Comparison

Photomath vs SymCalc+

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

Head to head
About

Photomath

Scan any math problem to receive instant, step-by-step explanations and accurate solutions. This app breaks down complex problems into manageable steps, helping users understand the 'how' and 'why' of math. It supports a wide range of math topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.

Highlights
  • Scan math problems
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • Word problem solver
  • Interactive graphs
  • Multiple solution methods
  • Scientific calculator
Read full description

Photomath is known worldwide for helping millions of learners to learn, practice, and understand math – one step at a time. Scan any math problem with the Photomath app to get step-by-step explanations with accurate solutions and a variety of teacher-approved methods. Math is about the process, so Photomath breaks your problem into bite-sized steps to help you understand the “what” and “why” along with the “how.” Whether you’re learning basic arithmetic or advanced geometry, we’ll tackle it together, step by step. Why Photomath? Billions of math problems: From elementary arithmetic to advanced calculus and everything in between, Photomath can solve billions of math problems—including word problems! Whether handwritten, in a textbook, or on a screen, Photomath is here to help you untangle your trickiest problem. Step-by-step explanations: Math isn’t just about an answer. It’s about every step along the way. That’s why Photomath breaks down each step, so you can *really* learn. Less guesswork = less stress, especially with our new Animated Steps, which show you the exact progression of a particular step. Get basic step-by-step explanations at no charge when you download Photomath. Expert-developed methods: Photomath’s educational content is centered around the learner’s experience, driven by the expertise of our own team of mathematicians and former math teachers. Self-paced learning: Photomath’s instant support is like having a 24/7 virtual tutor. Checking your homework before dinner? Stuck on a problem at 2am? We can help. Follow our detailed steps, taking whatever time you need to review definitions, rationale, and more – all within the explanation. Want to dive deeper and explore more ways to learn? Photomath Plus can get you there with custom Animated Tutorials, detailed Textbook Solutions, and more! KEY FEATURES • Step-by-step explanations included in our basic version (at no charge) • Word problem instructions • Interactive graphs • Video learning • Multiple solution methods • Advanced scientific calculator Photomath is for learners of all levels, including those studying: Numbers & Quantity Algebra Functions Trigonometry & Angles Sequences Geometry Calculus “The step-by-step guide is beneficial to students that do not have access to a tutor and struggle with solving math problems.” — Forbes “A viral video about a new app looks like a dream come true for anyone who struggles with math.” — Time ___________________________________________ • Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. • A subscription automatically renews unless it’s canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. • Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. • Manage or cancel your subscription in your account settings on the App Store after purchase. • Offers and pricing are subject to change without notice. Suggestions or questions? Email us at support@photomath.com Website: www.photomath.com TikTok: @photomath Instagram: @photomath Facebook: @Photomathapp Twitter: @Photomath Terms of Use: https://photomath.app/en/termsofuse Privacy Policy: https://photomath.app/en/privacypolicy

About

SymCalc+

This app provides advanced mathematical calculations, from basic arithmetic to university-level topics. It combines the functionality of a scientific graphing calculator with the ease of a mobile application, offering symbolic computation and detailed feature explanations.

Highlights
  • Exact arithmetic and numerical modes
  • Symbolic algebra and calculus operations
  • Matrix operations and linear algebra
  • Equation and differential equation solvers
  • Complex number arithmetic
  • Interactive graphing
  • Session management and PDF export
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Solve equations, simplify algebra, take derivatives and integrals, work with matrices, and visualize results in 2D and 3D from one app. Whether you need an exact symbolic answer, a decimal approximation, or a graph, SymCalc keeps the full workflow in one place. Store your work in reusable sessions, assign variables, define your own functions, and come back to your calculations later. - Solve single equations and systems with exact or numerical results - Simplify, factor, expand, substitute, and find roots, limits, sums, products, and Taylor series - Handle calculus tasks including derivatives, indefinite and definite integrals, and differential equations - Work with matrices and vectors: determinants, inverses, rank, RREF, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, dot products, and cross products - Graph standard functions, implicit equations and inequalities, polar curves, parametric plots, and 3D surfaces - Use logarithmic axes, inspect intersections, and adjust extra variables with sliders - Compute with complex numbers and common scientific functions - Save worksheets, keep multiple sessions, create custom functions, and export your work as PDF or SymCalc files - Learn faster with built-in function help and examples inside the app - Built for students, engineers, scientists, and anyone who needs more than a basic scientific calculator

Screenshots

Photomath4 screens
SymCalc+4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Photomath at Free against SymCalc+'s $9.99. Photomath also leads on ratings volume (733K vs 91) and chart position (#30 vs #199). SymCalc+'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and review sentiment (74% vs 51%). On rating, update cadence, 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

Photomath is free to download; SymCalc+ costs $9.99 up front. Photomath sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. SymCalc+ asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Photomath against 4.7 for SymCalc+. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photomath has 733K ratings behind it against 91, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 51% of Photomath's written reviews are positive against 74% of SymCalc+'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Photomath ships an update monthly, SymCalc+ every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Photomath versus SymCalc+: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhotomathSymCalc+
PriceFree — better$9.99
Rating4.8 (733K ratings) — better4.7 (91 ratings)
Positive reviews51.0% of reviews73.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings733K — better91
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank#30 — better#199
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB46 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleVoxeloid Kft.

Customer experience

Photomath

All ratings732,942 ratings
Positive95.3%
Neutral2.0%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews1,194 reviews
Positive51.0%
Neutral6.9%
Negative42.1%

SymCalc+

All ratings91 ratings
Positive91.2%
Neutral4.4%
Negative4.4%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive73.7%
Neutral21.1%
Negative5.3%

Bugs and requests

Photomath

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Incorrect answers or solutions provided for some problems
  • Compatibility issues with newer devices or operating systems

Requested features

3 requests
  • Support for word problems and more advanced math concepts
  • Option to use front-facing camera for scanning
  • Cheaper or one-time payment model instead of subscription

SymCalc+

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

9 purchases

Photomath

Subscriptions9
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial5 variants$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Photomath Plus2 variants$9.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$49.996 Months
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$69.991 Year
None

SymCalc+

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Photomath free?
Photomath is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SymCalc+ free?
SymCalc+ costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Photomath or SymCalc+?
Photomath is rated higher. Photomath averages 4.8 out of 5 from 733K ratings, while SymCalc+ averages 4.7 from 91 ratings.
Do Photomath or SymCalc+ have ads?
Neither Photomath nor SymCalc+ shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Photomath or SymCalc+?
Photomath ships an update monthly, and SymCalc+ every 5 weeks. Most recently, Photomath was updated on October 1, 2026 and SymCalc+ on September 12, 2026.
Which is more popular, Photomath or SymCalc+?
Photomath currently peaks at #30 in the App Store charts, and SymCalc+ at #199. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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