In the technical characteristics of modern phones you can see the presence of a new function. NFC function on the phone - what is it? We will try to answer this question in this article.

The concept of NFC technology

When we decipher the abbreviation and translate it, we get that NFC means “near field communication.”

This technology originated at the beginning of the 21st century. Sony and Philips began to develop it, independently of each other, which contributed to the fact that their developments were incompatible with each other. Subsequently, efforts became joint, which ultimately made it possible to begin implementing this technology in 2004.

So, let's get down to analysis: the NFC function on the phone - what is it?

This technology is mainly used for multi-use contactless cards. With its help, you can pay for travel on public transport, get an electronic pass, make payment transactions, etc.

This function is similar in its manifestation to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but its communication speed can reach 400 kbps, while the range of action is only 10 cm. On the one hand, this is considered an obstacle for attackers, but on the other hand, it is poorly protected from data interception and relay attacks. The connection is established in 0.1 seconds.

Today, this function is usually not built into inexpensive gadgets, which slows down its spread, since it is inexpensive models that are in wide demand.

There are quite a few devices that support an antenna for this technology. NFC tags are objects with corresponding chips that receive energy from interaction with smartphones.

Using NFC

So, we figured out a little about the answer to the question “NFC function on the phone - what is it?” Let's see where it can be used.

You can use it to pay for purchases and bills. NFC adapters are installed in many terminals in cafes and shops. A phone equipped with this feature rests its back cover against the tag on the terminal for a few seconds to read the data, after which the transaction is completed. When using this function, you can create a virtual card in a few clicks, which can be used to pay for goods or, for example, travel on the subway. This will eliminate the need to use various other bank cards in everyday life as they can be scanned using this module and then used using the phone.

In addition, using this function, you can exchange data between various gadgets that have it or that have an NFC antenna and tags, which will be discussed below. Using this function, phones are identified, and further data transfer is carried out via Wi-Fi direct or Bluetooth. Data exchange is carried out at speeds quite high for mobile devices, the connection is made by touching the backs of the phones.

Also, using this function allows you to “distribute” the Internet when sticking a tag in a certain place. If you turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and mobile data at night and set it to silent mode, then in the morning you need to turn everything on again. If you have a tag next to your phone, this process can be automated. If you stick a tag somewhere on the car, you can automate the process of turning on GPS, transferring mobile data and opening the navigator. You can configure the laptop to turn on when it detects activity of wireless networks, that is, in order to turn it on, you do not need to press a button - you just need to bring a phone that is equipped with the technology in question to it. If your guests have phones with the NFC function, then they may not ask you for the Wi-Fi password, since you just need to bring the phone to the tag and Internet access will be provided (the usefulness of this method is quite doubtful, since the person will need to be present at all times while using The Internet is near the mark, and if several people use it in this way, this will create certain inconveniences). By sticking the tag to a Bluetooth headset, you can automatically listen to music when you put on the headphones. Carrying out these actions requires programming the tags, but all this can be done using special applications.

This technology is used in electronic keys, identification cards, and when purchasing electronic tickets.

How does NFC work on your phone?

The principle of NFC operation comes down to the conversion of electromagnetic waves. There are active and passive NFC tags. The former require an additional power source and management; with their help, they transmit any signals. The latter do not require a power source, but transmit a signal that is initially programmed.

The circuit of such a tag: an external magnetic field is detected by a diode, after which the signal is sent to the reading device.

When two gadgets are brought close to each other, the tags begin to be detected among themselves, resulting in identification and further processes characteristic of the NFC function.

What devices can this technology be found in?

Today NFC can also be found in Chinese phones. The introduction of this feature is similar to the introduction of the fingerprint function, which was initially present only on ultra-expensive models and then became widespread.

Here is a small list of phones with NFC function. This includes Samsung 7th generation phones, J5, Sony Xperia XZ and XZ premium and others. Among inexpensive phones, Blackview BV6000S, Nokia 3 Dual Sim, Sony Xperia L1 are equipped with this function.

Phones from previous years that have the NFC function include LG G3, Samsung Galaxy S4, Huawei P8 Lite, Elephone Vowney, Hauwei Honor 4C.

