Comparison

GR Mate vs GR Link

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

Head to head
About

GR Mate

Features
Read full description

The first app can automatically recognize recipe information in RICOH GR photos, support GR II、GR III、GR IIIx、GR III HDF、GR IIIx HDF、GR IV、GR IV HDF, enabling automatic recipe identification and sharing recipes with others in poster format. Automatic Recipe Import GR Mate offers two methods for automatic recipe import: importing from original GR camera images and from GR Mate posters. 1.1 Importing from Original GR Camera Images Users only need to select an original photo taken by the GR camera from the photo album, and GR Mate will recognize the recipe information within. 1.2 Importing from GR Mate Posters Users can import GR posters shared by others, and GR Mate will recognize the recipe information and sample images contained within. 1.3 How to Create a GR Mate Poster? After creating a recipe, users can tap the "Poster" button to generate a poster containing the sample image and recipe information, which can be shared with others through various channels. Diverse Display Options GR Mate provides three recipe display modes: waterfall view, icon view, and list view. The list view also supports grouped display. Automatic Cloud Sync All recipes saved in GR Mate support iCloud cloud synchronization. Important reminds: GR Mate is an independently developed app and is not an official application of RICOH GR. It has no affiliation with RICOH Company. Thank you for your understanding. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.freeprivacypolicy.com/live/3cc45ecb-9ad6-4160-9479-9617a6647dcd

About

GR Link

Streamline your Ricoh GR camera workflow with fast transfers and remote control. This app offers instant auto-connect, background downloads, live view framing, tactile dial adjustments, and a visual recipe manager for your camera settings. Enjoy a direct, zero-server connection for privacy and ease of use.

Highlights
  • Instant Auto-Connect via Bluetooth
  • Background Transfer with Live Activities
  • Live Monitor and Remote Shutter
  • Tactile Dial Remote Control
  • Swipe-to-Cull Triage
  • Visual Recipe Manager
  • Direct Peer-to-Peer Connection
Features
Read full description

Tired of dropped connections, slow transfers, and clunky companion apps? GR Link solves the biggest frustrations for Ricoh GR photographers with fast, seamless transfers and responsive remote shooting. Supports: GR II, GR III / III HDF, GR IIIx / IIIx HDF, GR IV / IV HDF, and GR IV Monochrome. Pain Point 1: Digging into Wi-Fi settings every single time? [Instant Auto-Connect] On supported models, Bluetooth helps discover and connect to your camera. Photo transfers and Live View use camera Wi-Fi. GR II uses Wi-Fi without Bluetooth. Pain Point 2: Downloads stopping the second you switch apps? [Background Transfer + Dynamic Island] Queue photos for download and save RAW (DNG) and JPEG files to Apple Photos. On supported iOS versions and when the system permits, transfers can continue after you switch apps or lock the screen. Check progress through Live Activities and Dynamic Island on supported devices. Keep the camera powered on and connected during transfer. Pain Point 3: Selfies and group shots with no flip screen — framing by guesswork? [Live Monitor + Remote Shutter] Your GR has no articulating screen; your iPhone is the monitor. Set the camera down, check your framing in Live View while you're IN the shot, tap to focus, and fire the shutter remotely. Selfies, group photos, and low-angle shots — never shoot blind again. Pain Point 4: Fiddly menus for every exposure change? [Tactile Dial Remote] Dial in shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation with the physical-feel dial — dedicated portrait and landscape layouts. Pain Point 5: Hundreds of shots cluttering your card? [Swipe-to-Cull Triage] Cull your shoots at lightning speed: swipe through cards, swipe up to throw into a safety trash bin (confirm before deleting). Export keepers into quick collages with 12 paper/linen textures and auto-color matching. Pain Point 6: Re-entering Image Control recipes by hand? [Visual Recipe Manager] Create, fine-tune, import, and export Image Control recipes. Transfer recipes to compatible cameras, and back them up in your personal iCloud account. Pain Point 7: Privacy concerns? [Direct & Zero-Server] Direct peer-to-peer connection. No upload servers, no GR Link account required, no ads, and no tracking SDKs. Optional iCloud features use your Apple iCloud account. --- Requires iOS 17.2 or later. Camera controls, focus functions, and recipe transfer vary by camera model and firmware. Some features require a newer iOS version. Background activity is subject to system limits. Disclaimer: GR Link is independently developed and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.

Screenshots

GR Mate4 screens
GR Link4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GR Link at none against GR Mate's 2. GR Link also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. GR Mate sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. GR Link asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GR Mate ships an update every 2 months, GR Link every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
GR Mate versus GR Link: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGR MateGR Link
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.017.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB108 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer小磊 孙晓明 刘

In-app purchases

2 purchases

GR Mate

Subscriptions1
  • Subscribe GR Mate Monthly$1.991 Month
One-time1
  • Purchase GR Mate Permanently$7.99
None

GR Link

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GR Mate free?
GR Mate is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GR Link free?
GR Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GR Mate or GR Link have ads?
Neither GR Mate nor GR Link shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GR Mate or GR Link?
GR Mate ships an update every 2 months, and GR Link every 10 days. Most recently, GR Mate was updated on October 30, 2026 and GR Link on October 31, 2026.

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