StochasticGrain vs Lens.
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
StochasticGrain
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Unlike simple noise overlays, this app uses a physics-based approach where grain density responds to image brightness, just like analog film. Shadows show more grain, highlights stay cleaner. The result feels organic rather than digital. Built on academic research by Newson, Delon, and Galerne (2017) modeling stochastic film grain through Boolean models, with real-time optimizations informed by Zhang et al.'s 2023 SIGGRAPH work. These papers describe how actual silver halide crystals distribute in photographic emulsion. Exposure-dependent grain that responds to image luminance Real-time preview as you adjust Designed for film photography enthusiasts A passion project for anyone who appreciates the texture of analog photography.
Lens.
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Experience photography the way it used to feel—slow, tactile, and full of anticipation. This app brings the warmth of vintage cameras into today’s world, blending nostalgic mechanics with the simplicity of your phone. Every interaction is designed to feel real: toggle the flash with a gentle click, slide the exposure dial, set a timer, and capture a moment that doesn’t appear instantly. Instead, it develops gradually, inviting you to pause and appreciate the magic of discovery. Shake your device to speed up the reveal, feel subtle haptics that mimic the touch of classic hardware, and listen to soft mechanical sounds crafted to recreate an authentic analog experience. Store your photos, curate your own board, and explore them in a fully immersive 3D Wall, where each memory gains depth, presence, and a sense of physicality—just like displaying prints in your own creative space. Features: • Flash, exposure, and timer controls inspired by old cameras • Gradual photo development with shake interaction • Carefully designed haptics for tactile realism • Soft, minimal mechanical sound effects • Personal board to keep your favorite memories • 3D Wall to showcase your photos in an immersive space • A nostalgic, immersive take on mobile photography Capture the moment. Feel the moment. Reveal the moment.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Lens. at none against StochasticGrain's 2. Lens. also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 7 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
Both are free to download. StochasticGrain sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Lens. asks for nothing beyond the download.
StochasticGrain ships an update every 7 months, Lens. daily. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | StochasticGrain | Lens. |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 35 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Islam Seisembay | Leonardo Monteiro |
In-app purchases
StochasticGrain
- Small Coffee$0.99
- Large Coffee$2.99
Lens.
No in-app purchases









