Comparison

SDK85 vs Pascal Playground

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

Head to head
About

SDK85

This app emulates the Intel SDK-85 System Design Kit, allowing users to program and execute 8085 machine code. It features a hexpad, seven-segment display, and a monitor program, with an optional TTY mode for more comfortable input.

Highlights
  • 8085 microprocessor emulation
  • Hexpad and seven-segment display UI
  • Monitor program for code entry/execution
  • TTY mode for serial terminal input
  • Code execution suspension to save battery
  • Play/pause button for resuming execution
Features
Read full description

An emulator of the SDK-85 System Design Kit issued by Intel in the mid-seventies. The kit featured an 8085 micro processor, some basic IO chips, and a UI comprised of a hexpad and a six-digit seven-segment display. There was also a ROM plugged onto the board which contained a monitor program to enter and execute machine code on the 8085. The app emulates an 8085 and executes the monitor (shippment granted by Intel as long as the app is free and educational). The original kit leveraged the serial IO pins of the 8085 to connect a TTY as a somewhat more comfortable alternative to the hexpad/ display UI used by the monitor on startup. A wipe-left gesture shifts in a simple terminal and the monitor switches to TTY mode. To use the app one needs to get a copy of the original SDK-85 System Design Kit User‘s Manual (ask Google) and work it thru. Some knowledge of the 8085 and its instruction set is helpful as well, and being a boomer nerd who loved to program micro computers when young (and still does) is key. Intel designed the monitor to run in a loop that keeps the CPU constantly busy (on a single thread). To prevent the battery from draining the app suspends executing after 15 seconds indicated by a slightly blurred display. Tapping the centered play-pause button resumes the monitor or any other program in execution. Timeout and a few other options can be changed in the app‘s entry in Settings.

About

Pascal Playground

Write and run Pascal code instantly on iOS devices without any setup. This app offers a focused programming experience inspired by the classic Turbo Pascal environment, featuring a distraction-free editor and built-in examples. It's designed for both experienced Pascal users and newcomers.

Highlights
  • Instant Pascal code execution
  • No setup required
  • Distraction-free editor
  • Offline code running
  • Built-in examples
  • Retro Turbo Pascal theme
Features
Read full description

Turbo Pascal, reimagined. Write and run Pascal code instantly, with no setup required. This app brings a clean, focused programming experience inspired by the classic Turbo Pascal environment, adapted for modern iOS. • Run Pascal code offline • Simple, distraction-free editor • Built-in examples to get started • Retro Turbo Pascal-inspired theme Whether you are revisiting Pascal or just curious to try it, everything works instantly. No accounts. No setup. Just code.

Screenshots

SDK854 screens
Pascal Playground4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SDK85 at none against Pascal Playground's 3. Pascal Playground's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Pascal Playground sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. SDK85 asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SDK85 ships an update every 2 weeks, Pascal Playground every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
SDK85 versus Pascal Playground: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSDK85Pascal Playground
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJuergen SchuckIgor Kulman

Customer experience

SDK85

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Pascal Playground

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

SDK85

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Pascal Playground

One-time3
  • Support Small$0.99
  • Support Medium$2.99
  • Support Large$4.99

Questions

Is SDK85 free?
SDK85 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pascal Playground free?
Pascal Playground is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SDK85 or Pascal Playground have ads?
Neither SDK85 nor Pascal Playground shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SDK85 or Pascal Playground?
SDK85 ships an update every 2 weeks, and Pascal Playground every 4 days. Most recently, SDK85 was updated on September 18, 2026 and Pascal Playground on September 19, 2026.

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