NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?

The decision to choose NTAG213, NTAG215, or NTAG216 can be confusing. Although they look very similar, each one has a different memory capacity.

If you don’t have enough memory, your record will not fit. If you have too much memory, it could increase the cost per item in your bulk order.

Quick Answer: Use NTAG213 for small links. Use NTAG215 for medium-sized records. Use NTAG216 for large or complex records.

NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216 at a Glance

What Are NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216?

NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 are all part of the NTAG21x series from NXP. The three share many common features, including compliance with ISO/IEC 14443 Type A and NFC Forum Type 2 standards. They also operate at the same frequency of 13.56 MHz.

All three types store their data in NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF). This is the format that most mobile phones use when reading a link, phone number, contact information, or Wi-Fi settings.

You may find these NTAG chips in cards, stickers, labels, wristbands, or even key fobs. Each NTAG chip has built-in security features such as password protection, fast reading, data locking, anti-collision functionality, and a unique 7-byte identifier (UID).

Key Differences Between NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216

The difference between these chips lies in their memory capacity, the amount of data they can contain, and their price. Their performance, security features, phone compatibility, and reading distance are almost identical.

Memory Capacity

NTAG213 – 144 bytes of user memory;

NTAG215 – 504 bytes;

NTAG216 – 888 bytes.

User memory is the space available for your encoded data. The total memory capacity consists of user memory and other segments required for chip functionality.

Storage Examples

NTAG213 is perfect for short links, menus, and review pages;

NTAG215 provides additional space for tracking links or Wi-Fi information;

NTAG216 is useful for storing vCards, large amounts of text, and several NDEF records.

These chips store links, not entire documents, images, or videos.

Price Difference

NTAG213 is the most affordable choice. NTAG215 is the mid-range option, and NTAG216 is the most expensive. The higher price depends on the amount of memory, not on speed, range, or better phone compatibility. This difference is important when buying in large quantities.

Performance

All three chips operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz with a data transmission rate of 106 kbit/s. The speed of the NTAG216 isn’t higher because of its larger memory capacity. Performance depends on antenna size, material, location, and reader strength.

Security Features

Each chip has a unique 7-byte identifier, password protection, data-locking functionality, and an originality signature. Their security features are almost the same. Higher memory capacity doesn’t increase security. These features provide basic validation but cannot prevent advanced cloning. In high-risk situations, a specialized security chip is required.

Compatibility

NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 meet the same NFC standards. Their compatibility with phones and readers is almost identical. The choice of chip is of little importance.

Reading Distance

All three chips have a similar reading distance. The main factors affecting reading distance are antenna size, materials, tag location, and nearby metal.

Which NTAG Chip Is Best for Different Applications?

NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216 Memory Explained

This memory capacity doesn’t represent the exact amount of content that can be stored. NDEF headers and formatting consume some of the available memory. Therefore, a 100-character URL may require more than 100 bytes.

Codes, icons, and languages other than English may increase the required memory size. Wi-Fi and vCard records also become larger as more fields and data are added.

Create the complete record before selecting the chip. Save it to a sample tag, then check the remaining memory.

Compatibility with iPhone, Android, and NFC Readers

Most iPhone and Android phones with NFC can read NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 tags only when a compatible NDEF record is stored on the tag. The writing process depends on the mobile phone and the installed NFC application.

The tag’s finish influences the reading process. Antenna size, materials, packaging, and metallic surfaces all have an effect.

Testing is required on the final card, label, or tag.

Why Is NTAG215 Used for Amiibo?

NTAG215 is required for Amiibo because the platform requires this specific chip. NTAG213 has a lower memory capacity, while NTAG216 has a higher memory capacity.

However, the additional memory doesn’t make NTAG216 a valid alternative. Gaming platforms verify the chip before reading the stored information. They may reject the chip even when it contains the correct data.

NTAG215 is recommended for Amiibo and other gaming platforms that require this chip.

How to Choose the Right NTAG Chip

Begin with the precise information you want to encode. Don’t choose the tag type based on the tag’s shape or the product image.

Use NTAG213 for a single URL, NTAG215 when additional memory is required, and NTAG216 for larger records. Then consider your order quantity and budget. A small difference in unit cost can add up significantly for a bulk purchase.

It’s also necessary to test the tag in its intended environment and on its final surface. Regular NFC tags may not work on metal surfaces. Make sure your samples include all final specifications, such as the antenna, size, and material.

A large card may be easier to read than a small sticker. Test the samples with your target phones and readers. For custom orders, confirm the chip supplier, printing process, encoding, minimum order quantity, and lead time.

Common Mistakes When Choosing NTAG Tags

Avoid choosing NTAG216 simply because it has a greater memory capacity. Greater memory capacity does not affect speed, reading range, or phone compatibility.

Another common mistake is confusing total memory with usable memory. Only usable memory is available for your encoded data.

Many people approve NTAG213 without reviewing the final record. Additional fields or codes may cause the record to exceed its maximum capacity.

The final surface should also be taken into account. Ordinary NFC stickers may fail when placed on metal.

Never assume that the UID provides complete protection against counterfeiting. Encode your final data, test the complete record, and approve it before manufacturing begins.

NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216 Comparison Table

Conclusion

Choose your NTAG chip based on the final information that needs to be encoded onto the tag. Use NTAG213 for basic and high-volume applications, NTAG215 for increased memory capacity at a moderate cost, and NTAG216 for large and complex data records.

Before ordering, test the antenna, materials, tag surface, mobile phones, and readers with the finished product. JLTRFID provides sample testing, custom NFC formats, encoding, and bulk production support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216?

The main thing to remember is the amount of user memory: NTAG213 has 144 bytes, NTAG215 has 504 bytes, and NTAG216 has 888 bytes.

2. Is NTAG216 better than NTAG213?

NTAG216 is not necessarily better. While NTAG216 allows you to store much more data, it’s also more expensive. NTAG213 is a better choice for short links.

3. Which NTAG chip is best for NFC business cards?

Choose NTAG213 if your card will link to a web page containing contact information. If you want to store a full vCard on the card, choose NTAG216.

4. Is NTAG213 enough for a URL?

Yes. It’s possible to store most web addresses on an NTAG213 chip.

5. Can NTAG213 store a vCard?

Depending on its complexity, it may fit. In some cases, you will need NTAG215 or NTAG216.

6. Which chip should I use for Amiibo or gaming NFC tags?

If your gaming system requires a specific chip, use NTAG215. Follow all of the platform’s intellectual property rules.

7. Do NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 work with iPhone?

Yes. They’re compatible with any NFC-enabled iPhone.

8. Do they have the same reading distance?

No, but their reading ranges are almost identical. The antenna type, material, position, and reader power are more important factors.

9. Can NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 be rewritten?

Yes. All three allow up to 100,000 write cycles. However, they cannot be rewritten after a permanent lock has been applied.

10. Can I lock the NFC tag after writing?

Yes. You can change it to read-only mode after testing the final data. This action cannot be reversed.

11. Are NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 secure for anti-counterfeiting?

They provide some basic security measures, such as verification, password protection, and locking. However, these measures are not sufficient for high-risk products.

12. Which chip is best for bulk NFC stickers?

NTAG213 usually offers the best price for simple links and bulk orders. But, it’s necessary to test the final record before ordering.