Apple Pay vs. Samsung Pay: Key Differences
Apple Pay vs. Samsung Pay: Key Differences
Apple Pay Overview
Apple Pay is a payment service that only supports NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.
Key Features of Apple Pay
- NFC-Based Payments
- Works only with payment terminals that support NFC.
- Does not support MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission), meaning it cannot be used on traditional magnetic stripe card readers.
- Enhanced Security
- Uses tokenization to protect card details (temporary virtual card numbers are generated for transactions).
- Requires Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode authentication, ensuring high security.
- Limited Availability in South Korea (Initially)
- Adoption was slow in South Korea due to the low number of NFC-enabled payment terminals.
- However, the number of NFC-supported stores is increasing, making Apple Pay more widely available.
- Widespread International Use
- NFC payment terminals are common overseas, making Apple Pay widely accepted in many countries.
- Ideal for travelers who need a seamless, secure payment method abroad.
Samsung Pay vs. Apple Pay: Key Differences
| Feature | Samsung Pay | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Technology | NFC + MST (older models) / NFC (newer models) | NFC only |
| Security Measures | Samsung Pass (Fingerprint, Iris) | Face ID, Touch ID, Passcode |
| Supported Payment Terminals | Works on MST-enabled and NFC terminals (older devices) | Works only on NFC terminals |
| Domestic Usability | More widely accepted in South Korea (MST support) | Expanding as NFC terminals increase |
| International Usability | May face challenges without MST-enabled terminals | Works in most stores worldwide |
Conclusion
Apple Pay is limited to NFC-supported payment terminals and does not support MST, meaning it cannot be used on older magnetic stripe card readers. However, it offers strong security and is widely accepted internationally, making it a great choice for users who travel frequently.
Meanwhile, Samsung Pay previously had the advantage of MST, allowing payments on traditional card readers, but newer Samsung devices now support only NFC, reducing this benefit.