Rating of the best low-cost phones with an NFC module in 2019

Previously, the NFC module was used only in mid-range and premium smartphones, but now it is also available in state employees. Many mobile phone manufacturers are working on NFC for future models. This short range radio technology can turn a smartphone into a digital wallet or credit card. At the moment, there is a huge list of smartphones that have NFC modules, including brands such as Nokia, Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi.

If value for money is the number one priority, then this review of inexpensive gadgets will help you navigate the variety of offers.

Attention, you can read about which smartphones with an NFC module are most in demand in 2020. here.

NFC technology

NFC stands for Near Field Communication and is a term that means the transmission of data over very short distances, typically 3 to 18 mm, up to a maximum of 10 cm. It takes a few seconds to establish a connection between two NFC-enabled devices, the data transfer rate is 424 kbps / With.

Just like Bluetooth and WiFi and all other wireless signals, NFC works by sending information over radio waves. The technology used in NFC is based on the ideas of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), which uses electromagnetic induction to transmit information. NFC, or rather RFID, was first patented in 1983, but the technology did not see any significant innovation until the early 2000s. However, since the inception of the NFC module, this technology has shown a significant rise, and now it is part of most modern smartphones. The technology began to be used in France in 2011 and quickly spread around the world.

The use of NFC is not only popular, but also useful. The built-in module allows you to quickly transfer files and payment transactions, offers a number of necessary services. You can detect NFC in your smartphone by looking at the communication settings.

Transferring files from one phone to another is very simple - by touching or bringing it up close.

Part of the NFC system called the Secure Element can also be built into the phone's hardware, on an external SD card, or on the operator's SIM card.A secure item is a secure area of ​​memory that stores important and personal data used in NFC, such as payment services, tickets. The secure element is separate from the NFC antenna and can only be accessed by an app that has been given prior permission from the manufacturer. This ensures that viruses cannot steal money and make payments under their own name or access personal content.

NFC payouts make it possible to use a debit card for a hassle-free interaction with the point of sale. You can use an application such as Google Wallet or VISA Paywave. Google Wallet allows people to take their smartphone and make purchases with a card stored on it. This makes it easy to pay for purchases, you just need to take the device and bring it to the NFC terminal.

NFC on a phone means increased security: it's basically a way to block a debit card.

It is already available all over the world to make payments via NFC. There are devices in stores that support the technology, in some countries there are ATMs with NFC.

Some of the use cases have already received high praise, including:

1. Mobile payments. One of the main application areas for NFC technology is the mobile payment industry and has seen significant growth over the past couple of years. A report from research firm GSMA says that mobile payments have hit $1.3 trillion. USD in 2017, which is much higher than the result of the previous year. Growth is partly driven by the adoption of NFC and similar identity management services.
2. Public transport: NFC is already working in the field of public transport.Advanced countries such as the US, Germany and Canada are the first to adopt this technology.
3. Smart Devices (Apple Watch): The smart device industry is another application of NFC technology with products such as the Apple Watch, which allows its users to make Apple Pay payments by simply tapping on them.
4. Billboard Signage: Battersea's RFID digital campaign is one of the best examples of billboard RFID technology. Using NFC-approved real estate advertising boards is another preferred use case.
5. Retail: The retail sector is adopting NFC/RFID technology across the board with players such as Amazon, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and WalMart.

The NFC module built into the smartphone will allow you to detect fakes in stores by reading information from a barcode.

NFC is not so much the future as it is the present. This speeds up transaction times, file transfers, and the time it takes to retrieve information. Like other wireless transmissions, NFC converts information into a radio wave signal and transmits it to another device over a very short distance of up to 10 cm at a frequency measured in kbps. On the other hand, the receiving device (NFC-compatible) receives the information in the radio wave signal and returns the signal. The information can be music, videos, images, documents or any other files.

NFC activation

The connection technique is quite simple:

• have a bank card with "paypass" support;
• install the bank application;
• select “NFC” in your personal account;
• attach a bank card to the back cover of the smartphone for reading it by the sensor.

To exchange information with other users, you need to install the Android Beam application (available on the Play Market). Android Beam takes NFC to the next level, allowing you to transfer photos, files, and videos using both NFC and Bluetooth services. It's better to send links, not the files themselves, it will be faster. You also need to download an app to read NFC tags.

Benefits of NFC Technology

• payment via smartphone;
• integration of a credit or debit card into a smartphone;
• combination of electronic money with prepaid cards;
• electronic ticket for use in transport;
• personal electronic document;
• downloading music and photos from cameras, mobile phones, multimedia readers;
• simple transfer of information between any wireless devices.

