A Complete Technical and Application Guide to NTAG21x NFC Chips
NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216—often collectively referred to as NTAG21x—are NFC chips developed by NXP Semiconductors and released at roughly the same time.
All three comply with NFC Forum Type 2 Tag and ISO/IEC 14443 Type A standards, which means they share a high level of compatibility across NFC-enabled smartphones, readers, and embedded systems.
Because their core specifications appear very similar at first glance, many engineers, system integrators, and procurement teams struggle to decide which NTAG chip is the right choice.
This article explains the real, practical differences between NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216—from memory architecture and cost efficiency to real-world use cases—so you can select the most suitable chip with confidence.
Understanding the NTAG21x Family
The NTAG21x series was designed as a next-generation replacement for earlier NFC Type 2 chips such as NTAG203.
Compared with older generations, NTAG21x offers:
- Improved RF performance and read stability
- Enhanced security features (password protection, UID mirroring)
- Better smartphone compatibility
- Flexible memory configurations for different NFC applications
Despite these shared foundations, memory size and application scalability create clear distinctions between NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | NTAG213 | NTAG215 | NTAG216 |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Memory | 144 bytes | 504 bytes | 888 bytes |
| Max URL Length | 136 characters | 488 characters | 872 characters |
| Relative Cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Typical Use | Simple NFC tasks | Medium data storage | Data-rich NFC applications |
Memory capacity is the single most important factor that separates these chips—and directly determines what your NFC tag can actually do.
NTAG213: Cost-Effective for Simple NFC Use Cases
NTAG213 is widely regarded as the most economical and commonly used chip in the NTAG21x family.
Why NTAG213 Is Popular
- Sufficient memory for URLs, IDs, and basic NDEF records
- Improved RF performance compared with NTAG203
- Added features such as 32-bit password protection and ASCII UID mirror
- Fast read speed and stable scanning performance
With 144 bytes of user memory, NTAG213 is ideal for applications where NFC is used primarily as a trigger rather than a data container.
Typical Applications
- NFC marketing and smart posters
- Product identification and basic traceability
- Coupon and voucher systems
- Bluetooth or Wi-Fi pairing
- Entry-level NFC labels and stickers
If your application only requires a URL, serial number, or minimal text, NTAG213 is usually the most cost-efficient choice.
NTAG215: Balanced Memory for Mid-Level NFC Applications
NTAG215 sits in the middle of the NTAG21x lineup, offering a strong balance between memory capacity and cost.
With 504 bytes of user memory, it supports more complex data structures such as:
- vCards
- Extended NDEF messages
- Multiple records in a single tag
Key Advantages of NTAG215
- Password protection and UID mirroring
- Better flexibility for structured data
- Widely used in interactive and consumer-facing NFC solutions
One well-known fact is that NTAG215 is the only chip used for Amiibo tags, which has made it especially popular in gaming and interactive NFC ecosystems.
Typical Applications
- Digital business cards (basic vCard)
- Event access and identification
- Product information with longer URLs
- Interactive consumer experiences
When NTAG213 feels too limited but NTAG216 is unnecessary or too costly, NTAG215 becomes the logical choice.
NTAG216: Maximum Capacity for Data-Rich NFC Applications
NTAG216 offers the largest user memory in the NTAG21x family, with 888 bytes available.
This additional space enables:
- Full vCard profiles
- Multiple NDEF records
- Longer URLs with tracking parameters
- Custom application data
Why Choose NTAG216
- Best option for enterprise and commercial NFC deployments
- Greater flexibility for future data expansion
- Suitable for professional and industrial use cases
Because of its higher memory capacity, NTAG216 is also the most expensive among the three. However, in applications where data completeness and scalability matter, the higher cost is often justified.
Typical Applications
- Advanced NFC business cards
- Product authentication and brand protection
- Asset and equipment identification
- Data-driven NFC applications
Shared Technical Specifications Across NTAG21x
Despite their differences in memory, all NTAG21x chips share the same technical foundation:
- Operating frequency: 13.56 MHz
- Data transmission rate: 106 kbit/s
- NFC Forum Type 2 Tag compliant
- ISO/IEC 14443 Type A
- Fast read support
- Anti-collision
- Data retention: 10 years
- Write endurance: 100,000 cycles
From a hardware and compatibility perspective, performance consistency is not a concern—selection is almost entirely driven by memory and cost.
How to Choose the Right NTAG Chip
When deciding between NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216, focus on three questions:
- How much data do you need to store today?
- Will your application require future expansion?
- Is cost optimization or functionality the priority?
Selection Guidelines
- Choose NTAG213 for simple, high-volume, cost-sensitive NFC labels
- Choose NTAG215 for moderate data requirements and interactive use cases
- Choose NTAG216 for professional, data-rich, and scalable NFC applications
Final Thoughts
Although NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 look similar on paper, their memory capacity and cost positioning make them suitable for very different NFC scenarios.
Understanding these differences at a practical level helps avoid under-specifying—or overpaying—for your NFC solution.
For manufacturers and solution providers such as XIUCHENG RFID, selecting the appropriate NTAG chip ensures better performance, cost control, and long-term reliability across NFC labels, cards, and tags.
If you require detailed specifications or application guidance, consulting an experienced NFC manufacturer can significantly reduce trial-and-error during deployment.
