StochasticGrain vs HTBT
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ 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.
HTBT
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You had to be there. HTBT is a shared disposable camera for your people. Start a roll, set how many shots it holds and when it develops, then pass it around the room. Everyone shoots the same roll, and nobody sees a thing until it is done. HOW A ROLL WORKS 1. Start a roll. Pick a shot count and a reveal time, then invite your people with a code or a link. 2. Shoot blind. No preview, no retakes, no scrolling back. You point, you shoot, and you trust the moment. 3. Develop together. When the timer hits zero the whole roll develops at once, and the night lands in everyone's hands at the same time. WHY IT FEELS DIFFERENT No previews means no posing for the screen. No retakes means the real moment, not the fifth attempt. One shared roll means the night told from everyone's angle, not just yours. And because nothing develops until the timer ends, the anticipation is half the fun. Perfect for parties, trips, weddings, birthdays, concerts, late nights, and any moment that deserves film. Some nights deserve film. Start a roll for the next one. Privacy Policy: https://htbt.app/privacy Terms of Service: https://htbt.app/terms
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HTBT at none against StochasticGrain's 2. HTBT also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 7 months). StochasticGrain's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS
Both are free to download. StochasticGrain sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. HTBT asks for nothing beyond the download.
StochasticGrain ships an update every 7 months, HTBT every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | StochasticGrain | HTBT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | Every 2 days โ better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No โ better |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 โ better | 26.2 |
| Further details โ not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 20 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Islam Seisembay | Kardomo, Inc. |
In-app purchases
StochasticGrain
- Small Coffee$0.99
- Large Coffee$2.99
HTBT
No in-app purchases









