Is my S4 NFC capable?

[lotus49]

Sorry if this has been asked before but the forum won't let me search for "nfc" as the term is too short.

As I understand it, the NFC hardware in the S4 is actually in the battery. How can I tell whether my S4/battery is NFC capable? I do have the NFC option under "Connect and share" in settings and this is turned on. Does that definitely mean it is NFC capable?

On a related note, if I wanted to test NFC on my phone, is there anywhere I might find an NFC tag around the house? I'd be interesting in playing with NFC but I don't want to waste money buying tags if my phone won't do anything with them.

 

[SebaKL]

Sorry if this has been asked before but the forum won't let me search for "nfc" as the term is too short.

As I understand it, the NFC hardware in the S4 is actually in the battery. How can I tell whether my S4/battery is NFC capable? I do have the NFC option under "Connect and share" in settings and this is turned on. Does that definitely mean it is NFC capable?

On a related note, if I wanted to test NFC on my phone, is there anywhere I might find an NFC tag around the house? I'd be interesting in playing with NFC but I don't want to waste money buying tags if my phone won't do anything with them.

The NFC is in the phone, the Athena is in the battery just to improve reception and range.
Best way to know is to check whether you have NFC setting in your notification option ? Or under Settings - Connections.

If you see the NFC setting, then your phone is NFC capable.

As for the tag. I don't know about the house. But you could try Samsung store? They have those TecTiles, you could just try to read one without opening the pack. Or try to use SBeam to share photo with a phone in the store, SBeam and NFC work together.

 

[B2L]

Your battery will say "Near field communication".

And if you don't want to purchase NFC tags, the only way to test it would be with another NFC compatible device or by going to a store that accepts NFC payments.

 

[SebaKL]

Here is the chip location:
Samsung Galaxy S4 Teardown: Easy To Fix By Design | Gizmodo Australia

I don't expect you to tear down your phone, but just for your info
And by the way, the best and most comprehensive app for NFC tags is NFC TASK LAUNCHER

I have been using it daily and I love it.

 

[lotus49]

Thank you all for your help. Three out of three helpful responses.

It looks promising as I do have the NFC setting and my battery also says "Near Field Communication" exactly as in B2L's picture.

Since it looks as though my phone is NFC capable, I shall buy some tags and have a play around with them.