For years, industry has touted the beautiful new world of mobile payments, in which plastic cards and wallets no longer exist: they were supposed to be replaced by a smartphone.
The key technology of the e-wallet is called Near Field Communication, or NFC for short. It allows you to exchange data over short distances up to four centimeters "by air". However, it has been ten years since it appeared on the market, and the promised utopia still does not come. The current state of NFC is causing a lot of concern on the sidelines. Should we still wait for a breakthrough?
No users. The Touch & Travel train ticketing system will be phased out by the end of 2016. The reason is simple: almost no one uses the service 
Unfamiliar and unused. Smartphone users were asked if they were familiar with mobile payments using NFC technology
The most prominent example of the status quo of mobile payments using NFC is the NFC City Berlin initiative, which ended this spring. During the year, operators Telekom, Vodafone and O2 worked with partners such as Obi and Rewe to get Berliners to use their smartphones as a wallet.
But in the end, even the leader of the initiative group had to admit that the transactions during the project were "generally still cautious."
In other words, despite the efforts spent on advertising and investment costs - about 1,000 stores were equipped with NFC terminals - almost no one was willing to pay from mobile phone... This impression is supported by the fact that the initiators of the project did not give specific numbers to our question about the number of cases of payment via NFC.
An NFC-enabled smartphone is not enough
And you can hardly blame users for anything, since in reality there are quite serious obstacles to the use of mobile payments.
It's not enough just to buy a smartphone with NFC support- users payment system operators Vodafone and Base, in addition to the NFC module built into the smartphone, you need to replace the usual SIM card with a special one, compatible with NFC, on which payment data is saved.
If there is no NFC module in the smartphone, you need to stick it on back cover NFC sticker. Since NFC tags can work without a smartphone, stickers can be glued to any object.
Decision on mobile payments O2 has brought the principle of "NFC in a smartphone" to the point of absurdity: m-pass works exclusively through NFC tags, and in order to use the sticker, you need to disable the "native" NFC module of the smartphone in order to mobile payment passed.
NFC-enabled iPhone owners who want to pay from a smartphone also have to use stickers, as Apple has limited the operation of its NFC modules only to its own. Apple service Pay, which is only offered in nine countries so far, including the US, UK and China. Apple Pay is expected to start working in Russia at the end of 2016.
From all European countries Apple competitor, Samsung, offers its Samsung Pay cashless payment service in the UK as well as in Spain. It is planned that in the second half of 2016 the service will be deployed in other European countries, including Russia.
Payback app without NFC
The new PayQR app and similar developments are another NFC failure. This application already now allows you to make purchases and pay for services in some stores and organizations in Russia.
True, not via NFC, but via a QR code. According to the developer's website, the program currently occupies a leading position in the mobile phone payment market.
In addition to all this sad news for NFC, it also became known that some railways in Europe will be phasing out their Touch & Travel service by the end of 2016.
Only 100,000 people use the system for buying train tickets from a mobile phone at NFC terminals - a very small number for railways.
So, apparently, the miracle will not happen yet. Currently, NFC in smartphones as a technology for payment is bursting at the seams.
Where else can NFC be applied?
As a way wireless transmission NFC data has penetrated the daily life of smartphone users to a much lesser extent than, for example, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, in some cases, this technology even has some advantages. Here are three scenarios for using NFC.
Data transfer
If there is no WiFi Direct, Bluetooth or WhatsApp, your contact list, links to frequently visited websites or files can be sent directly from device to device via Android Beam.
Smartphone automation
Trigger-type applications (available for download from the Google Play store) can configure NFC so that the smartphone performs a certain action when it is brought to the NFC tag, for example, mute the sound.
Pairing devices
NFC allows you to quickly pair devices such as headphones and smartphones without entering a PIN. Music can be streamed both via Bluetooth and other interfaces.
Photo: manufacturing companies; iStockphoto / pixdeluxe; Giro Go; Payback; dpa / Picture Alliance / Emanuel Bloedt; iStockphoto / Julia Albul (2)
NFC technology is based on the principle of wireless high frequency communication short range. It allows the volume of data to be carried between devices with the highest level of security. This was the main reason for the appearance of NFC chips in phones. So that you can choose the right device, we have compiled a rating that includes smartphones with NFC support in different price categories.
Budget
Huawei Honor 5C
Price: from $ 240
- Screen: IPS, 5.2 "FullHD;
- Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 650 (2 GHz);
- Memory: 2/16 GB;
The Honor 5C displays a typical offering from a Chinese manufacturer - the largest possible set of options for such a small price. The cost of the gadget does not fit except that the plastic case (competitors have all-metal smartphones with NFC) and a rather mediocre camera. In all other respects, the device will be able to satisfy all the requests of ordinary users. Even the diagonal of the screen hints at its versatility - 5.2 inches is a balanced solution between phablets and ordinary phones.
Conclusion: minor flawsHonor 5C are completely balanced by the presence ofNFC chip, which other Chinese state employees likeXiaomi.
