The Best Phones With NFC

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

If you’re in the market for an NFC-enabled smartphone, you’ve come to the right place. There are many options available these days, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to find the best phones with NFC so that you don’t have to do all the hard work. This list mostly includes high-end devices, but we’ve also added a few great mid-rangers to the mix.

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

This may sound like alien technology to those who haven’t played much with this feature. The short answer is that NFC stands for Near Field Communications. The longer one is a bit more complex.

NFC is a technology that allows close-up communications between devices or tags. It can be used to make payments, for example. Have you ever seen people pay with their phones using something like Google Pay? It can be done thanks to NFC.

You can also use NFC to do things like automating settings. Want to share your Wi-Fi password with others? Program an NFC tag and have people tap their phones on it. You can also program your smart home devices; imagine tapping your phone on an NFC tag by the door and having all lights go on.

In addition, NFC can be found on cameras, smart appliances, and even monitors. It’s become an invaluable tool for the modern smartphone user. Most high-end phones have NFC on board these days, while the same can’t be said for mid-range and budget handsets which is surprising but true. As such, it is sometimes tricky to find a phone with NFC and the features you want at a price that fits your budget.

Dive deeper: Learn everything there is to know about NFC

Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best phones with NFC as new devices launch.

Samsung Galaxy S22 family
Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Samsung is back at it in 2022, launching what are all but guaranteed to be some of the hottest smartphones of the year. The Samsung Galaxy S22 series comprises the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra. All come with outstanding performance, gorgeous screens, capable cameras, and an overall fantastic experience.

All devices come with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or an Exynos 2200, at least 8GB of RAM (Ultra can have 12GB), and AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The smallest one is the Galaxy S22 at 6.1 inches, while the Galaxy S22 Plus upgrades to a 6.6-inch panel.

Of course, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is the beefiest of the bunch, both in size and specs. Many would argue it’s a replacement for the retired Galaxy Note lineup. It has a massive 6.8-inch display and an S Pen, both obvious characteristics of the Note series.

* Display: 6.1-inch, Full HD+
* Chipset: SD 8 Gen 1 or Exynos * RAM: 8GB
* Storage: 128GB/256GB

* Cameras: 50, 12, and 10MP
* Front camera: 10MP
* Battery: 3,700mAh
* Software: Android 12

* Display: 6.6-inch, Full HD+
* Chipset: SD 8 Gen 1 or Exynos * RAM: 8GB
* Storage: 128GB/256GB

* Cameras: 50, 12, and 10MP
* Front cameras: 10MP
* Battery: 4,500mAh
* Software: Android 12

* Display: 6.8-inch, QHD+
* Chipset: SD 8 Gen 1 or Exynos * RAM: 8/12GB
* Storage: 128GB/256/512/1024GB

* Cameras: 108, 12, 10, and 10MP
* Front cameras: 40MP
* Battery: 5,000mAh
* Software: Android 12

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

We may be an Android-centric website, but it’s not easy to simply brush the iPhone 14 series under the rug. Apple’s iPhone 14 family includes four models: the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The iPhone 14 and 14 Pro look very similar, each with a 6.1-inch display. Of course, there are some differences in specs and the number of rear cameras. The Pro versions also come with the new Dynamic Island. You’ll only find two rear cameras on the 14 and 14 Plus, while the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max models sport triple camera arrays. No matter which device you choose, all four are excellent phones with NFC to meet your wireless needs.

You may not look forward to moving from Android to iOS, but it’s easier than ever to switch. Apple offers a near rainbow of options, and we won’t judge you for changing. In fact, we have a guide to help you find the best iPhone for your needs!

* Display: 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR
* SoC: A15 Bionic
* RAM: 6GB
* Storage: 128/256/512GB

* Cameras: 12 and 12MP
* Front camera: 12MP
* Battery: 3,279mAh
* Software: iOS 16

* Display: 6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR
* SoC: A15 Bionic
* RAM: 6GB
* Storage: 128/256/512GB

* Cameras: 12 and 12MP
* Front camera: 12MP
* Battery: 4,323mAh
* Software: iOS 16

* Display: 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR
* SoC: A16 Bionic
* RAM: 6GB
* Storage: 128/256/512/1,024GB

* Cameras: 48, 12, and 12MP + TOF 3D LiDAR
* Front camera: 12MP + SL 3D
* Battery: 3,200mAh
* Software: iOS 16

* Display: 6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR
* SoC: A16 Bionic
* RAM: 6GB
* Storage: 128/256/512/1,024GB

* Cameras: 48, 12, and 12MP + TOF 3D LiDAR
* Front camera: 12MP + SL 3D
* Battery: 3,200mAh
* Software: iOS 16

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

The OnePlus 10 Pro was first released in China and has since been launched globally, including in North America, and it’s definitely among the best phones with NFC you can get. It’s one of the first phones launched in collaboration with Oppo, something you can tell by looking at the new design.

