NTAG216 vs NTAG 424 DNA
NTAG216 offers 888 bytes memory with 32-bit password security, making it ideal for vCard storage, complex NDEF records, data logging. NTAG 424 DNA provides 256 bytes with AES-128 + SUN authentication security, suited for product authentication, anti-counterfeiting, secure access.
NTAG 216
NTAG 424 DNA
NTAG216 vs NTAG 424 DNA: Maximum NTAG Capacity vs. Maximum NTAG Security
NTAG216 and NTAG 424 DNA are both NXP NFC tags readable by modern smartphones, but they represent a fundamental trade-off: open maximum storage versus secure minimum payload with cryptographic authenticationauthenticationIdentity verification of NFC tags/readers via passwords or cryptographyView full →.
Overview
NTAG216 is the flagship of the NTAG21x family, providing 888 bytes of usable NDEF memory — the largest in the series — with the same simple password protectionpassword protection32-bit access control for memory areas (plaintext transmission)View full → as NTAG213 and NTAG215. It stores complex NDEF messages: multi-language records, full vCards, Wi-Fi credentials, configuration blobs. Any NFC phone reads it natively.
NTAG 424 DNA is NXP's security-focused tag, offering 256 bytes in an NFC Forum Type 4 file structure backed by AES-128 and SUN (Secure Unique NFC) messaging. On every tap, the chip generates a cryptographically unique, server-verifiable URL — enabling anti-counterfeiting without any additional hardware infrastructure beyond a smartphone and a backend API.
Key Differences
- Security: NTAG216 — 32-bit password, easily cloned. NTAG 424 DNA — AES-128 SUN, cryptographic tap-by-tap authentication, cloning infeasible.
- Memory: NTAG216 — 888 bytes usable. NTAG 424 DNA — 256 bytes in Type 4 NDEF file. NTAG216 has 3.4× more raw storage.
- Protocol: NTAG216 — NFC ForumNFC ForumIndustry body developing NFC standards, specifications, and certifications since 2004View full → Type 2 (flat NDEF). NTAG 424 DNA — NFC Forum Type 4 (ISO 14443ISO 14443Standard for contactless smart cards at 13.56 MHz (Types A and B)View full →-4 with file-level access control).
- Backend requirement: NTAG216 — zero backend needed. NTAG 424 DNA — requires a cloud API to verify SUN CMACs.
- Use case: NTAG216 — rich NDEF data delivery. NTAG 424 DNA — anti-counterfeit authentication and secure NFC interactions.
- Price: NTAG 424 DNA is roughly 3–5× the cost of NTAG216.
Use Cases
Choose NTAG216 when: - The payload exceeds 490 bytes (large vCards, multi-record NDEF, configuration data) - Open, smartphone-readable data delivery is sufficient - No authentication or anti-counterfeiting is needed
Choose NTAG 424 DNA when: - Anti-counterfeit authentication is required (luxury goods, pharma, brand protection) - Each scan must be verifiably unique and non-replayable - 256 bytes is sufficient for the secure payload
Technical Comparison
| Parameter | NTAG216 | NTAG 424 DNA |
|---|---|---|
| Total memoryTotal memoryComplete chip memory including configuration, UID, and reserved areasView full → | 888 bytes | 256 bytes |
| NFC type | Forum Type 2 | Forum Type 4 |
| Security | Password only | AES-128 + SUN CMAC |
| Anti-clone | No | Yes |
| Backend needed | No | Yes |
| Typical price delta | Baseline | ~3–5× |
Verdict
NTAG216 is the right chip for maximum payload capacity without security requirements. NTAG 424 DNA is the right chip when each tap must be cryptographically verified. If a large secure payload is needed, consider MIFARE DESFire EV3 which combines multi-KB secure memory with SUN messaging.
Rekomendasi
Choose NTAG216 when you need largest NTAG 21x with most user memory; choose NTAG 424 DNA when you need dynamic URL authentication without an app.