What is NFC in a Samsung smartphone? The question is often asked in mobile showrooms, because almost all new models come out with a built-in module. Consultants give buyers a minimum of information, but in order to start using contactless payment, it is important to familiarize yourself with it thoroughly. Read on to learn how to set it up, what applications you need, what the technology is based on, and how NFC works on Samsung.
NFC module in a phone - what is it?
First, a little history of how this format of contactless data transmission appeared. NFC dates back to 2004, when three major giants in the mobile electronics market (Nokia, Philips and Sony) began simultaneously developing a special chip that would provide support for near-distance data transfer. The goal of the work was to create a universal system that could be standardized. The result of joint efforts, since the companies merged at a certain stage of development, became phones with an NFC module. This abbreviation in the original sounds like Near Field Communication or short-range contactless communication (in an easy-to-understand translation).
- How does NFC work on a phone?
- How to find out if your phone has NFC
- How to enable NFC on your phone
- How to use NFC on your phone to pay Payment using Android Pay
- Using NFC on iPhone
- A few words about safety
You can find out about the presence of NFC format support by a bright and memorable corporate icon. The technical characteristics of the standard are expressed in the ability to transfer data or pair two smartphones with a distance between them of no more than 10 cm. Note! To obtain a good signal and reliable transmission, it is usually necessary to bring two devices that support the format closer to a distance of 2-3 cm. Some people consider the NFC format in the phone unnecessary, since all devices on the market, without exception, have a Bluetooth module, which is also used for data exchange and has a larger radius of activity. But comparing these two standards is not entirely correct, since the currently popular NFC has a number of features:
- compactness of the module built into the body of the smartphone;
- the format allows for communication between two gadgets or other passive objects endowed with a similar function;
- reduced energy consumption;
- high pairing speed, which is no more than 0.1−0.2 seconds;
- affordability, which allows you to find even Chinese budget phones with NFC.
Possibilities
Despite the wide range of possibilities that a SIM card with NFC provides, in Russia the functionality of the technology is limited.
To a greater extent, it is applicable for calculating fares in public transport. To activate the “Mobile ticket” option, you must purchase a card. This will make it possible to pay for travel at the touch.
Purchasing is possible from major mobile operators. The fare tariff corresponds to the real cost, even when paying through a mobile device.
Funds can be deposited onto the card using special terminals. If the balance is insufficient, money is debited from the subscriber number (no commission is charged).
At the same time, using a SIM card is associated with unpleasant moments:
• The presence of a module does not guarantee full compatibility with the device;
• The problem is finding similar devices.
NFC tags
Several types of devices are used: with limited compatibility, universal in use.
Universal tags are compatible with all device models and OS.
There are 4 types of tags. Distinctive features are memory capacity parameters and speed indicators for transferring information.
Important! It is possible to record information on tags of types 1-2 and then delete it. Rewriting can be done up to 100 thousand times. Type 3-4 tags cannot be reprogrammed.
How does NFC work on a phone?
The basic principle that underlies the operation of this technology is the exchange of a radio signal. A similar method is used in all wireless modules. The difference between NFC and the others lies in the distance at which the signal operates - ≥10 cm. Initially, the format was intended as a way to expand the functionality of contactless cards, but due to its wide distribution and popularity, the developers came up with several new ways of application:
- normal mode for reading information;
- emulation used when providing a module with the functions of a payment instrument or turning it into a pass;
- P2P mode, through which data is exchanged between two phones.
The use of a chip, which is embedded in a cell phone, allows you to book tickets, serves as a method of paying for travel or a parking space, and makes it possible to provide supervisory access to a certain closed area. The development of technological processes has led to the emergence of plastic cards, which contain a wireless communication chip and an integrated antenna, which makes plastic a convenient payment instrument.
