Definition: Android Beam

A data transfer function added to Android phones starting with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Using near field communication (NFC), Android Beam lets users copy data from one Android device to another when both are brought into physical contact with each other.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Are Much Faster
NFC is fine for transmitting contacts, links and other text but too slow for copying a photo or video file. Starting with Android 4.1, Android Beam establishes the connection via NFC; then turns Bluetooth on and pairs the phones; completes the transfer via Bluetooth (30 times faster than NFC) and turns Bluetooth off.

S Beam is Samsung's version for its own products. With S Beam, the NFC connection switches to Wi-Fi Direct for transfer up to 400 times faster than NFC. See NFC, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct.

Just Hold Them Together

When two Beam phones are placed next to each other, the screen content of one is copied to the other. Android Beam and NFC functions must be turned on in both devices.