QR Code Scanning on Mobile Devices: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover which mobile device manufacturers support QR code scanning via their camera apps and get a detailed overview of the top models from each brand.

QR Code Scanning on Mobile Devices: A Comprehensive Guide
Written by
Carlos Virreira
Published on
July 25, 2023

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on QR code scanning support for mobile devices! In today's digital age, QR codes have become an essential tool for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you want to scan a code to access a website, download an app, or retrieve information, QR codes make it easy to do so quickly and efficiently. But not all mobile devices are created equal when it comes to QR code scanning. That's why we've put together this guide to help you find the best devices for your needs. We'll take a closer look at the top manufacturers and their most popular devices, and provide you with tables that outline whether they support QR code scanning via their camera apps. So let's dive in and see what's available!

Samsung

As one of the world's largest technology companies, Samsung has been a major player in the mobile phone market for decades. Known for its cutting-edge smartphones with advanced features like high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and innovative camera technology, Samsung is a leading choice among consumers.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
Galaxy S21 Ultra 2021 Yes
Galaxy S21 Plus 2021 Yes
Galaxy S21 2021 Yes
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 2020 Yes
Galaxy Note 20 2020 Yes
Galaxy S20 FE 2020 Yes
Galaxy S20 Plus 2020 Yes
Galaxy S20 2020 Yes
Galaxy A72 2020 Yes
Galaxy A52 2020 Yes
Galaxy A32 2020 Yes
Galaxy M51 2020 Yes
Galaxy M41 2020 Yes
Galaxy M31 Prime 2020 Yes
Galaxy J7 Pro 2019 No
Galaxy J6 2019 No
Galaxy J4 Plus 2019 No
Galaxy J4 2019 No
Galaxy J3 Luna Pro 2019 No
Galaxy J2 Core 2019 No

Huawei

Huawei is a Chinese telecommunications equipment company that has rapidly grown into a global force in the mobile phone industry. Their flagship smartphones boast impressive specs, sleek designs, and advanced cameras, making them popular among power users and photography enthusiasts.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
P40 Pro 2020 Yes
P40 Pro Plus 2020 Yes
P40 Lite 2020 Yes
Mate 30 Pro 2019 Yes
Mate 30 2019 Yes
Honor View 30 Pro 2020 Yes
Honor View 30 2020 Yes
Honor 9X Pro 2019 Yes
Honor 9X 2019 Yes
Honor 8X 2018 Yes
Honor 7A 2018 Yes
Honor 7C 2018 Yes
Honor 6A 2017 No
Honor 5A 2017 No
Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 2019 Yes
Huawei Y7 Prime 2019 2019 Yes
Huawei Y6 Prime 2019 2019 Yes
Huawei Y5 Prime 2018 2018 Yes
Huawei Y3 2018 2018 No
Huawei Y5 Lite 2018 No

Apple

Apple revolutionized the smartphone industry with the launch of the iPhone in 2007 and continues to be a dominant force. Their iPhones are known for their ease of use, seamless integration with other Apple products, and premium build quality. While they may not offer the most affordable options, Apple's loyal customer base ensures strong sales numbers.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
iPhone 13 Pro Max 2021 Yes
iPhone 13 Pro 2021 Yes
iPhone 13 2021 Yes
iPhone 12 Pro Max 2020 Yes
iPhone 12 Pro 2020 Yes
iPhone 12 2020 Yes
iPhone 11 Pro Max 2019 Yes
iPhone 11 Pro 2019 Yes
iPhone 11 2019 Yes
iPhone XS Max 2018 Yes
iPhone XS 2018 Yes
iPhone XR 2018 Yes
iPhone 8 Plus 2017 Yes
iPhone 8 2017 Yes
iPhone 7 Plus 2016 Yes
iPhone 7 2016 Yes
iPhone SE (2nd generation) 2020 Yes
iPhone SE (1st generation) 2016 No
iPhone 6s Plus 2015 No
iPhone 6s 2015 No

