Mifare (Classic) is a smartcard with fixed storage system and contactless ISO 14443-3 Type A communication.

• Once a card is selected and activated using Type A layer 3 protocol, further command exchange is done using proprietary protocol. Command follows the proprietary structure.
• Crypto-1 algorithm is used to perform authentication and further securely exchange commands.
• Fixed storage size 1/2/4 KB. Till 2KB, each sector will have 4 blocks of 16 bytes each. Last block in each sector (sector trailer) dedicated for Key storage and access right. After 2KB, each sector has 16 blocks.
• Does not support the transaction mechanisms

Note: Crypto-1 is a relatively weak algorithm and tools available to crack Mifare keys.

Desfire is a smartcard which supports the ISO file system and contactless Type A protocol.

• ISO 14443 Type A layer 3 and 4 used to select, activate card and exchange commands. Commands follow the APDU format.
• Supports the DES/3DES/AES based mutual authentication depends on Desfire EV1/EV2/EV3 card type.
• The File System is ISO complaints, which supports directory files and a set of elementary files such Binary, Record files. It supports the commands to create, update and read from a file, thus User can define his storage system. Each directory file can host up to 32 keys (in EV2 and above). Card can support up to 32KB storage capacity in EV2 and above.
• Support the transaction mechanisms
• Transaction MAC supported in EV3 card.

Note: Recommend to use AES128 based authentication for better security.

CIPURSE™ also supports the similar feature as Desfire, please visit https://www.osptalliance.org/cipurse-specifications/ for further details.