Phones with NFC from Samsung

The NFC function in Samsung phones works with the following models and modifications:

• Galaxy S8 is a model running on Android 7.0 OS. May include two SIM cards, although the phone only has one communication module. Screen size - 5.8 inches, resolution - up to 2960 x 1440. Camera resolution - 12 MP, has autofocus.
• Galaxy A5 - this model belongs to the budget, OS "Android 6" and higher. Work is possible with two SIM cards. Screen diagonal is 5.2 inches, resolution is 1920 x 1080. Camera resolution is 16 megapixels, there is autofocus.
• Galaxy S7 - OS "Android 7.0", it can also work with two SIM cards. Screen diagonal is 5.1 inches, resolution is 2560 x 1440. Camera resolution is 12 megapixels, autofocus is present.

To ensure data transfer, you need to activate the chip. Go to the menu “Settings” - “Advanced” - “NFC enable”. After performing this action, Android Beam technology, which is responsible for NFC, should be activated. If this does not happen, then in the same menu you need to click “Enable”. Full operation is ensured when both technologies are enabled. Connected devices must not be locked or turned off. When gadgets are detected, a vibration signal is sent, after which data is transferred, during which there is no need to disconnect the devices, as this will lead to the loss of the transmitted information.

Xiaomi phones with NFC function

Here is a list of gadgets produced by Xiaomi that have a built-in NFC function.

We will form this list from cheaper to more expensive models.

• Xiaomi Mi4 3/64Gb - Android 4.4 OS. Screen diagonal - 5 inches, resolution 1080 x 1920, micro-sim, main camera resolution - 13 MP. Cost 11500-13500 rub.
• Xiaomi Mi3 64Gb - Android OS. Screen diagonal - 5 inches, resolution 1080 x 1920, micro-sim, main camera resolution - 13 MP. Cost about 15,000 rubles.

• Xiaomi Mi5s 4/32Gb - Android 6.0 OS. Screen diagonal - 5.15 inches, resolution 1080 x 1920, nano-sim, main camera resolution - 13 MP. Cost - about 21,000 rubles.
• Xiaomi Mi Mix 4/128Gb - Android 6.0 OS. Screen diagonal - 6.4 inches, resolution 1080 x 2040, nano-sim, main camera resolution - 16 MP. Cost - about 29,500-35,000 rubles.
• Xiaomi Mi Mix 6/256Gb - Android 6.0 OS. Screen diagonal - 6.4 inches, resolution 1080 x 2040, nano-sim, 2 pieces, main camera resolution - 16 MP. Cost - about 33,000-37,000 rubles.
• Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 6/256Gb - Android 7.1 OS. Screen diagonal - 5.99 inches, resolution 1080 x 2160, nano-sim, 2 pieces, main camera resolution - 12 MP. Cost - about 36,500 rubles.

Thus, Xiaomi produces NFC-enabled phones in many models ranging from Mi2 to Mi6.

Determining whether the technology in question is used on your phone

How to check the NFC function on your phone? This can be done in two ways.

You can look at the battery by first removing the back wall of the phone. If the phone supports this technology, a corresponding mark must be made on the sticker.

Or using the menu: “Settings” - “Wireless connections”. If the phone is capable of working with the technology in question, there should be an NFC item here that needs to be enabled, and Android Beam should be automatically activated. Thus, we figured out how to find the NFC function on the phone.

It can be noted that the implementation of this technology began after the release of the Android 4 OS. This is done through the use of the Beam function. You may not immediately see any mention of NFC in the wireless networks menu; try clicking on the “More” button.

NFC antennas and modules

If this technology was not detected in the phone, this does not mean that it cannot be connected. How to enable NFC function on your phone?

To do this, you need to install an NFC module. This can be done by purchasing a SIM card with a built-in NFC chip, which will be used in your phone. In addition, the phone can be equipped with a corresponding antenna, which is glued to the existing SIM card and placed under the cover.

We pay using the function in question

NFC tags and chips can be found in absolutely any product - bracelets, stickers, stickers, etc. Data is read using applications designed to carry out these operations.

To set up your phone so that you can use it to pay for goods, you need to install the Visa QIWI Wallet program, and then link your account to your wallet via SMS. This program will check for the presence of the corresponding module in your phone and, if detected, will offer to coordinate with it.

Finally

The article addressed the question: “The NFC function on a phone - what is it?” Modern technologies are aimed at making people more and more lazy. For the most part, NFC technology is aimed at this, which allows you to automate many processes. One of its useful features is paying for goods using your phone. However, if you lose a gadget with configured payment systems, it will allow the person who found it to make your account zero, so everyone must decide for themselves whether they need it or not.

