Comparison

Nonograms vs Calcudoku

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

Head to head
About

Nonograms

Features
Read full description

Nonograms delivers the definitive picross puzzle experience for iOS, engineered for both casual players and logic puzzle veterans. CORE MECHANICS: • Classic nonogram rules with number-based row/column clues • Three-tier difficulty system: 5×5 (40-60% fill), 10×10 (35-55%), 15×15 (30-50%) • Three-state cell interaction: Empty → Filled → Marked (X) • Continuous drag-painting for rapid cell marking • Real-time error feedback with visual indicators ADVANCED FEATURES: • Procedural puzzle generation ensures unlimited unique challenges • Automatic row/column completion detection with visual strikethrough • Comprehensive undo system (100-action history) • Persistent auto-save with state recovery • Performance timer with difficulty-specific best time tracking • Adaptive hint system highlights solved sections • Haptic feedback for enhanced tactile response TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: • 100% offline operation - zero network dependencies • Zero third-party SDKs - maximum privacy and security • Native SwiftUI implementation for optimal performance • Dark mode and light mode support • Optimized for iPhone (portrait orientation) • iOS 16.0+ compatibility STATISTICS TRACKING: • Completion count per difficulty level • Best time records with timestamp tracking • Progressive skill development metrics IDEAL FOR: • Sudoku enthusiasts seeking new logical challenges • Students of discrete mathematics and combinatorial logic • Professionals requiring cognitive maintenance exercises • Anyone who appreciates elegant, rule-based puzzle systems Download Nonograms and experience the gold standard in mobile picross puzzles.

About

Calcudoku

This logic puzzle game offers a unique approach to learning how to solve number grids. Instead of simply revealing answers, it provides intelligent, step-by-step guidance on logical strategies and note-taking to help you master the puzzles.

Highlights
  • Intelligent step-by-step explanations
  • Optional auto notes for cages
  • Intuitive note-taking interface
  • Variety of arithmetic operations
  • Grids for all skill levels
  • Offline-first architecture
  • Dark mode support
Features
Read full description

If you love Sudoku but are looking for a deeper challenge, or if you simply enjoy games that give your brain a real workout, Calcudoku is the ultimate logic puzzle. It combines the grid-filling deduction of Sudoku with simple arithmetic, creating a deeply satisfying balance of mental math, strategy, and problem-solving. Whether you want to sharpen your focus, keep your mind agile during a quick break, or master complex logical deduction, Calcudoku offers endless replayability for beginners and puzzle veterans alike. --- WHAT IS CALCUDOKU? --- Also known as Mathdoku or KenKen®, Calcudoku challenges you to solve a grid using logic and arithmetic: • Grid: Fill an N x N grid so that every row and column contains the numbers 1 through N exactly once without repeating. You choose the grid size to solve, anywhere from a 3x3 to a 9x9. • Cages: Outlined groups of cells (cages) each display a target number and an arithmetic operator. • Math: The numbers in each cage must combine using its operator (+, −, ×, ÷) to hit the target. Numbers can repeat within a cage as long as they stay in different rows and columns. It’s the ultimate combination of mental math, pattern recognition, and pure deduction. --- THE SMART DIFFERENTIATOR --- Many puzzle apps ruin the fun when you get stuck by simply filling in a random cell for you when requesting help. Our app takes a different approach: it teaches you how to solve it. If you hit a wall, our built-in helper analyzes your exact grid state and explains the logical next step. The engine guides you through genuine deduction strategies—showing you how to cross-reference overlapping cages, prune cell candidates, and leverage your notes so you can solve the grid completely on your own. --- KEY GAME FEATURES --- • Intelligent Explanations: Step-by-step guidance focused on note-taking, elimination strategies, and candidate pruning rather than giving away answers. • Optional Auto-Notes: The settings tab provides the option to jump into a puzzle with the initial candidate notes based on cage arithmetic. Skip the mundane and get right to the logic! • Smooth Input: Rapidly input answers and edit candidate notes with an intuitive, fluid UI built for mobile screens. • Complete Arithmetic Variety: Play grids featuring addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. • All Skill Levels: Progress from quick 3x3 warmups to grueling 9x9 logic grids. • Polished Interface: Full native dark mode support, crisp typography, and seamless offline play - no Wi-Fi required. Master the grid, elevate your deduction skills, and train your brain with a game that actually makes you a better solver.

Screenshots

Nonograms4 screens
Calcudoku4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Nonograms at none against Calcudoku's shown. Calcudoku's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Nonograms versus Calcudoku: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNonogramsCalcudoku
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequency—Every 3 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Ad-supported
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB104 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer晓 郭LogicSmith

In-app purchases

None

Nonograms

No in-app purchases

None

Calcudoku

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Nonograms free?
Nonograms is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Calcudoku free?
Calcudoku is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Nonograms or Calcudoku have ads?
Calcudoku shows ads; Nonograms does not.

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