Budget smartphones with NFC module

Alcatel Pop S7 7045Y

This phone is referred to the best only because of the very low price. It costs an average of 5 thousand rubles. The device is weak, except for NFC, it does not have any special advantages. The case is plastic. The design is standard, the body colors are very saturated. Performs normal operations qualitatively, but you can’t play games on it, and the battery runs out quickly when using the Internet.

Specifications

Parameter	Description
Display	5", IPS matrix, 540x960
ON	Android 4.4.2
CPU	MediaTek MT6582 Quad Core 1.3GHz
Graphic arts	ARM Mali-T400 MP2 @ 500 MHz
RAM	4 GB
Main camera	5MP
Front-camera	0.3MP
Battery	3000 mAh

• NFC support;
• low price.

• unattractive design;
• weak camera;
• dissipates quickly.

Huawei Nova

A very nice accessory from a well-known Chinese brand with a fingerprint scanner. The quality of the photos and the sound do not cause any complaints. The surface of the case is textured, non-slip. Available in black and gold colors. Heavy games will not pull. It costs from 14 thousand rubles in Russia, on Aliexpress - from 11 thousand rubles.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	5", IPS matrix, 1080x1920;
ON	Android 7
CPU	Snapdragon 625 octa-core 2 Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 506 at 600 MHz
RAM	2 GB expandable up to 32 GB
Main camera	12MP
Front-camera	8MP
Battery	3200 mAh

• NFC module;
• high-quality shooting and selfies;
• powerful processor;
• durable metal case;
• protective glass;
• pleasant colors;
• bright screen.

• low battery capacity, with intensive use, you will have to put the phone on charge every day.

Nokia 3 and Nokia 5

Two smartphones from the same brand. Stylish and inexpensive phones. Nokia 3 and 5 have a polarized HD display that allows you to view any content in high quality even in bright sunlight. There is support for LTE 4G networks for fast data downloads. The difference between the models is the power of the processor and cameras. The Nokia 5 has a better battery. In general, phones with good quality standard features don't freeze.

Specifications:

Parameter	Nokia 3	Nokia 5
Display	5", HD resolution	5", HD resolution
ON	Android 7	Android 8
CPU	MediaTek MT6582 Quad Core 1.3GHz	Snapdragon 625 octa-core 2 Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 505 at 600 MHz	Adreno 505 at 600 MHz
RAM	2 GB
Main camera	8MP	13MP
Front-camera	5MP	8MP
Battery	2630 mAh	3000 mAh

• NFC support;
• modern Android;
• good laconic design;
• metal body;
• the screen seems larger due to the design decision.

• weak camera;
• The battery won't last a day.

• NFC module;
• new android;
• slim body of modern design;
• powerful iron;
• two strong chambers;
• clear and bright screen.

• low battery capacity.

Nokia 5 costs about 3 thousand rubles more than Nokia 3, the price of which is 7.5 thousand rubles. The models have a beautiful design, a fingerprint scanner, a large bright screen, and good sound quality.

BQ Aquaris V 16GB

A beautiful gadget with a fingerprint scanner function and the possibility of fast charging. Has dust and water protection. The case is metal, available in white and black. Surround sound and high-quality photography add to the pluses of the model. The price is about 10 thousand rubles.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	5.2 HD resolution
ON	Android 7 with the ability to upgrade to the eighth
CPU	Snapdragon 625 octa-core 2 Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 506 at 600 MHz
RAM	2 GB expandable up to 32 GB
Main camera	12MP
Front-camera	8MP
Battery	3100 mAh

• NFC support;
• high quality pictures and videos;
• modern processor;
• case made of metal and glass;
• style;
• fast charging;
• clear and bright display.

• battery charge is enough for a day without intensive use.

Xiaomi Mi Note 3

Another state employee from a Chinese manufacturer.

The device runs on Android 7.1 with an Octa-Core processor (4×2.2 GHz Kryo 260 and 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260) and 6 GB of RAM. Xiaomi Mi Note 3 has an internal memory of 64/128 GB. This device has a Qualcomm MSM8956 Plus Snapdragon 660 chipset. The main screen size is 5.5 inches with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of 401 ppi. The screen covers about 73.8% of the external area of ​​the device. The cost of the device is from 15 thousand rubles.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	5.5 HD resolution 1080 x 1920
ON	Android 7 with the ability to upgrade to the eighth
CPU	Octa-Core (4x2.2GHz Kryo 260 & 4x1.8GHz Kryo 260) Qualcomm MSM8956 Plus Snapdragon 660
Graphic arts	Adreno 512 at 600 MHz
RAM	2 GB expandable up to 32 GB
Main camera	12MP
Front-camera	16MP
Battery	3500 mAh

• NFC support;
• powerful cameras for high-quality shooting;
• multitouch;
• modern processor;
• the case is metal, there is a protective glass;
• universal colors that will suit any user;
• fast charging;
• big screen.

