Comparison

TheDLA vs Evolution

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

Head to head
About

TheDLA

Explore pattern formation in nature with this app. It visualizes Diffusion Limited Aggregation, allowing you to create unique, complex dendritic patterns. Experiment with different interactions to generate artistic and scientific designs.

Highlights
  • Visualize Diffusion Limited Aggregation
  • Create complex dendritic patterns
  • Interactive pattern generation
  • Color selection for branches
  • Export images to photo library, Twitter, Facebook
  • GIF animation export
  • Face detection for particle placement
Features
Read full description

TheDLA Cool Science! TheDLA gives you an essence of pattern formation mechanism in nature. Also, it makes very unique attractive images for you. I wrote a brief description about DLA pattern and TheDLA app in following URL. Please read it! https://sites.google.com/site/dueyama/home/thedla “The DLA” stands for ‘The Diffusion Limited Aggregation’, and it is one of the simplest models that makes complex dendritic pattern. Now, we are talking about Science. You see, there are two types of particles on the field. One is the free particle that moves randomly. Another is the fixed particle that does not move. The free particle attaches to cluster of the fixed particles when it reaches around them. Such a simple pattern forming mechanism builds the attractive complex patterns and this very scientific system is applied for you to have funny hairy nose. But first of all, please check the usage. So, you will be able to enjoy not just hairy nose, but the various patterns YOU are going to create. It is quite amazing that such randomness sometimes create forms and patterns you can find only in nature. Please enjoy the patterns and think why such dendritic patterns appear. If you would like to search the web, keywords may be “DLA” and “Dendrite”. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffusion-limited_aggregation To start with, there is a single fixed particle at the center of the field when you start. Usage: - Double tap: Put the fixed particles at the point. The size is possible to change in the setting. - Single tap: Remove the fixed particle at the point. - 2 fingers double tap: Remove all fixed particles from the field + etc. - 2 fingers pan: Pan the field. - Long pressed pan: Draw fixed particles like a pen. - Long pressed pan after a tap: Eraser. - You can chose color to paint the branches. - A “g” button toggles the acceleration sensor of the device (only for the device that has the acceleration sensor). The free particles drift to the direction of the gravity. - Can export the image to the photo library, Twitter and Facebook. In addition, the face detection technology in iOS is used to put the fixed particles on eyes position in the photo. When you are in the Anim mode, exporting the image to the photo library make a GIF anim. So, enjoy patterns! Enjoy science!

About

Evolution

Explore a 2D world where creatures evolve through natural selection. This simulator allows you to experiment with settings and observe how genomes influence adaptation. Witness the fascinating process of evolution in action.

Highlights
  • 2D natural selection simulation
  • Neural network-powered creatures
  • Genome-defined creature behavior
  • Experiment with evolutionary settings
  • Observe creature adaptation
Features
Read full description

Evolution is a natural selection simulator in a 2D world. Each creature is powered by a neural network defined by its genome. Experiment with settings and watch as creatures evolve to adapt. _______ Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula

Screenshots

TheDLA2 screens
Evolution3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: TheDLA at Free against Evolution's $1.99. TheDLA also leads on iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.0). Evolution's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 3 months). On ads, in-app purchases 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

TheDLA is free to download; Evolution costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TheDLA ships an update every 3 months, Evolution every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
TheDLA versus Evolution: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTheDLAEvolution
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating4.3 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaishin UeyamaSeungwoo Choe

Customer experience

TheDLA

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative0.0%

Evolution

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

TheDLA

No in-app purchases

None

Evolution

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TheDLA free?
TheDLA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Evolution free?
Evolution costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do TheDLA or Evolution have ads?
Neither TheDLA nor Evolution shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TheDLA or Evolution?
TheDLA ships an update every 3 months, and Evolution every 8 days. Most recently, TheDLA was updated on June 3, 2026 and Evolution on September 16, 2026.

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