Those users who are not yet familiar with NFC technology are asking the question: “What is NFC and why is this module needed?” The abbreviation stands for “near field communication”. Using NFC, devices can exchange data, but they must be within a distance of no more than 10 cm.
The technology appeared back in 2004, but it became widespread only recently. Mainly used for contactless payment by smartphone, which saves time and is a very convenient feature. Withdrawing funds at the checkout in stores also occurs through such accessories as an NFC ring and a smart watch.
It can also serve as a means of admission to institutions and for personal identification. In addition, the module allows you to perform the Bluetooth function, but with the difference that it has a much shorter range and the ability to instantly connect. That is, you can use it to exchange content and different files.
So, how is the presence of NFC in a smartphone determined? Everything is very simple: you just need to go to the standard phone settings. There are now several ways to find out if your device supports this technology.
It is worth noting that the module is present in most smartphones from market leaders. For some manufacturers, the presence of this function can be checked by examining the sticker or emblem on the battery.
NFC in Android settings
You can check the presence of this chip on your smartphone by looking at the settings of your Android device. In the “Settings” menu, go to the “ Wireless network" and pay attention to the "More" button. If the NFC function is provided for this device by the manufacturer, then there should be an item for setting it up.
For the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system, for example, the instructions will look slightly different. You must also go to “Settings” in the “Connected devices” section. If there is a module in the list, activate it.
Quick settings and applications
There are also other ways to check for the presence of a module, since in rare cases it may not be reflected in the settings. Swipe from the top of the display to call quick settings. They must contain a corresponding label.
If, even when using the second method, you did not find information about the module, then with a high degree of probability it can be said that contactless payments are not available on this device. There are also special applications that check for NFC.
NFC in official specifications
First of all, you need to clarify in advance whether there is a module in the device you are purchasing. Study the official characteristics of the smartphone if the presence of this function is important to you. Information about this is also available in the instructions that come with the box.
What to do if the device does not have a module?
Even if it is not present in the device, it is possible to install an external communication device in the form of a SIM card, chip, sticker, etc. Stickers are attached to the outside of the phone or inserted into the device. They are supported by most smartphones.
Why are more and more mobile manufacturers equipping smartphones with an NFC chip, and what opportunities does this technology open up for the user?
Now on mobile market presents a wide variety of high and mid-range smartphones price category, which are equipped with an NFC chip. Before you pay for an additional function, you need to understand what it is and why it is needed in the phone.
What is NFC?
NFC (Near field communication) is a wireless communication interface, one of the main characteristics of which, as the name suggests, is a short range (up to 10 cm). Among the features of the technology we can also highlight:
- Possibility of exchange with other devices and passive tags.
- Compact sizes.
- Low power consumption.
- Low data transfer speed.
- Connection setup time is 0.1 seconds.
- Budget cost.
Thanks to small sizes and low power consumption, NFC can be used in small devices. In smartphones, the antenna is usually mounted on the battery compartment cover or the inside of the back panel if the battery is removable. So that users do not have the question of how exactly to apply the gadget to transfer data (this problem is especially typical for tablets due to their large size and short range of technology), the location of the chip is often marked with a special sticker on the case.
Since the NFC interface is only a base that does not provide a clear solution for use, mobile manufacturers and application developers have to independently develop work scenarios. This can cause problems when apps and devices from different manufacturers interact with each other.
Ways to use NFC
Perhaps one of the most common ways to use NFC is. User can attach bank card to your mobile device, with which you will pay in the future, for example, if the card is left at home. In this case, the possibility of data interception is extremely low due to the small range of the interface; a lost or stolen unlocked smartphone poses a great danger.
To make a payment via NFC you will need:
- Bank card marked paypass.
- Application of the relevant bank.
- Find the NFC item in the application menu.
- Attach the card to back cover phone for reading.
- Remember the password for payment transactions sent in an SMS message.
