NFC (Near Field Communication) enables wireless communication within 10cm using 13.56MHz frequency at 106-424kbps. It powers Osaifu-Keitai, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and transit IC cards (Suica, PASMO).
Three NFC types exist: TypeA and TypeB (international standards used by Apple/Google Pay) and TypeF (FeliCa, Sony-developed Japanese standard for Osaifu-Keitai and Suica). FeliCa's ~0.1 second processing suits high-speed applications like train gates.
For telephony, NFC enables contact exchange by bringing two devices close together, succeeding infrared communication. Android's "Android Beam" (discontinued 2019) provided this functionality.
Security benefits from NFC's extremely short range (under 10cm), making remote interception difficult. However, skimming risks aren't zero, and protective cases are available. See lost smartphone response.