Comparison

Philips PCA vs Starco Control

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Lighting control
  • HVAC control
  • Visible light communication
  • QR code input
  • Self-configuring
  • Location-based control
Features
Read full description

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

About

Starco Control

Features
Read full description

Starco Control is a powerful Bluetooth Mesh lighting app for commercial, industrial, and residential spaces. Compatible with Bluetooth Mesh-enabled fixtures, it lets you wirelessly control, group, dim, and schedule your lights—all from your smartphone or tablet.

Screenshots

Philips PCA4 screens
Starco Control4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Starco Control at 3 against Philips PCA's 1. Starco Control also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Philips PCA versus Starco Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhilips PCAStarco Control
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSignify Netherlands B.V.Starco Lighting Inc.

In-app purchases

None

Philips PCA

No in-app purchases

None

Starco Control

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Philips PCA free?
Philips PCA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Starco Control free?
Starco Control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Philips PCA or Starco Control have ads?
Neither Philips PCA nor Starco Control shows ads.

Other comparisons