Short answer: Cleanor is useful because it treats duplicate photos and similar photos as related but different cleanup jobs. Exact repeats can often be reviewed faster. Similar shots need more judgment because one version may still be the clear keeper.
That distinction matters. A photo cleaner becomes much less trustworthy when it treats every near-duplicate like an obvious throwaway. The better workflow groups related shots together and helps you keep the strongest version before removing the rest.
Duplicate photos vs similar photos
Duplicate photos are true repeats or effectively identical copies.
Similar photos are near-duplicates, burst-style sequences, or several shots of the same moment.
Duplicates are usually faster to review.
Similar photos need side-by-side judgment so you keep the best shot.
Why grouped review works better
Grouped review reduces context switching. Instead of scrolling through a full library and trying to remember what looked similar three minutes ago, you review related images together. That is the practical advantage behind Cleanor for iPhone.
What to look for in a strong photo-cleanup workflow
A clear separation between duplicates and near-duplicates.
Enough preview context to keep the best version with confidence.
Easy movement from obvious wins into harder photo decisions.
No pressure to clean everything in one pass.
What people usually ask next
What counts as a similar photo? Usually several shots of the same subject, moment, or burst where only one or two versions really deserve to stay.
Can I still review manually? Yes, but grouped review is usually faster once the library gets large.
Should I clean screenshots first instead? Often yes if screenshots are the obvious low-risk clutter category.
If you want the task pages next, open Duplicate photos and Similar photos. If you want the trust answer, read Is Cleanor Safe?.
The best photo cleaner is not the one that deletes the most. It is the one that helps you keep the best version with the least confusion.