It is the slow evolution in mobile technology away from traditional physical SIM cards to eSIM (embedded SIM) technology, which is gaining more and more traction in smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices. The physical SIM card has been the standard for mobile communication for over twenty years, but the introduction of eSIM has several significant benefits, both for consumers and mobile carriers.
The difference between eSIM and physical SIM cards, as well as the advantages of each technology, will help the users to choose what is best for them.
What Is A Physical SIM Card?
A physical SIM card is a small removable smart card that contains the unique identification information needed to connect a device to a mobile network. It is larger–generally 25mm x 15mm in size–but in recent years, smaller versions (microSIM and nanoSIM) have been introduced to make up their place in the compact design of modern-day smartphones.
The data stored on a SIM card includes the user’s phone number, information about the network, and encryption keys, and enables mobile networks to authenticate and manage the devices that connect to them.
For over 30 years, mobile phones have utilized technology in the form of a physical SIM card, which remains the primary means of mobile connectivity around the world. However, its physical form brings some weaknesses that can be improved with eSIM.
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What Is An Esim?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM card that comes integrated in a device and is not removable or replaceable in physical form. Unlike a physical chip that can be removed and inserted, eSIMs are built into the device and can be activated and reprogrammed remotely by the mobile carrier or service provider.
The eSIM technology was first commercialized as a consumer technology in 2016, with significant growth in smartphones, wearables (like smartwatches), tablets, and IoT devices (internet of things). eSIMs eliminate the need for you to physically change SIM cards when switching carriers or plans. Instead, users can digitally renew their mobile subscription or switch networks.
Differences Between esim And Physical Sim
Physical Form Factor
The biggest difference between an eSIM and a physical SIM is obviously form factor. A physical SIM card is a tangible, detachable plastic card that needs to be placed into the SIM slot of a device. On the other hand, eSIM is a small chip soldered directly in the device’s hardware.
A removable SIM card tray is no longer needed thanks to this change, which also allows manufacturers to build devices with slimmer profiles and more internal space for other components.
Flexibility And Convenience
Perhaps the greatest benefit of eSIM technology is its flexibility and convenience. If you want to switch networks or carriers, however, users of a physical SIM card must physically replace the card. This can make it troublesome for users while travelling in case they need to switch provider at the moment or want to change mobile networks.
Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIM does not require users to remove a SIM card to switch between carriers or manage multiple subscriptions. Via software and digital activation, users are able to switch their networks and update their plan settings from their devices. That’s useful for travelers, or people who frequently switch carriers, as it saves you from having to buy new SIM cards.
Multiple Profiles
The most notable difference is that with eSIM, you can store multiple profiles on an eSIM, something you cannot do with a physical SIM. Up to 10 carrier profiles can be loaded onto a single eSIM, which allows users to have multiple phone numbers or mobile plans active on their device simultaneously. This can be a huge advantage for those who require a separate line for business and personal use or frequent travelers who wish to have a local as well as an international number on demand.
With physical SIM cards, you can only have one carrier profile on each card. Switching to another network for a user would be changing the SIM chip physically, which is a time consuming and annoying task.
Device Design And Durability
eSIM, on the other hand, is embedded directly into the device and does not have a SIM card tray or slot. This enables makers to build thinner, lighter, and tougher. Since the SIM card tray is omitted, devices with eSIM technology are less likely to experience issues caused by moisture or dust, making them more durable.
Conversely, physical SIM cards and their trays add complexity in terms of extra parts that can fail or get damaged with age, preventing water and dirt ingress, for example, in a rugged or extreme environment.
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Support And Adoption
At the same time, while eSIM technology is taking off, physical SIM cards remain the leading means of connectivity for mobile users everywhere. Many countries / mobile carriers do not yet fully embrace eSIM, and not every phone supports it (many pre-2019 models do not). Hence, users in specific regions may have limitations regarding carrier availability, as well as eSIM-compatible devices.
However, all leading mobile phone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, have embedded eSIM in their new models and more and more mobile operators are introducing eSIM plans. With the growing acceptance of eSIM technology, the rate of adoption around the world will likely rise.
Benefits Of Esim Technology
Remote activation And Management
Disabling and enabling eSIM can be done remotely, thereby allowing for the activation and configuration of mobile plans. This means that users can quickly activate their device, without having to go to a carrier store or wait for a SIM card to be mailed to them. Change networks, upgrade plans, or add international roaming, all from a couple of taps in the settings of the device.
Space Efficiency
As eSIM doesn’t require a physical SIM card slot, it gives manufacturers a way to save precious internal space in the device. That extra space can be used for more battery life, better processing power, or other features such as an improved camera or a larger screen.
Environmentally Friendly
ESIMs Generate Less Waste than Physical SIM Cards Because eSIMs don’t use plastic cards, packaging, or shipping, they help minimize electronic waste and the carbon footprint that comes with SIM card manufacturing and distribution.
Global Roaming Made Easier
When traveling abroad, users can swap out their SIM cards without needing to remove them or buy completely new ones. This opens up seamless global roaming for users, allowing them to make use of local networks at cheap rates and pay cheap network charges for roaming.
Future-Proof Technology
However, as the world turns more and more connected as we step into the next era, eSIM will lend itself to further innovations in the future. Its adaptability means that it can be embedded in any number of devices, including smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices, making it a crucial building block for the rollout of 5G networks and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Conclusion
While both have their benefits, eSIM technology can significantly improve flexibility, convenience, and device design. Mobile carriers are increasing support for eSIM technology as well, so over time we can expect to see more devices incorporating eSIM capabilities, meaning that eSIM is the future of mobile connectivity.
In the meantime, while eSIM support remains limited in some regions, users would have to resort to physical SIM cards, but the increasing advantages of eSIM make it a viable option for more consumers and enterprises alike.
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