The next method of using technology is data exchange. By using Android programs Beam can transfer various files from one mobile device to another. However, the transmission speed is very low, so this function is more suitable for sending small text messages and links.
Instructions:
1. Activate NFC - check the box next to this item in the “Wireless Networks” menu, unlock your smartphone and turn on the screen.
2. Select an agent:
- Google Chrome - to transfer the current active link.
- Google Maps - for transferring the route.
- Google Play- to transfer applications, books and other content presented in the service.
- YouTube - to send a link to a video.
- Contacts - to transfer a contact.
- Gallery - for transferring photos and pictures (however, this can take a long time due to the low transfer speed, so in this case it is better to use special applications, which will be discussed below).
3. Bring the devices closer until the alarm sounds.
4. Touch and hold the screen to confirm the transfer.
5. Another beep will sound indicating successful file transfer.
There are various applications that use the NFC interface only for pairing, and subsequent file transfer is done through bluetooth connection or Wi-Fi: Send! File Transfer, File Expert HD and Super Beam WiFi Direct Share.
The next method is reading and writing tags. This function It works similarly, only it uses an NFC chip rather than a smartphone camera. It can be useful for automating home and work life. To create your own, you will need clean blanks and special programs for recording necessary information. You can assign the following actions to a tag, which will be performed after it is read: sending an SMS message or email, calling a contact, opening a link, connecting via Bluetooth, launching an application and much more.
Several programs for creating tags:
- WiFiTap WiFi NFC - for connecting a wireless network. Helps guests connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot quickly and without entering a password.
- ABA NFC - for creating various standard format tags.
- SmartTag Maker is a special application for users of Sony products, which contains a number of templates used not only with the NFC interface, but also with a headset, Bluetooth devices, power supply, etc.
Bottom line
Each user decides for himself whether he needs additional function NFC in a smartphone or not. However, this technology is being used in an increasing number of mobile devices. Therefore, if you did purchase a gadget with NFC support, you now know how to use all its capabilities to make life more convenient.
Modern technologies do not stand still, dynamically developing and improving. This also applies to the fundamentally new NFC technology, which has literally captivated the whole world. mobile communications, providing the potential user with even more opportunities at minimal cost.
NFS in Samsung phones - what is it?
Represents technology universal solution for data exchange between devices. In fact, Samsung NFC is positioned as a short-range contactless network that works at a distance between mobile devices within 10 centimeters. What is noteworthy is that despite the ability to work with open data at such a distance, the network is as secure as possible. Information cannot be lost, nor can data be obtained. third parties. Actually, Samsung network NFC is much safer and meets high security standards than the similar bluetooth, which has been relevant for a decade and a half.
All Galaxy smartphones with contactless technology
Currently, mobile device manufacturers are trying to implement this technology into their designs, ensuring an incredible level of quality for the units. Samsung NFC is not far behind, its models today are presented in the following names and modifications:
- Galaxy S8 is a flagship model that works directly on operating system Android version 7.0. Supports the simultaneous operation of two SIM cards, despite the fact that the mobile phone has one communication module. The device screen size is 5.8 inches, resolution is within 2960x1440 pixels. The device’s camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels and has autofocus;
- Galaxy A5 is a device in the budget segment, the main focus of which is solely on camera resolution. Like the older modification, it runs on the Android operating system, version 6 and higher (depending on what was installed at the time of sale). Supports simultaneous operation of two SIM cards, between which you need to switch while using the phone. The screen has a diagonal of 5.2 inches and a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The advantage of the unit is its camera, which has a resolution of up to 16 megapixels, with provision for best quality autofocus shooting;
- Galaxy S7 – the technology was actively used by the manufacturer earlier, which resulted in the creation of a whole series of devices that support a fundamentally new standard wireless transmission data. Smartphones run on the Android operating system, version 7.0, and provide the ability to connect two SIM cards. The mobile phone screen is standard for its market segment, has a diagonal of 5.1 inches, and the resolution is 2560x1440 pixels. You can highlight a high-quality camera, the resolution of which is 12 megapixels, and there is also an autofocus option.
