eSIM vs iSIM: What's the Difference

Max Pankratov •28 May 2025

7 minutes to read

What is eSIM?
- How eSIM Works
- Advantages and Disadvantages of eSIM
Briefly About SIM Cards
What is iSIM Technology?
Difference Between eSIM and iSIM

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Mobile communication technologies are constantly evolving and improving. Today, a rather pressing question arises: choosing eSIM vs. iSIM. Both solutions are new and in many ways revolutionary. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at the differences between them, and also telling a little about traditional SIM cards.

Briefly About SIM Cards

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To start using the SIM chip, it had to be inserted into a special slot provided by the design of all mobile phones and smartphones. The chip is needed to store the number, cellular operator settings, contact information and information for calls and Internet access. If the SIM card is missing, the phone ceases to be a means of communication.

SIM card technologies have constantly evolved and changed. For a long time, fairly large cards were widely used, which gradually became smaller. But then a real revolution occurred and the first embedded eSIM appeared.

It would seem that this technology allowed for a serious breakthrough and a step forward in comparison with the already outdated physical SIM cards. But now a new solution is being actively implemented – iSIM.

What is eSIM?

To determine the difference between eSIM and iSIM, it would be logical to start with a description and acquaintance with the first type of presented solutions for mobile devices. The full name sounds like embedded SIM.

These are programmable chips that are built into the motherboard on the device. Compared with classic physical cards, eSIM is soldered to the device during production. That is, it cannot be physically removed. Such innovations fully comply with the requirements and specifications of the GSMA. Thanks to the special RSP function, users can easily switch between different mobile operators without having to physically replace the chip.

How eSIM Works

The operation of such a chip is carried out thanks to a universal integrated system. It is built into the device, and stores several profiles of different operators. This allows you to download, manage and activate the necessary profiles over the air. Such features provide amazing flexibility when choosing or switching between mobile operators.

Already now many travelers, international entrepreneurs, and tourists have highly appreciated the capabilities and advantages of eSIM. Now there is no need to look for stores of local mobile operators, buy a SIM card, connect it to your device and carry out many unnecessary manipulations.

Instead, it is enough to connect the eSIM function through a special application, select one of the operators represented in the country, connect the service and use the virtual number.

In terms of functionality, eSIM is not inferior to a SIM card at all, and in many respects even surpasses it. For example, you are not limited by the small volume of the physical chip for storing contacts (usually no more than 20-50 numbers), you do not need to constantly insert and remove the chip, there is a low probability of errors due to contact failure in the slot, and so on.

Advantages and Disadvantages of eSIM

To better understand the eSIM iSIM difference, you should carefully study the advantages and disadvantages of each of the presented solutions. In the case of eSIM, several strengths can be highlighted.

Advantages	Disadvantages
✅ Flexibility: Switch between multiple operators easily without needing to change physical SIMs.	⛔️ Compatibility:Not all devices and carriers support eSIM yet.
✅ Saving Space: Now an integrated connection system is used. Thanks to digital eSIM technology, physical slots are no longer needed. This makes smartphones and smart watches more compact.	⛔️ Data Transfer:Moving profiles between devices is more complex than swapping physical SIMs.
✅ Security: Thanks to remote eSIM provisioning and the absence of a physical chip, the probability of theft or cloning of the card is significantly lower.
✅ Durability:Embedded inside the device, less prone to physical damage or wear.

As you can see, even despite the eSIM card evolution, this solution has some drawbacks.

Therefore, it is important to carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of eSIM, and based on this data, make a decision on use.

Currently, eSIM technology support is implemented in many devices from different manufacturers:

Apple (from iPhone XS to iPhone 16);
Samsung (Galaxy S20-24, Z Fold, Z Flip);
Google (Pixel 3, 3XL, 4-8 series);
Huawei (P40, Mate 30, Mate 40);
OPPO (Find X3, Find X5);
Apple iPad Air (3rd generation and newer);
Apple iPad Pro;
iPad mini (5th generation and newer);
Apple Watch 3, etc.

Most new devices are now released with eSIM technology support.

What is iSIM Technology?

Next we will talk about the next-gen eSIM technology. This is a special function that is available in devices due to the integration of functionality directly into the chip. In other words, it is no longer a separate chip, but part of the main processor. Therefore, when using this technology, there is no need to solder, connect a separate chip or place a SIM card slot in the device.

