eSIM vs iSIM: Which one is better?

The world is experiencing a rapid technological shift and the question is how quickly we are willing to adapt. SIM cards are a perfect example of this change. Indeed, their evolution over the last three decades never ceases to amaze us; especially since we no longer only talk about physical cards, but about eSIM vs iSIM, as complementary solutions for this prominent market.

Therefore, in this post, we will explain: What are eSIM and iSIM? How are they different? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Which cellular devices are compatible? And which is better?

What is SIM, eSIM and iSIM?

First, a SIM Card (Subscriber Identity Module) is a physical chip that is manually inserted into smartphones, to store user identification data and phone numbers. This data is assigned by the operator to allow the customer to access the internet and telephone services under contract or prepaid, through their cellular network.

Secondly, the eSIM or Virtual SIM is a much smaller chip that is already embedded in the latest generation smartphones. This milestone marks a before and after in SIM technology, since it works just like a SIM card, without the need for a plastic chip. Certainly, this opens a window of opportunity that benefits manufacturers of cellular devices, providers, and end users.

Finally, we find the iSIM card (or integrated SIM). This is the most recent development in SIM technology, which seeks to eliminate the use of removable chips, thanks to the direct integration of this chip with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the most powerful Android processor (so far).

eSIM vs iSIM: How are they different?

Of course, there’s one thing that certain. eSIM and iSIM developers have something in common: reduce the size of a SIM card, and look for the maximum possible space-saving, performance, and efficiency in the cellular device. This, undoubtedly, generates important effects on the design of the devices, making them increasingly small, safe, accessible, and efficient.

The above serves as a starting point to understand their possible differences:

From the perspective of end users, there would be no visible differences so far, but rather multiple benefits. Meanwhile, for smartphone manufacturers the outlook is also very positive, due to the impact generated by this space-saving of both eSIM and iSIM, reducing their manufacturing costs and the time they invest in the supply chain, including the equipment assembly process.

On the other hand, for internet and cellphone companies it represents an important advance in the digital transformation of their markets. And incidentally, they respond to the growing demand of users, who expect solutions that facilitate the portability, use, management, and safety of their SIM cards.

eSIM vs iSIM: advantages and disadvantages

To explain, below we show the advantages and disadvantages of iSIM technology and eSIM technology, respectively:

Advantages of iSIM technology

• Disposal of removable chips
• Increased storage capacity
• Energy savings Equipment
• Extended equipment life
• More compact designs
• Device connectivity options

Disadvantages of iSIM

• By being integrated into the device, it is more difficult to change or update
• For now, it would only work with a single provider
• Limits the user’s freedom to change the provider
• Initially, only available on high-end smartphones

Advantages of eSIM

• Flexibility to change the provider
• Ease of use and portability of the eSIM
• It is managed remotely
• It is embedded in a very small, dedicated chip
• Saves space and offers greater security
• Flexible connectivity for travel
• User freedom, comfort, and control

Disadvantages of eSIM

• It is only compatible with the latest generation smartphones
• Not all cellular providers in the world support eSIM
• eSIMs can only be activated once
• Makes it difficult to switch phones

How does an eSIM or virtual SIM work?

Certainly, Holafly eSIMs are a good example of how this technology has allowed users to travel with a cellular data plan without headaches, thanks to the use of a virtual chip that allows them to connect to the internet, without having to remove the plastic chip (or SIM card) each time they arrive at a new destination.

To clarify, here we explain the installation and activation process of the Holafly eSIM, in simple steps:

Application example of a Virtual eSIM for travelers

Holafly, as an online specialized travel eSIM data cards provider, offers eSIMs for more than 160 destinations. They work by automatically connecting to a local operator’s cellular network. Thus, travelers enjoy stable connections during their trips.

And, if the eSIM covers more than one country, it will be activated just as you would in any of those destinations, without this implicating additional costs for the users. Undoubtedly, an alternative that makes connectivity more flexible and easy when traveling. In addition, it brings multiple added benefits as shown below:

• Hassle-free eSIM purchases, anytime, anywhere
• After completing purchase, the eSIM is immediately delivered by email
• The email contains a QR code with the eSIM which must be scanned
• The eSIM profile is set up on the cellphone and that’s it! You can now connect to the internet
• You can keep the SIM card in case you need it
• You can keep in touch with your contacts through apps like WhatsApp
• You don’t have to register the SIM, nor subscribe to a contract rate

Undoubtedly, the eSIM helps users connect easily and this leads to comfortable travel and lets them enjoy this experience to the fullest. With this small chip, they will have the possibility of using their favorite app, whenever they need it, without restrictions. Even more when they decide to travel to the other side of the world.

As you can see, it’s a very simple process, which is renovating the way travelers connect to the internet while they travel the world. So to start enjoying this new connectivity experience, you have to verify the compatibility of the cellphone you’re going to use.

It may interest you: Cellphones compatible with eSIM.

How does the iSIM or integrated SIM work?

Following the announcement of the certification of the first iSIM embedded in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, by Thales and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., at Mobile World Congress 2023, many questions are arising about its operation and other issues of interest.

So far, we know that it will have the same functions as the eSIM cards. However, the element of surprise is its high-security standards, tamper-proof, preventing information theft and unauthorized access to the device.

Just like eSIMs, you can have several iSIM profiles on the same device, and you can activate it by scanning a QR code, or by downloading the app of the selected provider.

eSIM and iSIM compatibility with cell phones and providers

Talking about compatibility in this context is complex because compatibility depends on the cellphone and providers that support these technologies. So, we recommend you to check thoroughly and verify this information making any purchase decision in the coming months.

What mobile devices are compatible with eSIM?

According to a report published by IHS MARKIT, a research and information provider in the financial industry and markets around the world, by 2024 around one billion cellular devices will have eSIM technology. Certainly, this strongly suggests that the list of compatible cellphones will increase exponentially in the coming months.

To find out if your cellphone is compatible with eSIM, we invite you to read our post: Cellphones compatible with eSIM, from brands such as Apple, Google, Honor, Huawei, Motorola, Rakuten, Samsung, Sharp, OPPO, Xiaomi, Doogee, among others.

What mobile providers support eSIM?

Currently, different providers around the world already have eSIM cards in their portfolio of cellular solutions. But even so, there’s still a long way to go. To find out which cellphone companies currently support virtual SIMs, we invite you to read: Providers that support eSIM in the world

What do we know about iSIM compatibility?

The news about the development of iSIM was released to the world recently. So, there’s still no certainty of compatible phones. What is certain is that it will be the new high-end Android smartphone models that experience the integration and benefits of this new technology.

On the other hand, regarding cellular providers, companies such as Vodafone and Airtel Africa, have invested in the adoption of this technology as a contribution to the digitization and development of their markets.

In conclusion: eSIM vs iSIM, which is better?

The only key difference we notice is that the eSIM is contained in a small chip, while the iSIM comes embedded in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and it will be some high-end phones to experience its huge potential.

So, to know which is better, we will have to wait a few months for the iSIM to become operational. For now, the demand for eSIMs in the world has been growing exponentially, to the point that cellular devices that only have eSIM are already beginning to be marketed, such as the new iPhone 14, available in the United States.

The future is already underway, live your own experience with a Holafly eSIM!

FAQs about eSIM vs iSIM