Wileyfox Swift 2X
Price: from $ 230
- Screen: IPS, 5.2 "FullHD;
- Memory: 3/32 GB;
This smartphone is made for true connoisseurs of style. The Swift 2X surprises with its striking orange box and fox-inspired colors. You will not find a power supply inside, as the manufacturer was forced to abandon the accessory in favor of taking care of the environment. But they put on the phone protective film, which will protect the device from micro-scratches after prolonged use.
Conclusion: bright, memorable and inexpensive phone withNFC will appeal to most buyers,Swift 2X can be safely attributed to the list of the best Chinese smartphones 2017.
Sony Xperia E5
Price: from $ 255
- Screen: IPS, 5 "HD;
- Processor: MTK6735 (1.2 GHz);
- Memory: 1.5 / 16 GB;
- Camera: main - 13 Mp, front - 5 Mp.
The Xperia E5 received a plastic body, not the most top-end filling even for 2017, and a rather mediocre camera. What can you do, the lion's share of the price of the device goes to the manufacturer as payment for the brand. Despite all the shortcomings, the smartphone is quite well optimized and does not slow down even with such a small margin. random access memory... The built-in battery lasts for 1.5 days of active use.
Conclusion: not the best public sector employee among competitors, it will fit for a purchase only if you really need communication onNFC. For the same cost, you can pick up a smartphone fromXiaomi with the best filling, but already withoutNFC.
Nokia 3
Price: from $ 145
- Screen: IPS, 5 "HD;
- Processor: MediaTek MT6737 (1.3 GHz);
- Memory: 2/16 GB;
- Camera: main - 8 megapixels, front - 8 megapixels.
Outwardly, the new line of smartphones from the famous Finnish brand is practically no different from dozens of other budget monoblocks. You can see the big differences on closer inspection. First, the Nokia 3 runs stock Android 7.0 without any third-party skins. Secondly, the device received an all-metal body, an NFC chip and a very high-quality HD screen. What else do you need to be happy?
Conclusion: one of the best solutions in the budget segment if you needNFC. Among the shortcomings, we can only single out a rather mediocre main camera.
Middle class
Huawei Nova 2
Price: from $ 375
- Screen: LTPS, 5 "FullHD;
- Processor: Kirin 659 (2.36 GHz);
- Memory: 4/64 GB;
- Camera: main - dual module 12 + 8 Mp, front - 20 Mp.
Nova 2 got classic appearance Huawei, from its predecessor, is distinguished only by the location of the fingerprint scanner. It is noteworthy that for users who pre-ordered this model, a selfie stick and a branded fitness bracelet were carefully included in the package. The proprietary processor shows results that are normal for this price category. In general, the advantages of the device are balanced a little, perhaps by the longest battery life.
Output:HuaweiNova 2 will delight fans of high-quality shooting and a user-friendly interface.
Samsung Galaxy A5 2017
Price: from $ 300
- Screen: Super AMOLED, 4.7 "HD;
- Processor: Exynos 7870 (1.6 GHz);
- Memory: 2/16 GB;
- Camera: main - 13 Mp, front - 8 Mp.
The Galaxy A5 is primarily aimed at an audience that loves compact phones with NFC. In a small metal case hiding mid-range hardware with a very energy efficient processor from Samsung. Besides the NFC chip, interesting function Smartphone is AlwaysOn Display, IP68 water resistance and excellent energy optimization. The device will not appeal unless movie lovers and gamers, some 4.7 inches of the screen is simply not enough.
Conclusion: a compact device, which is positioned by the manufacturer as a device of the middle price category with all the unique developer options that cheap gadgets lack.
Nokia 6
Price: from $ 275
- Screen: IPS, 5.5 "FullHD;
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (1.4 GHz);
- Memory: 4/64 GB;
- Camera: main - 16 megapixels, front - 8 megapixels.
If the younger model of the updated Nokia line is positioned as a budget employee "for work", then the average Nokia 6 may well pass for a universal smartphone for all occasions. This is facilitated by a solid supply of RAM and internal memory, as well as a large 5.5-inch display. By the way, the screen itself deserves praise here, it transmits a clear and juicy picture from almost any viewing angle. Well, one more feature of superiority over competitors is pure Android 7.0 Nougat.
Conclusion: the device has everything you need for a mid-range device. The only drawback is a rather weak processor, which can fail in "heavy" games.
Sony Xperia XA1
Price: from $ 300
- Screen: IPS, 5 "HD;
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P20 (2.3 GHz);
- Memory: 3/32 GB;
- Camera: main - 23 megapixels, front - 8 megapixels.
Sony has once again proved its superiority over other smartphones when it comes to camera. The XA1 is far from being a flagship, but it comes with a pretty high-quality 23MP camera. Of course, the device is made in a classic style for the manufacturer, it has sharp corners and pleasant to the touch metal inserts. The gadget runs Android 7.0 Nougat with proprietary shell Sony, which, however, is not very different from the stock Android.
Conclusion: against the background of all the advantagesXA1 is a little upset by the presenceHD screen, it was still possible to shift the choice in favor ofFullHD. In all other respects, this is a great device for the money.