Surely some of my readers have heard about NFC technology. A number of people quite actively use this technology in their daily lives, but the vast majority of users are not familiar with it and have a rather vague understanding of what it is and how it works. This material is intended to shed light on this topic, in it I will tell you in detail what NFC is on a phone, introduce the reader to the history of this technology, tell you what the principles of its operation are and how to use it.

NFC - technology for wireless data transfer

This term NFC is an abbreviation for the words “Near Field Communication”. This name was not taken by chance, since NFC is a technology for wireless data transmission over short (up to 4 cm) distances using radio waves.

This technology is an extension of the capabilities of the previously existing contactless card standard (ISO 14443 codification). NFS operates based on the action of magnetic field induction and the interconnection of loop antennas; its operating frequency is 13.56 MHz, while the data exchange rate here is low, only 424 Kbps.

Due to its small size, connection speed and low power consumption, this technology is widely used in small devices (so-called “NFC tags”, smartphones, plastic cards, etc.). If you still don’t know, I recommend checking out the link.

What is NFC and why does a smartphone need it [video]:

History of NFC

In order to better understand what NFC is on your phone, I recommend watching the video above, and we will move on and study the history of this technology. NFS has its roots in the technology of “radio frequency identification” (RFID in English), which dates back to 1983. Near Field Communication technology made it possible to record the necessary data stored in special RFID tags using radio signals.

The year of birth of the NFC itself is considered to be 2004, when three IT giants – Sony, Philips and Nokia created the “NFC forum”, a non-profit organization designed to promote the creation of a unified interface for the interaction of devices that works based on a simple touch to each other.

Thanks to the further development of this technology, the so-called “NFS tags” appeared in 2006; in 2007, for the first time, such a tag was introduced in the Nokia 6131, and in 2009, the NFC forum created the Peer-to-Peer standard, allowing smartphones to exchange contacts with each other using NFS , links, initialize Bluetooth and so on.

Nowadays, NFS technology is included in the functionality of many mobile devices (support for this technology appeared in Android OS version 4.0), we can find NFS tags in the subway and supermarkets, on architectural monuments, bank cards, and so on.

Advantages and disadvantages of NFC

What are the advantages of NFC over other alternative technologies (like Bluetooth)? They are as follows:

• Short range. Due to the fact that NFS operates over a short range, the probability of interception of existing data is very low. This is especially true for monetary transactions, which reduces the possibility of their theft;
• Fast connection between NFC devices. If, in the case of Bluetooth, it takes some time to establish a connection, then with NFS the connection occurs almost instantly;
• Small device size. The NFS chip can be placed anywhere, and this creates a huge field of possibilities for its use;
• Low cost. NFC tags can be purchased for very little money and are freely programmable using a smartphone.

The main disadvantage of this technology is the low data transfer speed. To compensate for this, some applications try to combine NFS technology with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (using NFS speed when establishing a connection between devices, and using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when transferring files themselves).

What is an NFC tag

Typically, an NFC tag is a small device equipped with an NFC chip. Such a tag does not have its own power supply; it is powered by the receiver (smartphone), without which it is simply useless.

Typically, such marks take the form of small transparent (or painted) circles that can be embedded in posters, monuments, billboards, store displays, and so on. If your phone has a built-in NFS module, then you can read information from such a tag (for example, by reading the NFS tag on a monument, you will receive information about the date of creation of the monument, its creator, and so on).

How to find out if your phone has NFC

So, you have decided to take advantage of NFC technology, and at the same time you are interested in how to find out if your smartphone has NFC, read on. Typically, manufacturers indicate the presence of NFS technology in the technical characteristics of their device (you can look for information in the instructions for your phone). In addition, a mention of the presence of NFS can be seen on the battery of your smartphone (or under it).

Checking support for NFC technology on your phone

If the external attributes of the presence of NFS were not detected by you, then go to the settings of your Android smartphone, select “Wireless networks” (or “Advanced settings”), and if your phone supports this technology, then you will see the corresponding item there (required check the box to activate it).

As for the iPhone, NFS technology has been implemented since the iPhone 6. This technology is not available on earlier models.

How to use NFC on a smartphone

To use the NFC function, go to the “Settings” of your device and activate the “NFC” mode (usually it is located in “Wireless Networks”, but there may be variations in the location of this item depending on the specific version of your operating system). You also need to enable the “Android Beam” option, and make sure that not one of the two devices (if both are smartphones) does not have a locked screen or is in sleep mode. I hope you understand what kind of NFC technology this is and now we will learn how to use it.

