Comparison

Shark Scan vs PDF Reader

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

Head to head
About

Shark Scan

This app combines lightning-fast QR code scanning with AI-powered recognition for identifying objects and plants. It also offers a library of short dramas and allows users to create custom QR codes from photos, GIFs, or text.

Highlights
  • Fast QR/barcode scanning
  • AI object recognition
  • Short drama library
  • Custom QR code creation
  • Identify plants, animals, coins
Features
Read full description

Tired of switching between multiple apps for scanning, text extraction, and document processing? Try Shark Scan—an all-in-one smart scanning tool that puts intelligent document processing right at your fingertips. Lightning-Fast Scanning Scan any QR code or barcode in under a second—easily recognizing codes even in low light, or those that are blurry or complex. Instantly open web links, connect to Wi-Fi, save contacts, or view product details. No waiting—just quick, simple operation. AI Scanning & Real-Time Translation Encountering foreign language menus, signs, or printed articles? Simply point your camera and snap a photo. Get accurate translations of multilingual text—perfect for travel, study, and daily reading. Powerful OCR Text Extraction Extract text from paper documents, receipts, posters, and photos with a single tap. Convert image text into editable digital text. Copy, share, or export the extracted content without the need for manual re-typing. ID & Document Scanning and Storage Digitize your certificates, ID cards, receipts, and notes. Crop precisely and save high-quality scans locally for quick access anytime, anywhere. Create Custom QR Codes Instantly Convert photos, GIFs, or text into dynamic QR codes. Share contact details, messages, Wi-Fi passwords, or web links—create your own personalized digital business card in seconds. Why Choose Shark Scan? · Lightning-fast QR and barcode scanning with accurate recognition, even in low light · Support for translating multilingual printed content · Precise OCR technology to convert images into editable text · Document and ID scanning features with auto-optimization and local storage · Core features are completely free with a clean, intuitive interface · Privacy-first: Your scan data is stored only on your device Download Shark Scan today—your smart daily assistant for effortless scanning, text extraction, translation, and document digitization.

About

PDF Reader

Transform your smartphone into a powerful PDF scanner and editor. Easily convert images and documents to PDF, or convert PDFs to other formats. Protect your files with encryption and share them securely.

Highlights
  • Scan documents
  • Convert images to PDF
  • Convert PDF to other formats
  • Crop image sizes
  • Share documents
  • Add watermark
  • File encryption
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Turbo PDF: Scanner & Editor is a highly reliable scanner application that effectively transforms your smartphone into a robust PDF scanner. This application enables seamless conversion of photos and pictures into PDF format with a simple and convenient touch function. Features of the Turbo PDF: Scanner & Editor Scan your documents, crop image sizes. Convert images to PDF format. Convert pdf to other formats. Efficient and user-friendly scanning experience with a quick and convenient interface. Share documents via social media, add watermark. File encryption to protect your privacy. By using our app you can seamlessly convert photos and documents to PDF, or convert pdf to other file formats. Turbo PDF: Scanner & Editor is the premier PDF converter that makes working with scanned documents extremely easy. Privacy Policy: https://www.turbopdftool.com/privacyPolicy.html For any feedback or queries, please contact us at mailto:turbopdf@outlook.com

Screenshots

Shark Scan4 screens
PDF Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Shark Scan at none against PDF Reader's shown. Shark Scan also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). PDF Reader's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (56% vs 25%). On price, 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

PDF Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Reader has 4.4K ratings behind it against 107, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Shark Scan's written reviews are positive against 56% of PDF Reader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Shark Scan ships an update every 2 weeks, PDF Reader weekly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Shark Scan versus PDF Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShark ScanPDF Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (107 ratings)4.7 (4.4K ratings) — better
Positive reviews25.0% of reviews55.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1074.4K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
Best chart rank—#180 — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size49 MB69 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChengdu Dance Elephant Technology Co., LTD.SPARK TECH LIMITED

Customer experience

Shark Scan

All ratings107 ratings
Positive83.2%
Neutral5.6%
Negative11.2%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

PDF Reader

All ratings3,968 ratings
Positive94.6%
Neutral2.0%
Negative3.3%
Written reviews34 reviews
Positive55.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative44.1%

Bugs and requests

Shark Scan

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

PDF Reader

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Login issues
  • Compatibility problems with newer devices
  • Frequent crashes and freezes

Requested features

3 requests
  • More customization options
  • Improved privacy controls
  • Better customer support

In-app purchases

None

Shark Scan

No in-app purchases

None

PDF Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Shark Scan free?
Shark Scan is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PDF Reader free?
PDF Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Shark Scan or PDF Reader?
PDF Reader is rated higher. Shark Scan averages 4.3 out of 5 from 107 ratings, while PDF Reader averages 4.7 from 4.4K ratings.
Do Shark Scan or PDF Reader have ads?
PDF Reader shows ads; Shark Scan does not.
Which is updated more often, Shark Scan or PDF Reader?
Shark Scan ships an update every 2 weeks, and PDF Reader weekly. Most recently, Shark Scan was updated on October 24, 2026 and PDF Reader on October 24, 2026.

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