Flagships
Xiaomi Mi6
Price: from $ 485
- Screen: IPS, 5.15 "FullHD;
- Memory: 6/64 GB;
- Camera: main - dual module 12 + 12 Mp, front - 8 Mp.
Xiaomi is often referred to as Apple from the world of Chinese smartphones. This is really so, the manufacturer is trying to "cram" top-end filling into its devices at the lowest possible price. So it happened with Xiaomi Mi6, the smartphone received a compact glass body, the best Snapdragon processor at the time of release and a very large supply of RAM.
Conclusion: Xiaomi Mi6 is a great alternative to more expensive flagships fromSamsung orSony. Among the shortcomings, one can single out only the lack of a slot formicroSD.
Samsung Galaxy S8
Price: from $ 710
- Screen: SuperAMOLED, 5.8 "Quad HD +;
- Processor: Exynos 8895 (2.35 GHz);
- Memory: 4/64 GB;
- Camera: main - 12 Mp, front - 8 Mp.
The trend of frameless smartphones began to form even before the release of the S8, but it was this device that set a powerful impetus with its unique and very beautiful design. The concept is based on an “endless display” with rounded edges. In addition to the unique design, buyers also received a top-end platform based on the proprietary Exynos 8895 chipset, a rear-panel fingerprint scanner and an iris scanner.
Conclusion: after a failed exitThe Note 7 for the South Korean giant needed to release something special. ANDSamsung succeeded,The S8 has become an exemplary flagship with an NSF module.
iPhone 8
Price: from $ 875
- Screen: IPS, 4.7 ”1334x750 px;
- Processor: Apple A11 Bionic;
- Memory: 2/64 GB;
- Camera: main - 12 Mp, front - 7 Mp.
Apple's latest generation of flagships has undergone significant changes. The iPhone 8 is now not the most top-end device, because the palm has gone to the still unreleased iPhone X. In general, the gadget is not much different from its predecessor, except that the benchmarks have grown and the material of the back surface has changed. On the one hand, it’s time for Apple to reconsider its paradigms, and on the other hand, such an update will definitely appeal to loyal fans of the "classics".
Conclusion: to usersiPhone 6 and older models should be updated to the new product. The novelty is also shown to those who expect the highest benchmark results.
LG V30
Price: from $ 950
- Screen: OLED FullVision, 6 "2880 × 1440 px;
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (2.45 GHz);
- Memory: 4/64 GB;
- Camera: main - dual module 16 + 13 Mp, front - 5 Mp.
The Samsung S8 isn't the only flagship to get a large display this year. Outwardly, it may well seem that the V30 almost completely inherits the smartphone from South Korean manufacturer... In fact, the roots of the design of the device go back to the LG G6, where similar ideas were embodied. So far, the gadget has not appeared on sale, although this is promised already in October 2017.
Conclusion: a promising flagship that can competeSamsung andApple. The only drawback is that the device will most likely be far from budget.
In the list of characteristics of the smartphone, you can sometimes find support. What it is? And what is its practical use?
NFC (Near Field Communication) - wireless technology allowing devices that are up to 10 cm apart to exchange data. Of course, this requires both gadgets to be equipped.
An important feature of this technology is that the connection is established very quickly. To do this, just bring the devices to each other. In addition, a small radius of action in this case is not so much a disadvantage as an advantage. First, it reduces energy consumption. Secondly, it's safer this way: it's almost impossible to intercept the NFC signal and steal information.
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Microsoft Lumia 640 XL Dual SIM: interesting phablet on Windows
Microsoft Lumia 640 XL Dual SIM is a good choice for someone looking for a device with big screen... Diagonal - 5.7 inches, resolution - 1280x720 pixels. Not bad, isn't it? Suitable for games, and for viewing photos, videos, full-size films. But you can work on such a screen: take notes in OneNote, edit texts in Word, chat on Skype. The smartphone is running mobile version Windows OS, so you can use many familiar services.
The device has a 3,000 mAh battery. The energy reserve will last for a long time, despite the large-format screen. Those who are fond of photography should take a closer look at the main camera. It uses a 13-megapixel matrix, autofocus, flash and, importantly, a lens with high-quality optics from the famous Zeiss company. That's enough to capture vivid, clear, memorable photos and videos.
Wileyfox Swift 2+: elegance embodied
(RUB 11,990)
The Wileyfox Swift 2+ smartphone with an aluminum body looks extremely elegant. It can be blue or gold. With such a device, you can easily attract attention to yourself, stand out from the crowd.
The fingerprint scanner provides it with reliable protection from strangers. No one except the owner will have access to either the applications that are installed on him, or to the files stored in his memory. An octa-core processor and 3 GB of RAM give the device the ability to confidently multitask, run resource-intensive applications, including games with 3D graphics. To connect charger a convenient USB Type-C connector is used.
The 5-inch screen with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels pleases the eye with a bright, detailed image. It is pleasant to watch photos and videos on it, including those taken with your own hand. A 16-megapixel camera with fast phase detection autofocus and flash will help you take interesting pictures. Selfie lovers have not been forgotten either, they are offered an 8-megapixel front-camera capable of taking decent quality self-portraits.
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