benoît M vs MONKIRI
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
benoît M
Explore the infinite complexity of the Mandelbrot set with real-time rendering. Dive into a universe of self-similar structures, customize colors, and export stunning high-resolution images.
- Interactive Mandelbrot set exploration
- Real-time Metal rendering
- Pseudo-3D relief mode
- Customizable color gradients
- High-resolution PNG export (up to 8K)
- Saved app state
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benoît M is a visual exploration of the Mandelbrot set — one of the most iconic and fascinating shapes in mathematics. Named in homage to Benoît Mandelbrot, who discovered this fractal-set named after him in 1979. The mathematician introduced the world to fractal geometry. This app lets you dive into a universe created from one deceptively simple formula: repeat z² + c, again and again. From that small rule emerge endless spirals, islands, valleys, coastlines, and self-similar structures that continue to reveal new detail as you zoom deeper. With real-time Metal rendering, benoît M turns fractal exploration into a smooth, visual experience. Pinch to zoom, pan to move, and double-tap to dive into interesting regions. Switch between classic Mandelbrot rendering and a beautiful pseudo-3D relief mode that gives the fractal a sculptural, almost metallic depth. Customize the look with image gradients, procedural palettes, inverted or flipped color styles, and adjustable iteration quality. When you find a scene worth keeping, export it as a square high-resolution PNG — up to 8K — directly to your Photo Library. Features: - Explore the Mandelbrot set interactively - Smooth Metal-based rendering - Classic Mandelbrot and pseudo-3D relief modes - Image-based and procedural color gradients - Adjustable iteration depth - Pinch, pan, and double-tap navigation - High-resolution PNG export: 2K and 8K - Saved app state, so you continue where you left off A compact tribute to Benoît Mandelbrot and the beauty of fractal geometry Whether you are fascinated by mathematics, generative art, abstract visuals, or simply beautiful patterns, benoît M invites you to explore infinity — one zoom at a time.
MONKIRI
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In Edo-period Japan, people loved a simple pastime called monkiri asobi, the art of the cut crest. Fold a sheet of paper, cut along a template, and gently open it. A beautiful pattern appears on the paper, and until it unfolds, no one knows exactly what it will look like. That small moment of surprise and delight was the heart of the game. MONKIRI brings that spirit of play to your fingertips. Every tap of the generate button reveals a new traditional Japanese pattern, dressed in harmonious palettes drawn from Japan's traditional colors. Keep the ones you love as wallpapers, or fine-tune every detail yourself. WHAT YOU CAN DO - Generate: Pick a pattern and tap. MONKIRI randomizes each design within carefully tuned traditional color harmonies, so every result comes out beautiful. - Adjust: Fine-tune colors, scale, line width, spacing and density, rotation, and background color with sliders. Changes preview instantly. - Collect: Save your favorite creations, then re-edit, duplicate, or delete them anytime. - Export: Save wallpapers as PNG, sized for your device's screen with one tap. TWELVE TRADITIONAL PATTERNS Each pattern comes with a short note on its meaning and history, in both English and Japanese. - Asanoha (hemp leaf): healthy growth and protection - Seigaiha (blue ocean waves): endless calm waves, a wish for eternal peace - Shippo (seven treasures): interlocking circles of harmony and good relations - Kikko (tortoise shell): hexagons of longevity - Ichimatsu (checkerboard): unbroken prosperity - Yagasuri (arrow feathers): an arrow released never returns, a symbol of moving forward - Uroko (fish scales): triangles believed to ward off misfortune - Tatewaku (rising steam): swelling lines of rising fortune - Sayagata (interlocking manji): continuity without end - Kagome (basket weave): six-pointed stars, a traditional charm against evil - Sankuzushi (scattered rods): a chic pattern of shifting lines - Ajiro (wickerwork): the warm texture of woven cypress and bamboo FREE FEATURES AND ONE-TIME PURCHASE Everything above is free: generate, adjust, and save every pattern, and export standard-size wallpaper PNGs (with a light watermark). Wallpaper size optimization is free as well. A single one-time purchase unlocks: - Watermark-free export - Ultra-high-resolution PNG (4096 x 4096), large enough for print - SVG (vector) export that scales without any loss, for design and print work - Seamless tile PNG whose edges connect perfectly, for repeating backgrounds No subscription. No further purchases. MADE TO BE TRUSTED - No ads, no tracking - No account required - Works completely offline (iCloud sync is optional) - English and Japanese, following your device settings or switchable in the app - Dark mode support - Designed for both iPhone and iPad The quiet thrill of a pattern emerging from a folded sheet of paper, now in your pocket. Enjoy the beauty of Japanese patterns with MONKIRI.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: benoît M at none against MONKIRI's 1. 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
Both are free to download. MONKIRI sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. benoît M asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | benoît M | MONKIRI |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | — |
| Update frequency | — | Every 6 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Philippe Zay | Takashi Nemoto |
In-app purchases
benoît M
No in-app purchases
MONKIRI
- All Export Features$4.99









