i41CX+ vs DB48X
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
i41CX+
This advanced RPN scientific calculator offers workstation-class Computer Algebra System (CAS) capabilities, going beyond traditional replicas. It provides access to an extensive library of modules and programs, enhanced with iOS features, customizable skins, and iCloud support for seamless data management.
- RPN logic with 4-element stack
- Extensive memory registers
- Over 400 built-in functions
- Computer Algebra System (CAS)
- Virtual thermal printer/plotter
- Access to HP-41 module library
- Customizable skins and keyboard overlays
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i41CX+ is an advanced programmable and expandable RPN scientific calculator with a virtual thermal printer/plotter and workstation-class CAS capabilities that is far beyond a mere replica of the original. In addition to being functionally equivalent to the world-renowned HP-41CX and providing access to its entire library of modules and programs, i41CX+ is enhanced with iOS and hardware features, keyboard overlays, rich set of import and export capabilities, traditional and upbeat diverse set of skins, complete color control, iCloud support, and much more. The i41CX+ CAS is a full implementation of REDUCE. It's like having Mathematica or the computational engine of Wolfram Alpha in your pocket and, best of all, it runs natively so no internet connection is required. The CAS is fully programmable and provides the ability to reuse previous results in computations. Moreover, the CAS has full access to the calculator registers so it is possible to combine RPN programs with CAS programs. This is the finest and most powerful scientific/engineering/financial calculator for iOS devices bar none. CALCULATOR FEATURES: • RPN logic with a 4 element deep memory stack • 319 main and 600 extended memory registers • Over 400 built-in functions, including over 100 functions created specifically for i41CX+ • Time, calendar, alarm, and stopwatch functions • Four module ports provide access to HP-41 expansion pacs • Rich set of functions and algorithms: numerical, mathematical, statistical, complex, matrix, numerical integration, curve fitting, solutions to equations, and much more • Powerful, flexible, and programmable Computer Algebra System (CAS) supporting symbolic, arbitrary precision, scalar, vector and matrix algebra calculations, 2D/3D plotting, and much more • Full-screen text editor with configurable font style and size, color scheme, a user configurable macro keyboard, and a numerical keyboard • Access to the entire HP-41 library of solutions for science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, business, financial, surveying, medicine, real estate, and many other domains • Programmable - virtually unlimited number of lines • User definable keyboard • Ability to operate the calculator using a Bluetooth keyboard • Device integration: external display mirroring, copy and paste, in-app mail, system keyboard, GPS, accelerometer, digital compass, time and date synchronization, AirPrint, and much more • Virtually unlimited data and program storage capacity using the device's flash memory for local storage • Import/export data, programs, overlays, modules, etc. via the web, email, and iTunes file sharing • iCloud syncing of files and preference settings • iOS 8 Notification Center widget • 43 available keyboard overlays and support for user created overlays • Sound support including synthetic tones and interface sounds • Support for calculator skins and optional mini stack display • Adjustable calculator speed, sound volume, and display colors • Usage & Examples table with usage tips and examples • Quick Reference Guide of all built-in functions • CAS Quick Reference with all built-in functions, operators, switches, and packages • Beautiful and clean user interface PRINTER FEATURES: • Support for printing, plotting, graphics, and special characters • User configurable and programmable print color • Export printer output via email, clipboard, or AirPrint • Ability to save a JPEG image of the paper roll to the device's photo album *********************************************************** A comprehensive FAQ and Mini-Manual are available at http://alsoftiphone.com/i41CXplus. Please don't hesitate to use the "Contact Us" link there if you cannot find the answers or information that you seek. Thank you.
DB48X
This advanced scientific calculator offers arbitrary precision computations, RPN and algebraic operations, and extensive graphing capabilities. It supports complex numbers, matrices, symbolic calculations, and over 1000 built-in functions, inspired by the HP48 series.
- Arbitrary precision computations
- RPN and algebraic operations
- Complex numbers, vectors, and matrices
- Symbolic computations and numerical solving
- Graphing and plotting
- Engineering units and currency conversion
- Built-in hyperlinked help system
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DB48X is a new high-precision scientific calculator inspired by the legendary HP48 series from Hewlett-Packard. It is not an emulator, but a redesign from scratch, which is faster, and delivers never seen before capabilities like computations in arbitrary precision. Like the original HP48, DB48X supports an unlimited stack, RPN and algebraic operations, complex numbers, based numbers, vectors, matrices, text, symbolic computations, numerical solving and integration, graphing and plotting, statistics, engineering units, and well over 1000 built-in functions. DB48X adds several HP50G capabilities, including a library of equations and constants covering mathematics, physics or chemistry. Using modern technologies, DB48X goes well beyond the original HP48 in many ways: - It is significantly faster, uses less memory, and features a higher-resolution 240x400 pixels graphical display. - Integer and decimal values can have an arbitrarily large number of digits, so you can compute log(pi) with 200 digits in a few keystrokes. - The six function keys feature up to three function per key, giving quick access to up to 18 related functions at a time. - Complex numbers can mix and match polar and rectangular form. - Symbolic operations extend to complex numbers, vectors and matrices. - Based numbers can be in any base from 2 to 36, and support any number of bits, making it easy to emulate a 23-bit or 512-bit processor. - Text is represented using Unicode instead of the proprietary HP encoding, facilitating data exchange with the rest of the world. - Multiple graphs can be distinguished using bitmap patterns (DB50X adds the ability to use colors) - Engineering units include all the modern evolutions of the SI system, and can be configured by the user, e.g. to integrate currency units with the exchange rate du jour. Converting between USD/hour and EUR/day has never been so easy! - A built-in hyperlinked help system documents functions simply by holding the corresponding key, and combine a quick start guide, a user manual and a reference manual. DB48X will run many user RPL programs as is. However, since it is not an emulator, it will not run any HP binary object, and notably will not run HP48 games or anything involving system RPL. DB48X is part of a family of compatible RPL calculators that include the free DB40X and the color DB50X.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: DB48X at $4.99 against i41CX+'s $24.99. DB48X also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 91%). i41CX+'s advantage is ratings volume (106 vs 4). On rating, update cadence, ads 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
i41CX+ costs $24.99 and DB48X $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for i41CX+ against 4.8 for DB48X. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: i41CX+ has 106 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 91% of i41CX+'s written reviews are positive against 100% of DB48X's.
i41CX+ ships an update every 5 weeks, DB48X every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | i41CX+ | DB48X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 | $4.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.8 (106 ratings) | 4.8 (4 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 91.3% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 106 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 123 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Antonio Lagana | Christophe de Dinechin |
Customer experience
i41CX+
DB48X
Bugs and requests
i41CX+
Reported bugs
2 issues- Issues with the 41Z math module producing garbled output
- Scaling problems with overlays
Requested features
4 requests- Landscape mode for better button size
- Haptic feedback for button presses
- Ability to load and save programs/modules via cloud/email
- Macros or scripting support
DB48X
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
i41CX+
No in-app purchases
DB48X
No in-app purchases









