Some time ago, payments through mobile devices came into our lives to stay. At the moment they are only used by a few users, who have abandoned the hassle of always having to carry their wallet and cards with them, while many are beginning to get used to it and appreciate the convenience of contactless cards.
A compatible smartphone and that your bank allows payments through this method are the two fundamental requirements to be able to pay in a store with our mobile device. Of course, before launching into that moment we must choose between Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Android Pay, the three main references of payments through the smartphone and that today we are going to compare, to surely get you out of many doubts.
What mobile devices are supported?
If you have a mobile device with Android operating system, almost certainly you will be able to make use of payments through your terminal and that is Google allows the use of Android Pay from version 4.4 KitKat. Of course, it is necessary to have a smartphone that has NFC technology and that is also not rooted.
As for Samsung Pay, as surely you were imagining, the thing is somewhat more limited and is that this service can only be in the Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Active, S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus, the Galaxy A5 range from 2016 and 2017, besides of course in the two versions of the Galaxy S8. It draws the attention of some of the most sold terminals by the South Korean company such as the Galaxy J family, although surely in future versions we will see how the possibility of paying through these devices begins to be available.
Last Apple Pay is compatible with any iPad or iPhone that has NFC technology, that is, iPhone 6 onwards and with the latest version of iOS. In addition, we can also use it to pay for our Apple Watch, which in the event that it is synchronized with our iPhone will allow us to make payments in an even easier way.
These are the banks that are compatible with Android Pay, Samsung Pay and Apple Pay
Unlike many other countries, the banks seem to be the ones that are betting the least on the new mobile payment system. Next, we are going to analyze the current situation, where Android Pay is very little reinforced, giving almost all the prominence to Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.
The Google payments service has only managed to count on the support of BBVA in Spain, one of the most important banks in our country and worldwide, but which undoubtedly limits very much the scope of action of Google Play. In addition, it also deprives many users of being able to use this service in their day to day. At the moment the search giant has not announced new agreements, although we imagine that they should not be long in coming.
Meanwhile Samsung Pay Yes, it has managed to position itself in a good position, thanks to the support of CaixaBank, ImaginBank, Servicios Financieros El Corte Inglés, Banco Santander, Abanca and Banco Sabadell. All these financial entities make the Samsung mobile payments service the true leader, although at the moment it is very limited by the few devices that can be used to carry out payments.
Apple Pay is suffering something similar to what happens to Android Pay and that is that next December will mark a year of its launch in our country, and can be used exclusively through the Banco Santander. Of course, in the case of the Cupertino service, this can also be used through the Ticket Restaurant and Carrefour Pass. CaixaBank, ImaginBank, VISA and N2017 will join in 26, which will undoubtedly be a really important step for Apple's mobile payments system.
Which is better, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Android Pay?
The answer to this question is really complicated and it is that despite the fact that a few of us have had the privilege of using the three services, the majority of users have only tried the one allowed by their mobile device. For users of a Samsung smartphone, surely the best service will be Samsung Pay, but for the owner of an iPhone the best service will be Apple Pay..
The reality is that Android Pay is the weakest service of the three since we can only use it if we are BBVA customers. Between Samsung Pay and Apple Pay the differences are minor, since although the Cupertino service is also very limited, at least for the moment, Samsung is also limited by the few mobile devices on which it is available.
For me, I have an iPhone without a doubt the best service is Apple Pay, but if you hold a Samsung in your hands, surely you will opt for Samsung Pay and if you have an Android terminal your best option will be Android Pay.
The three services still have a long way to go, and it is that all of them must penetrate in our country and in many others, getting the support of the big banks and even of the big surfaces. At that time, and when it is easier to pay with our mobile device than with cash or credit cards, it will be time to assess which service is better. At the moment we could say that the three services measure up, and are the best for each user who uses them.
What do you think about mobile payments and what is the best service available for you?. Tell us in the space reserved for comments on this post or through one of the social networks in which we are present and where we are looking forward to hearing your opinion on this topic.