The Sims Mobile vs. Freeplay: Differences & Which One Is Better for You

The Sims franchise has given rise to numerous installments and even more expansion packs that added loads of content to the game. But, there are also mobile games that are not as famous as their PC & console counterparts. Of course, we’re talking about The Sims Mobile and The Sims: Freeplay. Both games were developed by EA in collaboration with other studios, and both games revolve around the concept of Sims. If you want to dedicate your time to a single game only, you must be wondering which of the two is a better game.

The Sims Mobile vs. Freeplay: Gameplay 

As far as any The Sims game goes, The Sims Mobile has relatively straightforward gameplay. You create a Sim, build or customize your home, complete quests and take part in events, interact with other Sims, build careers and hobbies, and pursue your goals and aspirations, be it a large family, artistic pursuit, or a career as a successful business. 

Freeplay, on the other hand, features everything from above but in a simplified way while also allowing you to play in “Freeplay mode,” hence the name, that allows you to explore and create without any special set goal. You can build and expand your town at your own pace. Also, all actions that you do in the game take real-world time to complete. 

Despite the games having similar gameplays, it’s truly up to individual’s preferences. If you are a fan of dynamic gameplay, you’re going to appreciate The Sims Mobile more, but if you want to chill, build, and explore on your own terms, then Freeplay is better. 

The Sims Mobile (1-1) The Sims Freeplay

Graphics 

The Sims Mobile has relatively good graphics compared to what you can expect a mobile game to have. It’s modern and high-quality, with detailed character models, plenty of details, and a vibrant environment. Sometimes, players compare The Sims Mobile graphics to those of The Sims 4, so this is your best reference point. However, due to these relatively demanding graphics, older devices could suffer from poor performance or be downright incompatible with the game. 

Freeplay has somewhat cartoonish graphics that are reminiscent of older installments such as The Sims 2, and details and character models are not as advanced or detailed as those found in The Sims Mobile or The Sims 4. But, there is a good side to this as the game is available on both older and newer devices, and you can play it on practically everything. 

Due to The Sims Mobile having better graphics, it gets this point, but remember, if you have an older device, it might not support the game. In that case, Freeplay’s moderate graphics would be a win for you. 

The Sims Mobile (2-1) The Sims Freeplay

Multiplayer mode 

When it comes to playing in Multiplayer mode, The Sims Mobile allows you to visit friends’ Sims, attend parties, share and earn rewards, attend social events and take part in special seasonal events, visit other player’s towns, and it has a leaderboards system that showcases achievements, rankings and other competitive aspects of the games. 

In Sims Freeplay, you can visit neighbors and complete social tasks to earn Sims Points. You can send and receive gifts, participate in seasonal events, and use the SimTown market, which is a special feature that allows players to buy and sell items with other players. This provides a way for players to trade resources and acquire items they may need for their virtual towns. 

The Sims Mobile puts greater focus on multiplayer than Freeplay, since the latter was always imagined to be more of a personal experience while the Sims Mobile was always imagined with “leaderboards” in mind. If you’re looking to play The Sims with friends, then The Sims Mobile is a better game for you; however, if you prefer the single-player experience that the PC version of the game offers, give Freeplay a shot. In any case, The Sims Mobile Multiplayer has more features. 

The Sims Mobile (3-1) The Sims Freeplay

Monetization

The Sims Mobile is generally free to play, but it does have several forms of in-game currency, some of which can be earned through in-game activities and some that have to be purchased using real money. SimCash is a premium currency that can be purchased with real money, and it allows you to speed up actions, purchase special items, and unlock additional features. 

Simoleons are the standard currency that all players are familiar with. Lifestyle Points can be both earned and bought, and there are other in-app purchases that allow you to buy extra items and other virtual goods. However, you can also get premium items or currency through watching ads. 

Freeplay has a similar monetization system as The Sims Mobile and also has several types of currency that can be earned through playing or bought with real money. But here’s the thing with the actions taking real-world time to complete. If you want things done faster, you will definitely need to shell out more money or watch a lot of ads. 

When it comes to monetization, both games have nearly identical models, and in some aspects, the games can be considered pay-to-win since you’re hardly going to make it to the top of the leaderboards without spending any money whatsoever. No game gets the point in this category. 

The Sims Mobile (3-1) The Sims Freeplay

So, which game is better for you?

I think we did a pretty good job at explaining both games, and you can see that The Sims Mobile is objectively a better, more modern game. If you’re really into that kind of dynamic gameplay that focuses more on quests and events, then go for it. If you’re looking for a slower and more authentic The Sims experience, then you will prefer The Sims Freeplay; it is generally slower, you get to build at your own pace, and it has more content when it comes to building, decorating, and customizing your Sims. The choice is up to you.

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