Until recently, the main way to connect a smartphone to cellular networks was to install a SIM card. To do this, a small chip is inserted into a special slot on the device, and the subscriber, having registered in the operator's network, can enjoy all the advantages of mobile radio communications.

However, after Apple's recent decision to get rid of physical "SIMs" and completely transfer their devices to eSIM, the question is actively discussed, which is better: eSIM or SIM? Let's figure it out.

How SIM and eSIM are similar

There is hardly a user now who does not know what a SIM card is and how it works. This small piece of plastic with a chip applied on one side appeared in 1991.

Now more and more often you can hear about eSIM. The difference between eSIM and SIM is that the first is a chip built into the device (from embedded-SIM). Read more about what eSIM is in our article.

It is generally accepted that these are completely different technologies. However, they have much more in common than you might think:

• connect the phone to the network of the telecom operator;
• implemented on various devices, not just on phones;
• serve to identify the phone and the type of tariff plan used;
• used alone or with other SIM cards.

Both chips are essentially SIM modules, except that one is physical and the other is (almost) virtual.

How to understand which is better: eSIM or SIM

Despite these similarities, the difference between eSIM and SIM can be decisive in deciding which type of card to use.

Compactness

The most obvious difference between eSIM and SIM is the size. In fact, eSIM also has a physical appearance, it's just that the user does not have access to the chip. The module is directly mounted to the phone, which makes it universal for many devices (not just smartphones).

Security

The chip soldered to the motherboard is less vulnerable to failures and damage, and the absence of holes and removable parts in the phone ensures greater safety of the device.

In case of theft of a smartphone, thieves will not be able to just throw away your card, which means that the degree of protection increases.

Capacity

The difference between eSIM and SIM is also that the e-card has a large storage capacity of user data.

Setting

Unlike SIM installation, where you need to manually insert the card into the device and activate it, eSIM is activated remotely through a special program. It may be more difficult for some users.

Price

Due to the complexity of development, eSIMs will always cost more than traditional SIMs.

Embedded-SIM technology is evolving and more and more manufacturers are implementing it into their devices. It is obvious that in the near future, it will become the future of mobile communications.

It is impossible to say for sure which is better - eSIM or SIM, but the electronic version is more versatile, safer and more environmentally friendly. Now it is an excellent choice for those who travel a lot, often change their carrier, subscriber number, or smartphone.

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