Although eSIM isn’t a new term you might be hearing about, iSIM is something you might think is mispronounced. But, no, it actually exists and it’s better than eSIM. Qualcomm recently announced that it is bringing iSIM to future smartphones with Snapdragon chips. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC has received support for it and millions of smartphone users will be able to use iSIM in the near future. But, what exactly is it, what are its benefits and how is it different from eSIM? Here is a detailed description of everything.
What is eSIM?
eSIMs are embedded directly into the phone’s hardware, and are contained in a separate chip. However, it is smaller than the physical SIM card and frees up physical space in the phone that would otherwise be occupied by the SIM card slot. This allows manufacturers to design sleeker and more compact devices while maintaining the same or better functionality.
How to enable eSIM?
People can always visit their respective network operator’s offline store or use their app to upgrade to eSIM and initiate an eSIM request. Keep in mind that the process to activate or enable an eSIM is simple but varies from operator to operator.
eSIM: Which phones are supported?
Apple devices like iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 lineup and all iPhone 15 models are applicable for this technology. There is less support for eSIM in Android phones. These include Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20.
Some other eSIM-supported devices are Motorola Razr, Motorola Next Gen Razr, Motorola Edge 40, Motorola Razr 40 series, Nokia G60, Nokia X30, and Vivo X90 Pro. Same is the case with Google Pixel 3 and above versions.
Note: For Apple devices, eSIM is supported on iOS version 12.1 or higher. For Samsung, Google, Motorola, Nokia and Vivo devices, these eligible handsets need to be upgraded to the latest software version and made eSIM ready.
eSIM: benefits
-eSIMs eliminate the need for physical SIM cards and trays, resulting in more compact device designs. This allows for smoother, thinner devices.
-It can be provisioned remotely, eliminating the need for physical SIM card swaps. This is especially beneficial for users who travel frequently or need to change carriers frequently, as they can change their mobile plan or carrier through an app or online portal, which provides more flexibility and convenience. Does.
-Some eSIMs can store multiple profiles, allowing users to easily switch between personal and business mobile plans or different carriers.
-They may also provide better security features, making it harder for unauthorized access or tampering, which can be beneficial for protecting sensitive data.
eSIM: disadvantages
-The biggest drawback of eSIM arises when you change devices frequently. Unlike a physical SIM card, which can be easily transferred to a new phone, the eSIM activation process requires repeating the setup process every time you change devices.
What is iSIM?
iSIM is very similar to eSIM, but it is integrated into a chipset and does not require an additional chip to operate. Qualcomm claims that the iSIM is 100 times smaller than a Nano SIM card. It is currently available only with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC.
iSIM: benefits
-Qualcomm, a popular chip maker for Snapdragon-powered phones, says the iSIM technology outperforms eSIM and Nano SIM cards, providing significantly better power efficiency, which ultimately improves battery life.
-Its primary advantage is that it eliminates the need for a SIM card slot, allowing the space to be used for something else, like better speakers or an additional vibration motor.
-It makes the phone more resistant to dust and water. Other benefits are similar to eSIM.
Why not just use a physical SIM card?
The transition from traditional physical SIM cards and trays to eSIM and iSIM offers significant benefits in the area of mobile device design and connectivity.
-Without any physical SIM component, phone companies are able to create more compact and portable devices.
-It also increases their durability by reducing their susceptibility to damage caused by dust and water.
-eSIM and iSIM also create more room for companies to add other components to devices.
-eSIM and iSIM can work with multiple mobile network operators, allowing users to switch between carriers without the need to physically change SIM cards. They can also help reduce complexity in manufacturing and supply chains.
-Travelers can easily switch to local carriers without the hassle of buying and inserting a physical SIM card abroad. This can result in cost savings and a more convenient experience for tourists and business travelers.