Just as we switched from basic mobile phones to smart mobile phones as the digital technology keeps improving day by day, physical SIM cards are also being switched out by eSIM.

An eSIM or an embedded SIM card is a digital SIM, meaning that there is no physical SIM card involved. In fact, with an eSIM card, you need not physically swap over the SIM card as it is already embedded in your phone when you buy it.

With a mobile equipped with a handy eSIM, you don’t have to put a SIM card in your phone anymore. The eSIM card is already built into your phone. You get the necessary data (or a code) with your mobile subscription from a Telecom Service Provider like Lycamobile. You need to enter this code on your phone (or on the prepaid eSIM card). This code will allow you to use the network of the chosen carrier with your phone & the built-in eSIM. After this, your mobile will be ready for use.

Unlike the small plastic SIM card that you have to put in your phone on your own when you sign up for a new contract, eSIM comes built in. With this, you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging a plastic SIM. Brands like Apple & Samsung have already started bringing these phones to the market.

The first ever device to feature eSIM connectivity was from Samsung, but it was not a smartphone. It was the Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G smartwatch. Apple first introduced eSIM support in September 2017 with the Apple Watch Series 3. Google Pixel 2 & iPhone XS were among the first phones to support eSIM technology.

Even when eSIM slowly gains momentum, we do not expect the end of the physical SIM card. Smartphones will still be made with a SIM card slot, where a physical SIM can be inserted. The eSIM will be made especially for smartwatches & tablets for now before continuing into more mobile phones. In the years to come, it will remain possible to buy a new phone, smartwatch or tablet with a physical (prepaid) SIM card or an eSIM.

The Pros of an eSIM card

The biggest advantage of having a device with an eSIM card is the fact that you can use different phone plans with the same eSIM. It gives you the flexibility to use a low-cost prepaid eSIM in your home country & use a different subscription when travelling.

Also, the eSIM allows you to use multiple profiles or phone numbers of different carriers. So in the place of one IMSI ( International Mobile Subscriber Identity), you can use different phone numbers. This way, you can use the same phone for your business needs as well as your personal use.

As an eSIM doesn’t physically take up much space, it gives you a thinner & slimmer phone. Many phone makers will be able to make their designs for tablets, smartwatches & mobiles even handier.

If you have a phone with an eSIM, you can use multiple phone numbers & different carriers whenever you want. For example, at home you call with a free Lyca sim card in Belgium & abroad you call cheaply with a prepaid eSIM subscription for your phone. You can always easily upgrade your prepaid eSIM. This helps you choose a prepaid phone plan with which you know exactly how much money you spend on calls & data.

eSIMs also eliminate the struggle to shove a tiny SIM card into your phone.

The Cons of using an eSIM card

You won’t be able to use Whatsapp with your eSIM card using multiple phone numbers as this is not possible at the moment.

Another disadvantage of the eSIM is that it is not yet optimally secured. It seems that smart hackers, when using an eSIM card, could more easily take over a phone number to use it. Many experts are working on the possibility of tightening the security of the eSIM.

If you are planning to buy a new phone, it is better to choose a dual phone, which allows you to use both a normal SIM card & a built-in eSIM card.

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