The OnePlus 10 Pro features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and as much as 12GB of RAM, which means it can handle just about any task you throw at it. The screen comes in at 6.7 inches and looks incredible thanks to the AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Other specs and features include a triple-camera system at the back, an IP68 rating, and a 5,000mAh battery with as much as 80W charging (65W in the USA).

Pricing isn’t as low as we’d like considering the $900 MSRP, but the phone does offer everything power users need.

* Display: 6.7-inch, QHD+
* Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
* RAM: 8/12GB
* Storage: 128/256/512GB

* Cameras: 48, 50, and 8MP
* Front camera: 32MP
* Battery: 5,000mAh
* Software: Android 12

Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro marked a new era for Google, with a unique design language, premium build, and specs that compete with the best of the best. It was a stunning step in the right direction, and the search giant continued the trend with the newer Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. These devices also keep prices very reasonable compared to other high-end handsets.

Just look at them. Their designs are clean and simple, but their internals sure aren’t. These come with Google’s new Tensor G2 chipset and 8/12GB of RAM, ensuring speedy performance. The displays are also stunning, with the Pixel 6 featuring a Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 6 Pro upgrades you to a QHD+ panel with 120Hz.

Of course, both phones with NFC will take care of all your short-distance connectivity needs.

* Display: 6.3-inch, Full HD+
* SoC: Google Tensor G2
* RAM: 8GB
* Storage: 128/256GB

* Camera: 50 and 12MP
* Front camera: 10.8MP
* Battery: 4,355mAh
* Software: Android 13

Google Pixel 7 Pro specs:
* Display: 6.7-inch, QHD+
* SoC: Google Tensor G2
* RAM: 12GB
* Storage: 128/256/512GB

* Camera: 50, 48, and 12MP
* Front camera: 10.8MP
* Battery: 5,000mAh
* Software: Android 13

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 isn’t just one of the best NFC phones around. This device is truly unique and special. It’s arguably the best foldable phone to get right now, offering the functionality of a larger tablet screen, and the pocketability and one-handed nature of a regular smartphone. It has an external 6.2-inch display, but the handset can be folded out to showcase a 7.6-inch panel with a 1,812 x 2,176p AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,200 nits of brightness.

You’ll get everything you can expect from a high-end flagship, too. Specs include a powerful Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. There’s also a triple-camera setup onboard. We wish the 4,400mAh battery were larger, especially considering that screen must really eat up the battery, but having a foldable handset has its downsides.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 specs:
* Display: 7.6-inch QXGA+ and 6.2-inch HD+
* SoC: Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
* RAM: 12GB
* Storage: 256/512/1,024GB

* Cameras: 50, 12 and 10MP
* Front camera: 10MP, 4MP
* Battery: 4,400mAh
* Software: Android 12L

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The ROG Phone 6 series consist of two phones. The first is the ROG Phone 6 Pro, which is the best of the two. It has everything a gamer needs, including a large 6.78-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a massive 6,000mAh battery with 65W charging, and outstanding performance thanks to Snapdragon’s latest chipset paired with 18GB of RAM. Of course, it also has NFC.

The device comes with ultrasonic Airtriggers that are fully customizable in terms of sensitivity and button mapping. To level up your gaming experience, you can also get various accessories like Asus’ Aero Active Cooler 6, which does a great job cooling down the handset when playing games for a long time, or the Kunai 3 controller, which makes the gaming experience more enjoyable for most people.

The second device in the series is the ROG Phone 6, which is more or less identical to the Pro model. The only two differences are that it tops out at 16GB of RAM instead of 18GB and that it lacks a secondary rear display, which is capable of displaying the time, text messages, logos, and other simple things.

