Thanks to NFC technology You can quickly pair your smartphone with accessories, read tags or use contactless payments. And here we will focus on the latter. The coronavirus pandemic is forcing people to change many ways of behavior, in particular, to give up banknotes and coins, which are a habitat for a large number of bacteria (smartphones too, but they can be easily disinfected).
More and more people are realizing that in addition to traditional contactless cards, smartphones can be used for this type of payment.
Several conditions must be met here. The store (or any service point) is responsible for maintaining the corresponding terminal. However, the user must have a phone equipped with an NFC module . The operating system does not matter (although its version should not be very old), Google Android uses the Google Pay service, and Apple iOS uses the Apple Pay service. If the bank supports them, all you have to do is go through a short setup process consisting of adding your card(s) to the app.
How to set up contactless payment on your phone?
“Near field communication” technology (translated as “near contactless communication”) is used to exchange information between devices at a distance of about 10 cm. An additional NFC connection is not required, since it is a chip built into the smartphone. This type of communication produces the electromagnetic field necessary for the exchange of data between devices.
Connecting the function is simple:
- in “Settings” find the “Wireless Networks” section
- Enable the NFC module by pressing, confirm the item “Allow data exchange when combined”
- The NFC tag can be found in the quick menu, where the Wi-fi key is located
For NFC to work, an application is installed on the phone to link card details. All that remains is to bring the smartphone to the terminal with the area on the body in which the NFC sensor is installed. For user convenience, it is marked with a sticker.
What are contactless payments or NFC
NFC is a technology for wireless data transmission over a distance of up to 10 centimeters. It is used for:
- emulation of bank cards;
- exchange data between 2 devices;
- activating NFS tags or reading information from them;
- synchronize your smartphone with headphones, speakers and other equipment.
Cashless payment occurs as follows:
- The buyer is issued an invoice.
- You need to touch your smartphone with the screen unlocked and NFC enabled to the terminal.
- Encrypted cryptographic keys are transferred.
- Money is withdrawn from the wallet linked to the program - the purchase has been paid for.
If the amount exceeds 1,000 rubles, the user will need to enter a verification PIN code, place a finger on the fingerprint scanner, or undergo a FaceID facial scan.
Advantages of this method:
- No need to take out the card.
- The payment takes a few seconds.
- Transactions and details are stored on the phone in encrypted form.
- An Internet connection is not necessary - 3-7 encrypted payment keys are stored in memory.
The only drawback is that a thick cover can block the transmission of data from the module to the payment terminal.
Installing an external NFC module
Not all mobile phones have built-in contactless payment functionality. Then external NFC is installed on the device, provided that the back cover and SIM card slot are removable. A special module is an external device for data transmission. It is compatible with most modern smartphone models and allows you to use the NFC function without buying a new phone.
External modules for contactless payment are available in the form of SIM cards, chips, devices and stickers. Let's look at the features of popular NFC modules.
- Stickers are attached to the body of the device. Passive stickers have a limited function, active ones allow you to use Wi-fi and Bluetooth.
- SIM cards with NFC function are sold by mobile operators. SIM cards of this type are simply inserted into the phone.
- NFC antennas, like SIM cards, are sold in mobile phone stores. They connect to the SIM card and are inserted into the smartphone.
External modules are safe, easy to install and work without special applications, but do not perform all the functions of contactless payment programs.
An interesting device for contactless payment is the NFC tag. This is a chip-shaped device that is attached to the phone, clothing or under the skin. The tag is compatible with all gadgets, suitable for storing information, contacts, settings, email addresses and commands. Data from the tag is read using the official Google Play application.
Samsung
Phones from this manufacturer have been equipped with an NFC option since 2013. Unlike Apple, over the past 5 years it has managed to introduce more than 100 phone models to the market.
Our list contains new products from 2016–2018, equipped with the latest developments in the field of NFC.
| Samsung Galaxy | |
| C9 Pro | 2016 |
| J2 Prime | 2016 |
| Grand Prime Plus | 2016 |
| J1 mini prime | 2016 |
| J3 | 2017 |
| J5 | 2017 |
| J7 | 2017 |
| J7 Pro | 2017 |
| J7 Max | 2017 |
| S9 | 2018 |
| S9+ | 2018 |
What Samsung smartphones can do
Devices from this South Korean manufacturer are equipped with the following functions:
- payments through contactless and contact terminals;
- sending and receiving data;
- use of SIM cards, tags and antennas;
- automation of compatible gadgets.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- Samsung Knox tokenization;
- additional identification parameters: password, PIN, fingerprints, retinal scan;
- compatibility with several payment applications;
- ability to emulate magnetic tape cards for use in contact terminals;
- unlimited number of registration units.
