SIM vs. eSIM: Choosing the Right Mobile Connectivity Option

Just the other day, my friend told me that he is planning to get the iPhone 16 Pro from the USA, to which I said to him that it is great but you will have to port your physical SIM to an eSIM. He simply asked, “What’s an eSIM?” you will be shocked to know how many people are unaware of it. 

Well, not after today, as you are just on the right page. Today, we will explore the differences between an eSIM and a physical SIM. So let’s dive right in.

Adoption of eSIM in India

Despite eSIMs being available for a while, Indian customers are still a bit reluctant to use eSIMs on their smartphones. Reports indicate that only 10-15% of smartphones in India support eSIMs, with predictions of slow growth. 

If we talk about the major telecom companies in India that provide SIM cards, only Airtel and Jio offer eSIMs as of now. So you will not find a lot of smartphones with eSIM in India.

On the other hand, the USA is quite fast in adopting eSIMs. In fact, they have iPhones with only eSIM compatibility back from 2022 with the iPhone 14 series. 

Know about eSIM and Physical SIM

Let’s understand the what is an eSIM and what is a physical SIM:

What’s an eSIM?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is pre-installed on your smartphone. Unlike actual SIM cards, eSIMs do not need a specialized slot or a chip that can be removed and replaced.

Instead, they’re built into the phone’s hardware. The eSIM enables you to activate and transfer between providers without physically changing SIM cards, making it an extremely convenient solution.

The activation process is digital and can be done over Wi-Fi or an app offered by your cell carrier. For example, you can activate your eSIM via the carrier’s app in a matter of minutes without ever having to visit a store.

This versatility makes eSIMs especially handy for users who travel frequently and need to switch networks in different locations. An eSIM allows you to switch to a local network without having to purchase a new physical SIM card each time.

However, not every device supports eSIM yet. While flagship devices like the iPhone 14 and 15 and select Samsung Galaxy models come with eSIM capabilities, many budget and older models still rely solely on physical SIMs.

What’s a physical SIM?

A physical SIM card is the traditional, removable chip that you manually insert into a phone. The SIM card has been in use since the early days of mobile technology and contains your mobile network details, allowing your phone to connect to cellular services.

Physical SIM cards have dropped in size throughout time, from macro-SIM to micro-SIM to the now-common nano-SIM, the smallest possible. Despite the reduced size, the physical SIM’s core function has stayed unchanged.

Physical SIM cards have the advantage of being visible, allowing you to simply remove and insert them into another device if you need to transfer phones.

This can be especially useful for persons who frequently switch between devices, such as tech enthusiasts or professionals who own many phones. However, this convenience has several downsides, including the danger of losing or damaging the card.

Which one is better?

The choice between an eSIM and a physical SIM is primarily dependent on your unique requirements and preferences. Each has advantages, but the rise of eSIM technology represents a transition towards a more adaptable, digital future.

If you value convenience and security and often switch networks or travel, the eSIM may be a better alternative.

However, if you want the dependability of a physical card that can be readily removed and inserted into different devices, a real SIM card may still be the best option.

Let’s go over the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can make an informed selection.

Pros and Cons eSIM and Physical SIM

Pros of eSIM

• Ease of Switching Networks: One of the most significant advantages of eSIM technology is how easy it is to switch between carriers. You can activate and configure a new carrier profile in a matter of minutes via an app or online. No need to visit a store or wait for a new SIM card in the mail. This convenience makes eSIM ideal for international travelers or users testing different network providers.
• Dual SIM Capability: Many eSIM-enabled devices also support dual SIM functionality. This means you can have both an eSIM and a physical SIM active at the same time, allowing you to use two different numbers or networks simultaneously. This is particularly useful for people who need separate numbers for work and personal use.
• Environmental Benefits: eSIMs are more environmentally friendly because they eliminate the need for plastic cards and shipping materials. Considering that physical SIM cards are often thrown away after switching carriers, the environmental impact of eSIM is significantly lower.
• Security: Because eSIMs are embedded into the device, they are much harder to steal or clone. In the case of phone theft, a physical SIM card can be quickly removed, making it more difficult to track the device. An eSIM, however, cannot be removed, giving you more time to recover or track your stolen phone.
• Space-saving: eSIM technology frees up space inside devices, which can be used for additional features or a more streamlined design. This is particularly valuable in smaller devices like smartwatches, where every bit of space counts.

Cons of eSIM

• Switching Devices Isn’t as Easy: While switching carriers with an eSIM is simple, transferring the eSIM itself between devices can be more hectic. You have to deactivate it on your current phone before activating it on a new one, which requires a bit more effort compared to simply swapping out a physical SIM card.
• Limited Carrier Support: Not all carriers support eSIM technology, especially in certain regions or with smaller mobile operators. While major carriers like Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio support eSIM, smaller network operators may not, which limits its use.
• Device Compatibility: Although more smartphones now come with eSIM functionality, it’s still limited to premium devices like the latest iPhones or high-end Android phones. If you own a budget or an older smartphone, chances are you won’t be able to use an eSIM.

Pros of Physical SIM

• Simplicity in Switching Devices: One of the biggest advantages of a physical SIM card is how easy it is to switch devices. Simply pop out your SIM card from one phone and insert it into another. No need to deactivate or reactivate anything online.
• Wider Compatibility: Physical SIM cards work with almost every phone, regardless of the model or the carrier. This makes them a reliable choice for users who don’t have the latest high-end smartphones or who live in regions where eSIM support is limited.
• Dependability in Emergencies: Physical SIMs are often more convenient in emergency situations. If your phone dies or malfunctions, you can quickly transfer the SIM card to another device and maintain connectivity.

Cons of Physical SIM

• Risk of Damage or Loss: Physical SIM cards are prone to damage, theft, or loss. If your SIM card gets damaged, replacing it could take time, especially if you have to wait for a new one to be shipped or need to visit a store.
• Less Convenient Network Switching: Unlike an eSIM, which lets you switch carriers remotely, changing networks with a physical SIM card requires either a visit to a store or waiting for a new card to arrive via mail. This process can be time-consuming.

The Bottom Line

So that is all about eSIM vs. physical SIM. In simple words, the eSIM is directly embedded into your smartphone, and the physical SIM is the removable chip that you manually insert into a phone. eSIMs offer a lot of benefits over physical SIMs.

However, their adoption, particularly in India, is slow, and only Airtel and Jio offer eSIMs in India among major carriers. But with time, we shall see more devices with eSIM support and more eSIMs in India.