Train ticket apps

Yes, for long distance tickets it is a lot cheaper to buy in advance. Tickets on these trains are specific to a train (you pick a train when you buy), and have a reserved seat number listed on the ticket.
I don't know about these Apps, I always buy from the Trenitalia website: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
This gives you a print-at-home PDF ticket.

I’ve used the TrenItalia app and find it easy and convenient. If you check your intended trips, you can save money by purchasing early on portions that do not use Regionale trains exclusively. If using only Regionale, the price is always the same and early purchase isn’t necessary. I purchase my tickets using the app and then just have the conductor scan them. Very easy, no need to print them.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that in the US the app is only available for the iPad, not the iPhone. The iPhone app is available in Europe. I don’t know about Android versions. Easy enough to use the app, get the email from TrenItalia and save on a phone for use on board.

wes,

You might also have a look at www.trainline,eu as they sell tickets for several rail networks in Italy (and other countries) at the same price as the rail firms. They have an App as well. Registration on the site is required first, including payment details, but after that it's very user friendly.

To answer your question, it's only beneficial to buy discounted advance tickets for the express trains, such as the Freccia or Intercity. However a few important points to note.....

• the tickets are specific to train, date and departure time and can only be used on the one train listed on the ticket.
• the discounted tickets come with restrictions. For example, the cheapest Super Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable once purchased.

There are no price advantages to buying tickets for Regionale trains, so it's just as easy to buy tickets whilst in Italy (although you can also buy them online). However with locally purchased tickets, you must validate (time & date stamp) the tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! Regionale tickets purchased online do not need to be validated, however they must be used within four hours of the departure time listed on the ticket. Validating tickets also applies to Metro, Buses and the Vaporetti in Venice.

I used the Trenit app for samsung. Very easy to use & yes you show your ticket on your phone on the train. Enjoy! Btw, I found the app easier to navigate then on the computer.

I cannot add more advice than others have offered you. I was in Italy in March for a month. The advice that has been offered is good.

The official Trenitalia app is available on Android for smartphones just in the past few days, at least where I am, not in Italy.

http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Purchase/Mobile-Ticketing