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Physical SIM cards are what we have been using for more than a decade. And over the years, they have not changed; they have just become a little smaller.
Modern smartphones support both them and the format of electronic SIM cards, which are not inserted into the smartphone case but can be configured directly on Android phones. What is the advantage of an eSIM over a physical SIM card?
eSIM technologies have been around for several years, but recently more and more users have started to be interested in virtual SIM cards. In this material, let’s explain in clear language the principles of the eSIM service, the main differences between an eSIM and a physical SIM card, as well as the relevance of its use at the moment.
What is eSIM and how it work?
An eSIM card, or embedded SIM, is a built-in SIM chip that is integrated directly into the device’s motherboard. The technology is used both on smartphones and on other smart devices, such as trackers, smart watches, tablets, and so on. Major Western corporations like Apple and Google were among the first to start supporting eSIM. A little later, Samsung picked up the trend and began to produce Android eSIM phones compatible with Yesim, and later, Chinese corporations began to master the built-in SIM card. With the gradual expansion, eSIM is starting to appear in more budget smartphones, so a complete transition to this format is expected soon.
The built-in SIM card can remotely record various operators, the simultaneous number of which at the moment is up to 10. The number depends on the specific model, and over time, this indicator only increases. Now let’s look at what features and privileges this format provides for users.
Advantages
Almost all users of eSIM-enabled Android devices noted the comfort of using this technology. In addition, major mobile operators in many countries have already introduced and continue to introduce eSIM support with various data plans. The reason for such active development was several significant advantages:
● Remote receipt and change of a SIM card. If even the replenishment of the balance took place in the communication salon, then over time the number of such offline interactions would be minimized: card purchase, verification, and reissue. With an eSIM card, you do not need to visit the operator’s office, or branch at all.
● Simultaneous storage of several numbers. To record a new number, you do not have to delete the old one. It stays in the system, and you can activate it at any convenient moment. So you can use different data plans or operators without any problems.
● Safety. Using a physical SIM card, almost no one installed a PIN code on it. This means that an attacker with a SIM card in his hands could gain access to any accounts linked to this number. A virtual SIM card is “sewn” into the system; therefore, it is protected by a system password that the user sets. In addition, you will not lose such a SIM card in any way, you will not forget or break it.
● Support in different countries. For travelers, the built-in map is a real find, which allows you to save a lot of money and time. Now you do not need to use expensive roaming or look for local operators. You can register for and connect to a digital SIM Card even while in your own country.
● It can be transferred to a regular SIM card and vice versa. Upon request, the operator will quickly give you an additional eSIM with your number or completely transfer it to a non-duplicate eSIM format. If necessary, an eSIM card can be easily converted to a standard physical SIM card.
● Free space in the device. The eSIM module itself takes up much less space, which allows you to make the gadget either more compact or more productive and autonomous. The absence of a slot also has an excellent effect on dust and moisture protection indicators.
Disadvantages
A virtual SIM сard also has its drawbacks, the solution to which is only a matter of time. But in any case, because of these unpleasant features, eSIM still exists mainly in a hybrid format (eSIM + SIM) and is not used on all devices.:
● Support. Both individual operators and entire countries experience problems with support. If this issue has already been resolved in Western countries, then only the most prominent operators support digital SIM cards. For some users, this format is not very convenient, and for some, it is not available at all.
● The cost of devices with electronic SIM cards. The technology itself is inexpensive, but it is used mainly in flagship devices. Gradually, more and more manufacturers are mastering it, so, as I mentioned earlier, its appearance on more budget devices should be expected shortly.
● Limited compatibility. Not all devices support electronic SIM cards currently, so you need to make sure your phone is compatible with this technology. Otherwise, you will not be able to use eSIM on your device.
● Limited choice of operators. In some regions, the choice of operators that support eSIM may be limited. This may limit your freedom to choose a carrier.
Overall, an eSIM card offers many advantages for Android phone users, such as flexibility, convenience, and multiple profiles. However, it also has its limitations in the form of limited compatibility and availability. Before deciding to switch to eSIM, you should make sure that your device supports this technology and that it is available in your region.
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