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eSIM vs physical SIM: A comprehensive guide
Debating between an eSIM and a physical SIM? This guide covers the key differences, pros, cons, and how to choose the best option for your needs.
Remember the days of fumbling with tiny SIM cards, trying not to drop them for fear of never seeing them again? Or the wait for a new SIM card to be mailed just to switch networks? Well, eSIMs have changed the game.
No more plastic. No more switching phones. Just a virtual SIM card that’s pre-built into your phone and ready to activate with a few taps. But that’s not to say eSIMs are right for everyone — it depends on what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re upgrading to a new phone, switching wireless carriers, or are just curious about the differences between a physical SIM card and an eSIM, this guide breaks it all down.
Let’s get into it.
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What are the differences between an eSIM and physical SIM?
eSIMs and physical SIM cards serve the same purpose — they connect your phone to a mobile network so you can make calls, send texts, and use the internet. But the way they work is entirely different.
A physical SIM card is a small chip you insert into your phone, while an eSIM (or embedded SIM) is built directly into your device’s hardware and can be programmed remotely.
That means no more tiny cards to swap — but if your phone doesn’t have a SIM slot, you won’t be able to use a physical SIM in places that don’t support eSIM. That’s a phone limitation, not an eSIM issue — since you can easily turn off an eSIM in your settings.
Here’s a quick comparison of SIM vs eSIM:
| Feature | eSIM | Physical SIM card |
| Form factor | Built into the phone; no physical card needed | A small plastic SIM card that must be inserted into a SIM tray |
| Activation | Can be activated remotely using an app or QR code | Requires inserting the SIM card manually and activating it with a wireless carrier |
| Switching carriers | Easy to switch plans digitally | Requires removing the SIM and inserting a new one |
| Using multiple carriers | Most eSIM phones support multiple eSIMs, allowing you to switch networks without swapping SIMs | Limited to dual SIM phones that support two physical SIM cards |
| Dual SIM capability | Many modern phones support dual eSIM or one eSIM + one physical SIM | Requires two physical SIM slots, which fewer phones offer now |
| Travel use | Ideal for travel eSIMs — no need to visit a store, just buy online and activate | You may need to visit a physical store to buy a local SIM card |
| Security | Impossible to steal and can be deactivated remotely | Can be physically removed and used in another device |
Pros and cons of eSIM
Switching to an eSIM vs SIM card has its advantages, but it’s not perfect for everyone.
Pros of eSIM:
✅ Instant activation: No waiting for a SIM card to be mailed or visiting a physical store. Just scan a QR code or use an app to activate. Especially when you’re traveling abroad, there’s no need to wait in long lines at airport kiosks or hunt for a local SIM card. Just land, connect, and get going.
✅ Easier network switching: Store multiple network profiles on one device and switch carriers without swapping a physical SIM.
✅ Perfect for frequent travelers: No need to search for a local SIM card or deal with roaming fees. Just buy a travel eSIM online and connect instantly.
✅ More secure: Since there’s no physical SIM card, it can’t be stolen or used in another device. eSIMs are also harder to clone, reducing the risk of fraud. If your phone is lost or stolen, an eSIM can be quickly deactivated, making it more secure.
✅ Better for the environment: Eliminates the plastic waste from physical SIM cards and packaging.
✅ Available on most modern phones: Newer models from Apple, Samsung, and Google all support eSIM technology.
Cons of eSIM:
❌ Switching devices isn’t as seamless: When upgrading to a new phone, you can’t just pop out your SIM card and insert it into another device. You’ll need to obtain a new eSIM profile from your wireless carrier, which can be time-consuming or come with extra fees.
❌ Potential challenges during device damage recovery: If your phone is damaged, you may need WiFi or another device to reinstall your eSIM — though a physical SIM could also be damaged in situations like water exposure.
❌ Requires internet for activation: Unlike a physical SIM that works immediately when inserted, an eSIM requires an internet connection (WiFi or mobile data) for initial activation — which can be tricky if you’re setting it up in a new country without access to WiFi.
Pros and cons of physical SIM
Despite eSIM’s advantages, many still prefer physical SIM card vs eSIM for the flexibility, reliability, and ease of removable physical SIMs.
Pros of physical SIM:
✅ Better for people who swap phones frequently: If you use multiple devices or regularly upgrade, a physical SIM makes switching hassle-free — just move the SIM to your new phone, and you’re set. While eSIM transfers are possible, the process and limitations depend on carrier policies and device compatibility.
✅ Easier to troubleshoot: If you’re having network issues, you can quickly swap to a different SIM card to test connectivity without relying on your carrier’s app or customer support.
✅ Available in different sizes: Physical SIMs come in three sizes: standard, micro, and nano SIM. While most modern phones use nano SIMs, older devices may still require larger sizes, making physical SIM cards more adaptable across older phone models.
