is ratings volume (1.2K vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shadowverse sells 12 one-off in-app purchases. Smart Mahjong asks for nothing beyond the download.

Smart Mahjong holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadowverse has 1.2K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Smart Mahjong's written reviews are positive against 35% of Shadowverse's.

Smart Mahjong ships an update every 3 weeks, Shadowverse every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart Mahjong | Shadowverse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-mahjong/id1621669217/reviews)** | [3.8 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowverse-worlds-beyond/id6472019540/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **60.0% of reviews** | 35.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 45 MB | 608 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [KAZUYA KIMURA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1455105273) | [Cygames, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/561598806) |

## What reviewers say

### Smart Mahjong

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-mahjong/id1621669217)

Instantly calculate Mahjong scores by scanning tiles with your camera. View yaku, han, and fu to understand scoring mechanics. This app is continuously updated based on user feedback.

**Highlights:** Camera-based tile recognition, Instant score calculation, Displays yaku, han, and fu, Score learning tool, User feedback integration

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Shadowverse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowverse-worlds-beyond/id6472019540)

Engage in strategic card battles with a new super-evolution mechanic and a compelling story. Collect cards, customize decks across seven classes, and connect with other players in a vibrant community.

**Highlights:** Super-evolution mechanic, Strategic card battles, Daily free card packs, Seven unique classes, Full-voice acted story, Shadowverse Park community, Deck customization

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 60 Crystals | $1.19 | one-time |
| First Farer Legendary Box | $1.59 | one-time |
| First Farer Box | $1.59 | one-time |
| 220 Crystals | $3.99 | one-time |
| 450 Crystals | $7.99 | one-time |
| Crystals + Card Style Bundle | $15.99 | one-time |
| 920 Crystals | $15.99 | one-time |
| Starter Bundle | $15.99 | one-time |
| 1400 Crystals | $23.99 | one-time |
| 2350 Crystals | $39.99 | one-time |
| Deckboost Bundle | $39.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Crystals | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Gorgeous artwork
- 🎮 Fun and engaging gameplay
- 👍 Familiar and welcoming to Shadowverse fans

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Overly expensive monetization model
- 🔒 Restrictive card liquefaction system
- 🏆 Lack of F2P-friendly progression

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and compatibility issues on certain devices
- Matchmaking problems with self-declared 'beginners'

**Requested features**

- More ways to earn in-game currency
- Improved card economy and crafting system
- Expanded game modes and content


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smart Mahjong free?

Smart Mahjong is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Shadowverse free?

Shadowverse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Smart Mahjong or Shadowverse?

Smart Mahjong is rated higher. Smart Mahjong averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Shadowverse averages 3.8 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do Smart Mahjong or Shadowverse have ads?

Both Smart Mahjong and Shadowverse show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Smart Mahjong or Shadowverse?

Smart Mahjong ships an update every 3 weeks, and Shadowverse every 2 weeks. Most recently, Smart Mahjong was updated on October 9, 2026 and Shadowverse on October 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*