A SIM is a technology at the core of mobile communication. The invention and development of SIM contributed greatly to the advent of smart devices. As such, a SIM can be said to be at the heart of mobile phones. However, this technology has undergone rapid development in the past couple of years. As a result, we do not have to keep relying on the traditionally small plastic chips for connecting to a phone network carrier. Instead, we have succeeded in developing eSIM that will soon render the older tech obsolete, hopefully. Today, the following article aims to highlight the significant benefits an eSIM can bore its users.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is, as the name suggests, embedded into a device. Thus, it is not removable. However, its ergonomic design takes lesser space in the hardware, leaving sufficient real estate for further features. The eSIM is designed to surpass the old gen physical plastic cards.
As such, it is also somewhat eco-friendly. Although it is an immovable piece of tech, the developers have worked around the issues of changing carriers by coding the eSIM to be rewritable. While an eSIM might be the obvious replacement for traditional plastic chips, the feat is still quite far in the future as an eSIM is quite costly. But, we have taken a step in the right direction, as the overall response to this tech is quite positive.
The eSIM tech was first used in a consumer product in the year 2016. And even though it has enough exposure, only the high-end flagship smartphones tend to offer this tech, and that too as an alternative dual SIM slot. However, the rise of wearables has also opened yet another door to the use of eSIM where people explore the option of communication via Smartwatches or Sunglasses.
While we do not know when the tech would be fully embraced or if will it even be as successful as the older SIM chipsets, we do have a few benefits associated with an eSIM listed below for our readers.
Different advantages of an eSIM:
Listed below are a few distinct advantages associated with an eSIM.
1. The convenience of multiple phone numbers
The greatest advantage of an eSIM slot is the freedom of employing multiple phone numbers without carrying additional devices. It works on the same principles as the dual SIM tech. However, an eSIM can host more than two phone carriers.
Furthermore, with an eSIM, the phone manufacturer does not have to use space for a dual SIM slot. They can simply place a single SIM slot and let the eSIM act as the dual SIM. This way, a user can carry two different numbers at once in the same device. And both of them could be active at the same time.
2. Easy to switch carriers
With an eSIM in place, forget the hassle of changing carriers, as you no longer have to shut down your device, remove the SIM using an ejector tool, then install a new SIM and wait for the network. An eSIM allows users to switch registered carriers in seconds. Thus, eSIM is too good for travel buffs. They no longer have to keep waiting for a new SIM in a new country as they can change carriers online in just a few clicks.
3. eSIM takes up less space
As we have already discussed, an eSIM does not take up a lot of space. Especially considering the popularity of dual-SIM slots, the manufacturer had to make enough space to host two SIM cards in the device. But the advent of the eSIM tech does not need such considerations. A mobile manufacturer can then dedicate this space to better its features such as battery capacity, better camera sensors, or more RAM, which in turn will benefit the company.
Also, fewer holes in the device will work in its favor as it will lead to fewer moisture and dust issues. Manufacturers can also make their devices much smaller and more compact by saving space. However, wearables will be the deal clincher for eSIMs as they are required to be small yet equally functional, which is possible due to an eSIM.
4. Simpler to activate than a physical SIM
eSIM removes the hassle of waiting for a physical SIM, installing and then activating it. It forgoes a few steps and can be activated directly from your device, that too within minutes. The entire process can be completed online or by simply scanning a QR code and entering a PIN.
5. No need to forgo old numbers
An eSIM is pretty different from your traditional ones. Not only can it be embedded in the device itself, but, the chip is not limited to a single carrier with a unique phone number. Users can save multiple profiles on the same eSIM. Meaning they can easily and readily switch between carriers and thus phone numbers. Hence, there is no need to let go of an older number, as users can always use it with a couple of clicks. The tech is also beneficial in case of lost coverage.
Users can always switch to a different one. And let us not forget global roaming. As travelers can save multiple phone numbers in the same eSIM, they do not have to rely on the roaming facility which is pretty costly.
6. Lowers the risk of Damage
eSIM truly negates the risk of loss or damage to your chip. As the SIM is embedded into the device, it is highly securer than a physical chip. Also, it further lowers the possibility of wear and tear, due to dust and moisture.
7. Offers greater security
Lastly, the eSIM offers additional security in case of a theft as the culprit can no longer remove the chip from your device. Thus, you can easily track your phone with the help of your network provider.