Comparison

Sandy Timer vs Universal TV Remote

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

Head to head
About

Sandy Timer

Simulates a real sand timer using your device's orientation. Simply flip your phone to start the countdown. Tap the screen to adjust timer settings.

Highlights
  • Realistic sand timer simulation
  • Device orientation control
  • Tap to change settings
  • Simple and intuitive interface
Features
Read full description

This a real sand timer app simulator. Gravity does its job... Just turn your device upside down to start the timer! Single tap the screen to change the timer options. Make sure to turn the device orientation lock Off... and turn it upside-down!

About

Universal TV Remote

Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone or iPad into a remote for compatible TVs and streaming players. Pair over your local network, choose a look you love, and keep the controls you use close at hand. COMPATIBLE DEVICES Works with many popular smart TVs and streaming devices, including Roku TVs and players, LG webOS TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, VIZIO SmartCast TVs, and Apple TV. Available controls vary by model and software. ONE PLACE FOR YOUR DEVICES Connect compatible smart TVs and streaming players, save your devices, and switch between rooms. Available controls depend on the device and its software. FAMILIAR CONTROLS Use a directional pad or touch navigation. Control playback, volume, mute, power, and inputs where your connected device supports them. Quick app shortcuts put your favorite streaming services within reach. 39 REMOTE THEMES Choose classic buttons, a rounded control ring, dark finishes, vibrant colors, and playful styles. Find your favorite design in the theme picker. KEYBOARD AND VOICE Use your phone's keyboard in supported TV text fields, or speak supported commands such as Home, pause, and volume up. Availability depends on the connected device and its software. DEVICE-SPECIFIC TITLE SEARCH On supported devices, search for movies and shows and open compatible results in their streaming apps. Global title search and direct title launching are available on a limited subset of supported devices. Other devices can use keyboard entry in supported on-screen search fields. Streaming services may require their own accounts or subscriptions, and title availability varies by service and region. BEFORE YOU CONNECT Your phone or tablet and the TV must be on the same local network. Allow Local Network access and follow the pairing instructions. Power-on may require a TV-side network standby or Quick Start setting. This app uses network control, not an infrared transmitter. Features vary by model, firmware, and streaming app. UNIVERSAL TV REMOTE PRO An active Pro subscription is required to use the remote and its available styles and controls. Features depend on your connected device. Choose a weekly (1 week), monthly (1 month), or annual (1 year) auto-renewing subscription. All plans provide the same Pro access. The annual plan is billed as one payment for the full year. Local prices and any eligible introductory offer are shown before purchase. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at purchase confirmation, or when an eligible free trial ends. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Your account is charged for renewal within the 24 hours before that period ends. Manage or cancel your subscription in Apple Account settings. If offered, any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Deleting the app does not cancel your subscription. Restore purchases using the Apple Account used to subscribe. Universal TV Remote is an independent app from 617SW, LLC. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by TV manufacturers or streaming services. Privacy Policy: https://617sw.com/universal-tv-remote/privacy Terms of Use: https://617sw.com/universal-tv-remote/terms Apple Standard EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Sandy Timer4 screens
Universal TV Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Universal TV Remote at 17.0 against Sandy Timer's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Sandy Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Universal TV Remote sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sandy Timer ships an update weekly, Universal TV Remote every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Sandy Timer versus Universal TV Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSandy TimerUniversal TV Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (9 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCesar Mejia Valero617SW, LLC

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Sandy Timer

One-time1
  • Pro$3.99
3 purchases

Universal TV Remote

Subscriptions3
  • Universal TV Remote Pro Weekly$2.497 Days
  • Universal TV Remote Pro Monthly$6.991 Month
  • Universal TV Remote Pro Annual$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Sandy Timer free?
Sandy Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Universal TV Remote free?
Universal TV Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Sandy Timer or Universal TV Remote have ads?
Neither Sandy Timer nor Universal TV Remote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sandy Timer or Universal TV Remote?
Sandy Timer ships an update weekly, and Universal TV Remote every 5 days. Most recently, Sandy Timer was updated on October 24, 2026 and Universal TV Remote on October 24, 2026.

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