Zebra Technologies has unveiled an enterprise Android smartphone that comes with built-in support for both ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID and NFC tag reading — and the ability to also function as a contactless payments acceptance device. The launch follows news from Qualcomm that the mobile chipset giant is actively working to add support for ultra-high frequency Rain RFID tag reading to mobile devices, initially for the enterprise market and later also for mainstream consumer devices. Find out more about Zebra Android NFC smartphone with built-in RFID features below.

Demand for such devices is expected to be driven by the arrival of new EU requirements for digital product passports.

Zebra’s new EM45 RFID Enterprise Mobile device is able to read up to twenty UHF RFID tags per second and has a maximum read range of 1.2m.

“Combined with RFID reading, a high-performance camera and mobile convenience, EM45 RFID is an ergonomic, all-in-one, streamlined solution designed to simplify tasks and boost on-the-go operations,”

the company says.

Zebra Android NFC smartphone built-in RFID key features

• Integrated UHF RFID Module: The EM45 includes a built-in UHF RFID module, enabling efficient scanning of RFID tags at short ranges. This integration simplifies processes in environments such as retail, healthcare, and event management.
• High-Performance Camera: Equipped with a 50MP camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), the device allows users to capture high-quality images and scan barcodes effectively, which is particularly useful in parcel pickup and delivery scenarios.
• AI Capabilities: The EM45 is powered by a robust System-on-Chip (SoC) with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), providing AI capabilities that enhance real-time data processing and decision-making. This feature supports applications such as language translation, transcription, and AI vision models for product examination.
• Sleek Design and Display: Featuring a 6.7-inch full HD display and a 5000 mAh battery, the EM45 is designed for comfort and ease of use, making it suitable for prolonged use in demanding environments.
• Powerful Performance: The device is equipped with a Qualcomm® 5430 Octa-core, 2.2 GHz processor, 8 GB DDR5 RAM, and 128 GB UFS3.1 Flash storage, ensuring fast and efficient computing. It operates on the Android platform, upgradable to Android 16.

• Comprehensive Connectivity: The EM45 supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, WWAN, NFC, and 5G, ensuring robust network connectivity and wireless communication. It also features USB 3.1 (bottom type C) support.

“Built-in RFID provides precise reads that let you check and find inventory, complete tasks, and access critical information in seconds without juggling multiple devices. 5G and Wi-Fi 6E ensure fast, reliable connectivity, delivering seamless communication and data transfer. Plus, with its fast-charging, long-lasting battery, your staff is always ready.”

“CPOC payment support enables contactless payment with any NFC-enabled bank card or mobile wallet,” Zebra adds. “And support for contactless non-payment items in digital wallets enables instant validation of guest event tickets, boarding passes, loyalty cards and more.”

“We think there is a big market here, for example, for mobile checkout applications in the fashion retail sector,” Zebra’s Eiko Gramlich told Think WIoT. “The sales associate scans the item, which is tagged with a UHF tag, and makes the payment via NFC.”

While the Zebra EM45 is among the few smartphones with integrated UHF RFID reading capabilities, there are alternative solutions to equip standard smartphones with RFID functionality:

RFID Sleds

RFID sleds are external devices that attach to smartphones, enabling them to read RFID tags. These sleds often connect via Bluetooth and can be used with various smartphone models. Notable examples include:

• Zebra RFD8500: This handheld RFID/1D/2D sled is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, allowing users to add UHF RFID reading capabilities to their existing smartphones.
• AsReader: AsReader offers sleds that can locate tags in 3D space to within a few centimeters, enhancing the precision of RFID tag reading when paired with smartphones.

Smartphones with NFC

Many modern smartphones come equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, which is a form of high-frequency (HF) RFID. While NFC has a shorter read range compared to UHF RFID, it is suitable for applications requiring close proximity scanning. A comprehensive list of NFC-enabled smartphones is available, including models from manufacturers such as Acer, Alcatel, Asus, BlackBerry, HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony.

Emerging Technologies

Researchers are developing new methods to enable smartphones to read RFID tags without additional hardware. For instance, a technology that combines a chip integrated into product packaging with a software update on the phone allows smartphones to identify objects based on signals the chip emits, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This approach aims to provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for RFID reading using standard smartphones.

In summary, while integrated UHF RFID smartphones like the Zebra EM45 are rare, various solutions exist to equip standard smartphones with RFID reading capabilities, depending on the specific requirements and applications.