Comparison

First Mandarin vs Mandarin

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

Head to head
About

First Mandarin

Features
Read full description

This language learning application is to complement our Chinese learning program and enable the children to practice speaking Mandarin as they follow the lessons in the application.

About

Mandarin

Learn practical Mandarin vocabulary and phrases used in popular Chinese apps and real-life situations. This app offers bite-sized lessons, quizzes, and progress tracking to help intermediate and advanced learners master the language in just 5 minutes a day.

Highlights
  • 1000+ practical words from Chinese apps
  • Learn real Chinese slang
  • Bite-sized 5-minute daily lessons
  • Swipe-based learning
  • Quizzes and bookmarking
  • Progress tracking and statistics
  • Daily reminders
Features
Read full description

Language learning should be different in this digitalized world! Speak Mandarin is the best Mandarin learning app for the Intermediate/Advanced levels. Let’s learn Chinese words used in Chinese famous mobile apps, It’s real-life, and more practical than HSK vocabularies. 1000+ more vocabularies and phrases are hand-picked from the Chinese mobile apps. (Alibaba’s Taobao, 36kr, 动点科技, WeChat, 大众点评, 小红书 and more!) * Strategic vocabulary selection - We handpicked 1000+ practical words from Chinese apps that you will actually use when you travel China or browse Chinese apps. - Professionally curated wordlists that cover most of the Chinese apps. - Keep tuned as more languages are in the pipe! * Real Chinese, Slangs - You can learn Chinese Slangs that you can’t learn from the text book! * Only 5 minutes a day - Bite sized curriculum to memorize 5 words a day. - Swipe based intuitive learning, no need to extra keyboard typings! * Quiz & Bookmarks - Get test yourself after finishing each chapters. - Bookmark the words that you want to review in the future. * Reminder - Set the reminder, get push notifications whenever you want to remind the vocabularies you learned. * Advanced Statistics - Be motivated with your own performance dashboard. - Study progress tracking! You can check your progress in real time. * Pricing in other countries may vary and charges may be converted to your local currency depending on country of residence. * Once purchased subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off in your Apple Account setting at least 24 hours before the end of the payment period. * Mandarin Pro users can always reach out to us @mandarin.app if you need any help. Privacy Policy https://wemakegoodapps.gitbook.io/notes/speak-mandarin/privacy-policy Terms Of Use https://wemakegoodapps.gitbook.io/notes/terms/terms-of-use-1

Screenshots

First Mandarin1 screens
Mandarin4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: First Mandarin at none against Mandarin's 3. First Mandarin also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Mandarin's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 7 months). On price, ads and device support 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. Mandarin sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. First Mandarin asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

First Mandarin ships an update every 7 months, Mandarin every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
First Mandarin versus Mandarin: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFirst MandarinMandarin
PriceFreeFree
Rating—3.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size143 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEDNOVATION (SEA) PTE. LTD.IcePenguin's cruise diary

In-app purchases

None

First Mandarin

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Mandarin

Subscriptions2
  • Mandarin Pro Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Mandarin Pro Yearly1 Month trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Mandarin Pro Lifetime$99.99

Questions

Is First Mandarin free?
First Mandarin is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Mandarin free?
Mandarin is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do First Mandarin or Mandarin have ads?
Neither First Mandarin nor Mandarin shows ads.
Which is updated more often, First Mandarin or Mandarin?
First Mandarin ships an update every 7 months, and Mandarin every 6 days. Most recently, First Mandarin was updated on October 26, 2026 and Mandarin on October 8, 2026.

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