Galaxy S8 on Yandex Market
Galaxy A5 on Yandex Market
Galaxy S7 on Yandex Market
Does Android Pay work on Samsung phones?
The issue of compatibility of payment functions is quite problematic Android Pay, which are actively being introduced into new models of mobile phones. The problem is that each manufacturer tries to develop its own standards.
It is worth noting that in their structure, the services of Android, Apple and Samsung are fundamentally similar, which allows them to be used in parallel with each other and ensure that all stated payment requirements are met. As users of gadgets note in reviews, sometimes malfunctions occur payment system from Android on devices of various modifications of the Galaxy S7, which is not surprising, taking into account the fact that the smartphone is actually the first from Samsung to use this technology in full.
Difference between Samsung Pay and Android Pay
What is technology Samsung Pay on Samsung mobile phones? The company not only tried to use the accepted NFC wireless communication standard in its work, but also made it possible to use not only certain types of terminals that support the possibility of contactless payment for purchases. The solution actively uses proprietary technology called MST (which translates as “magnetic secure transmission”).
Thanks to the unique capabilities of the new technology, the user will be able to easily pay for his purchase on almost any type of terminal that involves the use of a bank card as a payment instrument. To do this, you will only need to have at your disposal a device compatible with the Samsung payment service that supports this “magnetic” technology. By using MST, a magnetic field is created that is completely identical in its criteria to that of the magnetic stripe signal emanating from a bank card. As practice shows, even store salespeople themselves are not aware of this possibility of mobile devices and are surprised that it actually works in practice.
How to use NFC on Samsung
There is nothing easier for a user than learning how to use NFC technology on Samsung. To ensure data transfer, you only need to activate the software chip (provided that mobile phone has it in its design).
In the settings, go to the “Advanced” submenu, where the “NFC enable” item is provided, after which the option is activated. After that in automatic mode activated Android technology Beam, if this does not happen, you can easily perform the operation in manual mode by clicking on the “Enable” item in the same settings menu. For full operation, you will need to activate both technologies; it is important that neither device is blocked or turned off. When a vibration signal is received, this is the first sign that both devices have detected each other and data transfer within the network can begin. Until the data exchange is completed, it is forbidden to separate your devices, this will lead to the fact that the information will be lost and you will have to do everything all over again.
NFC technology is based on the principle of short-range wireless high-frequency communication. It allows you to transfer data between devices with the maximum level of security. This was the main reason for the appearance of NFC chips in phones. So that you can choose the right device, we have compiled a rating for 2018-2019, which includes smartphones with NFC support in different price categories.
Budget phones with NFC
Price: 11,670 rubles 
Opens the rating of cheap phones with NFC - Samsung Galaxy J4+ (2018). This is one of the company's few successful models in 2018. If we talk about its advantages, then I would immediately like to mention the screen with a diagonal of 6 inches and a resolution of 1480 by 720 pixels. Despite the fact that the matrix was made using IPS technology and not AMOLED, it gives the user a detailed picture with a high level of contrast and rich colors.
The features of the smartphone include face unlocking. This technology is gradually replacing the fingerprint scanner, and the fact that it can be found in a solution for such a price cannot but rejoice. It works clearly, although in a dark room the face of the owner of the front camera may not be recognized. The Samsung Galaxy J4+ (2018) has no critical disadvantages. The only thing that can upset you is that the screen frames are too large, which spoil appearance gadget and make it look like a phone worth up to 10,000 rubles.