Minuses:
- service coverage – only 15 countries;
- works with a limited selection of banks;
- not compatible with all types of bank payment instruments;
- Manual configuration of the option is required through the device menu.
Phones that support contactless payment
A modern smartphone with a special application allows you to use a contactless payment method. Contactless services were first created by Apple, Android and Samsung. Their users have long been using smartphones to pay for goods and services.
NFC support is available on the following smartphone models:
- Apple iPhone models from 6S series
- smartphones from the Galaxy line from Samsung
- mobile devices on the Android platform. Phones from a huge number of brands work with Android Pay: LG, Acer, Lenovo, Fly, Asus, Sony, Huawei and others
Applications for NFC on a smartphone
To make contactless payments, you need not only a chip in your phone, but also a Secure Element with access. The application is available only on some models, for example, Sony, Phillips, HTC. Other smartphones perform calculations with one touch when accessing the Internet. An NFC chip without Secure Element retains all the functions of contactless payments, but is not suitable for purchasing tickets on public transport.
The choice of applications for contactless payment via mobile phone is quite wide.
| Samsung Pay | The program is designed for contactless payments via Samsung phones, suitable for all terminals that accept plastic with a magnetic stripe |
| Apple Pay | The service works together with the Wallet program integrated into the iPhone. The application allows you to pay via the Internet and terminals with contactless function |
| Android Pay | The application is designed for phones with the Android operating system, used for contactless payment and online shopping |
| Yandex money | Cashless payment system for paying for goods and services. After installing the poison, you need to go to the “Contactless payments” section, where the virtual MasterCard issued to the user will appear. The Yandex system sends a security password for writing off amounts of more than 1000 rubles. |
| QIWI Wallet visa | The wallet is linked to the phone using a password from SMS. Purchases worth up to 1000 rubles. made after unlocking the screen; larger payments require entering a PIN code |
| Sberbank wallet | Application of the Savings Bank of Russia, downloaded via Google Play, suitable for phones running Android system no lower than 4.4 |
After installing the application and linking the card details, the smartphone is ready for contactless payment without a card.
The best flagships with NFC
Xiaomi Mi8
Price: 24,990 rubles
If we talk about the best smartphones with an NFC module, then we cannot fail to 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. The presence of the Snapdragon 845 processor, which is the most powerful on the market at the moment, is also pleasing.
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.
Xiaomi Mi8
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. The main camera of the Samsung Galaxy S9 is represented by 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
Contactless payment by phone via Sberbank Online
Sberbank became the first among Russian banks to introduce contactless payment technology. In 2007, the PayPass option was integrated into plastic cards for non-cash payments with one touch in the amount of up to 1000 rubles. Today the bank works with three major systems: Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Sberbank cards are equipped with chips with FRID radio antennas. When a transaction is completed, information about the transaction is transmitted to the bank. The purchase is reflected in the user’s personal online banking account. The system does not allow failures or errors. The chip is the same full-fledged payment instrument as a contactless bank card.
Sberbank cardholders make contactless payments using Android Pay. The technology has a number of advantages:
- allows the use of any number of plastic cards
- allows you to make contactless payments through the application and payment via the Internet
Almost all Sberbank cards of the Maestro, Visa, MasterCard, and MIR plastic systems are suitable for contactless payments.
Conditions and procedure for connecting NFC to Sberbank cards
Let's look at the procedure for activating the wireless function using the Android OS as an example. To make payments through the Sberbank service, you need a reliable Internet connection and an Android 4 smartphone with an NFC chip. To connect, you must perform a series of sequential steps:
- activate NFC option
- log in or register with Google, download and install Android Pay
- enter personal data, confirm by sending an SMS code (after confirming personal data, card details will be uploaded via Sberbank Online)
- find the “Contactless payment” section in your smartphone and follow the instructions from the virtual instructions
After adding plastic, you can pay by phone. To connect a card when you first launch Android Pay, you need to point the camera at it. The service calculates the number and expiration date of the plastic card. Data can be entered manually. You will need the CVV code and user address. Cards can be linked to a Google account even before Android Pay is connected; the user will only have to select one of them and confirm the linking with a CVV code.
Sberbank cards are valid in Russia and around the world. Like other contactless plastic, these means of payment help to transfer money, pay for services, purchases in retail, wholesale networks, in online stores, and carry out remote financial management.
ZTE Blade A3 (2020) NFC
There are many smartphone users who are fundamentally dissatisfied with Russian manufacturers. Although they are Russian in name only, all products are still produced in China. So why not immediately take a device from a Chinese brand? ZTE Blade A3 (2020) NFC is one of the most modest options with NFC that can be bought in Russia with a proprietary guarantee. The price of the gadget starts at 4,900 rubles.
