Today, communication technologies are rapidly developing, and more and more users are switching from traditional physical SIM cards to virtual ones — eSIM. Despite the growing popularity and convenience of electronic SIM cards, many people still do not fully understand what their fundamental differences are. In addition, regardless of the type of SIM card used, the problem of a weak signal remains relevant for many, especially in rooms with thick walls or outside the city. In this article, we will take a closer look at the difference between physical SIM cards and eSIM, and also give practical advice on how to boost 4G signal indoors and outdoors.
What is eSIM and How Does it Work?
An electronic SIM card differs from a regular one in the absence of a plastic carrier. It does not need to be inserted into a smartphone to start using a mobile network. The card is already in the smartphone and is a small chip on the motherboard. It has its own memory, controllers, and a microprocessor with its own operating system. It is this OS that allows you to change numbers and operators without removing any media from the phone’s connectors.
The only difficulty that users have encountered until recently when using eSIM is related to transferring data from one device to another. Such problems, for example, arose among the first owners of the iPhone 14, who had previously made calls through smartphones from other manufacturers. However, a week after the first complaints from users, the transfer function was added, and the difficulties were resolved.
To avoid problems when using eSIM, you must make sure in advance that the new phone supports this technology. In addition, it is important to find out from your mobile operator whether it works with such SIM cards.
Work on creating eSIM began back in 2010. The first systems were intended exclusively for industrial devices, they were not supposed to be placed in smartphones. However, Apple later decided to implement the new technology in its products.
Other manufacturers have also been working in this direction, and even more successfully. The pioneer of the technology was Samsung, which installed a microchip on the board of the Galaxy S2 smartwatch. And the first iPhones and iPads that support electronic SIM cards appeared only in 2018. Before them, eSIM was implemented on other devices of the company, such as the Apple Watch Series 3.
One of the first phones that completely lost its slot for a physical card was the Razr from Motorola, released in 2020. This device laid a kind of tradition. Now, smartphones without a slot for a SIM card are becoming commonplace — many premium brands have already abandoned physical media. However, Chinese and Korean companies are not yet following their path and continue to produce devices that are familiar to most users.
What Is The Difference Between Physical SIM Cards And eSIM?
The main difference between the two standards is, as already mentioned, the presence or absence of a plastic carrier. A regular SIM card is sold in a communication store, it must be inserted into a smartphone before use. eSIM is already built into the device. To start calling with it, you do not need to do anything with the device. Most often, the user does not even need to go to a mobile phone store — the service can be activated remotely.
The functions of eSIM and a regular SIM card are almost the same. With its help, you can make calls and send SMS. However, when using a physical SIM card, switching from one mobile operator to another is difficult. Each time the user has to buy a new card, remove the old one, and store it in a safe place. eSIM allows you to avoid such processes. The memory contained in the microchip makes it possible to rewrite data any number of times.
Pros And Cons of eSIM Technology
Electronic SIM cards, like any other technical solution, have a number of advantages and disadvantages. They should be taken into account if you decide to completely stop using plastic SIM cards.
The main advantages of the technology:
- You can change operators using the SIM card manager in the phone settings — no need to remove the physical cards.
- In many cases, eSIM is issued remotely, without visiting a mobile phone store.
- You can use several numbers at once on one smartphone.
- When roaming, you can avoid buying unnecessary SIM cards from local operators in the long term.
- In case of communication interruptions, the phone automatically chooses between physical and electronic cards, depending on which one provides the most stable connection.
- eSIM is not damaged or lost, unlike a plastic carrier.
- A stolen phone with an electronic SIM card is easier to find since it is impossible to remove it.
But the solution also has disadvantages:
- Not all modern phones support the new standard. This applies to most budget models of Chinese manufacture. Therefore, when switching to eSIM, the user will be forced to buy exclusively expensive smartphones.
- Many countries still do not support electronic SIM cards. Therefore, when roaming, the subscriber will most likely have to switch to a physical SIM. If the phone does not have a corresponding connector, then you will need to buy an additional device.
- When selling or handing over a smartphone for repair, a complex procedure for unlinking a mobile number may be required. Only the most advanced smartphones, which support the function of quickly transferring a virtual SIM card to another device, are free of this drawback.
How to Solve The Problem With a Bad Mobile Signal?
An excellent solution to the problem of a poor mobile signal is boosters, devices that are specially designed to stabilize and amplify the cellular signal in places with insufficient coverage. The principle of operation of 3G and 4G mobile signal boosters is to capture a weak signal from the nearest mobile operator tower, amplify it, and retransmit it indoors. Modern boosters can significantly improve the quality of voice calls and increase the speed of mobile Internet, eliminating problems with unstable connections.
Conclusion
Physical SIM cards and eSIM have their advantages and disadvantages, but the choice between them depends primarily on the user’s personal needs and the capabilities of the device. Regardless of the format of the SIM card you use, it is important to remember that the signal quality is often determined by the conditions of your location and the design features of the premises. If you want to always stay in touch, then using a 4G signal booster is a must. We recommend paying attention to the company UCtel, which provides services to improve the connection of popular British mobile operators.
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