• not detected.

There are other state employees that you can consider for purchase.

Motorola Moto G6

Striking a subtle balance between accessibility, design and functionality. Curved 3D back panel makes it comfortable to hold. It is a small bezel phone with a large screen, 5.7-inch full-screen display offers vivid visuals. The phone is equipped with Android 8.0 Oreo operating system. High quality shooting is provided by 12-megapixel and 5-megapixel cameras. The model can be purchased at a price of 14 thousand rubles.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	5.7 inches
ON	Android 8
CPU	Snapdragon 625 octa-core 2 Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 506 at 600 MHz
RAM	3 GB
Main camera	12 MP
Front-camera	5MP
Battery	3000 mAh

• water-repellent nanocoating;
• unusual design;
• big screen.

• slippery body;
• weak battery.

LG Q6

In many respects, this is, in fact, a top phone at an affordable price (from 12 thousand rubles). LG's Full Vision technology delivers clear images. 5.5-inch beautiful QHD + IPS display does not distort the image in the sun. The rear camera offers auto and manual focus, and does so at a pretty impressive 13MP resolution. The front camera is 5 MP with a wide angle lens, automatic lighting selection and automatic object search mode. Has a durable metal body.

The gadget comes with Android 7.1 powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435, 1.4GHz octa-core processor. RAM - 3 GB, 32 GB of internal memory. There is a fingerprint sensor, face unlock and of course NFC.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	5.5 inches
ON	Android 7
CPU	Snapdragon 435 Octa Core 1.4Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 505 at 600 MHz
RAM	3 GB
Main camera	13MP
Front-camera	5MP
Battery	3000 mAh

• wide angle lens;
• thin aluminum frame housing;
• shooting video with stereo sound.

• weak for games;
• low battery capacity.

Sony Xperia XA1

A budget gadget with an excellent performance of the main camera (23 MP). The case design with rounded edges looks great despite the plastic body.The colors are varied in a calm range. The phone has a decent appearance. The performance is high, it works on the seventh Android. You can buy at a price of 13 thousand rubles.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	5 inches
ON	Android 7
CPU	SoC MediaTek Helio P20 (MT6757), 8 cores ARM Cortex-A53, 1.6 GHz
Graphic arts	GPU Mali-T880
RAM	3 GB
Main camera	23MP
Front-camera	8MP
Battery	2300 mAh

• many color solutions of design;
• powerful camera;
• high performance.

• very weak battery.

Alcatel 3V

Alcatel 3V has wide functionality for a phone, the cost of which is low. The large 6 inch screen has a high resolution. Processor - 4 cores. The front camera is 5 MP, the rear camera is dual (12 + 2 MP), which provides excellent shooting quality in any light. There is multi-touch, face unlock, all the necessary inputs. Works on Android 8. The price of the model is from 6500 rubles.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	6 inches
ON	Android 8
CPU	MediaTek, 4 cores, 1.5 GHz
Graphic arts	Mali-T720 MP2
RAM	2 GB
Main camera	12MP
Front-camera	5MP
Battery	3000 mAh

• high quality photos;
• widescreen display;
• strict design.

• the battery is weak;
• not suitable for active games.

Where could I buy?

You can buy state employees with an NFC module in Russian online stores, on Aliexpress, Amazon. Delivery from China will be longer, but the purchase will be cheaper.

Results

Inexpensive smartphones with an NFC module will allow you to use the modern method of contactless payments without using a bank card. The module will allow you to quickly transfer files to another phone and read information from NFC sensors on any media. NFC technology is specifically designed for smartphones.

The above list of phones gives a general idea of ​​the available models and their functionality. There are cheaper models, such as Alcatel Pop S7 7045Y, Nokia 3, Alcatel 3V, and more expensive ones with a price of more than 10 thousand rubles. These are Nokia 5, Xiaomi Mi Note 3, Huawei Nova, BQ Aquaris V 16GB, Motorola Moto G6, LG Q6.

The choice should be made based on the characteristics, price, personal preferences for design and brand. Now a gadget with NFC can be bought at a price of less than 10 thousand rubles.

NFC has ceased to be an elite technology, and now a user with a small budget can afford to have a smartphone with convenient functionality for remote payments and data transfer.