Comparing eSim and Physical SIM Card Connection

A sim card, in our usual sense, is a small plastic card on which our phone number data is recorded. If we want to change the phone, transferring the number to the new device is easy. We need to move the sim card from one smartphone to another. But what if we can not move the sim card, have several numbers of different countries, and not be afraid of losing the sim card? Such technology already exists, and this is a virtual sim card. Today, we will consider the pros and cons of both types of sim cards and try to find out which option to choose for you

If, with the description and principles of operation of a physical SIM card, everything is straightforward, then with a virtual SIM card, there may be questions. So let’s understand what a virtual sim card is and how it works. Virtual SIM card (eSim) is a new-generation digital card. It is a chip embedded in the device that replaces a plastic SIM card.

Devices that support a virtual SIM card do not require a SIM card to be installed in the slot, as the chip is programmed with a particular eSIM profile. The difference between a SIM card and eSIM lies in the operation technology. eSim has no physical carrier, the chip is soldered into your device, and you can’t take it out; you can only write phone number data to it. 

The special features of eSim are that your cell phone or tablet must support this technology. And the advantages of using eSim are as follows: 

• You can connect an eSim for use in your country. The eSiM Plus local eSIM allows you to connect a local virtual number to separate, for example, personal calls and work calls. 
• The eSIM is convenient to connect when traveling. If you wanted to join a physical SIM card, you would have to buy it from the local operator, which is impossible in some countries without ID documents. You can also connect roaming, which can be pretty expensive.  To easily merge a number abroad, you can use eSIM, which you can get cheaply at home.
• Possibility to separate work and personal calls. eSIM allows you to connect two numbers simultaneously, which can be a handy feature for those who communicate with numerous people daily on work issues from a personal number. Many people buy a second smartphone, but with eSIM, you don’t need a new device, just a new number. 
• You can quickly and easily change the operator or tariff with eSIM, as virtual SIM cards and connected functions are managed through a mobile application. 
• An eSIM is impossible to lose and difficult to damage. Unlike a physical SIM card, which can be removed from the slot, an eSIM cannot be deducted. Therefore, it is not subject to corrosion; it cannot be lost when replacing the SIM card while traveling. 
• The eSIM is relatively safe because it cannot be removed and, therefore, duplicated, which narrows the field of action for fraudsters. 
• eSIM supports global trends in sustainability. Recycling a physical SIM card requires special equipment to separate the metals used in the SIM card and recycle them properly. This makes the recycling process very complicated, which is, therefore, expensive. Thus, replacing the physical SIM card with an eSIM will help avoid environmental problems in the future.

The advantages of eSIM, of course, are that it simplifies routine tasks and helps you to forget about some complexities, but besides the pluses, eSIM also has disadvantages. For example, virtual SIM cards are not yet supported in all countries, so you cannot get an eSIM for traveling to these countries. In addition, not all devices have a built-in eSIM function yet, so before you plug in your SIM card, ensure your phone has this chip. You may also have trouble transferring data from your eSIM to your new device. Therefore, blocking the old one and making a new one is much easier.

To summarize, eSIM is a new sim card technology built into a smartphone that replaces the physical sim card and allows you to connect a cheap virtual phone number from local carriers and phone numbers from other countries. Despite the numerous advantages of virtual SIM cards, including the convenience of connection, the ability to connect cards from different countries, cheapness, environmental friendliness, and ease of management, users should also pay attention to the disadvantages.

One of the most important disadvantages of eSIM is that it is not yet possible to connect it in all countries, and the technology is not supported on all devices. However, switching to eSIM is an intelligent move for owners of smartphones equipped with a built-in chip. A virtual card perfectly replaces a physical SIM card, eliminating the need to manipulate the smartphone to change the number.