Samsung announced a significant update for its smartphones
FeliCa technology, developed by Sony, is the standard for contactless payments and access to public transport in Japão, being an essential part of the daily lives of millions of people. Integrada to a system known as “Osaifu-Keitai” (mobile wallet), it stores sensitive information, such as balances on transport cards, credit cards and loyalty points, which until now was difficult for the average user to completely remove.
Until the implementation of this new functionality, the elimination of residual data from the FeliCa chip required, in many cases, the intervention of specialized technical services or the use of third-party software, generating additional costs and distrust in the pre-owned device market. The Samsung solution aims to simplify this process, making selling a used Galaxy device a safer and more transparent experience for both sellers and buyers.
FeliCa technology and its relevance in the Japanese market
FeliCa is not just any NFC chip; it is a technology deeply rooted in Japanese infrastructure for more than two decades. Sua main competitive advantage is the transaction speed, which occurs in approximately 0.1 second, making it ideal for the fast pace of metro turnstiles in cities like Tóquio. Essa efficiency has led to its massive adoption for transportation cards like the Suica and Pasmo, as well as payment systems in convenience stores, vending machines and a wide range of commercial establishments. Diferente of global NFC standards, FeliCa uses a robust security architecture and proprietary file system, which has historically made interoperability and data management difficult for operating systems not specifically designed for it. The Japanese ecosystem’s dependence on this technology makes any functionality associated with it, such as data deletion, an issue of great importance for smartphone manufacturers wanting to compete in the country, where trust and security are paramount consumer values.
The challenge of data security on used devices
The pre-owned smartphone market in the Japão is robust, but has always faced a significant privacy-related obstacle: data persistence on the FeliCa chip. Quando a user performed a standard factory reset on their device, the information contained in the FeliCa chip was not completely erased. Isso meant that fragments of data about transport cards, transaction history or payment account information could remain on the device, posing a security risk to the original owner. Essa vulnerability created a barrier of mistrust and devalued devices that would otherwise be in perfect condition for resale.
To overcome this problem, specialized companies emerged that offered chip “deep cleaning” services, but this solution was inconvenient and expensive. The user needed to take the device to an authorized store or send it by mail, waiting for the procedure to complete. Samsung’s new tool, integrated directly into the One UI 8 operating system, eliminates this dependency on third parties. The functionality offers an affordable and reliable solution, allowing any user, with just a few taps, to permanently remove all sensitive data directly from the settings menu, before selling or passing on the device.
How the new One UI 8 tool will work
The process for using FeliCa’s new cleanup feature is designed to be simple and intuitive, integrated with system restore options.
Users who wish to delete data must navigate to the device’s “Settings” menu.
Within the “Geral Management” options, there will be a new item specific to “FeliCa Data Reset” or an additional option within the “Fábrica Restore” process.
When selecting this option, the system will display a clear warning about the permanent deletion of data, requiring a final confirmation from the user to proceed, ensuring that the action is not carried out accidentally.
Availability and models compatible with the function
Samsung confirmed that the functionality will be released as part of the update to One UI 8, which is based on the upcoming Android 16 operating system.
The first devices to receive the update and, consequently, the new tool, will be the most recent models in the Galaxy line, expected to be introduced from the Galaxy S22 series onwards.
Distribution will be carried out in partnership with the main Japão telephone operators, such as NTT Docomo and au, ensuring adequate compatibility and support for local infrastructure.
Advantages for users and the resale market
The main benefit for the consumer is total control over their personal information, reinforcing security and privacy.
For the pre-owned market, the measure increases the resale value of Galaxy smartphones, which can now be sold with the guarantee of being free of the previous owner’s sensitive data.
Samsung’s response to local needs
This initiative demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to adapting its products to the specific needs of regional markets, a crucial strategy to strengthen its competitive position in an environment as unique as Japan.
Other improvements expected in One UI 8
In addition to the FeliCa cleaning tool, the update to One UI 8 should bring performance optimizations and greater integration of artificial intelligence features.
Improvements in battery management and new interface customization features are also among the new features awaited by brand users.
