RFID technology is being used for improving the accuracy levels in granular data collection, whether it is in warehousing, supply chain, retail, manufacturing, or shipping and last mile delivery. As an AIDC technology, RFID has established itself as the primary technology along with IoT, streamlining data capture from various points.
Coming to Android platform, many RFID OEMs have now created portable and fixed RFID readers that leverage Android OS to allow users to easily process the captured data. Various RFID Android handheld devices are available in the market, ready to meet your requirements however, through this blog post, we shall analyse top 4 Android RFID Readers which outperform other when it comes to processing, screen, built quality, uses, read range, read rate, etc. Many of these Android RFID Scanners also support latest version of wireless communication and network connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.
The cost of these Android RFID Readers varies, often factoring in the brand, build quality, ruggedness, read rate, and RFID engine as well as options like Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth and 1D and 2D barcode scanning.
So, let’s see what these top 4 Android RFID Readers are and their cost and benefits in Indian RFID market.
Top 4 Android RFID Readers in India: Cost and Benefits
Based on our product analysis and performance of several RFID readers in actual conditions, here’s a list of top 4 RFID Android Readers:
1. Zebra RFD40 RFID SLED Handheld Reader
The Zebra RFD40 SLED handheld reader is generally available in standard, premium, and premium plus variants. These models vary on the basis of connectivity, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC versions, respectively. The premium plus model of RFD40 comes with 1D/2D barcode scanning facilities.
RFD40 is a fast Bluetooth RFID reader that can scan over 1300 tags per second, offering a 30% faster scanning rate and high frequency sensitivity. Their price range in the market varies between INR 53000 and INR 90000 depending upon the RFID Reader version, namely RFD40 Standard, RFD40 Premium and RFD40 Premium Plus.
Industry Applications- Access control and security, staff management in healthcare, asset tracking, and item finding.
Benefits of the Zebra RFD40 Reader
1.Quick scanning
2. Minimising disturbance.
3. Reduces the time of counting tags
4. Increasing real-time visibility
Specification of Zebra RFD40 Reader
1.Operating Frequency: 865 - 867 MHz
2. Communication Protocol: ISO 18000-6C EPC Class 1 Gen 2
3. Battery: 7000 mAh battery
4. Max Read Range: Up to 6m
5. Bluetooth: RFD40 Standard: No Bluetooth, RFD40 Premium : Bluetooth® 5.3, RFD40 Premium Plus : Bluetooth® 5.3
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Limitations of the Zebra RFD40 Reader
1. Limited performance near metals and liquids
2. Unauthorised third parties can access information
3. Depends on the power batteries
2. C5 UHF Handheld Portable RFID Android Reader
The chainway C5 UHF RFID Android reader acquires industry-demanding performance under Android 11 OS, having optional massive internal memory, and a removable battery of 13400mAh and internal battery capacity of 6700 mAh.
The C5 UHF RFID portable reader supports 2D scanning, NFC, fingerprint identification, IP sealing, and a break-proof design that makes it suitable for any heavy-duty performance. UHF-powered RFID supports front and rear dual camera, allowing barcode scanning for enhanced efficiency in the retail and commercial market. The price range varies between Rs 55000 and INR 75000.
Industry applications: supply chain management, retail management, document tracking
Benefits of C5 UHF RFID Reader
1. Highly durable
2. Accurate, fast scanning
3. Supports strong UHF capabilities.
Specification of C5 UHF RFID Reader
1.Operating Frequency: 865 - 867 MHz, Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
2. Air Interface Protocol: ISO 18000-6C EPC Class 1 Gen 2
3. Antenna: Circular polarisation; 5dBic
4. Bluetooth: 5.0
5. Data Interface: USB, OTG
Limitations of the C5 UHF RFID Reader
1. High humidity
2. Weakens in the presence of electromagnetic interference
3. C72 UHF Handheld RFID Reader
The chainway C72 Android rugged RFID reader is known as the best UHF RFID capability. This reader enables reading under 30m distance outdoors, having optional barcode scanning, and a battery of 8000mAh to meet the needs of intensive applications.