Samsung Galaxy J4+ (2018) 3/32GB
Sony Xperia L2
Price: 12,350 rubles 
The model is one step away from winning the top inexpensive phones with an NFC chip Sony Xperia L2. In addition to the signature angular design for which they are known Sony smartphones, it offers its user a 5.5-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels. Despite such a low resolution for 2018, the image on the display is quite rich and bright, and the colors are saturated. In terms of compactness, the gadget significantly outperforms most modern “shovels”. Dimensions Sony Xperia L2 – 78x150x9.8 mm
Filled with an entry-level MediaTek MT6737T processor and 3 GB of RAM, it copes with everything everyday tasks, but she has no reserve for the future. The main disadvantage of the model is its autonomy. This is a little strange, since a 3300 mAh battery should easily be enough to support simple hardware and a low-resolution screen. However, in reality it is hardly enough for a day of active use. Despite this, if you like compact phones with NFC, then the Sony Xperia L2 is what you need.
Huawei P Smart 32GB
Price: 12,530 rubles 
Huawei P Smart is the best inexpensive phone with NFC. The gadget was equipped with a bright 5.65-inch display with a resolution of 2160 by 1080 pixels. Due to the fact that it has natural color rendition, the picture pleases with its quality in any work scenario, from everyday use to watching videos and playing games. At the same time, thanks to the good filling from Kirin processor 659 and 3 GB of RAM, you can play absolutely any project, but in particularly demanding ones, such as PUBG and Fortnite, you will have to lower the settings.
Huawei P Smart is also strong with its speaker. Even at maximum volume, when playing music, you will be pleasantly surprised by the sound quality. By connecting a high-quality headset to your smartphone, even spoiled audiophiles will be satisfied. There are some drawbacks, but for the price they are not so critical - the lack of 5 GHz Wi-Fi and a slippery case.
Huawei P Smart 32GB
Middle price segment
Huawei P20 Lite
Price: 16,390 rubles 
Huawei P20 Lite is a real find in terms of wireless interfaces. Not only is there an NFC module, but Wi-Fi supports a/b/g/n and even ac standards, while it is also capable of operating in two frequency ranges - 2.5 and 5 GHz. While only a small number of consumers will appreciate this, the 5.84-inch display with a resolution of 2280 by 1080 pixels will appeal to everyone. It pleases with natural color rendering and bright colors.
Huawei P20 Lite is equipped with face unlock, while the developer did not abandon the fingerprint scanner. Apparently, for those who new technology it won't be to your taste. Considering that both scanners work great, it is quite difficult to choose the best one. The advantages of the model include a rich set of functions, which are presented in the proprietary firmware interface. Among them there is even the opportunity to hide bangs. The disadvantages of the model include the sensitivity of the case to damage, as well as the lack of USB 3.0. Despite this, if NFC communication is important to you, then the Huawei P20 Lite is definitely worth your attention.
Yandex.Phone
Price: 17,990 rubles 
Yandex.Phone is a smartphone with which our IT developer decided to debut on the relevant market. However, the device turned out to be ambiguous and the launch cannot be called successful. The main advantage of the gadget lies in its shell from Yandex, namely the voice assistant Alice. It works even when the phone is locked, and with its help you can set an alarm or find the nearest cafe. The 5.65-inch display with a resolution of 2160 by 1080 pixels turned out to be quite good. It has excellent detail and rich colors.
The disadvantages of the smartphone are its weak hardware and battery life. Thus, the Snapdragon 630 processor is already noticeably outdated and is only enough for simple games and everyday processes, and the 3050 mAh battery can hardly last a whole day. However, these disadvantages cannot be compared with the performance of the cameras. Not only does the second module here not perform any of the usual functions, but when shooting, the image is replete with blurry frames and insufficient dynamic range. Considering all this, many Chinese phones with NFC they look preferable to Yandex.Phone, but the firmware features allow the device to take second place in the ranking of smartphones under 20,000 rubles at the beginning of 2019.
Smartphone Yandex.Phone
Honor 8X
Price: 16,990 rubles 
In the ranking, which presents mid-price smartphones with an NFC chip, Honor 8X is in the lead. The gadget has a memorable appearance - back panel made of 15-layer glass, thanks to which the smartphone stands out among most of its competitors. The device is powered by the Kirin 710 processor. This is not the top-end chipset in Qualcomm’s arsenal, but its performance is sufficient for stable operation in instant messengers and browsers.
