Welcome to the world of SIM cards, where we're diving into the nifty electronic side with eSIMs! Ever wondered how these digital wonders work and what makes them different from the classic physical SIM cards? Well, you're in for a ride as we explore the eSIM advantages and disadvantages in comparison to the good old physical SIMs. From the convenience of switching carriers with a tap to the potential hiccups in compatibility, we'll break down the nitty-gritty details. So, buckle up as we dive into the world of eSIMs, unravelling how an eSIM works and figuring out if it is the tech-savvy solution we've all been waiting for!
What is an eSIM?
There are many benefits of eSIM for students, but let's start with what an eSIM is and how it works. An eSIM is an electronic SIM card that enables smartphone users to connect their mobile devices to cellular networks. eSIMs are primarily used in Europe and the UK, where consumers can now take advantage of numerous tariff plans without having to buy a new phone or actually have a physical SIM in their phones.
As the future of mobile phone connectivity, there are many eSIM benefits. It's designed for every device on the market. From laptops and desktop PCs to tablets and automobiles, you can use your device how you want to.
According to eSIM statistics, 1.2 billion users used eSIMs until 2021. By 2030, almost 70% of all phones are expected to support eSIM. But what are some benefits of eSIM over a physical SIM for international students? There are multiple benefits of eSIM, but with that being said, there are downsides of eSIM, too. Keep reading to learn about them in detail.
Benefits of eSIM
For many people, eSIM is still an unfamiliar product, and before you get into it, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of eSIM is very important. Apple first made it available on iPhones, and that created a chain reaction. Since it's a new technology, there are several benefits of eSIM cards. We have listed the top benefits of eSIM below!
1. eSIMs are Quick & Easy
From getting an eSIM to switching providers, one of the main benefits of eSIM is that the whole process is very convenient. You don't have to order a SIM, then wait for it to arrive, and especially not always look around for a SIM ejector! All you have to do is go online, choose your action, and it's done! For instance, our partner, mobimatter, gives you instant activation on purchasing an eSIM. You can also avoid store visits if the SIM stops working; the benefits of eSIM even when you want to switch networks. You can choose from the best eSIM providers and then make the purchase. You can easily choose and compare your plan online and change your provider.
The benefits of eSIM also include flexibility. By connecting a compatible device to your account, you can easily transfer data such as your contacts and browser history. You only need to activate your eSIM once, and it will be used for all of your devices.
2. Safe and Reliable
One of the biggest benefits of eSIM is safety, as eSIM cards cannot be physically removed from other devices by thieves and can be programmed to ask operators for confirmation whenever a user profile is changed. One of the other eSIM benefits is that eSIMs are generally very secure. For instance, physical SIMs are stolen and used for port-out scams. And there's a unique security feature, self-destructing DNA, that erases data after ten failed attempts to authenticate it.
In terms of reliability, both traditional and eSIMs work the same if they're from the same network provider, but the network can be interrupted in the case of a physical SIM. So, the network an eSIM provides is a little more reliable.
3. Instant Internet
When you're in a new place, you're unaware of the routes or areas! From helping you get a cab, navigating you throughout the city, or suggesting restaurants, you will need the internet for everything. This turns out to be one of the best benefits of eSIM. It takes work to walk into a store, find all your options, and compare and choose. But an eSIM provides you with the internet the moment you step into the country and makes it easier to navigate in your new home. You can also use an overseas eSIM card to navigate your connectivity in the new country.
The eSIM is a secure, hardware-based SIM card that allows users to connect their existing phone to the router without having to remove it. This means that your device can access the internet by itself without relying on WiFi.
4. Globally Used
By this, we mean that if you're a person who might shift from area to area periodically, getting an eSIM is a wiser option with regard to mobility. One of the biggest benefits of eSIM is its flexibility. Because you can switch sims according to the network availability of your city or area, the benefits of eSIM also include accessibility worldwide. Hence they can be switched seamlessly in case of a change of country as well. Our partner, sim2fly, gives you an option of getting a global sim, which means you can choose any country once your plan expires and get it recharged accordingly. If travelling to the UK, you can choose from the many SIM cards in the UK.
5. Permanent Phone Number
One of the other eSIM benefits is you get a fully configurable phone number that can be used across new, existing and future devices. You'll need an eSIM if you want to move from one carrier to another with no consequences for data and device contracts. Having an eSIM is a great way to control your mobile phone or tablet. You can register your device with eSIM and set up a plan that fits your needs. It simplifies the way you manage your mobile number, giving you a single, simple way to access multiple networks and gain a wide range of new features that were previously unavailable.
Just like eSims, the student accommodations provided by amber connect you to the rest of the city!