Like all budget smartphones, this model lacks stars from the sky: 1/32 GB of memory, 8 MP camera, low-power Unisoc SC9832E processor. A 2600 mAh battery with a 5.45-inch screen will last no more than a day. However, the device still received a lot of positive reviews - largely due to support for 4G, NFC and low price.
Contactless payment by phone on Android OS
The Android Pay contactless payment system allows you to use smartphones, smart watches, bracelets and other gadgets for payments, and make transfers in phone applications, for example, Uber. The system operates free of charge without commissions. In addition to Sberbank, Android Pay works with many Russian banks, for example Alfa Bank, Tinkoff Bank, Raiffeisenbank, VTB24, Russian Standard, Yandex.Money, etc.
Android Pay connects to smartphones with an NFC chip on the following systems:
- Android (4.4)
- Lollipop (5.0, 5.1)
- Marshmallow (6.0)
- Nougat (7.0, 7.1)
For the installation of Android Pay for contactless payments to be successful, the factory firmware must be saved in the smartphone. You will not be able to connect the application if you have root rights and the bootloader is unlocked.
Doogee N30
By paying a little more, you can buy the Doogee N30 smartphone - this brand is now officially represented in Russia. True, there are not many service centers yet, and the warranty only applies to devices purchased from Doogee partners. But this is already good - previously you had to order these gadgets through AliExpress at your own peril and risk. The N30 supports 4G networks and Bluetooth 5.0, runs on Android 10 and has a large 6.5-inch display with an integrated front camera (8 MP). There are generally 4 main cameras here (16+8+2+2 megapixels), which is very good considering the price of the device is about 10,000 rubles. We also note a decent amount of memory 4/128 GB - such a smartphone can be safely used for installing heavy games and downloading videos.
Application of contactless payments via Android Pay
In Russia, payments via Android Pay are carried out everywhere using terminals and cards with the PayPass and PayWave functions. With phones with the application, you can pay with one touch in all retail chains. To make a payment using the Android Pay application, you need to hold your smartphone close to the terminal for a couple of seconds. If the transaction is successful, the message “Approved” will appear, and the terminal will notify you of the payment using a signal.
Depending on the state of your banking settings, the terminal may prompt you to enter a code or sign a check. Sberbank when making contactless payments in the amount of more than 1000 rubles. requires PIN.
Features of contactless payments implemented via Android Pay:
- The system allows you to carry out three operations in a row for an amount of up to 1000 rubles. each, on the fourth transaction you will have to unlock the smartphone using a pattern key or fingerprint
- it is possible to connect several plastic cards (in this case, the user will have to select the main plastic card as the default payment method)
- Android Pay allows you to pay in mobile applications and on websites via Google Chrome (the service is available in Uber, OneTwoTrip, Rambler cash desk, Kinokhod, Ozon, Yandex.Taxi and other applications)
- the system accepts payments through Yandex.Kassa, Assist and Payture
When making payments, Android Pay does not use data about connected cards. The system creates copies of them to transfer information to the seller. Details of real plastic are stored on Google servers. When disabled, data from the Android Pay app is deleted. Despite the good protection, the creators recommend using a gesture or fingerprint lock. If the phone is inactive for 3 months, the information is erased automatically.
How to use
Owners of Android smartphones that support NFC technology can use them for the following purposes:
- Transfer files, hyperlinks to websites and mobile applications.
- Recognize and create NFC tags.
- Pay for goods, services, travel cards by touching your smartphone.
- Cash out at ATMs from a card linked to a phone number.
Apple is tightening its restrictions on iPhones with NFC. In versions 6, 6s and 7, the chip only supports contactless payment. Later models also allow NFC tags to be recognized, but other functions are still not available.
Data exchange
To transfer information via NFS technology, both devices must be at least Android 4.0. The two terminals are located at a close distance of 1-10 cm. You need to open the file on the sending device, and a signal will sound when connecting. You may need to press the display to complete the transfer of information.
Using this method, you can send your phone book, passwords, keys, media files, coordinates and directions. But the data transfer speed is not very high - about 108-848 kBit/s, so large files will take a long time to be sent.
Tags
NFC tags are designed to facilitate everyday tasks of a smartphone user. With their help you can:
- set and pause alarms;
- make changes to the calendar or other application on your smartphone;
- read data from a previously programmed tag.
An additional benefit of programmable tags is that when installed in your home, you can improve your quality of life. For example, write down the smartphone settings on the tag and set automatic activation at the moment the tag comes within the reading radius. So, an NFC tag on the bedside table can switch the phone to “In Flight” mode or reduce the volume and screen backlight. And when you approach a mark on the desktop, it activates the vibration mode and turns off all sounds of the smartphone and mobile applications.
A number of tags will be available only after installing a specialized application on your phone, which helps to read and recognize them. Applications for stores provide information about product information, transport applications record information about the number of trips and the remaining balance on the travel card.