One of the frequently used functions of NFC is the transfer of information between two smartphones. When two devices are in close proximity, the devices are connected under the influence of a magnetic field, when two frame-type converters form a generator. The NFC module in the phone uses a frequency of 13.5 MHz. At the same time, the speed at which data is exchanged can reach up to 400 Kbps. Each module can operate in two modes:
- Active . In this case, both devices involved in pairing have their own antenna power supplies, and data exchange is carried out in order of priority.
- Passive . This option involves using the power of only one device that has a source to power the module. Passive tags have a small memory reserve and are most often used only for reading information (pass, electronic ticket).
The module itself is a small chip, which when assembled resembles an inductor
Difference between Samsung Pay and Android Pay
In the domestic market, two competitor applications are available to users, which are supported by Samsung phones. Each has its own disadvantages and advantages. Let's look at the difference between them:
- Adding cards. In the utility from the developer, the process of activating plastic is as automated as possible. It is enough to scan it using an external camera. On a Google product, you will have to enter all the information manually.
- The number of cards in Android Pay is unlimited, but a competitor only allows 10 credit cards.
- Samsung Pay owners are more likely to pay at all terminals. The service is capable of simulating a signal similar to a plastic magnetic tape using the MST module. This trick will not work with the analogue.
- The details of the first utility are stored on a special microchip, and the second one is stored on a dedicated server on the Internet.
- Every transaction in Samsung Pay requires fingerprint confirmation.
- Android Pay works on almost all smartphones with the Android operating system, but Samsung Pay is available only to brand owners
How to find out if your phone has NFC
To find out whether a particular phone supports this option, you can go in several ways. The easiest thing to do when deciding to buy a phone with NFC function is to simply study the “Characteristics” sections in the description of a specific device on the store’s website or look for reviews of the selected smartphone on the Internet. If the device has already been purchased, then you can find out whether the gadget supports NFC in the following ways:
- Read the labels on the box. The presence of this option will be indicated there or a corporate icon will be displayed.
- If the phone has a removable back cover, you can remove it and inspect the battery, which should also have a warning label on it. You can also see the antenna, which is a flat coil. It can be attached to the back cover.
- Go to settings and go to the “Wireless Networks” menu item. If you click on the “More” button if there is a built-in module, the user will have access to actions that can be assigned to NFC.
- Open the notification shade by swiping from the top edge of the screen. Among the icons of available functions, look for the three treasured letters. There you can quickly activate this option.
The function is enabled through the settings menu by activating the slider or checking the box.
How is it different from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi?
We examined the following questions: NFS in the phone - what it is, how to enable the module and how contactless payment works, we studied the level of security of transactions, we learned how to check the availability of the option in the phone.
If you are interested in what the mobile phone payment function at the checkout for goods and services is called, then it is Paypass. Consumers ask what “pay” is. Literally translated, the word has several meanings - pay, pay, pay, etc. In a word, to the question what is PayPass, there is a simple answer - this is a phone function designed for paying in a store.
Now let's figure out what the differences are between the known contactless technologies and the NFS function. First, let's look at what frequency the NFC chip operates at. It turns out that its operating frequency is 13.56 MHz, while Bluetooth and Wi-Fi use 2.4 GHz, exceeding the first figure several times.
It has already been said that an NFS connection is possible at a short distance between devices, while via Wi-Fi communication occurs over hundreds of meters, and sometimes several kilometers. Bluetooth operating at a stable frequency provides wireless contact at a distance of ten to fifteen meters.
The time required to establish contact via Bluetooth takes from two to ten seconds, but NFS works almost instantly - just bring the smartphone closer to the reading element of the terminal or other gadget.
Unfortunately, the speed at which information is sent to NFS is tens of times lower than that of other types of connections, and therefore photographs, films, music and other large files are sent through them.
How to enable NFC on your phone
Buying a phone with an NFC module is half the battle. Next, you should know how you can activate the module to perform the necessary operations. Activating this option is very simple. This can be done in two ways:
- Go to your phone settings. Go to the “Wireless Networks” menu item. Next, select the “More” subsection, where NFC functions will be available. All you need to do is simply activate it.
