MIFARE DESFire vs MIFARE Classic: What’s the Difference?

MIFARE DESFire vs MIFARE Classic: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to contactless smart cards, MIFARE by NXP is a leading standard in secure RFID technology. But not all MIFARE cards offer the same capabilities. Let’s look at the key differences between MIFARE Classic and MIFARE DESFire, and which DESFire options are available in the market today.

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Comparison: MIFARE Classic vs MIFARE DESFire

Feature	MIFARE Classic	MIFARE DESFire
Security	Crypto-1 (obsolete)	3DES, AES128 (advanced encryption)
Memory	1KB / 4KB	2KB / 4KB / 8KB
Structure	Sector-based	ISO 7816 file system
Application Support	Limited (1–2 apps max)	True multi-application support
Authentication	Static key-based	Mutual authentication, diversified keys
Cloning Risk	High	Very low
Compliance	ISO/IEC 14443 Type A	ISO/IEC 14443 Type A & 7816-4 compliant
Ideal For	Legacy access control	Public transport, corporate ID, cashless payment

 

MIFARE DESFire Variants Available in the Market

Here are the key DESFire product lines currently in circulation from NXP Semiconductors:

Model	Memory	Encryption	Notes
MIFARE DESFire EV1	2KB, 4KB, 8KB	3DES, AES	First generation, widely adopted
MIFARE DESFire EV2	2KB, 4KB, 8KB	AES128	Enhanced file management, application directory, better performance
MIFARE DESFire EV3	2KB, 4KB, 8KB	AES128	Latest version (as of 2025): stronger security, Proximity Check, transaction timers
MIFARE DESFire Light	640 Bytes	AES128	Cost-effective, single-application card (suited for loyalty, simple ID)

 Comparison Table

Feature	DESFire EV1	DESFire EV2	DESFire EV3	DESFire Light
Memory Options	2KB–8KB	2KB–16KB	2KB–16KB	640 bytes
Encryption	3DES, AES	AES128	AES128	AES128
Max Applications	28	Multiple	Multiple	1
Advanced Features	Basic	VCA, DAM	SUN, Timer	Predefined FS
Certification	EAL4+	EAL5+	EAL5+	-
Ideal Use Cases	Transit, Access	Multi-App Cards	High-Security ID	Loyalty, Events

 

Why Upgrade to MIFARE DESFire?

• Strong AES encryption = cloning protection
• True multi-app support = more value per card
• Secure messaging = reliable data transmission
• Scalable memory = flexible application deployment

If you're currently using MIFARE Classic, it’s time to rethink your security posture. DESFire is built for the future.

 

Call us today to get latest promotion price to upgrade from Mifare Classic to Mifare DESFire!!!