On the front there is a 6.5-inch display with a resolution of 2340 by 1080 pixels. It not only occupies 91% of the entire front part of the smartphone, but is also able to please the owner with an image with rich and bright colors, as well as a high level of detail. True, it also has a disadvantage, which is the insufficient brightness reserve. Because of this, using a smartphone in the sun is quite problematic.
The best flagships with NFC
Xiaomi Mi8
Price: 24,990 rubles 
If we talk about best smartphones with an NFC module, then we can’t help but mention the Xiaomi Mi8. The gadget is equipped with a 6.21-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2248 by 1080 pixels. All the features of the matrix are evident here - natural color rendition, maximum viewing angles and high image detail. We are also pleased with the presence of the Snapdragon 845 processor, which is the most powerful on the market in this moment.
Xiaomi Mi8 is good in terms of cameras, the rear one turned out especially well. It is represented by two 12 MP modules. Due to the presence of optical stabilization, 2X optical zoom and an aperture value of F/1.8, the pictures are obtained with the correct color balance and are quite sharp. If you feel that the colors in your photos are not saturated enough, you can always turn on the intelligent shooting mode, which will correct this. The only disadvantages of the model include the similarity in design with the iPhone X, as well as the lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Samsung Galaxy S9
Price: 37,770 rubles 
The flagship of a well-known company will appeal not only to fans of the NFC module, but also to those who appreciate the photographic capabilities of a smartphone. Main samsung camera The Galaxy S9 features a single sensor with a resolution of 12 MP and an F/1.5 aperture. It is also equipped with optical stabilization, which together results in images that are rich and detailed, so you can safely take the Samsung Galaxy S9 with you on vacation and then enjoy the footage.
Exynos 9810 is a processor that will give you amazing performance. With it you will not encounter any problems either when solving everyday problems or when launching games - even in PUBG you can safely set the maximum graphic settings. The model has disadvantages, although they are not too significant. Thus, the body of the gadget is not scratch-resistant, and the 3000 mAh battery barely lasts for a day. If you use your smartphone actively, then most likely by the middle of the day you will have to look for an outlet.
Samsung Galaxy S
Apple iPhone XS Max
Price: 85,990 rubles 
If you like premium smartphones with an NFC chip, then the best option it will be for you Apple iPhone XS Max. The top representative of the latest generation of iPhones is equipped the most powerful processor Apple A12 Bionic. At the moment there is no work scenario in which it would use its full potential. Apparently, the situation will not change in the next couple of years and you will be able to run all games on maximum settings. You will enjoy them on a 6.5-inch display with a resolution of 2688 by 1542 pixels. Its matrix is made using AMOLED technology, and therefore the viewing angles are maximum and the color rendition is natural. All this is complemented by rich colors and a high level of contrast.
For photography enthusiasts, the Apple iPhone XS Max is equipped with a dual camera with a resolution of 12 MP for each sensor. The rear camera has rich functionality - optical stabilization, optical double zoom and a set of intelligent scene detection. Thanks to all this, the Apple iPhone XS Max is able to accurately capture any moment of your life. The disadvantages of the model include the absence of an adapter from 3.5mm to Lightning and native charging with a power of 1 ampere.
Apple iPhone XS Max
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Initially, Near Field Communication technology ( NFC) has gained maximum popularity as a technology for making contactless payments. You can use a smart card with a built-in NFC chip as a travel card on public transport, as a payment card in retail establishments, as a “smart” business card or as a contactless key card.
However, in Lately, this technology is increasingly used in devices such as smartphones and tablets: almost all major manufacturers have begun to equip their mid-range and high level NFC adapters.
What is NFC?