If one of the devices is a regular NFS tag, then it will be enough to bring the back of the smartphone to it (with previously activated NFC and Android Beam functions) and wait for a characteristic sound signal, after which the contents of the tag will be read and appear on the PC screen (if the content is intended for normal visual demonstration). This technology is similar to the well-known QR code technology, which works in a similar way.

Thus, you can share not only photos, but also links, virtual business cards, text and apk files and other relatively small information. To transfer large files, it is better to use other ways (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

In addition, there are a number of external applications that use wireless remote technology in their work. For example, in the File Expert HD, Send! File Transfer NFC technology is designed to quickly establish a connection, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are used for data transfer, which guarantees faster transfer of large files.

To record information on NFC tags, you should use the functionality of such applications as NFC ReTag, ABA NFC, SmartTag Maker and others.

Video review of Near Field Communication

After we figured out what NFC is in a phone, we can conclude that this technology has become an integral part of our lives. Many of us can see its use when working with terminals and banking transactions, when transferring information between smartphones, in public transport and many other places and areas of public life. At the same time, NFC functionality continues to expand and improve, and I am sure that we will encounter NFC-based technologies more than once in the future. You'll see.

In contact with

Hello everyone, today we’ll look at what NFC is. This technology has appeared in smartphones for quite a long time, but many users unfairly deprive it of attention. Why is it needed? What can it do and where is NFC used? All these questions will be answered in this article. First, let's figure out what this strange abbreviation NFC means. It stands for Near field communication, which translates as near field communication or near contactless communication.

The distance at which the NFS technology operates does not exceed 10 centimeters. And the maximum transmission speed is only 424 kbit/s. The central frequency of NFC operation is 13.56 MHz. The technology has been developed since 2004, and the first specification of the standard was approved in 2006. And then the first device with NFC support was released – Nokia 6131.

In a nutshell, the principle of NFC technology can be described as follows. Each device contains an induction coil that generates an electromagnetic field. On another device there is another similar coil; under the influence of the field of the first coil, electricity is generated in it, which is subsequently converted into a signal. The devices take turns generating electromagnetic fields and exchanging them. This mode of operation is called active. And there is also a passive mode, this is when only one device generates an electromagnetic field. This is how cards or RFID tags work.

Now let's look at why we need NFC in a smartphone. The first and perhaps most common use is file transfer. There is one common myth here; many people think that the transfer is carried out directly via NFC. But in fact, the data is sent either via bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.

NFC acts as a secure identifier for devices. For example, Google's Android Bin data transfer technology uses Bluetooth to transfer data, but for everything to work as it should, the devices first need to see each other via NFC. Samsung has its own implementation of sbin, it transfers data many times faster due to the fact that it already works over Wi-Fi.

The second application of NFC that has become increasingly popular is contactless payments. At the moment, a number of banks and electronic wallets have learned to work with NFC in smartphones. As a result, now you can use NFS to pay for travel on public transport, lunch in a cafe or purchases in a supermarket. This payment method is good because it is very close at hand. If you can still forget the card, then we never part with our phone even in our sleep.

In order for all this magic to work, we need to have three things.

1. Obviously a smartphone with an NFC chip
2. Special software for payment and data storage (payment system card details).
3. A terminal in a store that accepts contactless payment.

You probably have a question: “How safe are NFS payments?” Can any skilled person conduct a transaction remotely without your knowledge? Well, judge for yourself. In order to make a payment, the phone must be brought at a distance of about 5 centimeters to the terminal, and the smartphone must be unlocked. And the likelihood that these two conditions will be at least somehow rigged by a fraudster tends to zero. But even if the stars do not align in your favor, then the maximum payment amount will protect your wallet. In most payment systems and wallets, it is set by default to 10 – 15 bucks. The threshold can be removed if desired.

In addition to payments, NFC allows you to quickly pair with peripheral devices. You can connect bluetooth headphones, a speaker, or even a TV to your smartphone in a matter of seconds. For example, Sony has TV models to which you can connect your phone via NFC. If desired, the list of unusual things that can be connected via NFC can be continued for a very long time, and I will give just a few examples. The first thing that comes to mind is a door lock with an NFC chip, which can be opened from a smartphone, which is very convenient. You can also use an NFC ring for this.

You simply program the required action algorithm and attach it to the tag. You got into the car, placed your phone on the tag and your smartphone did everything you needed. You can come up with a whole bunch of similar scenarios both for work and at home. Fortunately, these tags are very inexpensive on Aliexpress. Most likely, this article does not describe all the ways to use NFC, and if you use this technology in an unusual way, share your ideas in the comments.

