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The top 4 smartphones for NFC payments for 2021

This technology allows you to share information from your smartphone to other nearby devices as well as make payments with an app like Google or Samsung Pay.

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a smartphone inside a miniature shopping cart

Not everyone is familiar with Near Field Communication, or NFC for short. This technology allows you to share files and information from your smartphone to other nearby devices as well as make payments with an app like Google or Samsung Pay. Similar to Bluetooth, this wireless technology is designed to make the integration of smartphones into everyday society seamless. With NFC, you can make real-life payments using only your phone, eliminating the need to carry cash or worry about losing your card.

Of course, NFC is still considered new by many, but it will likely continue to be adapted as it has several benefits over Bluetooth. Most notably, it consumes far less power than Bluetooth technology, making it easier to integrate because it does not require receiving devices to have their own unique power source. If you're interested in trying NFC payments for yourself, check out these four smartphones. They're fully NFC-compatible and will allow you to take full advantage of this tech in 2021.

How Much Will It Cost?

Paying for a new smartphone isn't easy for everyone. While some people are fortunate enough to just trade theirs in or have enough in the bank to buy theirs outright, many people have to plan ahead. For such a big expense, you may consider taking out a small person loan, which can help you start reaping the benefits of NFC right away. The average smartphone ranges between $700 to over $1,200. A loan can help you afford yours if it's not feasible to pay out of pocket. This list will include two high-end smartphones as well as two more budget-friendly devices.

Samsung Galaxy S21 - $799 The Samsung Galaxy has long been held as the iPhone's top competitor. The Android vs Apple debate isn't going to be resolved anytime soon with the suite of new features and sophisticated hardware found in the latest iteration of the Galaxy. The S21 models are 5G-compatible and come with a built-in NFC chip. The standard model features three cameras, 8GB of RAM and a 6.7-inch full HD-compatible screen. If you're looking for a phone that's a good alternative to the iPhone 11, this is it.

Apple iPhone 12 : $699+

Maybe you're an Apple person, and that's fine. You will have to upgrade your current device to the latest series if you want NFC compatibility, though. The Apple iPhone 12 Mini starts at $699 and features the latest version of iOS along with a 6.1-inch screen and 5G optimization. If you're into photography, you can upgrade to the Pro model, which features the coveted triple camera setup.

Google Pixel 4a 5G : $349

Google's Pixel phones are mid-range mobile devices with decent hardware specs and modern optimization. It boasts 6GB of RAM, a 6.2-inch full HD display, 128GB of storage and a 12.2MP camera. This is a comparable phone to high-end devices with price points that are out of reach for some users. It runs on Android 11, so you'll be able to download all the latest versions of your favorite apps from the Google Play store with no problem.

Nokia 5.4 : $300

Finding a modern phone that's NFC-compatible for under $500 isn't easy, but Nokia has been a longtime provider of affordable, high-quality and, if you know your memes, indestructible cell phones. Although its performance isn't as powerful as a high-end smartphone, it still boasts an impressive suite of features for its cost. You'll get a 6.39-inch HD display with an impressive four 48, 5, 2 and 2 MP cameras centered on the back of the phone. It ships with Android 10 and 64GB of storage, which you can upgrade for a price to 128GB instead.

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