- The second option for enabling NFC is to use the notification shade. In it you need to find the desired icon and simply tap on it. Activation confirmation will be a color change.
If your smartphone has an NFC chip, to enable the function of exchanging data or performing a payment transaction, you will need to activate a special application - Android Beam. It can be found in the settings in the “Advanced” tab.
You can also activate NFC through the notification shade
Useful tips
If your mobile phone display shows a notification that NFC service capacity has been used up, you may wonder what this means and how the problem can be resolved. It turns out that there is not enough memory to activate this payment service. Try disabling services you don’t need, or better yet, several at once.
Have you come across the expression “NFC market dependent” and don’t know what it means? The literal translation is “market dependence.”
Don’t know what NFC version is? Imagine how this is read in Russian - “NFS version”.
Using the NFC protocol, it operates in Russia with Visa and Mastercard cards issued by banks that maintain partnerships with the payment system.
In case of problems with NFC, technical support staff are at your service, available around the clock. Here you will find out how much it costs to install a chip or replace a failed element.
When purchasing a mobile phone from a Chinese manufacturer, pay attention to the presence of a useful module. The fact is that some companies deliberately do not pre-install the NFC microchip in order to reduce the cost of products and increase their own earnings, which depend on sales.
For work, you can use any payment system, practically without risking your money - each of them provides a guarantee of payment security.
How to use NFC on your phone to pay
Since in most cases a smartphone with an NFC module “on board” is used as a payment instrument, you should know how to properly use this convenient function.
Payment using Android Pay
To select a phone as the main payment instrument if NFC is available, you must complete the following steps:
- Download the official Android Pay application from PlayMarket.
- Launch it on your device.
- Select "Scan card". Scanning takes place using a smartphone camera. If there are errors, it is always possible to enter information manually.
- The phone linked to the “plastic” receives an SMS with a binding confirmation code.
- The application allows you to enter the data of several plastic cards at once, and the user simply selects the one he needs when paying.
Using a smartphone equipped with an NFC function, you can pay for purchases in the store. You can configure the module to operate in automatic mode. To do this you need to do the following:
- in the settings, go to the “One-touch payment” section and select Android Pay as the default payment method;
- Allow the application to start automatically when the system boots.
It is important that the terminal has a contactless payment function. There is also a limit on the amount when making a payment. If the purchase price does not exceed 900 rubles, then confirmation in the form of a card PIN code is not required. If the amount is exceeded, the user will be required to enter a PIN. It may additionally be required when making more than 4 consecutive payments.
Using NFC on iPhone
The Cupertino company also has its own contactless payment service called Apple Pay. The general payment principles are similar to the method implemented on Android smartphones. The first step is to link the card. You must first clarify whether the bank that issued the plastic supports this payment system.
One device supports loading up to 8 different plastic cards, and it does not matter whether debit or credit plastic is used for payment. Payments are made by touching the terminal. The most important thing is that the latter has support for the PayPass system. Confirmation of acceptance of payment via mobile phone is the presence of the corresponding icon. To activate the built-in wallet on your iPhone, you need to double-click the Home button. When making a payment, your finger must be placed on TouchID, which will be an additional confirmation of payment by the user.
Apple Pay also has a limit on the amount of transactions without entering the card PIN. It may vary depending on the country of residence. In the Russian Federation, it is allowed to make payments up to 1,000 rubles without confirmation via PIN.
Making payments via smartphone is completely safe, since card data is not transferred to third parties
A few words about safety
When paying with a smartphone instead of a card, the transaction is completely secure. The terminal does not display card details. The curious will see only the last 4 digits and the bank that issued the “plastic”. The terminal itself does not receive all the data regarding the payment card. To complete a transaction, a random code is generated that has a limited validity period. Therefore, intercepting it will not allow you to use the received information in the future.
Purchasing a back cover with an NFC module is an easy way to get this option if it is not available on your phone.
