eSIM Cards vs. Physical SIM Cards: Which One is Right for You?
Since eSIM cards came on board, there has been an unending debate about whether they are better than physical SIM cards. While eSIM has obvious benefits, traditional SIM cards have advantages that may attract some people. Eventually, factors such as location, performance, signal strength, convenience, and cost will decide the type of card that is right for you.
eSIM Guru has done the heavy lifting by comparing physical SIM vs. eSIM based on relevant factors. At the end of this article, you can easily decide which one is right for you.
Choosing between a physical SIM card and an eSIM can be a tough decision, especially if you are not familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of each. In recent years, eSIMs have become increasingly popular, with more and more devices now compatible with this technology. However, traditional SIM cards are still widely used, and both options have their pros and cons. In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between physical SIMs and eSIMs, and help you determine which one is the right choice for your needs.
Some mobile network users have raised concerns about whether there is a difference between the signal strength of eSIM and physical SIM cards. We cannot do a fair physical SIM card vs. eSIM comparison without testing their signal strengths. Hence, eSIM Guru activated an eSIM and a physical SIM card in the same phone. Both SIM cards were from the same network provider.
In our assessment, the eSIM often showed a slightly weaker cellular strength than the physical SIM card. An iPhone 14 user shared a similar result via UK’s EE Community. The user said they discovered that the eSIM signal strength is “almost always” lower than the physical card’s strength.
However, eSIM Guru found that the different signal strengths do not necessarily mean one is stronger. The difference in signal strength may be due to both SIMs being connected to different cellular frequency bands. Cellular networks use various frequency bands. In a dual phone, two SIMs might connect to different frequency channels with different signal strengths.
The difference in frequency channels may explain why eSIM Guru and the EE user saw different signal strengths between our eSIM and physical SIM cards.
Despite the signal strength appearing to differ, both eSIM and physical SIM cards offer similar functionality in our experience. Although the difference in signal strength may tempt you to want to think that either eSIM or physical SIM card is better than the other, the reality is different. There is no better performer between eSIM and physical SIM; they are functionally the same.
When using eSIM and physical SIM cards in a phone, you may experience slower internet speed, but that will probably have nothing to do with any of the SIM cards. Generally, a dual SIM setup is slower than a single SIM setup. So, it does not matter whether you use two physical SIM cards or a physical SIM and an eSIM; the dual SIM setup will always make the internet slower.
However, the dual SIM setup does not always cause slower internet speed. An eSIM can offer inferior internet speed because of the eSIM carrier’s poor cellular coverage. If your carrier has a poor range in your area, you will experience slower internet speeds. In this case, physical SIM cards have the advantage.
eSIM technology is the future. Hence, we will discuss the benefits of eSIM vs. physical SIM cards below:
There is no eSIM card vs. physical SIM card competition regarding convenience; eSIM is the undisputed winner. eSIM offers you the convenience of downloading and activating it in the comfort of your room while you need to visit a store to buy a physical SIM card.
This distinction makes an eSIM the better choice for international travelers who want to avoid the inconvenience of shopping for a physical SIM card every time they reach a new country. Also, eSIM will not subject you to the hassle of removing SIM trays several times; it is easy to install.
Generally, you cannot have more than two physical SIM cards on the phone. However, you can have more than two eSIMs in a smartphone. For example, an iPhone can store eight or more eSIM plans, giving you plenty of options when you travel. This benefit is a dream for international travelers.
Physical SIM cards use chips to function. They become inactive once any parts of the chips are damaged. However, eSIM does not have this vulnerability; it is not prone to damage.
Physical SIM cards are available in different sizes, including nano, mini, and micro. All sizes are small, making the cards prone to missing. Losing your SIM card, which holds a lot of information that is not backed up, can be a devastating experience. You will not endure such an experience with an eSIM because you cannot lose it.
An eSIM offers you better security than a physical SIM card. A thief can easily pop a card out of your device for malicious purposes, but there’s no risk of such if you’re using an eSIM.
Before settling the physical vs. eSIM card debate and deciding which one is right for you, consider your needs. If you have an eSIM-compatible device and are a frequent international traveler, choosing eSIM is a no-brainer. An eSIM is also the right choice if you want a more convenient SIM card.
On the other hand, if you have a preference for a particular mobile network provider, physical SIM may be the better choice. This is because not all carriers support eSIM technology yet, and some may charge extra for eSIM activation. Additionally, if you live in an area with poor cellular coverage, a physical SIM card may provide better internet speed and call quality than an eSIM. Ultimately, the choice between eSIM and physical SIM cards comes down to your individual needs and preferences. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option carefully before making a decision.
If you're a frequent traveler or digital nomad looking for a more convenient and cost-effective communication option, eSIM might be the perfect solution for you.
