Comparison

Phantolex vs Ballpins

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

Head to head
About

Phantolex

A unique word game where the objective is to avoid spelling a complete word. Players take turns adding letters, strategically using powers to outmaneuver opponents and progress through challenging, endless levels. Lose, and it's game over.

Highlights
  • Avoid spelling words
  • Turn-based letter adding
  • Strategic power-ups
  • Endless challenging levels
  • Unlock rewards
Features
Read full description

“Top 5 Games of the Week” – Pocket Gamer “Phantolex is smart, brain-teasing, [and] throws surprises” – Metro.co.uk "Best and freshest [word game] on iPhone” – Stuff.tv Phantolex is a rogue-like word game with a twist: the goal is to avoid spelling the word. Think of it like hot potato - you'll take turns adding letters, but don't be the one to finish the word. As you progress, you'll use powers and face tougher levels, but if you lose, it's game over! How to Play: - Build Words: Take turns against Casp adding letters and avoid being the one to complete a word. - Strategic Powers: Use powers like Letter Rewind, Bluff Stopper, and Word Connoisseur to gain an edge. - Endless Levels: Progress through increasingly challenging levels, unlock rewards, and win a run!

About

Ballpins

Experience a Zen-inspired Plinko game that blends relaxing visuals with thrilling unpredictability. Watch balls cascade, activate power-ups, and build your score in this tranquil yet captivating experience.

Highlights
  • Zen Mode with soothing visuals and sounds
  • Roguelike elements for strategic choices
  • Offline play for anytime, anywhere access
  • Relaxing atmosphere to unwind
  • Lucky Day for thrilling chance-based gameplay
Features
Read full description

Welcome to Ballpins, the ultimate Zen-inspired Plinko game that promises a relaxing yet thrilling experience for all gamers. Immerse yourself in a world where each drop is a step towards serenity, blending the unpredictability of a roguelike game with the tranquility of a Zen garden. Ballpins is your perfect companion for a peaceful evening. With its simple yet captivating mechanics, you can watch the balls cascade down, bouncing off pins and activating power-ups, all while building an impressive score multiplier. Key Features: - Zen Mode: Enter a state of calm as you watch the balls glide smoothly across the screen, accompanied by soothing sounds and visuals. - Roguelike Elements: Set your path by choices and strategy. - Offline Accessibility: Play anytime, anywhere, without the need for an internet connection. Perfect for those moments when you need a break from the world. - Relaxing Atmosphere: Designed to help you unwind, the game's aesthetics and soundscapes offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. - Lucky Day: Feel the thrill of chance as you aim for the perfect drop, with each game offering the potential for a new high score or a rare power-up. Join the ranks of satisfied players who have found their Zen in the chaotic beauty of Ballpins. It's not just a game; it's a journey to tranquility.

Screenshots

Phantolex3 screens
Ballpins4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Phantolex at 84% against Ballpins's 0%. Phantolex also leads on ratings volume (100 vs 2). Ballpins's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Ballpins holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Phantolex has 100 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 84% of Phantolex's written reviews are positive against 0% of Ballpins's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Phantolex versus Ballpins: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhantolexBallpins
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (100 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews84.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings100 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 daysEvery 2 days
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supportedFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS13.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size85 MB121 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTyler GreenShahar Galukman

Customer experience

Phantolex

All ratings97 ratings
Positive95.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative4.1%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive84.0%
Neutral4.0%
Negative12.0%

Ballpins

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Bugs and requests

Phantolex

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Invalid word flagged as completed
  • False positive for invalid words
  • Win/Defeat bug on run completion
  • Ad not working to continue game

Requested features

7 requests
  • Multiplayer option (1v1)
  • Definitions for words
  • Portuguese version
  • Overrule game's word errors
  • More facial expressions for Casp
Show 2 more
  • Holiday themes for UI
  • Festive characters for holidays

Ballpins

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Phantolex

No in-app purchases

None

Ballpins

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Phantolex free?
Phantolex is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Ballpins free?
Ballpins is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Phantolex or Ballpins?
Ballpins is rated higher. Phantolex averages 4.7 out of 5 from 100 ratings, while Ballpins averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Phantolex or Ballpins have ads?
Phantolex shows ads; Ballpins does not.
Which is updated more often, Phantolex or Ballpins?
Phantolex ships an update every 2 days, and Ballpins every 2 days. Most recently, Phantolex was updated on November 4, 2026 and Ballpins on October 30, 2026.

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