As eSIM is not a new word that you might be listening about, iSIM is something that you might think could be a diffrent. But, answer is no, this actually exists and it is better than eSIMs.
Qualcomm recently announce it is bringing iSIM to smartphones with future Snapdragon chips.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC has support for it and millions of smartphone users will be able to use iSIM in the near future.
eSIM
What is eSIM?
eSIMs are embed direct into a phone’s hardware, and are include in a separate chip.
As this is smaller than physical SIM cards and free up physical space in phones that would be occupied by a SIM card slot.
Which allows manufacturers to design sleeker and more compact devices while retaining the same or even improve functionality.
How to Enable eSIM?
You can always go to their respective network operator’s offline store or use their app to upgrade to eSIM and initiate the eSIM request.
But keep in mind that the process to activate or enable an eSIM is simple but is different from operator to operator.
List of phones supported eSIM
- Google Pixel 3 and above versions
- iPhone XR,
- iPhone XS,
- iPhone XS Max,
- iPhone 11 series,
- iPhone SE series,
- iPhone 12 series,
- iPhone 13 series,
- iPhone 14 lineup,
- iPhone 15 models.
The support for eSIM in Android phones is less.
- Galaxy Z Flip,
- Galaxy Fold,
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra,
- Galaxy Note 20,
- Galaxy Z Fold 2,
- Galaxy S21 series,
- Galaxy S20 series,
- Galaxy Z Fold 3,
- Galaxy Z Flip 3,
- Galaxy S22 series,
- Galaxy S23 lineup,
- Galaxy Z Fold 4,
- Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Some of the other eSIM-support devices are :
- Motorola Razr,
- Motorola Next Gen Razr,
- Motorola Edge 40,
- Motorola Razr 40 series,
- Nokia G60,
- Nokia X30,
- Vivo X90 Pro.
Note:
- For Apple devices, eSIM is support on iOS version 12.1 or higher.
- For Samsung, Google, Motorola, Nokia and Vivo devices, you will have to upgrade to the latest software version on these eligible handsets and make it eSIM ready.
Advantages of eSIM
- eSIMs eliminate the need for physical SIM cards and trays, resulting in more compact device designs, which can lead to sleeker, slimmer devices.
- eSIM can be provision remotely, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card swap. This is particularly beneficial for users who travel frequently or need to switch carriers often, as they can change their mobile plan or carrier via an app or an online portal, offering greater flexibility and convenience.
- Some eSIMs can store multiple profiles, enabling users to switch between personal and business mobile plans or different carriers with ease.
- eSIM can offer improve security features, making it harder for unauthorize access or tampering, which can be beneficial for protecting sensitive data.
Disadvantages of eSIM
The main disadvantages of an eSIM is when you frequently switch devices.
Not like a physical SIM card that can be easily transfer to a new phone, the eSIM activation process necessitates repeating the setup procedure each time you change devices.
iSIM
What is iSIM?
iSIM is the same like as the eSIM, but it is integrate into a chipset and doesn’t require an additional chip to operate.
Qualcomm claims that an iSIM is 100x smaller than a nano SIM card.
iSIM is currently only available with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC.
Advantages of iSIM
- Qualcomm, the popular chip maker for Snapdragon-power phones, says iSIM technology outperforms eSIMs and Nano SIM cards, offering significantly enhance power efficiency, ultimately leading to improve battery life.
- iSIM’s primary benefit is that it eliminates the need for a SIM card slot, allowing space to be use by something else, like a better speaker or an additional vibration motor.
- iSIM also makes the phone more resistant to dust and water, while other benefits are similar to eSIM.
Phones supported iSIM
As of now, there is no phone that has support for iSIM.
But, as the smartphone companies are exploring this feature and that we could soon see phones offer this it people.
As per reports, around 300 million iSIM phones, including future Samsung Galaxy phones, are said to receive support for the iSIM and the goal could be achieve by 2030, as per Qualcomm.
Physical SIM Cards
The journey from traditional physical SIM cards and trays to eSIMs and iSIMs offers significant advantages in mobile device design and connectivity.
With no physical SIM components, phone companies are able to manufacture more compact and portable devices.
This also boosts their durability by reducing their susceptibility to dust and water damage.
eSIMs and iSIMs also make more space for companies to add other components in the device.
eSIMs and iSIMs can work with multiple mobile network operators, offering users the flexibility to switch between carriers without needing to physically change SIM cards.
They can also help reduce complexity in the manufacturing and supply chain.
Travelers can easily switch to local carriers when abroad without the hassle of purchasing and inserting a physical SIM card.
This can result in cost savings and a more convenient experience for tourists and business travelers.