Cons of physical SIM
❌ More hassle when switching carriers: If you change networks, you’ll need to obtain a new SIM card, either by visiting a physical store or waiting for it to be mailed to you.
❌ Easier to lose or damage: SIM cards are tiny and can be lost, bent, or damaged, which could mean a trip to your carrier for a replacement.
❌Not as secure: A physical SIM card can be removed and placed in another device, making it easier for someone to steal your number if they get hold of your SIM.
❌Can be inconvenient for international travel: If you need a local SIM card while traveling, you’ll have to buy one at an airport or local store, which might mean waiting in long lines or dealing with language barriers.
When to choose an eSIM or physical SIM
Choosing between eSIM and physical SIM depends on how you use your phone and where you need service. Here’s how to decide:
- Go for eSIM if you travel often and want the ability to switch networks instantly without dealing with physical SIM cards. It’s also ideal if you manage multiple numbers or prefer a fully digital setup.
- Stick with a physical SIM if you frequently swap phones or use an older device that doesn’t support eSIM. It’s also a more straightforward choice if you prefer a plug-and-play solution without relying on WiFi for activation.
- Use both if your phone supports dual SIM. An eSIM for your main number and a physical SIM as a backup gives you flexibility and reliability — great for travelers, remote workers, and business users.
Which phones are eSIM compatible?
eSIM compatibility varies based on the brand, model, and region.
Phones that are eSIM compatible
- Most iPhones from the iPhone XS onwards support eSIM, including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series. In the U.S., iPhone 14 models and later no longer have a SIM tray, making them eSIM-only. Several iPads, including the iPad Pro, Air, and Mini, also support eSIM.
- For Samsung, eSIM is available on Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, and S25 series, as well as Z Flip and Z Fold models from Flip 3/Fold 3 onwards. eSIM installation and activation on Samsung devices is handled through the phone’s settings, typically by scanning a QR code or entering details manually.
- All Google Pixel models from Pixel 4 onward support eSIM. Pixel 3a or later support one physical SIM and one eSIM active simultaneously, known as “Dual SIM, Dual Standby” mode.
- Huawei supports eSIM on P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, and Pura 70 Pro
- Oppo offers eSIM support on Find X3, Find X5, Find X8, and Find N2, N3 and N5 series.
- Sony Xperia models like Xperia 10 IV/V/VI, Xperia 1 IV/V/VI, and Xperia 5 IV/V support eSIM.
- Xiaomi’s eSIM-compatible models include the 12T Pro, 13 and 14 series, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, and Redmi Note 14 Pro models.
Phones that are not eSIM compatible
- Most phones older than the models listed above do not support eSIM.
- iPhones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao typically do not support eSIM.
- Some Chinese and Hong Kong versions of these Samsung phones do not support eSIM.
- Huawei does not support eSIM on P40 Pro+ or P50 Pro.
For a complete list, check our eSIM compatibility phone list.
How to switch from a physical SIM to eSIM
You can usually convert your SIM into an eSIM through your phone’s settings.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
- Tap Convert to eSIM (if available).
- Select Convert Cellular Plan and confirm.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to activate.
If you don’t see the Convert to eSIM option, your carrier may require you to scan a QR code or complete the process through their app.
On Samsung:
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Follow the steps to scan a QR code or enter details manually.
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.
- Tap Download new eSIM.
- Scan the QR code from your carrier or enter the activation details.
Wrapping up: Which is better – eSIM or physical SIM?
If you’ve decided that an eSIM is the right choice for you, Holafly makes the switch worthwhile. With Holalfy, you stay connected in 200+ destinations — including individual countries and regional plans — you can travel across borders without switching SIMs or dealing with roaming fees.
With Holafly, you can share up to 1 GB of data per day via hotspot, perfect for keeping friends or family connected while traveling together.
Plans start at $6.90 for 1 day and drop to as low as $1.55 per day for 90-day trips, giving you flexibility whether you’re on a quick getaway or a longer adventure.
Considering a longer trip for work or leisure? Holafly Connect is a global, monthly subscription plan. Choose between 10 GB, 25 GB, and unlimited data (with unlimited hotspot) plans to give you peace of mind every time you step foot abroad.
Switching from a physical SIM to a Holafly eSIM simplifies your entire travel experience. Just install your eSIM one day before your trip, and you’re ready to go.
If you’re traveling to China, Holafly’s eSIM even comes with a pre-installed VPN for unrestricted access, while ID verification for Taiwan and Hong Kong is quick and easy.
You can buy and activate your eSIM directly from the Holafly app (available for Android and iPhone) or website in minutes. Holafly is the smarter way to stay connected wherever your travels take you.
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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.
