# Mathemagics vs Algebra I Quick Reference

The clearest difference is update cadence: Mathemagics at every 5 months against Algebra I Quick Reference's every 36 months. Mathemagics also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Algebra I Quick Reference's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $2.99). On ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Mathemagics costs $2.99 and Algebra I Quick Reference $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Mathemagics ships an update every 5 months, Algebra I Quick Reference every 36 months. The most recent releases landed on August 28, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mathemagics | Algebra I Quick Reference |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **$0.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (78 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathemagics-algebra-practice/id500955086/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **78** | — |
| Positive reviews | 85.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 36 months |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 29 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Blue Lightning Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/306586850) | [Ventura Educational Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/371324172) |

## What reviewers say

### Mathemagics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathemagics-algebra-practice/id500955086)

Master algebra with rare, lightning-fast calculation techniques. Learn through animated lessons and practice with endless, randomly generated problems. Prepare for standardized tests and improve mental math skills.

**Highlights:** Learn rare algebra techniques, Animated step-by-step lessons, Practice with random questions, Gain achievements, Improve calculation speed, Test preparation for SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🧠 Effective mental math tricks and shortcuts
- 📚 Clear, easy-to-follow step-by-step lessons
- ⚡ Helps improve calculation speed significantly
- 🎓 Great for test prep (GMAT, SAT, MCAT)
- 🎮 Fun and engaging learning experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔤 Font too small and hard to read
- 🎨 Poor color contrast (light grey on grid paper)
- 🐛 Crashes on older devices (iPhone 4S)
- ⚠️ Limited content - only about 10 tricks
- 📖 Not suitable for complete beginners

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPhone 4S after update
- Lesson steps disappear after updates
- Lessons fail to load or load incompletely
- Incorrect answers in practice problems (10% and 1% calculations)
- Wrong answer choices for basic calculations

**Requested features**

- Explanations of why tricks work mathematically
- More advanced equation types and variations
- Scrap paper or writing area for practice problems
- Ability to input custom numbers for real-life practice
- iCloud sync across devices


### Algebra I Quick Reference

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra-i-quick-reference/id560359498)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mathemagics free?

Mathemagics costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Algebra I Quick Reference free?

Algebra I Quick Reference costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Mathemagics or Algebra I Quick Reference have ads?

Neither Mathemagics nor Algebra I Quick Reference shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mathemagics or Algebra I Quick Reference?

Mathemagics ships an update every 5 months, and Algebra I Quick Reference every 36 months. Most recently, Mathemagics was updated on August 28, 2026 and Algebra I Quick Reference on September 18, 2026.

---

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