Modern smartphones increasingly contain three new NFC letters in their characteristics and descriptions. At the same time, very rarely are sparse explanations given that this is a wireless communication technology. Let's break everything down and take a closer look at NFC in a phone, what is it?

What is NFC?

NFC technology appeared in the early 2000s; Philips and Sony were pioneers in this area. The first developments were incompatible with each other, since they were carried out independently of each other. The companies joined forces, and by 2004 they announced their technology.

The main purpose of the technology is contactless cards for multi-purpose use, combining various services in a single way to access them. Paying for travel on public transport, payment transactions, an electronic pass somewhere, or, for example, a link with advertising are vivid examples of the use of NFC technology.

The full name sounds like Near Field Coomunication, which is translated from Russian as: “Near Field Communication.” Why do you need NFC on your phone? This communication method should not be confused with Bluetooth or Wi-fi. Its communication speed reaches about 400 kbit/s, and its range is less than 10 centimeters. This makes the technology safe.

Attackers will not be able to read your NFC tag precisely because of the short reception range. You can safely conduct financial transactions, confirming your actions with its help, without fear for the security of your personal data. We will explain later why NFC is needed on a phone.

Nokia 6131, released in 2006, was revolutionary. This phone was the first of its kind to work with NFC. Samsung has used NFC in phones running Android, namely the Samsung Nexus S in 2010, and optionally in the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S2 in 2011. With this NFC feature in the phone, users have access to many useful features, which we will describe later.

Unfortunately, in 2017, the cheapest smartphones do not have NFC capabilities, which will slow down its adoption. And NFC tags can be built into small devices to provide a variety of functions.

Now it’s not only Samsung that uses the technology – Apple, Meizu, and Xiaomi understand what NFC is in a phone.

NFC capabilities

First of all, it is worth noting that you can use NFC communications to pay bills and purchases. For this purpose, Google offered the Wallet application. Many banks have supported the idea of ​​contactless payment by phone. NFC adapters are installed in terminals for cashless payments in stores and cafes. You can pay your bills with your mobile phone. To do this, you need to lean the back cover of the phone against the tag on the terminal, wait a few seconds, and your data will be read and the payment will be made.

In addition to using NFC on your phone as a payment method, you can exchange data between devices. It was said above that the speed of such communication is very low by modern standards - about 400 kbit/s. Therefore, a technology for combining communication methods was invented. Using NFC, devices “recognize” each other, a connection occurs, and further file transfer is carried out via Bluetooth or wi-fi direct. This provides the ability to exchange at high speed, and the connection occurs only by touching the back covers of the smartphones.

However, working with NFC tags is only possible if both phones have it. This is how Android Beam technology works and its analogue for Samsung Sbeam is a great way to transfer data to an Android phone.

Also, using tags, you can quickly transfer contacts from Android to another user.

How NFC works on a phone

The wireless communication system in an NFC phone works on the principle of converting electromagnetic waves. The circuit resembles a classic detector receiver.

NFC tags come in two types:

1. Active - require a source of additional power and control; they can transmit any signals.
2. Passive - operate without power and contain specific, unchanging information, i.e. they can only transmit a pre-programmed signal.

Let's look at the example of communication between two phones.

There is a coil and a capacitor, which constitute an oscillating circuit; the diode detects the external magnetic field and supplies this signal to the reader - this is the NFC tag circuit.

There are two devices with such tags, when you bring them close to each other, the tag of one of them directs its vibrations to the second tag - they are detected and the second device “responds” to the first. In this way, the process of data exchange, identification, etc. is repeated cyclically.

This is a generalized principle of how the NFC system works on a phone.

Which phones have NFC

This technology is being used in more and more smartphones. Phones that support NFC are no longer a rarity, and can be found not only from well-known manufacturers, but also from Chinese “no-name” brands. Especially after the number of terminals for paying by phone began to increase, the demand for such models increased around the world. This is reminiscent of the introduction of a fingerprint scanner on a phone, NFC repeats its fate - initially this function was only on the TOP models of famous brands and was considered extraordinary. But, over time, fingerprint sensors began to be used even in phones costing up to $100.

Which phones support NFC? Among well-known brands, in the latest models of 2016-17, the module is found in seventh generation Samsung phones (S7, J7, A7); in younger models (J5 and similar) this function is also found.

Most of Sony's modern models are equipped with an NFC module, here is a short list of them:

• Xperia XZ;
• Xperia L1;
• Xperia XZ premium;
• Xperia Z5 and many others.