How iSIM works

You already roughly understand “what is iSIM card?” Now you should understand the principles of this technology. iSIM integrates SIM functions directly into the hardware. This allows the option to be in a fully protected SoC area.

This integration format is aimed at increasing the level of security and reducing power consumption. eSIM and iSIM equally support remote connection and profile management of various mobile operators.

Advantages and Disadvantages of iSIM

Before moving on to the question of eSIM iSIM difference, we will complete the review of the new technology by assessing its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages	Disadvantages
✅ Compact Design: The elimination of a separate chip allows for more efficient use of the internal space. This is especially important for IoT connectivity and wearable gadgets.	⛔️ Limited Support: As a newer technology, fewer devices and carriers currently support iSIM.
✅ Enhanced Security: Integrated into the device’s hardware, making it more secure against tampering.	⛔️ Upgrade Challenges: Replacing or upgrading iSIM may require device replacement or complex processes.
✅ Cost-Effective: Reduces manufacturing costs by combining components, potentially lowering device prices.	⛔️ Limited Flexibility: Unlike eSIM, which can be remotely managed, iSIM may have more rigid management options.
✅ Energy Efficiency: Can improve power consumption due to integrated design.

Therefore, it is important to objectively evaluate modern solutions and consider the possibility of using them on your devices.

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Difference Between eSIM and iSIM

Since you already know “what is eSIM and iSIM”, then you can move on to the next question - the differences between modern SIM technologies.

To give a clear answer to what is the difference between eSIM and iSIM, you should compare the main parameters and characteristics.

Characteristics	Features
🛜 Integration method	In the case of eSIM, a separate chip is soldered to the motherboard, and iSIM is integrated directly into the SoC of the mobile device.
📲 Dimensions	eSIM is compact, and iSIM can be called subcompact.
🔐 Security	Both technologies have equally high security indicators. But at the same time, iSIM is slightly ahead of its competitor. The reason is the same - integration into the SoC.
⚡️ Energy efficiency	eSIM will consume energy in moderation. Improved iSIM technology requires even less battery charge for efficient operation. Both technologies are significantly superior to physical SIM cards in terms of battery life.
📶 Flexibility	In this component, the first technology wins in the comparison of iSIM vs eSIM. Replacing and repairing a device with iSIM will be more difficult and expensive.
✅ Prevalence	Today, eSIM has become widespread in mobile and wearable devices. As for iSIM, so far it is mainly a solution for IoT devices.

After a detailed comparison of eSIM vs eSIMSIM vs iSIM, it is worth further discussing the future of the technology and summing up the general results of this review.

Future of eSIM and iSIM

We can already talk about the promising future of eSIM technology. New technologies will continue to strive to integrate more effectively and shrink.

eSIM is a revolution in the world of consumer electronics and smartphones in particular;
iSIM should be considered as an innovation in the IoT field;
Important condition is their support from electronics manufacturers and mobile operators;
For now, one should speak about widespread distribution with some caution.

Therefore, we can say with confidence that these solutions are actively implemented, providing customers with access to the use of virtual numbers and fast access to the Internet. This can largely be explained by high security, energy efficiency and reduced production costs for the creation of such devices.

After all, much will depend on new approaches to standardization, infrastructure development and demand among consumers. According to some specialized analytical companies, the number of connected iSIMs will reach about 200 million by 2028.

Final Thoughts

eSIM and iSIM are modern, advanced technologies that have significantly improved over traditional physical SIM cards. These new solutions offer improved flexibility, efficiency, security, the ability to quickly connect and switch between mobile operators.

Today, it is eSIM that is more common in mobile devices and wearables. But iSIM has impressive potential, and special attention should be paid to the IoT sphere.

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What is the main difference between eSIM and iSIM?

eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in a device that requires a separate chip, whereas iSIM integrates the SIM functionality directly into the device’s main processor or chipset.

Do both eSIM and iSIM require a physical SIM card?

No, both eliminate the need for a physical SIM card by providing digital solutions for device connectivity.

Which is more secure, eSIM or iSIM?

Both are secure options, but iSIM’s integration into the main chipset can offer enhanced security features compared to eSIM.

Can I use eSIM and iSIM simultaneously in the same device?

Typically, a device supports only one embedded SIM at a time, and iSIM usually replaces eSIM functionality entirely, making simultaneous use uncommon.

Is iSIM more space-efficient than eSIM?

Yes, because iSIM is integrated into the device’s main processor, it occupies less space than a separate eSIM chip, allowing for more compact device designs.