The Main Difference between eSIM and iSIM

Mobile phones have become a vital part and number one need of many of us. And to use them, you need a SIM card. Well, that’s what we’ll talk about this time. Few people know that the first SIM cards were the size of a bank card. But they disappeared in the second half of the 90s when mini-SIM cards replaced them. So many probably haven’t ever seen them.

Related: “The main differences between eSIM vs Dual SIM devices“

To date, the most common types of cellular cards are nano, eSIM, and iSIM. And it seems the last two will soon replace all the previous ones. Read on to discover what is an e-SIM and i-SIM cards, their distinctive features and benefits of the latest mobile communication solutions.

eSIM and iSIM — Сrucial Things You Need to Know

ESIM and ISIM are cellular solutions for authenticating users and gadgets in mobile networks. Simply put, these two have a lot in common.

Electronic modules (eSIMs) were the first innovation based on an open, manufacturer-independent standard developed by GSM Association (GSMA). iSIM is a later solution and has not yet been declared a standard, but it has already got significant industry support.

Overview of eSIM

Well, what is an e-SIM? The eSIM is a small chip embedded into gadgets. You cannot remove or replace it as eSIM is integral to mobile phones. When using eSIM, the components in a device practically do not differ from a standard plastic sim. Inside the smartphone is a special eSIM chip measuring 6 by 5 millimeters, and all the usual strapping in the form of chips and contacts is attached to it. The slot is no longer here, and everything else remains in place, just in a modified form.

To use eSIM, the user must select a carrier supporting this technology and activate an account. To manage this, you must use the QR code provided by the operator. The activation procedure takes 3-5 minutes.

Benefits for users

Why will electronic modules turn out to be so in demand in 2023? Here are the fundamental reasons for the growth of its popularity:

• Availability of using several numbers at once. One can switch between numbers and tariffs at any convenient time. All this is done through the phone’s software – it is already fully loaded on a cellular device.
• High safety status. There is no chance one can ever lose an eSIM card or face other troubles.
• Fast activation. To activate an eSIM, one only should scan a particular code provided by a carrier. Besides, multiple scans are available, which allows you to update the information on your built-in cellular module periodically.
• It increases the strength of a device. The sim card slot is no longer needed. This is an additional element that could theoretically fail.

So, using the eSIM solution gives the user many advantages. Now subscribers have much more freedom in managing their mobile numbers.

Overview of iSIM

What is an iSIM in general? ISIMs are a kind of integrated module. And it is embedded directly into the smartphone processor. Actually, an iSIM is a logical extension of eSIM technology.

An iSIM is embedded inside and does not require a particular power supply and connection to the modem. Thus, there is extra free space in the smartphone. Given iSIM feature allows you to place a slightly larger battery. Since a separate power supply is not required for iSIM, the battery consumption for the cellular network will be lower. 

iSIM has the same advantages as eSIM (all the above-described features of eSIM are also characteristic of iSIM) and some extra benefits.

Main Differences Between eSIM and iSIM

ESIM or ISIM — what should I choose? Take a look at difference between isim and esim:

• The main difference between eSIM and iSIM is their integration into the device. While an eSIM is a separate embedded module, iSIMs are integrated directly into the device processor. This allows you to create more compact and thin gadgets and reduce production costs.
• Another crucial point concerns the degree of market promotions. ESIMs are already widely used in many modern devices and are supported by most telecom operators. iSIM is at an early stage of development, and there are still very few gadgets supporting such a technology at the moment. Nowadays, iSIM technology is supported only by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 single-chip system.
• ISIM focuses more on using Internet of Things (IoT) systems in compact and ultra-compact devices than eSIMs. According to experts, iSIM will significantly simplify and reduce the cost, firstly, the connection of such devices to the Internet (since it allows you to save on the issue of physical SIM cards), and secondly, their further operation (for example, operator change is performed quickly and also without physical access to the SIM).
• ESIM vs iSIM security level. More secure than a physical SIM card because it is built into the device. And the iSIM is characterized by a high level of security against unauthorized access thanks to an improved protection system (more than eSIM).
• An iSIM is cheaper than eSIM. It is more affordable than eSIM because there is no need for an additional chip. In addition, there are no assembly stages, leading to a reduction in the number of devices in the supply chain, resulting in lower equipment manufacturing costs.

Summary

After all that was mentioned above, it is worth noting this conclusion. From the subscriber’s point of view, there is practically no difference between iSIM and eSIM modules. In both cases, activation and switching between carriers occur without physically replacing a SIM chip, making the process easier and more convenient.