Kernel 背單字 vs Tomaru
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Kernel 背單字
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Here's the translation: 【From a Cornell University Startup Team — The AI GSAT Vocabulary Partner That Truly Gets You】 Let's be honest — traditional vocabulary books and flashcards have no way of verifying whether you've actually retained the words. Kernel Vocab, developed by a Cornell University startup team and designed specifically for GSAT test-takers, combines cutting-edge behavioral science with AI algorithms to permanently break the vicious cycle of memorizing and forgetting. Core Features: ● Proprietary MSRS Memory Engine: This isn't your ordinary flashcard app! Our pioneering multi-modal memory algorithm cross-tests you through a variety of formats — flashcards, multiple choice, cloze exercises, and more. It precisely predicts your brain's "forgetting curve," automatically skips words you already know, and zeroes in on your exact memory weak spots to maximize review efficiency. ● Real Exam Practice: Still going through words alphabetically two weeks before the test? Kernel lets you switch strategies in one tap based on your prep timeline, and generates questions using real past GSAT exam contexts. Every word you study and every sentence you read is an actual tested point from real exams. ● Pet Companions & Community Motivation: Instead of white-knuckling your way through study sessions, open the app because you can't bear to let your pet go hungry! Through gamification mechanics and peer community dynamics, you'll stick with it "painlessly" all the way to exam day — building a powerful habit of daily automatic learning. Your GSAT prep starts with Kernel. Contact Us: Website: https://kerneltech.app Support: hello@kerneltech.app
Tomaru
This app uses spaced repetition and AI-powered practice to help you effectively learn and retain new vocabulary. It offers pre-made decks, one-tap vocabulary import from various sources, and immersive focus features.
- Spaced repetition system (FSRS algorithm)
- Pre-made vocabulary decks with rich content
- One-tap vocabulary import from text
- AI-powered shadowing, translation, and grammar drills
- Immersive focus with ambient sounds
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Never forget a word you've learned. The system tracks your memory and shows each card right when it fades. All the Japanese and Korean vocabulary you need is already here. 【Never forget a word you've learned】 The FSRS spaced repetition algorithm calculates the exact moment a word slips from your memory and brings it back to your screen. You do not set any parameters. After enough reviews, the system uses your history to recalculate 21 memory model parameters. Your schedule runs entirely on your personal retention data, not a group average, happening automatically in the background. 【Know if you have time before you start】 When setting up a plan, you see a day-by-day simulation showing the exact date you will finish and your predicted daily review count. It is not just dividing the total by days. Set a target date, and the daily load adjusts automatically. You see a clear calendar of your workload before you even begin studying. 【Start with the most effective cards when you only have 10 minutes】 Input how many minutes you have today. The system sorts your due cards by the memory gained per second, giving you the most valuable reviews first. You see a focused list built for your time limit, rather than a random batch or starting from the top. 【The vocabulary you need is already made】 Choose from built-in decks like JLPT N5, N4, N3, N2, N1 Japanese vocabulary, Everyday Japanese Conversation, Japanese Daily Life vocabulary, Hiragana & Katakana, TOPIK I and TOPIK II Korean vocabulary, and Common Korean 3000 Words. Each card displays example sentences with native English translations, parts of speech, grammar notes in your native language, and high-quality audio. 【Words can come from anywhere】 Paste an article and the system tokenizes the text, reverting Japanese words to their dictionary forms. Take a photo to recognize text, or highlight a word in any app to add it via the system menu. Ask how to say a sentence, and the answer becomes a card. You can build manual cards with image occlusion, and they all look just as complete as the built-in decks. 【Review without opening the app】 You can tap your answers directly on the home screen widget. Learning reminders let you know when it is time to clear your queue right from your phone's background. 【See exactly how much you remember】 Your dashboard shows a chart predicting your future daily reviews. You can also read the exact number of words you will remember for over 30 days and 90 days. 【No limits on core features】 The number of cards, reviews, decks, scheduling, and statistics have no upper limit. You use the core system as much as you need. 【AI practice】 Turn your learned words into practice routines. You can do shadow reading, bidirectional translation checked by AI, grammar drills, and speaking exercises. support@tomaruai.app
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Kernel 背單字 at none against Tomaru's 6. Kernel 背單字 also leads on update cadence (weekly vs monthly). Tomaru's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, 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. Tomaru sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Kernel 背單字 asks for nothing beyond the download.
Kernel 背單字 ships an update weekly, Tomaru monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Kernel 背單字 | Tomaru |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Monthly |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 16.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 63 MB | 126 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Egan Bisma | YINGLUEN TSENG |
In-app purchases
Kernel 背單字
No in-app purchases
Tomaru
- Tensai Basic Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$5.991 Month
- Tensai Basic Quarterly Subscription7 Days trial$14.993 Months
- Tensai PRO Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$15.901 Month
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- Tensai PRO Quarterly Subscription7 Days trial$44.993 Months
- Tensai Basic Annual Subscription7 Days trial$49.991 Year
- Tensai PRO Annual7 Days trial$169.991 Year








