Comparison

Sam vs SamRemote

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

Head to head
About

Sam

Transform your iPhone into a virtual remote for your smart TV. Easily control channels, volume, menus, and media with a simple tap. It syncs automatically via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for physical remotes and batteries.

Highlights
  • Virtual remote control
  • Channel switching
  • Volume adjustment
  • Menu navigation
  • Media management
  • Automatic Wi-Fi sync
  • No setup required
Features
Read full description

SamRemote: Transforms your iPhone into a powerful, virtual remote for your smart TV. Our intuitive TV remote app streamlines your tv experience, allowing you to easily control your TV with all the features of the original remote control. With a simple tap, switch channels, adjust volume, navigate through menus, and manage your media - all from your iPhone or iPad. The best part? SamRemote requires zero setup. Simply launch the app and it automatically syncs with your Smart TV via your Wi-Fi. You're all set to take command of your TV Say goodbye to the days of losing your physical remote or scrambling to replace batteries. With Sam, your ultimate TV control is always in your pocket, ready whenever you are. Experience smart TV viewing as it should be - simplified and under your command. DISCLAIMER Sam is neither an official Samsung product, nor are we affiliated with the Samsung Electronics company. SUBSCRIPTION: We offer auto-renewing subscription: - Length: Yearly-Monthly-Weekly - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - You will be able to access the Premium features of the app for the duration of the subscription - Subscription automatically renews for the same price and duration period as the original period unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period - The account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period at the cost of the chosen package. - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's iTunes Account Settings after purchase - No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active subscription period - You may cancel a subscription during its free trial period via the subscription setting through your Apple account. This must be done 24 hours before the end of the subscription period to avoid being charged. Please visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202039 for more information on how to proceed. - You may turn off the auto-renewal of your subscription via your Apple Account Settings. However, you are not able to cancel the current subscription during its active period - Any unused portion of a free-trial period will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription. Privacy Policy : http://nstx.io/SamRemote/samremote_policy.html Terms of Use : http://nstx.io/SamRemote/samremote-terms.html

About

SamRemote

Features
Read full description

Turn your phone into a powerful Smart TV remote - no physical remote needed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Samsung Electronics. FREE FEATURES - D-Pad navigation (Up, Down, Left, Right) - OK, Back, Home, Menu controls - Volume up/down and Mute - Channel up/down - Playback: Play, Pause, Stop, Skip - Auto-discover Smart TVs on your Wi-Fi - Manual connect via IP address - Save and reconnect to your TVs PREMIUM - 7-DAY FREE TRIAL - App Launcher: open Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and more in one tap - Pad Mode: touchpad gestures for fast, precise navigation - Power On: wake your Smart TV from your phone - Ad-Free: no ads, no interruptions HOW IT WORKS Your phone and Smart TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The app automatically scans and connects with no cables, no Bluetooth, and no complicated setup. On first connection, accept the pairing prompt on your TV screen. Supports most Smart TVs (2016-2025). NOTES - Requires Local Network Access permission - Power On requires your TV's MAC address (found in TV Network Settings) - Smart TVs only SUBSCRIPTION TERMS Premium plans: Monthly, Annual, or Lifetime. Monthly and Annual include a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at purchase confirmation. Subscription auto-renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the period ends. Manage subscriptions in Apple ID Account Settings. Support: https://sweeper.sg-van.fun/tvremote/support/index.html?lang=en Privacy: https://sweeper.sg-van.fun/tvremote/privacy/index.html Terms: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Sam4 screens
SamRemote3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: SamRemote at none against Sam's shown. Sam's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, 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

Both are free to download. Sam sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and SamRemote sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sam ships an update every 2 weeks, SamRemote every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Sam versus SamRemote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSamSamRemote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (116K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews25.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings116K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS1616.0
Further details — not scored
Size67 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developeryohan teixeiraJing Tang

Bugs and requests

Sam

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Fails to connect to TV consistently
  • Buttons stop working after a while
  • Paid version loses ad-free functionality

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add option to turn TV on/off
  • Improve stability and reliability
  • Reduce frequency of ads in free version

SamRemote

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Sam

Subscriptions5
  • Premium version3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Premium version$7.997 Days
  • Premium version$14.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Premium version3 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Premium version$29.991 Year
One-time3
  • removal of advertising$3.99
  • removal of advertising$19.99
  • Premium version$34.99
3 purchases

SamRemote

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Premium3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Annual Premium$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$19.99

Questions

Is Sam free?
Sam is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SamRemote free?
SamRemote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Sam or SamRemote have ads?
Sam shows ads; SamRemote does not.
Which is updated more often, Sam or SamRemote?
Sam ships an update every 2 weeks, and SamRemote every 2 months. Most recently, Sam was updated on November 5, 2026 and SamRemote on October 31, 2026.

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