The list, by the way, was selected from models of different price ranges. And among the cheapest phone models with NFC function, the following stand out:

1. Protected Blackview BV6000S.
2. Strict Nokia 3 Dual Sim.
3. Aged Sony Xperia L1.

Let's take a look at the prices of phones that have NFC.

Flagship phone models with NFC – list with prices

We will look at the most popular models of powerful, stylish and high-quality phones with support for NFC technology 2017. Let's start:

1. Samsung galaxy S. Its price at the time of writing is about 650-700 dollars. Display – 5.5, 8 core processor, 32 GB of memory and 4 RAM. The metal case provides a modern appearance and additional protection for the interior of the device. Powered by an 8-core Samsung processor with a clock frequency of 2.3 GHz.
2. Sony Xperia XZ Premium– costs $750, which is slightly more expensive than Samsung. It has twice the memory - 64 gigabytes and a more powerful camera of 19 MP, versus 12. The processor from Qualcomm has 8 cores operating at a frequency of 2.45 GHz.
3. LG H870G6 costs $750, but its display is larger - 5.7 inches. Processor from Qualcomm 4-core 2.35 GHz. 64 GB of data storage and 4 RAM ensure stable operation, and a 13 megapixel dual wide-angle camera ensures good photo quality.
4. XIAOMI Mi6 6/128GB costs $600, its powerful 8-core qualcomm processor at 2.45 GHz, 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of memory turn the smartphone into a real multimedia center for games and any applications.
5. samsung galaxy a7– the cheapest in this top, costs less than $400, and therefore is quite popular. A good processor from Samsung, although slower than on previous copies - it has 8 cores and a frequency of only 1.8 GHz, coupled with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of permanent memory made it an excellent phone for the Internet. In addition, it has protection from dust and water, a good camera and good performance.

The list of smartphones with NFC was compiled from popular phones priced over 20,000. Not every user will choose a fairly expensive phone, either for financial reasons or for some other reason. Is there anything cheaper?

Cheap phones with NFC, priced up to 15,000

As mentioned earlier, phones with near-field communication technology have filled almost all price segments, including budget phones. We invite you to familiarize yourself with phones in the segment up to 15,000 that support NFC and their prices.

1. Nokia 5 Dual Sim- costs almost 250 dollars, it has a normal, but not so current processor - Snapdragon 430, 8 cores with an operating frequency of 1.4 GHz, runs on Android. A 13 MP camera will allow you to take good, clear pictures.
2. Motorola E Plus XT1771– $200, cheap 4-core MTK 6737 processor, good battery life – an excellent phone for everyday use by undemanding users.
3. Sony Xperia X– a real camera background for $250, a good lens and a 23 MP matrix – will make your photos bright and sharp. The 6-core Snapdragon 650 and 3 GB of RAM will allow you to play even modern demanding games.

Three decent NFC phone models that almost anyone can easily buy.

Which Chinese phone with NFC should I buy?

Inexpensive phones with NFC support can be bought for literally pennies. You can order Chinese phones with near-field communication directly from China, thereby saving a lot of money. The now popular Xiaomi brand produces models in different budgets, ranging from cheap to expensive. Which Xiaomi devices support NFC? In fact, there are quite a few of them, pay attention to the line: Mi4, Mi5, Mi6 and others - they all have this function.

The cheapest rugged phone with NFC is the AGM A8, which is waterproof and runs on Android 7 and a quad-core MSM8916 - it can be bought in the range of $150-200.

There is a cheaper offer, a phone with NFC is the Bluboo Picasso 4g, its price is about $100. It has a budget MTK6735 processor and Android 6.0; the modest filling is suitable for watching videos on YouTube and surfing social networks - ideal if you don’t want to spend a tidy sum on a smartphone.

How to find out if your phone has NFC?

Your smartphone may have this useful technology. To find out if your phone has NFC, you can remove the battery cover - there should be a corresponding mark on its sticker. If you don't see the Near field Communication label on your battery, what should you do? How can I tell if my phone supports NFC?

Go to this path on your phone: settings - wireless communications (connections). There should be an NFC item in this menu - you need to turn it on, Android Beam should also be activated automatically. Otherwise, you simply do not have this communication function, but you can solve this problem. Now you know how to check if your phone has NFC, let's figure out how to install it in Android.