These ultra-high-frequency RFID readers are designed primarily for mobile and flexible tags to operate over long-range distances.
C72 Android RFID reader ranges between INR 50,000 and Rs65000.
Industry Application- Warehouse inventory management, library management, and healthcare inventory management.
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Benefits of C72 UHF Handheld RFID Reader:
1. Frequency range of 860-960 MHz
2. Can read a large number of tags
3. Works on anti-collision technologies
Specifications of C72 UHF Handheld RFID Reader
1. Operating Frequency: 865 - 867 MHz, Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
2. Air Interface Protocol: ISO 18000-6C EPC Class 1 Gen 2
3. Antenna Type: Linear polarization(1.8 dBi); circular polarization (4 dBi)
4. Max Read Distance: up to 30 meters
5. Bluetooth: Android 8.1: Bluetooth v2.1+EDR,3.0+HS,v4.1+HS Android 11: Bluetooth 5.0
Limitations of C72 UHF Handheld RFID Reader:
1. Walls, machinery, and other physical objects can also weaken
2. Expensive than traditional barcode scanners
3. Risk of cloning RFID tags
4. URA4 Fixed Android RFID Reader
The chainway URA4 fixed RFID reader is a four-port fixed reader that works with Android-based applications. This fixed reader delivers UHF performance with fast read rates, constructed with a light aluminium body, which makes it suitable for industrial environments.
The URA4 fixed Android RFID reader’s market price ranges between INR 50,000 and 60,000.
Industry application: logistics, library management, manufacturing, and asset tracking.
Benefits of URA4 Fixed Android RFID Reader
1. Scanning of multiple tags
2. Exports faster decisions
3. Provides real-time, accurate inventory tracking
Specification of URA4 Fixed Android RFID Reader
1.Operating Frequency: 865 - 928 MHz
2. Communication Protocol: EPCglobal UHF Class 1 Gen 2 v2 (ISO 18000-63)
3. Max Receive Sensitivity: < -84dBm
4. Max Read Distance: 900+ tags/sec
5. GPIO: 4 Input Optical-couplings, 4 Output Optical-couplings, isolation, 1 Wiegand (optional)
Limitations of the URA4 Fixed Android RFID Reader
1. Higher installation cost
2. Acquires a large area, but sometimes, weak signals
3. Less flexible than handheld readers
Finally, Android RFID readers are enhancing the way of working intelligently for business inventory management. With increasing penetration of android devices globally, it is easier to use Android mobile phones on RFID SLED Readers that are designed for Android platform and keeping that in mind, these top 4 Android Readers will definitely meet your RFID scanning needs. These 4 Android RFID Readers come with popular networking technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. Known for their ability to automate processes, reduce errors, and increase operational visibility, these SLED and fixed readers are a smart and valuable investment for companies aiming to grow in today’s digital world, reducing the gap between physical inventory and their digital accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions on RFID Android Readers
Q1. Do all Android phones support RFID technology?
No, not all Android smartphones are pre-built with RFID readers; However, some smartphones include NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. Zebra EM45 RFID is a latest smartphone that comes with built in UHF RFID Reader functionality.
Q2. Which RFID Android Reader is the best?
The Zebra RFD40 RFID handheld reader is known as the best Android reader as it can scan items from a long range while offering great read rate of around 1300 tags per sec. It also comes Zebra DNA and Zebra support and can be used with TC22/TC27 mobile computers.
Q3. How to choose an Android RFID reader?
To choose the best Android RFID reader, look for the compatibility of RFID tags and their frequency, integrated software, and read range. Also, focus on cost and project requirements. While C72 is a cost effective reader from Chainway, Zebra’s RFD40 is a value for money RFID Reader.
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