Types of external modules and methods for their implementation
If you want to pay for purchases using NFC, but your device does not have it. It is possible to equip your smartphone with a module yourself. The absence of NFC does not mean that the client will not be able to take advantage of contactless payment and information transfer.
A smartphone without NFC can be equipped with external modules. There are several types of external modules.
SIM cards
The main types of modular system are SIM cards. A microcircuit is implanted into such cards, and as an addition, a special code is provided that activates the balance when the device is brought to the reader, which ensures the implementation of the cashless payment procedure.
Attention! You should check whether a SIM antenna is equipped. After purchasing a card, it cannot function independently, and as an addition to it there is a chip product installed on the phone. It is due to this that the transfer of information between the SIM and the terminal is ensured, followed by payment.
If your device does not have an antenna, you will need to purchase one: the card's compatibility is low (only supported by some smartphones).
Is it possible to install an NFC chip yourself if you don’t have one?
The problem of self-installation becomes relevant in the absence of such an option “out of the box”. There are several options for how this can be done. [table style=”table-hover”]
| Gluing a purchased NFC tag to the back cover | |
| pros | Minuses |
| Easy tag management. | With a thick cover this is physically impossible. |
| No battery drain. | The system is unable to connect to the NFC module. |
| Buy SD cards with NFC function for your phone | |
| pros | Minuses |
| Gaining access to the chip from the system. | The smartphone must have a slot for installing such a card. |
| Limited manufacturers of such devices. | |
| Replacing the back cover | |
| pros | Minuses |
| The system obtains full access to the capabilities of the chip. | Warranty void. |
| No need to install additional accessories. | Impossibility of implementation with a non-removable back cover. |
Most common reasons
If we consider the most common reasons why nfs suddenly stopped working on the phone, they will be as follows:
- lack of a built-in NFS module due to factory reasons;
- incorrect settings inside the device;
- absence of a chip or incompatibility with the interface device;
- External NFS module is damaged or incompatible with the smartphone.
Of course, if the phone has been severely damaged (dropped from a height, heavily soiled, been in water for a long time), then many of its functions, including NFC, may not work. To accurately diagnose what exactly caused the module malfunction, you should contact a technical service center.
Phones with NFC function: short list of models with prices
To simplify the selection of a model that has a pre-installed model for wireless information exchange or contactless payments, you can familiarize yourself with the list of which phones have NFC. Each company produces models in both the premium and budget segments, which have a built-in function. An average list of which phones support NFC is presented in tabular form to make it easier to understand.
| Manufacturer | Model | Price |
| Samsung | Galaxy A3 (2017) | 13 700 |
| Galaxy A5 (2016) | 17 990 | |
| Galaxy A5 (2017) | 18 770 | |
| Galaxy J7 (2016) | 11 590 | |
| Galaxy J7 (2017) | 15 700 | |
| S8/S8+ | 26 900/30 900 | |
| S9/S9+ | 29 000/32 000 | |
| Nokia | 3 | 7 900 |
| 5 | 11 000 | |
| 6 | 16 000 | |
| Sony | Xperia 5 | 41 000 |
| Huawei | P10 Lite | 12 250 |
| Honor 5C | 8 950 | |
| Honor 6X | 11 650 | |
| P20 Pro | 30 000 |
All major brands and even Chinese manufacturers implement support for the NFC module in most of their models, as a way to keep up with the times and win over customers. A more complete list of smartphones that can be found on store shelves:
- Alcatel Pop S7 7045Y
- Alcatel U5 HD and A7
- Huawei Honor 9
- Huawei Honor 6X
- Huawei Honor 5C
- Huawei P10 Lite
- Huawei Nova 2
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 8
- iPhone X
- LG G6
- LG V30
- LG Q6 and Q6+
- LG X Venture
- Lenovo P2
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Sony Xperia L1
- Sony Xperia E5
- Sony Xperia XA1
- Nokia 8
- Asus ZenFone 4
- Asus ZenFone 4 Pro.
