Philips PCA vs NEX
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Philips PCA
This application allows for the control of lighting and HVAC systems from a single point. It utilizes visible light communication or QR code input to manage pre-commissioned connected lighting systems. A professionally installed Philips Connected Lighting system is required for operation.
- Lighting control
- HVAC control
- Visible light communication
- QR code input
- Self-configuring
- Location-based control
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PCA is the latest control application from Signify. It is a self-configuring application that provides control options for lighting, HVAC from a single point. Using visible light communication or QR code input it can control the pre-commissioned Connected Lighting system. A professionally installed Philips Connected Lighting system is a pre-requisite for use of this app. iOS11 onwards is a requirement for PCA and is compatible with iPhone 6 Plus, 6, 5s and 5c. The PCA App will collect your location data provided by the location services offered on the phone platform to control the lighting and/or temperature at your current location. If you do not consent to the tracking of your location, certain functionality within the App may be limited. You can turn-off the location tracking functionality through the settings of your device, also temporarily. The PCA App needs to access your Camera and GPS receiver for delivering the functionalities and services of the App itself. If you do not consent to the use of these functionality within the App will be limited. Read our App Privacy Notice https://www.signify.com/global/privacy/legal-information/privacy-notice for more information
NEX
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Control Liteputer's NEX lighting system by iOS devices. This app requires an Ethernet to NEX interface (DP-NEX1/DP-NEX2/DP-NEX3)
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: NEX at 3 against Philips PCA's 1. On price, update cadence, ads 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Philips PCA ships an update every 3 months, NEX every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Philips PCA | NEX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Signify Netherlands B.V. | Liteputer |
In-app purchases
Philips PCA
No in-app purchases
NEX
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Philips PCA free?
Is NEX free?
Do Philips PCA or NEX have ads?
Which is updated more often, Philips PCA or NEX?
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