What Is an eSIM, and How Is It Different from a Physical SIM?

Researchers are continually working to refine the stabilization material, such as making sure devices can be thinner, sleeker and faster. So, let us explore an evolution of mobile technology in the term of eSIM(Embedded SIM) which is a new standard for the traditional and physical SIM.

But what exactly is an eSIM? How is this different from a physical SIM? How does it work? In this article, we simplified, and explained eSIM: everything you need to know.

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module), is a digital sim embedded into a device like a smartphone, smart-watch, tablet or even a laptop. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a different type of phone SIM card than the one you slide into your phone; an eSIM is embedded inside your device and activated electronically.

Key Features of an eSIM:

✗ You do not have a physical card to carry, literal device internal embed

✔ Multi-profile – SIM and eSIM for Carrier transfer.

✔ Activate anywhere — No need to visit store for new SIM.

✔ More secure — It is part of the device — not a key that can be lost or damaged.

Now that you have an idea of what an eSIM is, Read on to find out what differentiates it from the traditional or physical SIM card.

Differences Between eSIM and Physical SIM

So what is a physical SIM card, anyway? And in a size that is Standard, Micro or Nano that has to be replaced each time the way a network collection provider is changed.

An eSIM on the other hand is embedded into the device and cannot do any physical swapping here. It is also easier and remote network or programmatic need to change

Feature	eSIM	Physical SIM
Form	Built into the device	Removable plastic chip
Size	Very small, fixed inside	Standard, Micro, Nano
Switching Networks	Easy, can be done remotely	Requires changing SIM cards
Activation	Online or via QR code	Requires visiting a store or inserting a new card
Durability	Can’t be lost or damaged	Can be lost, broken, or stolen
Storage	Can store multiple network profiles	Limited to one carrier at a time
Compatibility	Available in newer devices	Works with almost all mobile devices

Both SIMs and eSIMs serve the same purpose: They let your phone connect to a mobile network, but an eSIM is far more flexible and convenient.

How Does an eSIM Work?

An eSIM acts just like a physical SIM card, connecting your device to a mobile carrier so you can make calls, send texts, and connect to cellular data. But instead of inserting a physical card, you download a digital version of a SIM — called an eSIM — from your carrier.

Steps to Activate an eSIM:

Compatible device eSIM characteristicsAn eSIM is supported by almost all modern devices; smartphone, tablet and even smartwatch.

Get an eSIM plan from a carrier. Your mobile network provider may also give you the option of an eSIM — many now do.

Release Date: 01 October 2023 eSIM setup QR or active code will be dispatched by the carrier

Complete the setup process. Your eSIM would get provisioned on your phone and you would connect to the network.

For a start, because most of the work can be done online, you don’t have to visit a store or wait for a new SIM to arrive — it may not be able to offer you a quick delivery of a SIM for your device.

Benefits of Using an eSIM

For today’s mobile users, eSIMs can be a great replacement choice as compared to the older mate — the (plastic) physical SIM card — due to the many benefits that eSIM brings to the table.

Easy to Switch Networks

✔ eSIM: Change mobile carrier without changing SIM cards.

✔ Ideal if you want a home network while traveling international

💡 E.g.: When traveling overseas, you can quickly change to a local carrier’s plan while on the go without getting a new SIM.

Saves Space in Devices

✔ No SIM card tray — eSIMs only, duh.

✔ That also allows manufacturers to design thinner phones, at the expense of battery housing.

💡 One on one: New Apple and Samsung devices to utilize eSIMs to come out thinner

More Secure and Durable

✔ Cannot be lost or stolen or attacked in real life.

✔ Reduces the chances of SIM card fraud (sim swapping attacks)

📍For example: Your eSIM can’t be taken out and used on someone else’s phone if your phone is lost or stolen, as with a physical SIM.

A Single Device With Multiple Numbers

✔ You not stuck with one phone or max 4 line per phone — is also nice setup is to assign per line phone.

✔ Inorder for professional sim numbers where no assignment is done.

Use case 1🏢: A biz person can host a working record (professional) and a personal record on same device.

Environmentally Friendly

✔ Gradual phasing out of plastic SIM cards and packaging ending up in landfill.

✔ Push mobile carriers to move to a digital, paperless process

💡 Trade off: ESDM: And this will soon return with interfaces like eSIM, pitched as the greener alternative by everyone from tech giants like Google, Apple and Samsung.

eSIM Technology Constraints

But for all their benefits, eSIMs do come with a couple of downsides:

Limited Device Compatibility

✔ Not all smartphones, tablets or smartwatches are eSIM compatible.

✔ Most newer ones still have a physical SIM.

Carrier Restrictions

Not all mobile carriers support eSIMs yet, or they have limited availability.

✔ eSIM support is unavailable in every country.

💡 The fix: Check with your carrier BEFORE switching to an eSIM

Requires Internet for Setup

✔ An eSIM will be “active” only when signed into a Wi-Fi network or mobile data.

✔ In case you get locked out of your network, you could have issues when it comes to edit your eSIM profiles.

💡 Solution: Always Add at least one spare network Profile in Your System.

Less Portable to a New Device

✔ An eSIM cannot easily move from device to device like a physical SIM can.

✔ Depending on the carrier, you may have to issue the eSIM again while switching devices.

💡 The solution: Before you upgrade your phone, call your carrier and ask how to transfer everything.

What’s New eSIM Supported Devices and More Supported Providers

You can also support eSIM on top of the device line today. Here are some examples:

📱 Smartphones with eSIM:

What to know✔ Apple: iPhone 14 (all models), iPhone 15 (all models), iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen)

✔ Samsung (Galaxy S23, S22, Note 20, Z Fold models)

✔ GOOGL — Private Screening: PXL 7/PXL 7, PXL 6/PXL 6/5, PXL 4

⌚ Smartwatches with eSIM:

✔ Apple Watch series 4 and later

✔ Samsung Galaxy Watch Series

✔ Смарт Часы Garmin и Huawei

🌎 List of Countries & Carriers Supporting eSIM:

✔ US: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon

✔ UK: EE, Vodafone, O2

✔ India: Airtel, Jio, Vi

✔ eSIM support for multiple European & Asian carriers

💡 Note: eSIM support varies based on your mobile carrier, your device, and your country.

Conclusion

New eSIMs are cool new winners, but this may change the very way we connect to the mobile networks. eSIMs are the modern user’s best friend, in comparison with a traditional SIM card, because they are flexible, secure and easy to use.