eSIM vs Physical SIM: What's The Difference?

A SIM card, short for Subscriber Identity Module, connects mobile devices to the respective network. Without a SIM card, smartphones will not connect to the carrier network for basic functions such as calling, texting, or mobile internet. A SIM card has a small chip that stores the subscriber's identity and assigns a phone number to identify each unique user. 

With the evolution of mobile phones, the SIM cards also evolved from full-sized cards to mini, micro, and the smaller nano SIM cards used in the smartphones today. These cards are manually placed in a slot in the device, and thus called physical SIM cards.

However, in recent years a digital version of the physical SIM card was developed, known as the eSIM. The eSIM is a remotely programmable SIM embedded into the device that enables using a SIM card digitally without getting a physical card and slotting it. While the nano SIM cards look tiny, they still occupy space in the device. The eSIM also functions on the same networks and phone plans as the standard SIM cards.

eSIM vs Physical SIM: 

Pros of an eSIM:

• Lower Chance of Damage/Loss

Since eSIMs are integrated in the device, the chances of SIM damage or loss decline compared to physical SIM cards.

• Easy to locate

Telecom operators can virtually access/control the eSIM in case of device lost, making it easier to locate.

• Smaller Size for Higher Capabilities

eSIM frees up the SIM slot space for optimizing a device with better features. The miniscule size of eSIMs makes them better for other smaller devices like smart watches, etc.

• Added Convenience

As eSIM is embedded in the device and doesn't require a physical slot, it prevents potential water or dust accumulating in the SIM slot.

Pros of a Physical SIM:

• Wider Availability
  

As the eSIM are relatively new, they are only compatible with newer device models. However, the traditional SIM card is compatible with all devices, new or old.

• SIM card are Removable

Since the SIM cards are placed in a slot on the device, they can be easily removed in case the device battery dies, or is damaged. 

• Data Transfer is Easier

As SIM cards can be physically swapped from device to device, it is easy to transfer contacts or other data.

While with an eSIM data needs to be downloaded from the cloud. However, this can be an advantage too! With eSIMs, data remains safe in the cloud and cannot be lost!

With this we leave you to explore and make a decision to buy a new Vi SIM card, go for the latest Vi eSIM or maybe get both and use them parallelly!