With network sunsets advancing left and right, globalization has required a unified approach to deploying connected devices, developing network technologies coming online, and a desire to maximize ROI on new technology advancements. Utilizing the right SIM solution can support these challenges for enterprises and verticalized industries. Choosing a SIM that can meet ideal connectivity requirements requires an understanding of the differences and functions of each type of SIM. Let’s dive deeper into eSIMs, physical SIMs, and even newer generation iSIMs to help you make an informed decision.
When comparing a physical SIM card vs eSIM cards, the key difference is that physical SIMs are small removable cards while eSIMs are embedded directly into the device's hardware and can be programmed remotely without needing to swap cards. This makes eSIMs more convenient for switching carriers and managing multiple phone numbers on a single device. Each SIM comes with its own pros, cons, and scenarios that are most suited to their functionalities.
Pros of eSIM
Convenience: eSIMs allow users to switch carriers and plans remotely without needing to physically swap SIM cards, making it easier to manage multiple phone numbers on a single device.
Space-saving: Since eSIMs are embedded in the device, they free up physical space, which can be used for other components or design improvements, particularly in smaller devices like smartwatches.
Durability: eSIMs are less prone to physical damage or loss compared to traditional SIM cards, as they are built into the device's hardware.
Cons of eSIM
Limited Carrier Support: Not all carriers support eSIM technology, which may limit options for users in certain regions or with specific service providers.
Security Concerns: While eSIMs can be convenient, there are potential security risks if the remote provisioning process is compromised, though these risks are mitigated by strong security protocols.
Device Compatibility: eSIMs are only available in newer devices, so users with older models may not be able to take advantage of this technology.
Pros of Physical SIMs
Widespread Compatibility: Physical SIMs are universally supported by nearly all mobile carriers and devices, making them a reliable choice regardless of location or carrier.
Ease of Transfer: Users can easily transfer their service to a new device by simply removing the SIM card and inserting it into another phone, which is particularly useful when switching phones or traveling.
Cons of Physical SIMs
Inconvenience: Physical SIMs require manual insertion and removal, which can be cumbersome when switching carriers or managing multiple phone numbers. Additionally, losing or damaging a SIM card can lead to service disruption.
Limited Space: The need for a SIM card slot occupies physical space in the device, which could otherwise be used for other components, potentially limiting design innovations in smaller devices.
The different SIM options will depend on the type of device and it’s intended functions. Typically, physical SIMs are used in older generation devices, where newer smart devices normally utilize eSIMs.
Best Suited Devices for Physical SIMs
Older Smartphones: Many smartphones released before 2018 predominantly use physical SIMs, such as the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S8, and older models.
Basic Phones: Feature phones or basic mobile phones, which are primarily used for calls and texts, almost exclusively use physical SIMs.
Budget Smartphones: Many budget or entry-level smartphones continue to use physical SIM slots, especially in regions where eSIM adoption is slower.
Examples:
Best Suited Devices for eSIMs
Newer Generation Smartphones: High-end smartphones released after 2018 increasingly support eSIM technology alongside physical SIM slots. This includes flagship models and some mid-range phones.
Smartwatches: Many smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch Series 5 and later, use eSIMs to enable cellular connectivity without needing a paired phone.
Tablets: Devices like the iPad Pro and certain Surface tablets support eSIMs for data connectivity.
Examples:
What is a SoftSIM?
Soft SIMs involve no physical SIM card. They are 100 percent software-based and integrated inside the modem or device, whereas eSIMs have an actual physical element, which is either a removable plastic card (like a traditional SIM) or soldered onto the device, as is the case with embedded SIM cards.
SoftSIMs are even more flexible than eSIMs or iSIMs, as they can theoretically be updated or modified purely through software updates. However, SoftSIM technology has faced challenges related to security and adoption by carriers due to the lack of a physical or hardware-based security element.
Integrations: SoftSIMs have not gained widespread adoption, mainly due to security concerns and resistance from carriers, who prefer the security features of hardware-based SIMs like physical SIMs, eSIMs, and iSIMs.
What is an iSIM?
Similar to eSIMs, iSIMs support remote provisioning and can be programmed to switch carriers or manage multiple profiles, but with the added benefit of being part of the device’s core architecture, potentially offering faster and more seamless transitions. Unlike physical SIMs or physical SIMs, iSIMs are fully integrated into the device’s main chipset. This allows for even greater space efficiency and potentially lowers manufacturing costs.
iSIMs offer improved security because they are more deeply integrated into the device’s hardware, making them more difficult to tamper with. They also offer better energy efficiency, as they eliminate the need for a separate SIM module, reducing power consumption.
Integrations: iSIMs (Integrated SIMs) are the next evolution in SIM technology and therefore expected to be used in new generation smartphones, IoT devices, and wearables, where saving space and power is crucial.
All eSIM Cards Are Embedded
Even though the term eSIM stands for embedded SIMs, eSIMs are available in removable form factors as well. eSIM technology offers remote SIM provisioning capabilities which allow the user to remotely provision their eSIM cards with the required carrier profile without ever changing the physical SIM card. The physical SIM card could be embedded or removable.
eSIM Technology is the Same as Multi-IMSI
Multi-IMSI connectivity solutions are similar to eSIM in the sense that they are capable of switching to multiple carrier networks, however with a Multi-IMSI solution this is achieved by replacing or updating the IMSI within the profile as opposed to downloading a new profile in case of an eSIM. Unlike eSIM, Multi-IMSI solutions are proprietary, with no interoperability among carriers and service providers. eSIM is a GSMA-defined remote SIM provisioning technology that is interoperable among different carriers/SIM vendors.
Built with Multi-IMSI and embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) technology, the KORE OmniSIM simplifies the complexity of achieving network access for truly resilient global coverage, navigating evolving network technologies, and managing complex logistics processes for your IoT deployments with a single eSIM.
KORE OmniSIM Reach provides global connectivity across 500 networks in 215 countries with resilient coverage through multiple available networks per country. Powered by centralized Multi-IMSI technology, you can deploy a single SIM SKU globally that supports failover connectivity by switching to another network when one is unreachable. Find out how to get the most out of the solution in our free webinar.
Want to learn more about eSIM? You can test it out for yourself by requesting our eSIM starter kit.