Comparative Analysis of NFC Chip Types: Maximum Reading Distance and Real-World Performance Testing
GoToTags conducted controlled testing to compare the maximum reading distance of Near Field Communication (NFC) cards with various NFC chip types. Tests were performed with both an Apple iPhone and a mountable NFC reader to determine how each chip type performs under consistent, measurable conditions.
The results identify which NFC chip types provide optimal range, reliability, and overall usability for real-world NFC applications.
Methodology
Experimental Setup
A custom test rig was used to position the NFC reader, either an iPhone or a mountable reader, at precise Z-height above the NFC card. Each card was placed in a jig mounted to a non-ferrous surface to eliminate radio frequency (RF) interference from nearby surfaces.
Reader alignment was optimized for performance:
– The mountable reader was positioned parallel to the NFC card.
– The iPhone was angled slightly with its top edge closer to the card for optimal antenna coupling.
Z-axis height was measured digitally. All NFC tags were encoded with the same 12-character NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) URL and left unlocked. All units were recorded in millimeters (mm). Timing was not collected.
Testing Process
Five NFC card types were tested, each using a different NFC chip. Ten cards per chip type were randomly selected from production batches to achieve statistical significance. For each test:
- The reader was lowered until a successful NDEF read occurred.
- The Z-height at the first successful read was recorded.
- Each sample card was tested once, as repeat trials produced negligible variation.
This process was repeated for both the iPhone and the mountable NFC reader. Data analysis included averages and sample standard deviation (STDEV.S) to assess performance consistency.
Equipment
NFC Cards
- Generic Amazon NFC cards (NTAG215), verified by NXP originality signatures.
- Additional NFC cards from a verified U.S. supplier using authentic NXP and STMicroelectronics chips validated through wafer map and originality checks.
Mountable NFC Reader
- ACS ACM1552U NFC USB Mountable Reader.
- Compatible with NFC Forum Type 2 (ISO14443-A) and Type 5 (ISO15693) tags.
Results
iPhone 11 Results
The SLIX2 (ISO15693, Type 5) achieved the longest average reading distance with the iPhone, approximately twice the range of Type 2 chips.
ACS ACM1552U NFC USB Mountable Reader Results
The SLIX2 again produced the greatest reading distance on the mountable reader, followed by the ST25TV512, both of which are ISO15693 (Type 5) chips.
Technical Analysis
Reading Distance
SLIX2 and ST25TV512 (Type 5) chips achieved the greatest reading distances on both readers. This is consistent with the ISO15693 protocol design, which supports a longer RF coupling range.
NTAG213 and ST25TA512 (Type 2) chips delivered shorter, consistent ranges suitable for close-range NFC interactions. Amazon NTAG215 cards underperformed due to inferior antenna design and manufacturing quality rather than chip architecture.
Type 5 chips demonstrated superior range performance, typically 1.5× to 2× longer than Type 2 chips in controlled testing.
Consistency
Manufacturing variability was evident across suppliers. Amazon NTAG215 cards had the highest STDEV.S values, showing inconsistent performance due to lower antenna quality. Cards from the verified supplier demonstrated low STDEV.S and consistent read distances, confirming stable production quality.
Cards from verified suppliers maintained consistent read distances, while generic cards showed measurable variability. Observed variance by supplier indicates antenna design and production control can dominate range more than the chip family itself.
Communication Speed
ISO14443-A (Type 2): 106 kbps data rate.
- Native mobile NFC: Standard READ command returns 16 bytes per operation.
- Proprietary software with direct connection: NTAG FAST_READ command can retrieve up to the chip’s memory capacity or the NFC frontends’ max response size, less APDU framing (usually 256 bytes with framing), per operation.
ISO15693 (Type 5): 26.48 kbps, slower than Type 2. SLIX2 supports 53 kbps under compatible conditions.
- Native mobile NFC: Standard READ command returns 4 bytes per operation.
- Proprietary software with direct connection: Read Multiple Blocks command can retrieve up to the chip’s memory capacity or the NFC frontends’ max response size, less APDU framing (usually 256 bytes with framing), per operation.
This means Type 5 offers a longer read range but slower throughput. Type 2 delivers faster data transfer but has a shorter range.
Type 2 chips read faster and support larger payloads, while Type 5 chips trade speed for greater range.
Conclusion: Real-World Implications
Usability Considerations
In real-world use, users move their phone in and out of the NFC field rather than holding it perfectly still. Type 5 tags enter the reader’s field earlier and stay connected longer, improving reliability for casual tap behavior. Type 2 tags, with shorter range but faster speed, perform better when users hold their phones close for larger data transfers. Background tag reading behavior and antenna design differ by phone generation, which can change how early a phone enters the RF field and surfaces a notification.
Type 5 chips improve tap reliability, while Type 2 chips optimize speed for data-intensive interactions.
Practical Recommendations
- For quick reads and larger payloads → use **Type 2 (NTAG213/215/216, ST25TA)**.
- For UID-only or small data with maximum range → use **Type 5 (SLIX2, ST25TV512)**.
- For fixed-reader setups with long-range antennas → use **Type 5**.
- Always source from verified suppliers to ensure chip authenticity and antenna consistency.
Select Type 2 for higher speed and data transfer, and Type 5 for longer range and simpler read use cases.
Validating NFC Performance Through Testing
GoToTags conducts repeatable NFC testing across chip types, form factors, and reader configurations. These evaluations provide objective insight into how NFC technologies perform under both controlled and real-world conditions.
Using standardized testing methods allows consistent chip and tag selection for projects where performance and reliability are critical. The data collected through these tests supports informed decisions across chip selection, antenna design, encoding, and field validation.
These testing results serve as a technical reference for understanding NFC performance characteristics and help guide implementation choices without relying solely on manufacturer specifications.
Contact GoToTags to discuss your NFC project and validate your tag performance through data-driven testing.