What is an eSIM? Discover Its Benefits, Features, and How It Works
In 2022, there was a boom in electronic SIM cards. This is largely due to the release of the new iPhone 14, where an electronic card was used instead of the usual SIM card.
It became clear that the usual SIM cards have sunk into oblivion and progress has come to replace them. But in this case electronic.
How does an eSIM Card work, and what is its main difference from a conventional one? What are the disadvantages and advantages? And is it worth switching to an eSIM card?
Essentials: What is an eSIM card?
Technological progress has opened up to us not only a virtual world but also an electronic one. Such changes also affected SIM cards. Now, you do not need to physically come to the cellular communication salon and buy yourself a SIM card.
All you need is to design its electronic version. eSIM is a real physical chip that is inserted into the smartphone. The difference is that it is built-in (the letter “e” in the abbreviation means “embedded”) and soldered on the board of a mobile gadget. So, it will not be possible to take it out, transfer it to another phone and buy it separately. It must be inside the device or absent.
However, it can be overwritten remotely, and the virtual card can store information of several operators. Note that the eSIM memory is much larger than that of modern SIM cards: 512KB vs. 64/128. The dimensions of the eSIM — 5×6. nanoSIM cards have larger dimensions — 12.3×8.8.
Which devices support eSIM?
Most phones offer eSIM support in a dual SIM configuration, where a physical SIM card is still required and the eSIM is used as an additional SIM card. The iPhone 14 and 15 variants for the USA (iPhone 14-15, iPhone 14-15 Plus, iPhone 14-15 Pro and iPhone 14-15 Pro Max) only support eSIM, without physical SIM card slots. All devices that support eSIM-compatible devices.
However, you cannot use eSIM everywhere because it is not supported in some countries, such as China. In that case you need a separate phone f you use it only for eSIM and go to a place where you need to insert a physical SIM card into the phone.
eSIM — mobile communication will become even more mobile
eSIM technology is convenient not only for smart gadgets — it is also a great way to remotely sell SIM cards for phones. The technology allows the operator to save money on the manufacture of starter packages, renting premises for retail stores, paying remuneration to dealers, and so on, and the subscriber can save time and effort on going to the communication salon.
First, this is relevant for travelers who do not want to spend money on roaming. It is much more convenient to buy the right tariff in an online store and immediately download it to your phone than to search and choose it in an unfamiliar country, especially if you do not speak the language.
The eSIM sensor is similar to the NFC sensor, which allows you to pay with a smartphone in terminals, while there is no physical bank card inside the smartphone for payment. eSIM allows you to use the connection when there is no physical SIM card inside the smartphone for this.
The difference between SIM and eSIM
To understand the main difference between a regular SIM card and an eSIM, you first need to know the meaning of each.
A SIM card is a small plastic card with a chip embedded in it. Over the years, only its size has decreased, but the principle of operation has remained the same. On the other hand, an eSIM is a chip built directly into the gadget that emulates the functionality of a traditional SIM card.
So, what’s the main difference? With a SIM card, operators used to sell physical plastic cards. Now, with eSIM, they simply provide a set of encrypted data that can be entered directly into your device without the need for a physical SIM.
Key Differences Between eSIM and Physical SIM Cards
The main difference between an eSIM service and a traditional SIM card is that an eSIM is built into your device, offering more flexibility, while a physical SIM card needs to be inserted into your device.
| Feature | eSIM | SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Convenience | Easily switch to local plans abroad at low cost | High roaming charges, or the need to buy new SIM cards |
| Setup Time | Instant activation through an app or QR code | Requires manually inserting and setting up the card |
| Switching Networks | Instantly switch between networks without physical changes | Requires physically changing the SIM card |
| Device Type | Built directly into the device (no need to insert a card) | Requires inserting a physical card into a slot |
| Number of Profiles | Can store multiple profiles (switch easily between them) | Limited to one or two physical SIM cards |
| Eco-Friendliness | Environmentally friendly (no plastic or shipping required) | Contributes to electronic waste with each new card |
| Durability | Cannot be lost or damaged (built into the device) | Can be lost, damaged, or stolen easily |
| Security | Can be locked or erased remotely | Needs to be physically removed to secure it |
| Cost of Replacement | No additional cost (profile can be re-downloaded) | Requires purchasing a new SIM card |
| Device Compatibility | Supported by newer smartphones, tablets, and wearables | Compatible with most devices, but not all |
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Why is eSIM better than a regular SIM card?
The obvious advantage of eSIM over a conventional SIM card is that there is no need to create a slot for a SIM card. Of course, this problem is almost invisible in mobile phones. However, other modern gadgets do not have a place to create a SIM card slot.
In addition, the eSIM allows you to quickly change the card or operator as needed. At the same time, everything can be done online without a physical presence.
eSIM will definitely be appreciated by travelers who do not want to waste time and effort on buying a SIM card from a local operator.
By the way, eSIM Plus is a great service for buying a virtual number from anywhere in the world. There are thousands of numbers in the database that will help you stay connected anywhere.
Advantages of eSIM
1. The ability to connect multiple numbers
eSIM allows connecting multiple numbers to one device at the same time. You can freely switch between numbers to make calls or correspondences.
2. Quick switching of operators or numbers
eSIM allows quickly changing the phone number or operator without physical presence. All you need is to activate a new number or operator by scanning a QR code.
3. Protects data from leakage
Imagine an unpleasant situation: you have lost the phone in which the physical SIM card was located. If someone finds it, he can easily get a SIM card and use it in the future. If this person turns out to be a fraudster, he can call and write to your acquaintances and friends, posing as you and pursuing his own goals.
This situation is not possible with eSIM, since the card does not exist physically. It is built into the phone and can be easily locked by the owner.
4. Prevents phone contamination
An additional slot for the SIM card is an additional place for the phone to be loaded. Dust and water can easily penetrate through it, which significantly affects the performance of the gadget.
Disadvantages of eSIM
1. It is easier for providers to track the user
When using an eSIM, the gadget is constantly active on the network. That is, you can easily track the user’s location and the scope of his activities on the Internet.
2. Difficulties in transferring data
When buying a new phone, you usually save all the data to the SIM card, insert it into the new phone and use it. However, it will be a bit more difficult with eSIM. You cannot physically transfer the SIM card. Initially, you need to save all the data to the cloud. This is not a fast process that requires both time and energy.
How to connect a virtual SIM card: iPhone and Android
First, you do not have to visit the point of sale of a mobile operator. To get a virtual SIM card, just go to a website, like eSIM Plus. Choose a tariff, pay for eSIM online using a card and get a QR code that contains instructions for connecting the card. It’s easy!
iPhone
- Go to “Settings” and select “Cellular communication“
- Select “Add cellular tariff“
- A screen will appear, on which you will need to point the camera at the QR code.
After that, you will need to follow the instructions depending on the provider.
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Android
On Android, the path to install eSIM depends on the shell and may differ in smartphones of different brands. For example, the desired setting “Add a mobile tariff” can be located in the “Connections” settings item — “SIM Card Manager“, in the settings item “SIM cards and mobile networks“, etc.
