More NFC Phones Now Available for use with Real-Link

The wait for more NFC phones is finally over. We have been waiting for new phones since Nokia stopped manufacturing the 6212 in 2010. However, we had to wait until a year later, in August 2011, for the first of these phones to become commercially available. The Nokia software update that month meant that the C7 became the first phone since the 6212 that was fully compatible with Real-Link. Since then, more phones have become available giving our customers some choice over the phone they want to use and the price they want to spend.

There are currently five phones that work with Real-Link. These are the Sonim XP1301, Nokia C7, Nokia 700, Samsung Tocco Icon and Samsung Tocco Quick Tap. With the explosion of mobile payments expected in 2012, many more manufacturers are also currently designing phones with NFC capability. Below, we have briefly explained the main features of each of the phones that can be used with Real-Link –

Sonim XP1301 – this is a fully rugged phone that has been tested to check that it still works when dropped to concrete and submerged in water. It has no camera or GPS at the moment, although versions with these options are expected sometime during 2012. This phone has a traditional keypad and is not touch screen. Being such a rugged phone this is ideal for security patrols.

Nokia C7 – the C7 is a touch screen smart phone. It is starting to be replaced by other models but is still available at the moment. Has GPS and camera. An Otterbox case can also be used with this phone to give extra protection.

Nokia 700 – very new touch screen smart phone. This has a really good NFC reader, a camera and GPS.

Samsung Tocco Icon (version – GT-S5260P) – a much more basic touch screen phone without GPS but does have a camera. This phone is not the most user-friendly but does work with the Real-Link system.

Samsung Tocco Quick Tap – this is very similar to the Tocco Icon phone but is locked to Orange and can no longer be bought from RealTime. It is available from Orange directly on contract. Has a camera but no GPS.

RealTime are also in the process of testing a couple of Android phones that have NFC capability and expect that this testing will be completed early in the New Year.

If you would like any further information about any of these phones or Real-Link please email info@realtimedc.com or call 01243 855700.

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