Understanding eSIM Technology and eSIM-Ready Devices

Now that eSIM technology is gradually being embraced by tech companies, more and more devices are now available on the market that are eSIM ready. While eSIM applications still have a long way to go to displace the old physical SIM cards, some of the newest applications have been proven to be quite revolutionary. But before you can start using an eSIM-ready device, here’s everything you need to know about the technology and how it works.

What is eSIM Technology?

Embedded SIM or eSIM is quite a small piece of technology embedded in a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even smart appliances. They pretty much function the same way as typical SIM cards but minus all of their physical limitations.

If SIM cards require physically replacing the card when switching numbers, an eSIM can do the switch without removing it. The chip itself is soldered into the motherboard of most devices but can still switch between different numbers and user profiles. To use eSIM technology, you need to have a device with a built-in eSIM feature and a mobile operator that supports eSIM.

Advantages of eSIM

eSIM has been around for quite a few years already, but its advantages aren’t known by many people just yet. This is because there are only a limited number of devices that are capable of using this technology. Nevertheless, it boasts of a number of features that its physical counterpart doesn’t possess. Some of the advantages of eSIM include:

• Space Saver - Even the smallest of SIM cards pale in comparison to how small an eSIM is. It actually takes up three times less space compared to nano-SIM cards, which is so far the smallest in its class.
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• Easy Switching Between Operators - Currently, SIM cards require you to get a second or third SIM if you want to change into a different operator. This isn’t necessary for an eSIM-enabled device. Changing the operator can all be done within the phone or the device’s settings without physically removing the SIM.
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• Multiple Plans - If you want to maintain several plans or numbers for work and personal calls, you must purchase multiple SIM cards or even multiple phones. With an eSIM-enabled device, you can store up to five virtual SIM card or even more at one time.
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• Parallel Use - If you want to use both a physical SIM card and eSIM, it’s very much possible depending on the device you’re using. If it supports both types of SIM, then you can use them parallel on the same device.

Which eSIM Smartphones Are Already Available Now?

Currently, there are many smartphones in the market that can support eSIM technology. Other electronic devices like tablets and laptops also support it, but there’s only a handful of them right now. Smartphones that offer the eSIM functionality are on the rise as shown in the figure below, while including top devices like:

• Apple iPhone 13, 12, 11, SE, XS, and XR
• Google Pixel 2, 3, 4, 5
• Motorola Razr and Next Gen Razr
• Huawei P40
• Samsung Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Note S20, S21
• LG G7 and V35 ThinQ
• Nuu Mobile X5
• Oppo Find X2

Conclusion

Today, eSIM technology is showing a lot of promise as more tech manufacturers become open to supporting it. Consumers now have the power to choose and change their mobile operator whenever they want, without buying multiple SIM cards or physically switching them out. Soon, eSIM technology applications will serve new use cases while helping consumers to stay connected in more effective ways.

CELITECH helps travel-related companies offer co-branded international cellular data plans, using one-click eSIM technology. We offer a proprietary eSIM API, dashboard, and web app that can be easily deployed online. If you need a programmable eSIM API for your business to boost your customer engagement, Celitech is the one to turn to. Contact us today to get started.

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