What to do if there is no NFC - NFC antennas and modules for your phone

Don't despair if you don't find the NFC feature on your phone. If the design of an NFC antenna for your phone is an alien concept, do not despair, there is a simple solution. Install the NFC module. You just need to find a SIM card with an NFC chip on sale and install it in your phone.

This NFC SIM card can be installed to make payments using your phone.

Another way to install an NFC module in your phone is to equip it with a full-fledged NFC antenna. It is glued to the SIM card, and the other half is placed under the cover of the smartphone. Such re-equipment adds many possibilities for working using this technology.

Now you know what to do if there is no NFC!

How to enable and use NFC?

In the settings and menu of the phone there is a group of parameters “Wireless networks”, click “More” - the list of parameters will open. The NFC item can be turned off; you need to switch the toggle switch on the screen to the “On” position. The NFC setup on your phone is complete.

To set up an NFC phone for payment, you need to download the Visa QIWI Wallet program, and link the account to your wallet using SMS; the program checks for the presence of a module in your phone, and, if it detects it, offers to agree with it.

Conclusion

Modern technologies not only simplify, but also speed up our lives and make it more comfortable. This technology will not only save time, but also do it very safely.

Connection security is guaranteed by near-field communication because you are in close contact with the tags when transmitting data. Applications that use NFC technology allow you to use the gadget not only for payment, but also to change phone modes when you read the tag. You can place tags in your car, home, bedroom, configure which parameters will match which tag - this greatly automates your device.

Hello dear readers of this blog. In this article I will talk about interesting NFC technology. Many have already heard about this new product, but it was announced in 2004. The opportunity is most often used in smartphones based on Android or iOS, but there are many other devices where the technology is used, we will also talk about this.

NFC(Near field communication) – translated as “near contactless communication”. There are several definitions. Used to provide communication between devices over a short distance, originally intended for contactless transactions. The actual distance for interaction is 10 cm.

We’ve talked about the definition, now let’s move on directly to analyzing all the nuances, history and places of use.

Content:

How NFC works

It would seem that the function is very different from other wireless models, and is also inferior to them. The principle of NFC operation is that a device with a built-in module of this technology operates at a speed of approximately 400 Kbps (obviously inferior to Wi-Fi), interaction occurs at a distance of 10 cm, that is, you practically touch the devices to each other, although time connections are usually instantaneous.

The NFC module is very compact, so it can be built into not only smartphones, but also watches. It doesn't consume a lot of energy. For the module to work in the desired direction, the device must have an antenna. On phones it is usually on the back. Thus, touching the devices should provide instantaneous contact. If the device is large in size, for example, a tablet, then it is more difficult to find the point of interaction.

As for security, the creators didn’t think about it at all. Security must be implemented at the device level where the NFC module is used. In other words, if you use a payment system, then you don’t have to worry about the security of making payments. If your phone is lost or stolen, you will be to blame if you have not set at least a minimum level of protection as an unlocking device, for example, a pattern key, a fingerprint scanner or a PIN code.

Of course, the difference between NFC technology and other wireless solutions is that the technology is essentially a script, unlike Bluetooth, which clearly states that it must receive and receive data, or be able to connect with headphones and other devices. In NFC, various methods can be created independently, which will be implemented using software. In short, give free rein to your imagination and you can create a lot of interesting things.

By the way, I never said that the NFC function was created based on RFID identification. Usually these are so-called tags that allow you to automatically identify a device using a radio signal. This feature allows you to communicate with both active devices (that run on batteries) and passive ones (that do not require power).

What is the peculiarity of the technology and where is it used?

When it comes to smartphones, there are several applications for this type of device:

• Use as a payment system (linking credit cards, gift and discount cards);
• Transfer data between two devices (let me remind you, the distance between devices is at least 10 cm);
• Use as user identification;
• Bluetooth connection for data transfer;
• Reading RFID tags to obtain information, for example, from bulletin boards.

As already mentioned, NFC is most often used in smartphones and tablets running iOS. The thing is that we almost never part with our phone, so the integration of wireless technology was aimed primarily at mobile devices.

In the future, NFC technology will be used not only in mobile phones, but also in electronic keys, with a unique identifier, perhaps one that cannot be faked, when purchasing airline tickets, and indeed any tickets in general, and many other options.

Door locks and handles

By the way, now you don’t have to worry about losing the key to open the door, because there is a handle that has wireless high-frequency communication technology built into it. With any device (for example, a telephone), you can enter a corresponding tag that will open the door when presented. You can look for such a thing in Chinese online stores like Aliexpress.

