Rating of the best budget phones with NFC in 2019

Previously, the NFC module was used only in mid-range and premium smartphones, but now it is 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 with NFC modules, including brands such as Nokia, Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi.

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

Attention, about which smartphones with the NFC module are in greatest demand in 2024, you can read here.

NFC technology

NFC stands for Near Field Communication, and it is a term that means data transmission over very short distances, usually 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 baud rate is 424 kbps / from.

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 RFID (radio frequency identification) ideas, which use electromagnetic induction to transmit information. NFC, or rather RFID, was first patented in 1983, but the technology didn't undergo any significant innovations until the early 2000s. However, since the inception of the NFC module, this technology has shown a significant rise, and is now 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 beneficial. The built-in module allows for fast file transfer and payment transactions, offers a number of necessary services. You can find NFC in your smartphone by looking at the communication settings.

Transferring files from one phone to another is very easy - by touching or presenting them at close range.

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

Payments with NFC make it possible to use a debit card for a seamless interaction with a payment point. You can use an application such as Google Wallet or VISA Paywave. Google Wallet allows people to take their smartphone and make purchases with the 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 your phone means increased security: it's essentially a way to block your debit card.

Already all over the world it is possible to make payments via NFC. Stores have technology-enabled devices, and some countries have ATMs with NFC.

Some of the use cases have already been praised, including:

1. Mobile payments. One of the main applications for NFC technology is in the mobile payments industry, and has seen significant growth over the past couple of years. Research firm GSMA says mobile payments hit $ 1.3 trillion. dollars in 2017, which is much higher than the result of the previous year. The growth is driven in part 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 USA, Germany and Canada are the first to introduce this technology.
3. Smart devices (Apple watches): The smart device industry is another application of NFC technology with products like the Apple Watch, which allows its users to make Apple Pay payments by simply clicking on them.
4. Billboards: Battersea's digital campaign using RFID tags is one of the best examples of RFID technology being used for billboards. The use of NFC approved real estate billboards is another preferred use case.
5. Retail: The retail sector is rolling out NFC / RFID technology everywhere with players such as Amazon, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and WalMart.

The NFC module built into the smartphone will allow detecting counterfeits 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, a receiving device (NFC compatible) receives information in the radio wave signal and returns the signal. The information can be music, videos, pictures, documents, or any other files.

NFC activation

The connection technique is quite simple:

• have a card of your bank with "paypass" support;
• install the bank application;
• select "NFC" in your personal account;
• attach a bank card to the back cover of the smartphone to read it with a 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, rather than the files themselves, it will be faster this way. 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;
• combining electronic money with prepaid cards;
• electronic ticket for use in transport;
• personal electronic document;
• downloading music and photos from cameras, mobile phones, multimedia readers;
• easy transfer of information between any wireless devices.

Budget smartphones with NFC module

Alcatel Pop S7 7045Y

This phone is ranked as the best only because of its very low price. It costs an average of 5 thousand rubles. The device is weak, except for NFC, it has no special advantages. The body is plastic. The design is standard, the body colors are very saturated. It performs normal operations well, but you can't play games on it, and the battery quickly runs out when using the Internet.

Specifications

Parameter	Description
Display	5 ", IPS matrix, 540x960
BY	Android 4.4.2
CPU	MediaTek MT6582, quad-core, 1.3 GHz frequency
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;
• discharges quickly.

Huawei Nova

A very nice accessory from a famous Chinese brand with a fingerprint scanner. The quality of the photos and the sound raises no objections. 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;
BY	Android 7
CPU	Snapdragon 625 Octa Core 2Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 506 @ 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 body;
• protective glass;
• nice 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 one brand. Stylish and inexpensive phones. Nokia 3 and 5 have a polarized HD display that allows you to watch any content in high quality, even in bright sunlight. There is support for LTE 4G networks for fast data download. The difference between the models is in the power of the processor and cameras. The Nokia 5 has a better battery. In general, phones with good quality standard functions do not freeze.

Specifications:

Parameter	Nokia 3	Nokia 5
Display	5 ", HD resolution	5 ", HD resolution
BY	Android 7	Android 8
CPU	MediaTek MT6582, quad-core, 1.3 GHz frequency	Snapdragon 625 Octa Core 2Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 505 @ 600 MHz	Adreno 505 @ 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 will not last for a day.

• NFC module;
• new Android;
• slim body of modern design;
• powerful iron;
• two strong cameras;
• crisp 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 are distinguished by excellent design, have a fingerprint scanner, a large bright screen, and good sound quality.

BQ Aquaris V 16GB

A beautiful gadget with a fingerprint scanner function and fast charging. Dust and water resistant. The body is metal, available in white and black colors. Surround sound and high-quality photography add to the advantages of the model. The price is about 10 thousand rubles.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	5.2, HD resolution
BY	Android 7 upgradeable to eighth
CPU	Snapdragon 625 Octa Core 2Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 506 @ 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;
• metal and glass body;
• stylishness;
• fast charging;
• crisp and bright display.

• battery charging lasts for a day without intensive use.

Xiaomi Mi Note 3

Another state employee from a Chinese manufacturer.

The device runs 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 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8956 Plus Snapdragon 660 chipset. The main screen 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
BY	Android 7 upgradeable to eighth
CPU	Octa-Core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260) Qualcomm MSM8956 Plus Snapdragon 660
Graphic arts	Adreno 512 @ 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;
• metal case, there is a protective glass;
• universal colors that suit any user;
• fast charging;
• big screen.

• not detected.

There are other public sector employees that can be considered for purchase.

Motorola Moto G6

Maintains a subtle balance between accessibility, design and functionality. The curved 3D back panel makes it comfortable to hold. It is a slim bezel phone with a large screen, the 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 inch
BY	Android 8
CPU	Snapdragon 625 Octa Core 2Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 506 @ 600 MHz
RAM	3 GB
Main camera	12 megapixels
Front-camera	5MP
Battery	3000 mAh

• water-repellent nano-coating;
• 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 crisp images. The 5.5-inch beautiful QHD + IPS display does not distort images in the sun. The rear camera offers auto and manual focus, and does so with a pretty impressive 13MP resolution. The front camera has a 5MP wide-angle lens, automatic lighting selection and automatic object finding mode. Has a durable metal body.

The gadget comes with Android 7.1, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 octa-core processor, 1.4GHz. 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 inch
BY	Android 7
CPU	Snapdragon 435 Octa Core 1.4Hz
Graphic arts	Adreno 505 @ 600 MHz
RAM	3 GB
Main camera	13MP
Front-camera	5MP
Battery	3000 mAh

• wide angle lens;
• thin aluminum body frame;
• 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 rounded edge design looks great despite the plastic body. The colors are varied in a calm range. The phone has a decent look. The performance is high, works on the seventh Android. You can buy at a price of 13 thousand rubles.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	5 inch
BY	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 design colors;
• powerful camera;
• high performance.

• very weak battery.

Alcatel 3V

Alcatel 3V has wide functionality for a phone, the cost of which is not high. The large 6-inch screen has high resolution. Processor - 4 cores. The front camera is a 5MP camera, the rear camera is dual (12 + 2MP), which provides excellent shooting quality in any light. There is multitouch, face unlock, all necessary inputs. Works on the eighth Android. The price of the model is from 6500 rubles.

Specifications:

Parameter	Description
Display	6 inch
BY	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 can I buy?

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

Outcome

Inexpensive smartphones with the 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 specially 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 over 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 for 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 remote payment and data transfer functionality.