What it does
Astra AI is an AI-powered mobile tutor designed to help students with mathematics. Its core functionality allows users to scan homework problems with their phone's camera and receive step-by-step, interactive solutions. Beyond simple problem-solving, the app also features a comprehensive "Exam Prep" tool that generates personalized study plans based on a user's specific exam date, target score, and uploaded study materials.
Where it shines
The app truly stands out in its pedagogical approach. Rather than just giving answers, the AI tutor often engages in a Socratic dialogue. For example, after scanning a problem, the AI asks the user which method they think should be used (02:39), promoting critical thinking. Another powerful moment is the creation of a personalized exam prep plan. After the user inputs their goal and uploads a document at 06:05, the app analyzes it and builds a structured, topic-based curriculum (06:45), turning a reactive tool into a proactive study partner.
UX highlights
- The app uses a clean, dark-mode interface that keeps the focus on the content and problems.
- Problem-solving is handled within a conversational, chat-based UI, making the interaction feel like talking to a real tutor.
- It supports multi-modal input, allowing users to take photos (01:47), type text, or use voice commands to ask questions.
- The Exam Prep feature provides a clear, visual learning path with progress tracking, breaking down complex subjects into manageable lessons.
- Small animations, like the one for building a study plan (06:30), add a layer of polish and communicate that the AI is working for the user.
Monetization & growth
Astra AI uses a freemium model with a usage-based limit. After a few free questions, the user encounters a soft paywall at 04:09 that gates further access. The paywall screen itself is clear, presenting two subscription options (Monthly and Yearly) with a significant discount highlighted for the annual plan. A particularly clever growth mechanic is the "parental payment link" (04:24), which allows students to easily share a purchase link with a parent, effectively bridging the gap between the user and the buyer.
Who it’s for
The app is clearly designed for middle school, high school, and early college students who need assistance with math homework or are preparing for standardized tests and exams. It caters to users who want more than just answers, seeking to understand the underlying concepts through guided instruction. The parental payment feature suggests a strong focus on the under-18 demographic.
Notes & opportunities
While the core features are strong, some areas present minor friction. During the test, the "Space of knowledge" feature was unavailable for the user's education level (10:33), which could be a dead end for some users exploring the app. Additionally, the transition from successfully solving a problem to immediately hitting a paywall on the next attempt could feel abrupt. A clearer warning about the remaining free questions might soften this transition.