The basic requirement is a device with Android version 8.0 or better. However, more recent versions will work better.
If you will be using tags for Tours or Reporting, the device must also have an NFC (Near Field Communication) Reader.
What you need to know.
- Not all Android devices have the NFC sensor built-in.
- Some phones or tablets say they have NFC and don't.
- Some devices support NFC, but require additional hardware (antenna, battery cover, etc.) to use.
What you need to do?
Check with your carrier or phone distributor. Make sure they know what you need.
If possible, test before you buy.
What should you avoid?
- Prepaid phones - verify by testing - many may not have NFC sensors.
- Budget versions of top line phones (several GuardTek clients report the Samsung S-5 Mini does not work).
- Models that place the NFC sensor in the battery pack - this means you get a much smaller, lower powered battery - your mobile device may not work one shift without charging.
What to do first?
If you have any questions about what to buy or lease, contact the Trackforce Customer Success Team. Let us know the make, model, and most importantly, the wireless carrier who is providing the device. Within a few minutes, we should be able to give you information that will help you avoid a time-consuming mistake.
What to do next?
It's a complicated technology marketplace out there. Practice a good 'Buyer Beware' approach. Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. Some models in online references claim to be NFC compliant and are not because the manufacturers build different models for some wireless carriers and resellers. To save a few cents, they may not include the NFC sensor and you may not find out until after you have taken delivery of the phone.
Before taking delivery of any phone, power it on and check the device settings to ensure the device operating system settings actually have NFC on-board. Look for the Android Settings icon in the application list, then search or navigate through the menus until you find an option for NFC. Don't find NFC on-board? Walk away.