* Display: 6.78-inch, FHD+
* SoC: Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
* RAM: 8/12/16GB
* Storage: 128/256/512GB

* Cameras: 50, 13, and 5MP
* Front camera: 12MP
* Battery: 6,000mAh
* Software: Android 12

* Display: 6.78-inch, FHD+
* SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
* RAM: 18GB
* Storage: 512GB

* Cameras: 50, 13, and 5MP
* Front camera: 12MP
* Battery: 6,000mAh
* Software: Android 12

Sony Xperia 1 IV and Xperia 5 IV
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Albeit a bit overlooked, Sony makes some of the best devices in the market, as well as some of the best phones with NFC. They’re also one of the few that still label the location of the NFC chip right on the device’s back.

NFC aside, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is nothing short of spectacular. It has powerful specs, an amazing camera system with mirrorless camera-quality autofocusing, an elegant design, and a stunning 4K display. All of that will cost you, though, as the Sony Xperia 1 IV is also one of the most expensive smartphones in existence.

If you’re looking for something nearly as premium, but much less expensive (yet not cheap), the Sony Xperia 5 IV might be a more suitable option. It still comes with powerful specs like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 8GB of RAM, and an OLED display. It also has a triple-camera system and a large 5,000mAh battery.

* Display: 6.5-inch, 4K
* Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
* RAM: 12GB
* Storage: 256/512GB

* Cameras: 12, 12, and 12MP + TOF 3D
* Front camera: 12MP
* Battery: 5,000mAh
* Software: Android 12

* Display: 6.1-inch, Full HD+
* Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
* RAM: 8GB
* Storage: 128/256GB

* Cameras: 12, 12, and 12MP
* Front camera: 12MP
* Battery: 5,000mAh
* Software: Android 12

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G and A52s 5G were great mid-rangers, but every phone needs to be cycled out. The successor has arrived, carrying the predictable Galaxy A53 moniker. It’s one of the best mid-range phones with NFC, although it offers much more than just that.

You’d be surprised how much a mid-tier device can get you nowadays. The Galaxy A53 comes with the Exynos 1280 under the hood, a large and crisp 120Hz display, and a great camera system. We also appreciate the flagship-level update commitment, as the A53 will get four years of Android updates.

Best of all, the handset is cheaper than its predecessor, coming in at $450 — the A52 went for $500.

* Display: 6.5-inch, Full HD+
* SoC: Exynos * RAM: 4/6/8GB
* Storage: 128/256GB

* Cameras: 64, 12, 5, and 5MP
* Front camera: 32MP
* Battery: 5,000mAh
* Software: Android 12

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

If you want an iPhone, but the 14 series is just a bit too much, the iPhone SE 2022 is also one of the best phones with NFC. Its $429 MSRP is much more welcoming, and the phone does very well against most of its competition.

For starters, you can’t complain about performance, as it comes with a beefy Apple A15 Bionic processor. This is the same chip you’ll find in all the iPhone 13 series and the non-Pro iPhone 14 handsets. The design might be a bit dated, but you get wireless charging, a sleek look, and a more manageable smaller size. And while it only has one camera, it’s a pretty good one.

* Display: 4.7-inch, Retina Display
* SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
* RAM: 4GB
* Storage: 64/128/256GB

* Cameras: 12MP
* Front camera: 7MP
* Battery: 2,018mAh
* Software: iOS 15.4

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

If you like Google devices but still find the Pixel 7 series a bit pricey, you may also want to take a look at the Google Pixel 6a. Google’s A-Series smartphones are known for optimizing for the maximum bang per buck. These value handsets keep prices very low, and the Pixel 6a is no exception.

The $449 MSRP is very light on the wallet, at least compared to its competitors. Aside from 5G compatibility, the device comes with an OLED panel that won’t disappoint. There’s also a powerful Google Tensor chipset and 6GB of RAM onboard. More than enough to keep casual users happy. And we can’t forget about the camera system. Like every other modern Pixel, this device can take images that compete with devices that cost more than twice the price.

This is certainly one of the best phones with NFC if you’re on a budget.

* Display: 6.1-inch, FHD+
* SoC: Google Tensor
* RAM: 6GB
* Storage: 128GB

* Cameras: 12.2 and 12MP
* Front camera: 8MP
* Battery: 4,410mAh
* Software: Android 12

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