If we translate the name of the Near Field Communication technology from English, we get the phrase “near field communication”, which can be deciphered in ordinary language as wireless connection over short distances. Thus, we see that two NFC-enabled devices can communicate with each other when they are nearby. And indeed, the “range” of NFC is only a few centimeters.
IN mobile devices NFC technology can be used for various purposes. You can, for example, turn your phone into a virtual bank card, or use it as a pass to a swimming pool or to a business. You can also quickly exchange files and links, and even, using special applications, read and write information to programmable NFC tags or NFC smart cards.
In the operating room Android system, NFC support appeared in Android versions 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich - Its built-in Beam feature allows you to share files between devices.
Why do you need NFC if you already have Bluetooth?
As you remember, NFC is most often used when paying for various goods or services, and in this case Bluetooth is not entirely suitable. Firstly, due to its large range (there is a possibility of interception of your payment data). And secondly, the connection between two NFC devices, unlike Bluetooth, occurs almost instantly.
Does your device support NFC?
Not all phones and tablets have NFC adapters. Does your tablet support NFC? How to check its availability?
Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, place the Near Field Communication message directly on the battery of their smartphones, while others, such as Sony, place the NFC logo on the device.
However, the easiest way to check the presence of an NFC adapter in your phone or tablet is through its settings menu:
Go to the settings menu of your Android device
In the Wireless Networks section, click More...
Here you should see NFC settings items:
NFC activation
If your tablet or phone has an NFC adapter, you need to allow it to be used to exchange data between other NFC devices.
Go to Settings -> Wireless & networks -> More...
Check the box next to "Allow data exchange when combining the tablet with another device"
This will automatically turn on Android Beam.
If Android Beam doesn't turn on automatically, simply tap on it and select Yes to turn it on.
When Android Beam is disabled, it limits the ability to share NFC data between smartphones or tablets.
Sharing data using NFC
Once you have activated NFC, you can use it to transfer data. For successful data exchange between tablets and phones, pay attention to the following:
Both the sending and receiving devices must have NFC enabled and Android Beam enabled.
None of the devices should be in sleep mode or have a locked screen.
When you bring the two devices close enough to each other, you will hear sound signal, indicating that the devices have discovered each other.
Do not separate the devices until the data transfer is complete and you hear a success signal.
Data transfer via NFC
Place the backs of the devices facing each other.
Wait until confirmation appears that both devices have detected each other and the message “tap to transfer data” appears on the sender’s screen:
Click on the screen and data transfer will begin:
You will hear a sound confirmation both at the beginning and at the end of the data transfer.
Application sharing
With NFC you can't share APK files. Instead, the sending device sends the other device a link to that app on Google Play Store, and the recipient opens a page in the Market with an offer to install it.
Sharing web pages
Just as in the previous case, the web page is not transferred from one device to another, but only a link to it is exchanged, which the recipient tablet or phone opens in its web browser.
Exchange YouTube video
Again, when sharing a YouTube video, the file itself is not transferred - the second device will simply open the same video on the YouTube website.
Using NFC tags.
In addition to exchanging information between tablets and phones, you can use your device to read (and write) data from NFC tags and smart cards equipped with an NFC chip.
NFC chips are small enough that they can be embedded anywhere - in business cards, bracelets, product labels, stickers, price tags and other items. They can contain information about the person, a URL, product information, and even commands that your phone or tablet should execute when you touch these tags.
To read data from NFC tags (or to write information to them), you will, of course, need a special application.
For example, using the Yandex.Metro program you can find out how many trips are left on your disposable Moscow Metro card, and the NFC App Launcher program will allow you to program your phone or tablet to perform certain actions by placing the corresponding information in the NFC tag.
Conclusion
Most of the modern Android phones and tablets are already equipped with NFC adapters, but so far this function is in little demand and its use is still limited, mainly by the ability to quickly exchange content and contactless payment for services. However, in the future, NFC may penetrate into all areas of our lives, sometimes even completely unexpected ones.
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