Pros and Cons of an eSIM
If you’ve used a cell phone for a long, you’ve probably had to use a SIM card. The SIM, which stands for subscriber identity module, allows the phone to know which network to use and how to connect. It also stores all the information that’s yours from contacts to encryption keys. It’s everything that makes your phone yours. eSIM, however, is a chip that is embedded into the core of the phone. Instead of moving physical cards from one phone to the next, the phone company rewrites the eSIM with the new information. esim pros and cons
Until recently, the SIM has always been a physical card that goes into a slot in the phone. If you want to change the subscriber info on the phone, you just slide out the old card and slide in the new one. If you want to change phones, you take the card out and slip it into the new phone.
An embedded SIM or eSIM in short was formally termed as an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC). It’s a small microchip directly attached to a mobile or telecommunication device’s motherboard during the production/manufacturing phase whereas functionality is the same as that of a removable SIM card.
Check out eSIM pros and cons here:
eSIM: Pros
Convenience
One of the many benefits of using an eSIM is the convenience of switching to preferred network operators or eSIM providers without swapping for a traditional or physical SIM card. It removes the hassle of constantly swapping SIM cards, network carriers and even keeping multiple phones for different purposes. That said, international travellers are relieved from visiting a local telecommunication office just to purchase a new SIM when overseas as they can modify the setting directly through the eSIM.
Better Space
Devices that support eSIM come without a SIM tray as they don’t need one which further allows manufacturers to design better and innovative smartphones, with water resistance features with additional space.
Cost-effective
Cost-effectiveness is yet another added benefit. Think of all the roaming charges you can save when traveling abroad alongside the opportunity to call, text and even browse mobile internet on local charges. Service operators are likely to accommodate new offers for vacationers as well as local users.
Function
Instead of purchasing two different SIM cards or mobile phones, the new eSIM allows using more than two numbers on a single device. Users can also keep corporate and personal contacts separate having dual numbers on one SIM with the option to shut down any of the preferred numbers outside business hours.
Less Risk
Last but not least, having an eSIM reduces the risk of a lost or damaged SIM card. In more extreme situations such as phone theft, eSIM couldn’t be extracted at all allowing users to track the phone and retain the data.
eSIM: Cons
Security
Much like every other technology, there are certain drawbacks of an eSIM as well. Although it offers better security and can be reprogrammed, eSIM couldn’t be removed physically from a device whereas it can be hacked using cloud hosting technology.
Credentials Transfer
Transferring eSIM to another smartphone in case the first one breaks is yet another challenge. In such a situation, traditional SIM cards can be physically removed from the tray and inserted in a new set but this isn’t possible if the device is an eSIM manufactured. The process to extract data and have the SIM functional again takes time.
eSIMs are sure to replace the traditional SIM cards on almost all devices which is why getting acquainted with the technology and all its factors, be it good or bad, is beneficial for users.
Not As Simple
Even though eSIM can easily switch, a physical card can slide out and a new card in within seconds.
No Disconnection
When the SIM is embedded, you can’t fully disconnect from the network, making it easier to track. If you want to get of the network, you won’t be able to.
Expensive Phones
Currently, only the top-end phones incorporate eSIM tech, so using the tech will cost.
Limited Support
Only 10 countries support eSIM, and only three mobile carriers do so in the US.
Running out of battery on the smartphone
If your phone’s running out of battery and you want to slip your SIM card into a friend’s phone to check on something or make a call. With eSIMs, this won’t be fast or easy.