To recognize NFC tags, a chip is built into Androids and iPhones from version 8 and later. Moreover, from an iPhone you can only read tags, but from Android smartphones you can also program them. In the second case, the device owner downloads the application, takes an NFC tag from the seller and programs the sensor for a given action.
In the Russian Federation, tags on product barcodes are not so common, but in the West this is a very common practice. With their help, you can get complete information about the manufacturer, composition, expiration date and other characteristics of the product.
Contactless payment
Using a mobile phone instead of a card is very convenient. You don’t need to carry a wallet or a card with you, but you always have your smartphone with you, with its help the payment is made. In bank cards of international payment systems, NFC technology is built into the chip, and a smartphone simply imitates it.
Before making the first payment, you will need to link the card to your smartphone. To do this, take a photo of the map and fill in the fields suggested by the system. You can link several cards at once, and then when paying, select the one with which the payment will be made.
For greater security of funds, you can independently set the amount above which a PIN code will always be requested to confirm payment.
To pay for goods with one touch using your smartphone you will need:
- activate NFC if the function is not running in the background;
- install and launch the ApplePay, SamsungPay, GooglePay application or a specialized banking application of the bank where the plastic card is opened;
- hand over the goods to the cashier or announce the service for which payment is being made;
- select the card from which payment will be made;
- bring the phone to the reading terminal;
- wait for the sound signal, which informs you that the payment has been made;
- check the card balance and the amount debited.
It is very important for users who choose this payment method to comply with all security measures. Install security passwords on applications, at least a pattern on your smartphone, and preferably a fingerprint or facial recognition.
Contactless payment with Xiaomi phone
Smartphones and tablets from Xiaomi are becoming more and more in demand. Most of the manufacturer's models are suitable for contactless payment using Android Pay. To install a contactless payment system, your Xiaomi device must:
- keep factory firmware, bootloader locked and root rights disabled
- have an NFC chip (after installation, a phone without a chip can be used for payments in online stores and applications)
- be included in the list of models that support the full Androi Pay mode. Models MI2A, MI3, MI5, MI5s, MI5s plus, MI6, MI note2, MI mix are equipped with an NFC chip
Near-field communication sensors are not installed on Redmi and Mi Max models. Most Xiaomi models come with plastic cases. Android Pay works well on phones that have metal inserts (Xaiomi MI5 and MI5s).
How to set up Androi Pay on Xaiomi gadgets
| 1. Installing the program and adding cards | 2. Setting up a mobile device with an NFC sensor |
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To carry out contactless payments, wake up the smartphone, unlock it, bring it to the terminal, and, if necessary, select a source for debiting money.
Recommendations for making contactless payments via Xiaomi
When using the application for contactless technology on Xiaomi, users encounter difficulties, for example, payment does not go through, or there is no response to the terminal. Problems may be associated with outdated firmware, in which case the system needs to be updated. After installing the new Xiaomi OS, users make contactless payments even without locking the bootloader. Sometimes you need to install root administrator rights.
If Android Pay/Xiaomi does not respond to the trading terminal, a number of simple settings are made:
- through “Settings” go to the “Security” section
- select “Permissions”, “Other permissions”, Android Pay and check all the boxes
- in the "Security" section about
- through “Settings” go to the “Battery” tab, then “Battery consumption by applications”, set the resolution to unlimited for Android Pay
After making the settings, check the functionality of the function.
How can I find out if my phone supports contactless payment?
There are two ways to verify the presence of contactless technology on your device:
- check for the presence of the NFC abbreviation on the gadget’s battery, on its inside or outside (to do this, carefully remove the case cover and take out the battery)
- You can verify the presence of NFC by checking the settings (open the “Wireless Networks” tab, then select “More”, find the item about NFC chip settings)
Contactless payments allow you to pay in Russia and abroad through terminals that support contactless technology, in online stores. Transactions are carried out instantly, and it is not necessary to constantly keep bank cards nearby.
A payment terminal that supports contactless technology is equipped with a special sign. This is the "radio waves" sticker or Android Pay logo. The NFC payment system is free and completely safe. The advantage of the technology is that during the settlement process a virtual account or card is used to maintain confidentiality.
Redmi 9C
Redmi 9C is the most affordable Xiaomi smartphone with NFC, which can be bought for an average of 9,000 rubles. It’s difficult to find any shortcomings at this price, except perhaps the outdated microUSB connector for charging. The gadget is equipped with 2/32 GB of memory with the ability to install microSD up to 512 GB - there is also a version with 3/64 GB.
There is a dual camera of 13+2 megapixels and a large screen with a diagonal of 6.53 inches and a resolution of 1600x720 pixels. The processor is quite powerful and suitable for running modern games - MediaTek Helio G35. The battery life is good: a battery with a capacity of 5000 will provide at least a day or two of work.