Xiaomi

Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company that has gained immense popularity in recent years thanks to their budget-friendly smartphones with impressive specifications. Their Redmi series has been particularly successful in markets like India and China, offering powerful devices at unbeatable prices.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
Redmi Note 9 Pro 2020 Yes
Redmi Note 9 Pro Max 2020 Yes
Redmi Note 8 Pro 2019 Yes
Redmi Note 7 Pro 2019 Yes
Redmi Note 6 Pro 2018 Yes
Mi 10i 2020 Yes
Mi 10T Pro 2020 Yes
Mi 10T 2020 Yes
Mi 10 Lite 2020 Yes
Mi 9T Pro 2019 Yes
Mi 9T 2019 Yes
Mi 9 Lite 2019 Yes
Redmi 8A Dual 2020 Yes
Redmi 8A 2020 Yes
Redmi 7A 2019 Yes
Redmi 6A 2018 Yes
Redmi 5A 2017 No
Redmi 4A 2017 No
Redmi 3A 2016 No
Redmi 2A 2016 No

Oppo

Another Chinese smartphone maker, Oppo has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on innovative camera technology and stylish designs. Their phones often feature motorized cameras, ultra-wide lenses, and impressive battery life, appealing to selfie enthusiasts and social media influencers.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
Find X2 Pro 2020 Yes
Find X2 2020 Yes
Reno Ace 2019 Yes
Reno 2 2019 Yes
Reno 10x Zoom 2019 Yes
Reno Standard Edition 2019 Yes
A92s 2020 Yes
A92 2020 Yes
A72 2020 Yes
A52 2020 Yes
A31 2020 Yes
A1k 2019 Yes
F11 Pro 2019 Yes
F11 2019 Yes
F9 Pro 2018 Yes
F9 2018 Yes
F7 Youth 2018 Yes
F7 2018 Yes
F5 Youth 2017 No
F5 2017 No

Vivo

Vivo is yet another Chinese smartphone manufacturer that has gained traction globally. They offer a range of devices catering to different budgets and preferences, from entry-level phones to high-end flagships with advanced cameras, fast charging, and sleek designs.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
Vivo Z1Pro 2019 Yes
Vivo Z1 2018 Yes
Vivo X27i 2019 Yes
Vivo X27 2019 Yes
Vivo X21s 2018 Yes
Vivo X21 2018 Yes
Vivo V15 Pro 2019 Yes
Vivo V15 2019 Yes
Vivo V11 Pro 2018 Yes
Vivo V11 2018 Yes
Vivo V9 Pro 2018 Yes
Vivo V9 2018 Yes
Vivo Y17 2019 Yes
Vivo Y15 2019 Yes
Vivo Y12 2019 Yes
Vivo Y11 2019 Yes
Vivo Y90 2018 Yes
Vivo Y83 2018 Yes
Vivo Y71 2018 Yes
Vivo Y55s 2018 Yes

Google

Although Google doesn't manufacture hardware, their Pixel series of smartphones, developed in collaboration with Foxconn, has garnered a devoted fanbase. These phones run pure Android, receive timely software updates, and offer exceptional camera performance, making them ideal for those seeking a stock Android experience.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
Google Pixel 4 XL 2019 Yes
Google Pixel 4 2019 Yes
Google Pixel 3a XL 2019 Yes
Google Pixel 3a 2019 Yes
Google Pixel 3 XL 2018 Yes
Google Pixel 3 2018 Yes
Google Pixel 2 XL 2017 Yes
Google Pixel 2 2017 Yes
Google Pixel XL 2016 Yes
Google Pixel 2016 Yes
Google Nexus 6P 2015 Yes
Google Nexus 5X 2015 Yes
Google Nexus 6 2014 Yes
Google Nexus 5 2013 No
Google Nexus 4 2012 No

OnePlus

OnePlus started as a tiny startup but has since grown into a respected brand within the tech community. Their high-end smartphones offer premium features like powerful processors, ample storage, and long battery life at lower price points than many competitors, attracting enthusiasts who crave a flagship experience without breaking the bank.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
OnePlus 7 Pro McLaren Edition 2019 Yes
OnePlus 7 Pro 2019 Yes
OnePlus 7 2019 Yes
OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition 2018 Yes
OnePlus 6T 2018 Yes
OnePlus 6 2018 Yes
OnePlus 5T 2017 Yes
OnePlus 5 2017 Yes
OnePlus 3T 2016 Yes
OnePlus 3 2016 Yes
OnePlus 2 2015 Yes
OnePlus One 2014 No

