Comparison

Simple Notes vs PlateDetect

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

Head to head
About

Simple Notes

Features
Read full description

No nonsense markdown note taking app Supports iCloud sync Supports MacOS and iOS No flashy features, No external servers Your notes where you want them Just simple note taking

About

PlateDetect

This app reads license plates directly on your device using your camera or imported photos. It offers features for checking plate readability from a distance, managing scan history, and setting up custom alerts for specific plates.

Highlights
  • On-device license plate reading
  • Live camera scan
  • Photo import recognition
  • Readability checks
  • History management
  • Watchlist alerts
  • Plate format configuration
Features
Read full description

PlateDetect is an on-device license plate reading app built for controlled field scans, photo imports, readability checks, local review, and watchlist alerts. Start by adding the plate formats used in your area, such as AA ## or AAA ####. PlateDetect strictly follows the formats you add. If no format is configured, detection stays off. Use Live Scan to read plates with the camera, or import a photo for the same on-device recognition workflow. The app combines plate localization, Apple Vision OCR, configurable confidence thresholds, and duplicate-save timing so History stays focused on useful reads instead of every frame. Field Check is a separate mode for measuring whether a plate is readable from a selected distance. It reports readiness using OCR confidence, plate size, framing, and plate shape without saving the check as a scan. History keeps each saved detection organized with normalized plate text, raw OCR text, detection confidence, OCR confidence, matched format, capture time, source, notes, optional GPS region, and saved media. You can choose how much surrounding image context is kept around the plate crop. Watchlist alerts help identify plates you choose to monitor locally. Standard detections use a quieter confirmation tone, while watchlist matches use a distinct higher alert repeated three times. Plate Rules let you allow or restrict plate endings by day and time window, with a Monday-Sunday overview for quick schedule review. PlateDetect is local-first. Detection runs on device, History is stored locally, Face ID app lock can protect saved records, and backend sync is optional through your own HTTPS endpoint. PlateDetect is a field aid, not a legal identity system. Confirm important reads against official records and follow the rules for your role and location. Standard EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Simple Notes3 screens
PlateDetect4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Simple Notes at Free against PlateDetect's $1.00. PlateDetect's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 9 days vs monthly). On 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

Simple Notes is free to download; PlateDetect costs $1.00 up front. Simple Notes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PlateDetect asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Simple Notes ships an update monthly, PlateDetect every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Simple Notes versus PlateDetect: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimple NotesPlateDetect
PriceFree — better$1.00
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHIMON SOFTWARE LTDOna Pacholo Asis

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Simple Notes

One-time1
  • Support Development$1.99
None

PlateDetect

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Simple Notes free?
Simple Notes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PlateDetect free?
PlateDetect costs $1.00, with no in-app purchases.
Do Simple Notes or PlateDetect have ads?
Neither Simple Notes nor PlateDetect shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Simple Notes or PlateDetect?
Simple Notes ships an update monthly, and PlateDetect every 9 days. Most recently, Simple Notes was updated on September 18, 2026 and PlateDetect on October 4, 2026.

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