Comparison

Shape Language vs Pocket Hanzi

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

Head to head
About

Shape Language

This app helps you learn any language through translation. It breaks down translations to aid understanding, catalogs new vocabulary, and offers various learning modes like roleplay and chat. It also allows you to translate any language into your own.

Highlights
  • Learn languages by translation
  • Understand translation breakdowns
  • Catalog new words and phrases
  • Quiz on learned vocabulary
  • Proofread text
  • Roleplay conversations
  • Quick translation
Features
Read full description

Learn any language by translation. Shape Language is the most advanced companion app for learning any language in the world. Learn how to say anything naturally in any language, or translate any language into your language. Shape Language will break down a translation so you understand its parts, and catalogue the new words and phrases you learn to quiz you on them later. In addition to Translate, the app has modes like Proofread, Roleplay, Make Polite, Chat, and Quick Translate. Terms and Conditions: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Pocket Hanzi

Learn Chinese characters effortlessly by glancing at your phone's lock screen. This app delivers new vocabulary with pronunciation, meaning, and examples, adapting to your level and interests. It features a smart review system and progress tracking to help you build comprehension.

Highlights
  • Learn from lock screen
  • Personalized vocabulary selection
  • Spaced repetition review system
  • Native audio pronunciation
  • Example sentences in context
  • Progress tracking and motivation
Features
Read full description

Pocket Hanzi turns the moments you already spend on your phone into real Chinese progress. Every time you check your lock screen, a new character is waiting — with pinyin, meaning, an example sentence, and native audio. Learn a few words a day, without ever sitting down to "study." WHY POCKET HANZI • Learn from your lock screen — A fresh character appears each time you glance at your phone. No cramming, no pressure — just steady, effortless exposure. • Words chosen for you — Tell us your level and interests, and we surface modern, everyday vocabulary that fits your life — not random textbook lists. • Remember what you learn — A simple, proven review system (Learn it · Familiar · Mastered) brings each word back right when you're about to forget it. • Hear every word — Clear native pronunciation for every character and example sentence. • See it in context — Real example sentences show how each word is actually used. • Stay motivated — Streaks, milestones, and a clean progress overview keep you going day to day. • Daily sentences — A short reading sentence each day to build real comprehension. HOW IT WORKS 1. Pick your level and the topics you care about. 2. Add the Pocket Hanzi widget to your lock screen. 3. Glance, learn, and tap to review — a few minutes a day is all it takes. WHO IT'S FOR Whether you're starting from zero, prepping for HSK, or reviving Chinese you once studied, Pocket Hanzi meets you where you are — from beginner essentials all the way through advanced vocabulary. Start learning Chinese one character at a time, right from your lock screen. — Pocket Hanzi is a subscription with a free trial. Payment is charged to your Apple ID, and it renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://skitter-part-49d.notion.site/Privacy-Policy-for-Pocket-Hanzi-399d8ac71412807792a2f984eb7f21c9

Screenshots

Shape Language4 screens
Pocket Hanzi4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Shape Language at 5.0 against Pocket Hanzi's 4.4. Shape Language also leads on ads (none vs shown). Pocket Hanzi's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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. Shape Language sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Pocket Hanzi sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Shape Language holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 7 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Shape Language ships an update every 2 weeks, Pocket Hanzi every 4 days. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Shape Language versus Pocket Hanzi: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShape LanguagePocket Hanzi
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better4.4 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings47 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS26.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVoyager Space Systems, LLCEric Jiang

Customer experience

Shape Language

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Pocket Hanzi

All ratings7 ratings
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Shape Language

Subscriptions2
  • Basic$3.991 Month
  • Advanced$6.991 Month
One-time1
  • Usage Limit Top Up$1.99
2 purchases

Pocket Hanzi

Subscriptions2
  • Pocket Hanzi Monthly7 Days trial$1.491 Month
  • Pocket Hanzi 6 Months7 Days trial$5.996 Months

Questions

Is Shape Language free?
Shape Language is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pocket Hanzi free?
Pocket Hanzi is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Shape Language or Pocket Hanzi?
Shape Language is rated higher. Shape Language averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Pocket Hanzi averages 4.4 from 7 ratings.
Do Shape Language or Pocket Hanzi have ads?
Pocket Hanzi shows ads; Shape Language does not.
Which is updated more often, Shape Language or Pocket Hanzi?
Shape Language ships an update every 2 weeks, and Pocket Hanzi every 4 days. Most recently, Shape Language was updated on November 5, 2026 and Pocket Hanzi on November 5, 2026.

Other comparisons