# First Phrases vs Elphinstone

The clearest difference is review sentiment: First Phrases at 94% against Elphinstone's 14%. First Phrases also leads on rating (4.2 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (13 vs 1). Elphinstone's advantage is price (Free vs $15.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Elphinstone is free to download; First Phrases costs $15.99 up front. First Phrases sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Elphinstone asks for nothing beyond the download.

First Phrases holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: First Phrases has 13 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of First Phrases's written reviews are positive against 14% of Elphinstone's.

First Phrases ships an update every 4 months, Elphinstone every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | First Phrases | Elphinstone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $15.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases/id473894018/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elphinstone/id1189629401/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **93.8% of reviews** | 14.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 612 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hamaguchi Learning & Development, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/460288922) | [School District No. 46](https://appshunter.io/developer/1460689913) |

## What reviewers say

### First Phrases

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases/id473894018)

This interactive app helps young children learn to combine words into meaningful phrases. It features animated characters performing actions and allows for recording and playback to aid language development. Ideal for speech therapy and early literacy support.

**Highlights:** 72 verb + noun phrase combinations, Animated characters performing actions, Record and playback speech, Group setting for multiple users, Data collection and reporting, Visual support for learning

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| In-app purchase | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Engaging animations
- 👍 Effective for speech therapy
- 👍 Customizable settings
- 👍 Good for language development
- 👍 Interactive learning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy after updates
- 🐛 Screen share disconnects
- 💰 In-app purchases for characters
- 💰 Price considered high by some
- 🐛 App crashes frequently

**Reported bugs**

- Screen share disconnects during animations
- App crashes frequently
- Settings do not save
- Words do not flip to show phrases after update
- App not working after new iPad purchase (resolved)

**Requested features**

- Store recordings for progress tracking
- Add more phrases
- Allow more student profiles
- Save multiple recordings
- Repeat targeted phrase with icons on all pages


### Elphinstone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elphinstone/id1189629401)

Stay informed with the official mobile app for Elphinstone Secondary School. Receive timely updates on school closures, events, and important news directly from teachers and the school administration. Access calendars, resources, and contact information conveniently.

**Highlights:** Subscribe to teacher and school updates, Up-to-date event calendars, Push notifications for important news, Access school resources, Contact school via email/phone/navigation, Share school events

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is First Phrases free?

First Phrases costs $15.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Elphinstone free?

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

### Which has better reviews, First Phrases or Elphinstone?

First Phrases is rated higher. First Phrases averages 4.2 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Elphinstone averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do First Phrases or Elphinstone have ads?

Neither First Phrases nor Elphinstone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, First Phrases or Elphinstone?

First Phrases ships an update every 4 months, and Elphinstone every 2 months. Most recently, First Phrases was updated on October 23, 2026 and Elphinstone on October 20, 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.*