Asus

Asus is a well-known Taiwanese computer hardware company that has expanded into the smartphone market. Their Zenfone series offers a wide range of devices with emphasis on style, performance, and camera capabilities, catering to diverse user needs and budgets.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
Asus ROG Phone II 2019 Yes
Asus ROG Phone 2018 Yes
Asus Zenfone 6z 2019 Yes
Asus Zenfone 5z 2018 Yes
Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie 2018 Yes
Asus Zenfone 4 Pro 2018 Yes
Asus Zenfone 4 2018 Yes
Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe 2016 Yes
Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra 2016 Yes
Asus Zenfone 3 Laser 2016 Yes
Asus Zenfone 3 2016 Yes
Asus Zenfone 2 Laser 2015 Yes
Asus Zenfone 2 2015 Yes
Asus Zenfone C 2015 No
Asus Zenfone 4 Max 2017 Yes

Nokia

Once a legendary brand in the mobile phone industry, Nokia was acquired by Microsoft before being sold to HMD Global, a Finnish start-up. HMD has revived the brand with a mix of nostalgic throwbacks and modern smartphones running Android. Their devices aim to offer reliable performance, clean design, and affordability.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
Nokia 9 PureView 2019 Yes
Nokia 8.1 2018 Yes
Nokia 7.1 2018 Yes
Nokia 6.1 Plus 2018 Yes
Nokia 6.1 2018 Yes
Nokia 5.1 Plus 2018 Yes
Nokia 5.1 2018 Yes
Nokia 3.1 Plus 2018 Yes
Nokia 3.1 2018 Yes
Nokia 2.1 2018 Yes
Nokia 2.2 2019 Yes
Nokia 1 Plus 2019 Yes
Nokia 1 2018 No
Nokia 6 (2018) 2018 Yes
Nokia 7 Plus 2018 Yes
Nokia 8 Sirocco 2018 Yes

Motorola

Motorola, now owned by Lenovo, was once a pioneering mobile phone brand. They've recently focused on producing mid-range smartphones with signature features like Moto Mods, which enhance functionality and customization options. Their devices generally offer clean software experiences and timely updates.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
Motorola One Action 2019 Yes
Motorola One Hyper 2019 Yes
Motorola One Macro 2019 Yes
Motorola One Vision 2019 Yes
Motorola One Power 2019 Yes
Motorola Moto G8 Plus 2020 Yes
Motorola Moto G8 Play 2020 Yes
Motorola Moto G7 Plus 2019 Yes
Motorola Moto G7 Play 2019 Yes
Motorola Moto G6 Plus 2018 Yes
Motorola Moto G6 Play 2018 Yes
Motorola Moto E6 2019 Yes
Motorola Moto E5 Plus 2018 Yes
Motorola Moto E5 Play 2018 Yes
Motorola Moto X4 Android One 2017 No

HTC

HTC is a Taiwanese technology company that was one of the first to embrace Android. While they've faced challenges in recent years, their U series and Desire series smartphones continue to appeal to those seeking sleek designs, powerful processors, and optimized camera performance.

Model Name Release Year Supports QR Scanning via Camera App
HTC U11 2017 Yes
HTC U11+ 2017 Yes
HTC U Ultra 2017 No
HTC U Play 2017 No
HTC Bolt 2016 No
HTC 10 2016 Yes
HTC Desire 2010 No

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in your search for a mobile device that supports QR code scanning. Remember, it's important to choose a device that meets your specific needs and preferences. With so many great options available, there's no reason not to have a phone that can easily scan QR codes. Be sure to check out some of our other articles on related topics, such as the best QR code scanner apps and how to create your own QR codes. Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

Article by
Carlos Virreira

Founder / Vision Lead at Shelf.nu

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QR Code Scanning on Mobile Devices: A Comprehensive Guide
Carlos Virreira
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Founder / Vision Lead at Shelf.nu

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