# Cobalt Image vs XP4N

The clearest difference is price: Cobalt Image at Free against XP4N's $1.99. XP4N's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 2.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Cobalt Image is free to download; XP4N costs $1.99 up front. Cobalt Image sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.49 per month. XP4N asks for nothing beyond the download.

XP4N holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: XP4N has 44 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of Cobalt Image's written reviews are positive against 87% of XP4N's.

Cobalt Image ships an update every 5 days, XP4N every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on July 19, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cobalt Image | XP4N |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [2.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobalt-image/id6445825171/reviews) | **[4.7 (44 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xp4n/id6670213512/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **44** |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews | **86.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Paid** |
| Size | 203 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cobalt Image LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1674012276) | [Bram Bos](https://appshunter.io/developer/325340444) |

## What reviewers say

### Cobalt Image

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobalt-image/id6445825171)

Enhance your iPhone photos with advanced AI, HDR, and smart portrait modes. This app offers unparalleled control over non-raw images, featuring cutting-edge white balance and Luma curve adjustments. Access renowned digital and film emulations for professional-level editing.

**Highlights:** AI-enhanced picture processing, HDR and smart portrait modes, Advanced color models for HEIC files, Unprecedented control over non-raw photos, White balance and Luma curve adjustments, Renowned digital and film emulations, Direct editing from Apple Photos

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cobalt Image Pro Digital | $3.49 | per month |
| Cobalt Image Pro Monthly | $5.49 | per month |
| Cobalt Image Pro Yearly | $44.99 | per year |


### XP4N

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xp4n/id6670213512)

Capture stunning panoramic photos with a cinematic aspect ratio. Emulate the look of 8 distinct film types, from moody night shots to soft daylight portraits. Enjoy a simple, ad-free, and subscription-free photography experience.

**Highlights:** 65:24 cinematic aspect ratio, 8 distinct film type simulations, No ads, subscriptions, or in-app purchases, Haptic and visual feedback, EV compensation by swiping, Save as lossless HEIF files, EXIF and GPS data saving

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎥 Excellent film simulations
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- 🎨 Realistic XPan aspect ratio
- 💰 Good value for money
- 📸 Enjoyable photography experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 Volume buttons used as shutter
- 🔍 Lack of focus control
- 🎨 Some film simulations too heavy-handed
- 🔍 Viewfinder preview doesn't match final image

**Reported bugs**

- App feels laggy at times
- 48MP camera option doesn't increase image resolution

**Requested features**

- Portrait mode
- Tap to focus and focus/exposure lock
- Selfie mode
- Self-timer
- HDR or max-latitude mode for post-processing


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cobalt Image free?

Cobalt Image is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is XP4N free?

XP4N costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Cobalt Image or XP4N?

XP4N is rated higher. Cobalt Image averages 2.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while XP4N averages 4.7 from 44 ratings.

### Do Cobalt Image or XP4N have ads?

Neither Cobalt Image nor XP4N shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cobalt Image or XP4N?

Cobalt Image ships an update every 5 days, and XP4N every 2 days. Most recently, Cobalt Image was updated on July 19, 2026 and XP4N on September 23, 2026.

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