Comparison

Smartcard Reader vs FixIT Frank

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — 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

FixIT Frank

Get patient, step-by-step tech support over the phone for your devices. This helper guides you through common issues with clear, simple instructions and remembers your past interactions. Share photos of problems for visual assistance.

Highlights
  • On-demand phone support
  • Step-by-step guidance
  • Device and conversation history
  • Written summaries and checklists
  • Photo sharing for troubleshooting
  • Support for various devices and tech
Features
Read full description

Meet Frank -- your friendly, patient tech helper who's just a phone call away. Having trouble with your WiFi? Can't figure out your printer? Not sure how to set up that new tablet? Just call Frank. He listens carefully, asks simple questions, and walks you through each step in plain language. No confusing menus. No long hold times. Just a calm, helpful voice ready to guide you. Here's how it works: tap the big green "Call Frank" button and start talking. Describe what's going on in your own words -- Frank will figure out the rest. He'll give you step-by-step instructions you can follow at your own pace, and he'll wait patiently while you try each one. What makes Frank special: - He remembers your devices and past conversations, so you never have to explain everything from scratch - After every call, you get a written summary and checklist you can refer back to anytime - He knows his way around WiFi routers, printers, phones, tablets, computers, TVs, email, and more - He adapts to your comfort level -- whether you're a complete beginner or just need a quick pointer - You can share photos of error messages or confusing screens, and Frank will look at them with you - He's available whenever you need him -- mornings, evenings, weekends Start with 20 free minutes -- no credit card needed. Just sign in and call. Frank was built with one goal in mind: to give you the confidence to handle technology on your own terms. No judgment. No rush. Just friendly, reliable help whenever you need it. --- Frank Pro Monthly subscription: $14.99/month, includes 150 minutes per month. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions. Terms of Use: https://frank-app.net/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://frank-app.net/privacy.html

Screenshots

Smartcard Reader4 screens
FixIT Frank4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Smartcard Reader at none against FixIT Frank's 4. Smartcard Reader also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.1). FixIT Frank's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads 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

Both are free to download. FixIT Frank sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Smartcard Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smartcard Reader ships an update every 2 months, FixIT Frank every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Smartcard Reader versus FixIT Frank: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmartcard ReaderFixIT Frank
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB60 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperFEITIAN Technologies Co.,Ltd.PAUL CORRIVEAU

In-app purchases

None

Smartcard Reader

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

FixIT Frank

Subscriptions1
  • Pro Monthly$14.991 Month
One-time3
  • 20 Minutes$3.99
  • 45 Minutes$5.99
  • 90 Minutes$9.99

Questions

Is Smartcard Reader free?
Smartcard Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is FixIT Frank free?
FixIT Frank is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Smartcard Reader or FixIT Frank have ads?
Neither Smartcard Reader nor FixIT Frank shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Smartcard Reader or FixIT Frank?
Smartcard Reader ships an update every 2 months, and FixIT Frank every 3 weeks. Most recently, Smartcard Reader was updated on October 27, 2026 and FixIT Frank on October 31, 2026.

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