Comparison

Smartcard Reader vs iExpand

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

Head to head
About

Smartcard Reader

Features
Read full description

The new App named iReader App which supports all Feitian mobile readers on iOS, here is a list: iR301, bR301, bR301BLE, bR500 https://www.ftsafe.com/Products/reader iReader App support to communication with this reader with your card, contactless and contact card. also, it takes private functions for readers, like get the serial number, reader ID, Bluetooth ID, reader name, model name, manufacturer and so on. The iReader App is a reference App, which shows you how to use our API through reader do communication with your card and get your data from the card. based on this reference App, you can be based on our code to write your own App, for example, you can integrate card reader with your solution, to do payment, authentication, identification, and private network access. Technical reminder: iR301 and bR301 reader using the same SDK under iOS, since they are both accordances with iAP1 and iAP2 protocol which made by Apple, both using the External Accessory Framework. So you will need to add below protocol string into your App. External Accessory Protocol: - com.ftsafe.iR301 - com.ftsafe.bR301 bR301BLE and bR500 using Bluetooth Smart technology, apply Bluetooth 4.0 interface as a communication channel to connect with Phones. You can find the source code from Github, link below: https://github.com/FeitianSmartcardReader/FEITIAN_MOBILE_READERS Other comments: 1. The iReader App only support one reader 2. Auto Pair only work for bR301BLE and bR500, since these device using Bluetooth Smart technology 3. To export the App log, please using iTunes export the log, the log will help us to check your issues with your reader and cards.

About

iExpand

This utility app allows users to read data from microSD cards via a Lightning connector. It supports backing up contacts and copying pictures, functioning as an external storage reader for compatible devices.

Highlights
  • MicroSD card reader functionality
  • Lightning connector compatibility
  • Contact backup
  • Picture copying
  • External data reading
Features
Read full description

iExpand-Plus is an operated software of microSD card reader,which is made for Lightning connector.Working with external device,except traditional data reading function,it also can be used for reading data,backup contacts and copying pictures etc.

Screenshots

Smartcard Reader4 screens
iExpand4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: iExpand at 8.0 against Smartcard Reader's 11.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smartcard Reader ships an update every 2 months, iExpand every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 7 level
Smartcard Reader versus iExpand: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmartcard ReaderiExpand
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviewsβ€”0.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetizationβ€”Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.08.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size3 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFEITIAN Technologies Co.,Ltd.Shenzhen Reflying Electronic Co., Ltd

In-app purchases

None

Smartcard Reader

No in-app purchases

None

iExpand

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Smartcard Reader free?
Smartcard Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is iExpand free?
iExpand is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Smartcard Reader or iExpand have ads?
Neither Smartcard Reader nor iExpand shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Smartcard Reader or iExpand?
Smartcard Reader ships an update every 2 months, and iExpand every 6 weeks. Most recently, Smartcard Reader was updated on October 11, 2026 and iExpand on October 12, 2026.

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