eSIM vs SIM: what's the difference?

More and more users are moving away from the communication standard via SIM cards, and giving preference to eSIM technology. What is the essence of these technologies? Are they similar, and what is fundamentally different about them? Let's take a look at the eSIM vs. SIM opposition and find out which is better.

Similarities between SIM and eSIM

Before talking about similarities, let's understand the meaning of both concepts. The term SIM (subscriber identity module) means "client identification module". That is, the purpose of the card is to link the phone to your electronic account. The card itself is a microprocessor with a key generated by the operator, which allows you to save your account when you change your mobile device to another one. Thus, a SIM is a physical card in a phone to which a number and a telecom operator are linked.

An eSIM is a chip built into the gadget by the manufacturer and programmed to work with the communication provider.

Technically, both of these options have the same role: they provide access to communication for mobile phone owners.

What do SIM and eSIM have in common

• used to identify the smartphone and data plan;
• after activation, they open access to the services of selected mobile operators;
• store account information;
• provide opportunities for calls, messages, and internet use;
• regulated by the international ISO/IEC 7816 standard;
• use the same electrical interface;
• smartphones with them can receive numbers from different operators (for this, there must be several slots in a gadget design).

!> Important: SIM and eSIM can be used in parallel, they are not mutually exclusive.

Difference between SIM and eSIM

Despite the fact that there are many similarities between them, both identification modules are different, primarily in appearance. A physical SIM card is a small piece of plastic with a built-in microprocessor. It must be manually inserted into a smartphone. An electronic SIM card (eSIM) is a chip with software built into the gadget. But this is not the only difference between them.

What is the difference between SIM and eSIM

• Installation method. A physical SIM card needs to be installed in a gadget, and an electronic one is already built in.
• Operator change. In the case of a SIM card, it requires a new card, and if there is an eSIM, a user does it himself through smartphone settings.
• Application. A SIM card requires a physical slot to be installed, which limits the ability to install it in some gadgets. An eSIM can be inbuilt in wireless routers, on-board diagnostics systems, GPS navigation tracking devices, smart watches, headphones, meters, rear-view mirrors, and other technologies based on artificial intelligence.

What is the difference between SIM and eSIM? There is a slot for a physical card in all gadgets used for communication. As for eSIM, they can only be found in modern smartphone models — mostly flagships. An eSIM device first appeared in 2016. It was Samsung's Gear S2 smart watch. A year later, Apple introduced its Watch Series 3 with a digital SIM. Since then, every year more manufacturers have joined the technology, but the choice of gadgets is still much smaller than we would like.

!> A SIM card is a standard that is difficult to refuse in an instant. Therefore, manufacturers often include both communication options in their gadgets.

!>Read also: What is eSIM: what is it for and how to use it

Which is better: SIM or eSIM

To understand which one is better, SIM or eSIM, it is necessary to understand not only their similarities but also their differences. Let's consider all the advantages and disadvantages of the cards in more detail.

Pros of SIM

Why is it convenient to use a regular SIM card:

• it can be temporarily inserted into another gadget if yours is discharged or broken;
• contacts and some messages are stored on the SIM;
• you can continue to use it in another country on roaming terms or buy a new card from a local operator;
• not all countries, operators, and smartphones support in-built communication technologies, and there are no such problems with SIM.

A physical SIM card is guaranteed to connect to the internet in another country, leaving you online if you don't know the details of the region you're going to.

Cons of SIM

Despite these advantages, traditional technology has its drawbacks:

• in case a card is broken, it will have to be restored to save the number;
• when installing a card, there is a risk of losing it or causing damage;
• only one number can be linked to one card, and a maximum of two cards can be inserted into one phone, although not in all models;
• plastic can be lost and worn out over time, the card may operate intermittently;
• to use another operator's services, you need to buy a new card;
• the signal is received from a cell tower and may not provide coverage in some regions.

A traditional SIM card requires investments, even if they are small. That is, you need to pay for it. In addition, to get a new SIM card, you need to go to a store or customer service center, which is not always possible.

Pros of eSIM

eSIM has the following advantages:

• it cannot be scratched, broken, lost, or removed;
• no more complex manipulations with removing the slot to change the network;
• switching to another provider is just a matter of looking for available options in the application;
• provides communication and a high speed connection in remote locations without a router;
• a thinner body of the gadget due to the area occupied on the chip, unlike a massive nano-SIM slot;
• if your smartphone is stolen, attackers will not be able to use the phone number, and you will restore it on another device.

!> eSIM provides access to the Internet in the most remote corners of the planet. With it, the tedious process of connecting to a new provider remains in the past. For example, if you install the Yesim app, you will have access to the Internet worldwide without having to look for a starter pack store or places with Wi-Fi access. By choosing the best tariff for yourself, you will not pay for roaming.

Cons of eSIM

• There are some factors that prevent the spread of Yesim:
• different operators and numbers can be connected to an eSIM card, but only one will be available for use;
• the list of smartphone models and operators available for connection is limited;
• to transfer contacts to a new device, you need to download data from cloud storage.

!> The fact that Yesim is characterized by disadvantages deters some users. But technology does not stand still, and perhaps in the near future, there will be no objections for many. The demand for global communications access, even in remote corners of the planet, is growing.

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