- Asus ZenFone 4 AR
- Blackview BV6000S
- Blackview BV8000 Pro
- Wileyfox Swift 2X
- HTC Desire 530
- HTC U Ultra
- HTC U11 and U11 Plus
- Google Pixel 2/2XL.
- OnePlus 5/5T.
- ZTE Nubia Z17 and Z17 mini
- Moto G5s
- AGM X2
- BlackBerry Motion and KEYone
Separately, we can mention Chinese manufacturers, whose products are becoming more widespread and gaining popularity every year. One of the burning questions is which Xiaomi phones have NFC:
- Xiaomi Mi4 32/64Gb. Cost – 11,500−13,500 rubles;
- Xiaomi Mi3 64Gb. Cost: about 15,000 rubles;
- Xiaomi Mi5s 4/32Gb. Cost - about 21,000 rubles;
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 4/128Gb. Cost - about 29,500-35,000 rubles;
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 6/256Gb. Cost - about 33,000-37,000 rubles;
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 6/256Gb Cost - about 36,500 rubles.
Transfer files and information using NFC
One of the functions that this module offers the user is information exchange. Using the Android Beam program, you can copy not only files to another smartphone, but also share links, maps or contacts. To make a transfer, you first need to activate the option, then you need to unlock the screen and select the appropriate agent for pairing:
- Chrome or other browser to send the link;
- Maps application - to share the route;
- Play – to send an application, game or book;
- YouTube - to send a link to the video;
- contacts for sending a subscriber card from the address book;
- gallery for transferring images and photos.
Pairing phones with NFC allows you to transfer files, links, directions or contacts. The pairing process itself consists of placing the two devices as close as possible to each other, holding down a tap on the screen to begin the transfer process, and waiting for successful completion. You can once again find out how important the NFC function is in a phone from the presented video.
How safe is it?
Whether this technology is convenient to use is a moot point, because consumers continue to pay with plastic cards or cash. As they say, everyone makes their own choice. With regard to compliance with security measures, it is necessary to say the following - the new technology is much more reliable than using a plastic card, and this is easy to prove.
Today, almost all financial institutions of the Russian Federation issue payment cards with RFID or NFS technologies, which is confirmed by special symbols in the form of a wave extending to the side (this icon is often confused with the Wi-Fi designation, which is usually directed upward and has a dot in the center) . Let's look at the pros and cons of using plastic cards, and start with the disadvantages. The surge in innovative progress has raised a large army of criminals who, during rush hour, are in crowded places and use special scanning devices to withdraw 999 rubles from citizens’ cards.
The advantage is that payment for goods is carried out promptly, because an amount not exceeding the established limit of one thousand rubles does not require additional actions confirming the consumer’s intention.
If a consumer uses a smartphone with a payment card linked to it, then to use it, they must first unlock the mobile device, then activate the payment application and only then proceed to the money transfer process. This means that the NFS function in the gadget is in active mode only at the request of the owner.
Another disadvantage of a payment card is that all information about its details is placed on the surface of the plastic. Here you will find the number of the banking product, its validity period, personal data of the user, and the second CVC code. It turns out that if the card is lost, someone will have the opportunity to withdraw the remaining money in the account. Of course, for such cases there is SMS authentication, when a code is sent to the phone number that confirms the banking transaction being performed. But SMS banking is not able to fully secure transactions, and withdrawal of money is possible if these protective measures are bypassed. The problem is that the recognition process via SMS is activated by the seller, and if he disables the option, then you do not receive a request to enter the code.
We conclude that with the loss of the card, the likelihood of losing funds increases. The mobile device stores all the details in encrypted form, and it is simply impossible to obtain them. You will need to unlock your phone to use money, and then select a password for the payment application.
In short, using NFS technology on a mobile device is less dangerous than paying for goods with a plastic card. True, there are still certain inconveniences.