Surprisingly, there are so-called smart locks. They not only have a key hole, but also built-in NFC module. It can send a notification to your phone the moment you open the door (or someone tried to do it), and also if someone knocked. The lock can be connected via a network and controlled remotely. You can make electronic keys with built-in tags and distribute them to all family members or even friends.

NFC ring, what is it and how to use it

As already mentioned, if you have any thing with an NFC module, you can record almost any information. For example, you have a special ring. Using it, you can transfer contact information and do not need to carry all sorts of cards with you. It can also be used to open the same locks.

If there is no electricity in the house (and the lock is powered from it or from batteries), then the door can be opened with a key. In this case, you should play it safe and always carry the key with you when you leave.

Contactless payment

I have already written about this type of use of the above technology. Now in almost all cities of Russia, at least in one store, there is an ATM or reader that allows you to do so. You just need to link the card to an application such as Android Pay or Samsung Pay.

Fare payment

The same NFC will help you pay for your subway fare or go through a turnstile. To pay, you will need a special SIM card that supports this technology. Most likely, most operators now support it, but you’d better check.

Finally, you can use NFC in jewelry; some manage to embed it in tattoos, for example, to unlock a smartphone.

News on NFC Forum

Along with the development, a forum was founded where developers are trying to promote the technology in various household solutions, and smartphones, of course.

On the resource you can find the necessary information about NFC and news, most likely related to the compliance of standards in some devices.

What about security in devices with NFC

The use of various methods of unauthorized access to data via NFC has already been repeatedly mentioned. For example, in 2012, an exploit was created that allows you to insert malicious code into a smartphone and gain full access to everything that is in it, including managing the device.

If an attacker has the necessary antennas, then there is a chance to listen to a person via NFC; of course, with some skill, you can achieve wiretapping at a distance of a few meters maximum. An important fact is that a device powered by energy is easier to listen to than a passive version.

Through experiments, a disruption in the communication of devices was identified by jamming the signal. A radio signal is known to be very easy to distort, and the RFID module is very sensitive to this.

Why can't I use Bluetooth to perform the operation?

Bluetooth differs from NFC in that it has a long range, which makes the signal easy to intercept, as well as a short access time. NFC communicates with the device almost instantly.

NFC - which phones have it and how to enable it

I'll show you using an Android phone as an example. When purchasing, you probably read the characteristics of the smartphone, and there was probably a line “NFC support” there. If you don't remember, you can look it up in the system settings.

To get started, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade. It is possible that you will see an “NFC” option there.

If there is no function in the notification shade, then go to settings. I have Android 7.1.2 with the LineageOS shell, so I’ll show you with an example. In chapter "Wireless network" click on the button "More".

We are in a section where the NFC subsection is displayed, where you can enable it. There is also an Android Beam function that allows you to exchange data between devices and contactless payment, where you can select the main payment method.

How to use tags with an Android device

First, you need to find NFC tags. They can be used to run any Android application. For example, you are sitting behind the wheel, and it is not convenient for you to search for the right application every time and take your attention from the road. This is where a tag comes to the rescue; when you attach it to your smartphone, the application will instantly launch.

To write the necessary data into the tag you need to download the application NFC ReTAG. Using it, you scan the tag, and then select the application that you want to launch when you bring it to your smartphone.

How to transfer files via NFC

Now touch the phone where you want to send the file and wait. In fact, this data transfer option is much inferior to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but if you need to transfer some top-secret data, then a short range and minimal probability of interception will ensure this.

In addition to standard file transfer using Android Beam, you can transfer:

• Open link in the browser;
• Data from Google Maps (of a specific route or location);
• Contacts – sent without a photo;
• Applications from Google – a link is sent;
• Any types of files - from text to media.

Creating marks

To create tags you will need a blank; the form factor can be to suit every taste. Regular round tags can be purchased both in Russia and on the Internet, for example, on Aliexpress for 80 rubles.

Now you can install the application on your smartphone (do we need to somehow write the information onto the tag?). I might suggest TagInfo or TagWriter.

The second utility can write the necessary data to the tag, we will need it today. The first one reads the information. You can write down anything, but since the tag has a very small volume (usually in bytes), some data, such as contacts, cannot always be recorded. More precisely, the contact itself will be recorded, but the photo attached to it will not. In future articles, I will show you how to create an NFC tag using the mentioned application.

That's all, now you know what NFC is, which phones have it and why it is used at all. It can be quite helpful in everyday life. If you have any questions, be sure to post in the comments.