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Disadvantages of eSIM
Now that we have an idea of the benefits of eSIM let's look at the disadvantages of eSIM, which will help you decide if you should go for it or not. Any product or item has an advantage, given it will have its disadvantages; that's how things work, right? The tech behind eSIMs offers both eSIM pros and cons. Here are the cons of eSIM:
1. Difficult to switch devices
It can be tough to swap devices if there is an emergency, and this is one of the cons of eSIM cards. For example, if your phone suddenly stops working? With a physical sim, you may remove it and put it in another phone with ease. That is not the case with an eSIM. You'll need to download your eSIM data from the cloud, which takes a lot longer to complete. Additionally, when you upgrade, it takes longer than it would to transfer into a new phone. The phone that you'll be switching to next should also support eSIM, leading us to the next point.
2. eSIM supports limited premium phones
Only a small number of premium phones, which everyone can't afford, currently support eSIM. Regular customers can't use an eSIM without spending a few dollars, which is one of the biggest disadvantages of eSIM cards. So, if you have an eSIM or are planning on getting one, there aren't many phone options available.
3. Easily tracked by network providers
Users who are concerned about privacy can easily stop their cell network from tracking their position by removing the physical SIM card from their phone. However, because eSIM is built into the device and cannot be removed, users' phones will continue to be connected to the carrier's network and be easier to trace, one of the major eSIM disadvantages.
4. Phone Hacking
When it comes to security, eSIM is normally quite safe, but because criminals can't physically take out your sim and place it in other phones and because they can be set up to ask operators for confirmation whenever someone tries to update a user profile. They aren't entirely immune from fraud, though, as hackers frequently go to considerable efforts to obtain your information from weak mobile carriers' systems in order to obtain user profiles or other data.
5. Complex Activation Process
The activation process is also one of the major disadvantages of eSIM, especially if you’re in the US or Canada. You may face a language barrier and certain discrepancies in documentation requirements or network regulations across countries. The activation process also varies depending on the networks and service providers.
Smartphones that Support eSIM
Students will find eSIM for Android (Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G) and eSIM for iPhone (the current generation of the Apple iPhone series), including the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone SE. Some other phones that offer eSIMs are:
1. Google Pixel 6
2. Oppo Find X5 Pro
3. iPhone 13 Pro
4. HuaweiP50 Pro
5. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
eSIM vs Physical SIM: Should You Switch to an eSIM?
Choosing a sim depends on the needs and use situation. If people are worried about their privacy and security, they might switch to eSIM to lock their identity in case of theft. If you want to give SIM cards a try, you can wait for the manufacturers to release mid-range and small-range phones that accept eSIM; after all, you know what the best SIM-only deals are for you!
As the future of mobile phone connectivity, there are many eSIM card benefits. It's designed for every device on the market. From laptops and desktop PCs to tablets and automobiles, you can use your device how you want to.
eSIM Card Versus Physical SIM Card
| eSIM Card | Physical SIM Card |
|---|---|
| Low chance of damage or loss | Compatible with newer devices |
| Cannot be removed physically and are more secure | Easy data transfer |
| Easier to switch networks | Simple plug-and-play setup |
| Used globally | Instant network access |
| Best for the environment | Easy device switching |
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eSIM Card Plans
Today, eSIM cards are emerging as a revolutionary alternative to traditional SIM cards. Flexible and convenient, eSIM cards offer multiple plans for users. In the below table, we’ve mentioned the various eSIM card plans that you can opt for.
eSIM Card Plans
| Price | Data |
|---|---|
| $22/month | 30GB |
| $25/ month | 25GB |
| $15/month | 45GB |
| $49/month | 100GB |
| $24.90/month | 25GB |
| $12.50/month | 25GB |
| $20/month | 60GB |
| $40/month | 80GB |
| $20/month | 55GB |
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YeSIM - Global eSIM Provider
Meet YeSIM, a global eSIM provider dedicated to helping students cut down on roaming costs during their trips through innovative eSIM technology (built-in electronic SIM card in almost all modern phones). YeSIM offers a diverse array of products, including data packages tailored to specific countries or regions. If you are planning to travel across multiple countries, YeSIM's global data package covers over 160 countries, ensuring seamless connectivity wherever you go. Moreover, YeSIM.app provides virtual cell numbers for destinations like the US and Canada, perfect for app registrations or staying in touch via WhatsApp. Additionally, for students, there’s a unique promo code, “Student3”, that gives you a welcome bonus of 3 euros, so you will save even more than expected.
So that was all about the advantages and disadvantages of eSIM cards. When it comes to choosing between eSIM and physical SIM cards, it's all about what suits you best! However, not all devices are fully on board yet. On the other hand, the trusty physical SIM is reliable, works almost everywhere, and lets you swap between phones easily. So now that you know the eSIM advantages and disadvantages—just pick what makes you feel connected and happy!
