# Australian Model Railway Mag vs Smart Device Controller

The clearest difference is rating: Smart Device Controller at 3.3 against Australian Model Railway Mag's 1.0. Smart Device Controller also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 20) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 8 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Australian Model Railway Mag sells 19 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 2 months. Smart Device Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.

Smart Device Controller holds the better App Store score, 3.3 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Smart Device Controller has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 17% of Australian Model Railway Mag's written reviews are positive against 27% of Smart Device Controller's.

Australian Model Railway Mag ships an update every 8 months, Smart Device Controller every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Australian Model Railway Mag | Smart Device Controller |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/australian-model-railway-mag/id892274134/reviews) | **[3.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-device-controller/id1372692970/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **6** |
| Positive reviews | 16.7% of reviews | **27.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 100 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **10.3** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Zinio Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/451100089) | [SEKISUI KINZOKU CO., LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1343709801) |

## What reviewers say

### Australian Model Railway Mag

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/australian-model-railway-mag/id892274134)

This digital magazine explores the world of Australian model railways, featuring layouts, projects, and product reviews. It covers various scales and gauges, offering insights into scratchbuilding, kit bashing, and essential modeling tips.

**Highlights:** Australian railway modeling coverage, Contributor layouts and projects, Scratchbuilt model features, Ready-to-run product modification, Kit bashing techniques, Hints and tips, Product reviews and news

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (19)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2 months | $7.99 | per 2 months |
| 1 year | $22.99 | per year |
| 2024 June | $4.99 | one-time |
| 2024 August | $4.99 | one-time |
| 2024 December | $4.99 | one-time |
| Dec-16 | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2022 December | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2023 February | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2023 April | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2023 June | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2023 August | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2023 October | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2023 December | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2024 February | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2026 February | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2025 February | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2025 April | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2026 October | $7.99 | one-time |
| June 2024 | $7.99 | one-time |


### Smart Device Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-device-controller/id1372692970)

Transform your smartphone into a wireless remote for model trains. It offers compatibility with Soundbox, allowing for operation or use as a wireless power pack without the Soundbox. Control your model train setups with ease.

**Highlights:** Wireless model train operation, Soundbox compatibility, Use as wireless power pack, Smartphone remote control

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Australian Model Railway Mag free?

Australian Model Railway Mag is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Smart Device Controller free?

Smart Device Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Australian Model Railway Mag or Smart Device Controller?

Smart Device Controller is rated higher. Australian Model Railway Mag averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Smart Device Controller averages 3.3 from 6 ratings.

### Do Australian Model Railway Mag or Smart Device Controller have ads?

Neither Australian Model Railway Mag nor Smart Device Controller shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Australian Model Railway Mag or Smart Device Controller?

Australian Model Railway Mag ships an update every 8 months, and Smart Device Controller every 3 months. Most recently, Australian Model Railway Mag was updated on October 7, 2026 and Smart Device Controller on September 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*