eSIM vs Physical SIM – Which is Better? (Pros and Cons)

The ultimate comparison of eSIM vs Physical SIM, learn which is better by comparing pros and cons, signal strength, travel tips and security.

In today’s mobile world, eSIM vs physical SIM is a hot topic.

In 2024, there were almost 600 million eSIM smartphone connections worldwide, which is more than three times the number reported for 2022.

You might have even heard some debates after Apple embraced eSIM technology in newer iPhone models.

But what exactly is an eSIM, and how does it compare to the classic SIM card?

In this blog, we’ll demystify eSIMs, compare them to physical SIM cards, and highlight the pros and cons of each, while also giving you a glimpse of where SIM technology is headed.

Let’s dive in.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a form of SIM that’s built into your device’s hardware as a reprogrammable chip.

Through a process called remote SIM provisioning, your carrier can load your subscriber profile onto the eSIM over the air.

This is usually done by scanning a QR code or installing a specific carrier application.

An eSIM let’s you change mobile operators or add new plans by downloading digital “SIM profiles” to your device, instead of fumbling with a plastic card.

What is a Physical SIM?

A physical SIM card is the small removable chip that you insert into your phone to connect to your mobile carrier.

It holds your subscriber ID and allows your device to access the carrier’s network – essentially acting like an ID badge for your phone on the network.

Physical SIMs have been the standard for many years.

They offer plug-and-play functionality when switching devices.

But they’re still tiny pieces of hardware that can be lost or broken.

eSIM vs Physical SIM

Both eSIMs and traditional SIM cards have their advantages and drawbacks.

Let’s compare physical SIM vs eSIM in key areas.

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eSIM: Pros and Cons

For people using wearables, such as smartwatches, and other IoT devices, eSIM is a great way for connecting them to a carrier’s network.

eSIM allows for easy network switching and flexible use of multiple profiles, however, device switching may be a longer process depending on your carrier.

It seems that eSIM has big shoes to fill – let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

eSIM Pros

• Easy network switching: Allows users to switch network carriers or plans in minutes, without the need to own a physical SIM card.
• Flexibility with multiple profiles: One eSIM can hold several plans at once. This is certainly an upgrade to the dual SIM devices.
• Better design: Removing the SIM slot enables manufacturers to improve water resistance.
• Additional security: Since eSIMs are embedded, thieves can’t remove your SIM card if your device gets stolen, giving you additional time to track the device. It’s also significantly harder to clone an eSIM, adding extra protection against fraud.
• Environmentally friendly: No plastic card or packaging is needed for eSIMs.

eSIM Cons

• Device switching is a longer process: You usually need to deactivate the eSIM on the old device and activate it on the new one.
• Limited support: Smaller MVNOs, older devices, and certain regions like China may not support eSIM. Furthermore, many carriers only support eSIM on devices from certain brands like Apple and Samsung.

Physical SIM: Pros and Cons

Physical SIMs have been the standard for mobile communications for a long time.

Their plug-and-play functionality and universal compatibility is unmatched.

Let’s cover some pros and cons of physical SIMs.

Physical SIM Pros

• Easy device switching: A plug-and-play solution – simply remove and insert the SIM card into a new device.
• Universal compatibility: Physical SIMs work with nearly all mobile phones and networks, regardless of age, model or region.

Physical SIM Cons

• Network switching is a longer process: There are more steps involved when switching networks. You’ll need to go to a physical store or get the SIM card mailed to you, which is a lot less convenient than downloading an app.
• Vulnerability: Physical SIMs are easier to lose or damage because they can be removed from the device.

eSIM vs Physical SIM: Signal Strength

No technology is perfect, but there are a few common misconceptions about eSIM technology.

One of them is that eSIM and physical SIM cards differ in signal strength.

Signal strength is all about the telecom network infrastructure.

Both eSIM and physical SIM cards use the same underlying network to provide signal coverage.

Therefore, any measurable difference between signal strength and network speeds are caused by external factors, and not the type of SIM.

What About eSIM vs Physical SIM Battery Consumption?

There is also no difference in eSIM vs physical SIM battery consumption.

Using an eSIM won’t drain your phone’s battery any faster than using a regular SIM card.

eSIM vs Physical SIM for Travel

Perhaps the most popular eSIM use case is international travel.

Instead of buying a local SIM in each country (or paying expensive roaming fees), travelers can purchase an eSIM data plan for their destination in minutes.

In the comparison of eSIM vs physical SIM for travel, eSIM is often the clear winner because of its convenience.

But this can often depend on your destination.

Some countries and network providers don’t support eSIM technology.

In such cases, it’s handy to have a device that supports both – physical and embedded SIM.

If you have an eSIM-only device, you can opt-in for a multi-country MVNO, such as Airalo, which provides international data roaming packages without the need for a physical SIM.

However, such plans can be more expensive than buying a local physical SIM card.

eSIM vs iSIM

While the eSIM has already gained some traction, there is still some buzz around iSIM (integrated SIM) technology.

iSIM takes integration one step further by embedding SIM functionality directly into the device’s main processor.

This approach could reduce manufacturing costs even further, while also improving device designs.

But, iSIM is still in its early stages of adoption.

As the technology develops, it may offer even more advantages over eSIMs.

In response to a 2023 survey, MNOs expected 34% of global cellular IoT connections to use iSIM in 2030, with a further 37% using eSIM technology.

Source: Statista

Is eSIM the Future?

eSIM certainly is the next step in the evolution of mobile networks and telecom technology.

As of 2025, the switch to eSIM technology is the most prominent in the USA, with around 72 million IoT connected devices.

Source: Statista

Similarly, the number of devices that support eSIM technology has increased substantially over the years.

A total of 139 smartphone models worldwide supported eSIM in 2023.

Source: Statista

In 2025, most of smartphones sold support include eSIMs, even budget-friendly models from the Samsung Galaxy A series.

And with the rise of IoT devices, eSIM is here to stay.

Is Your Telecom Billing Ready for eSIM?

For telecom providers, the rise of eSIM technology represents both an opportunity and a challenge.

Making the switch to eSIM isn’t just about technology – adapting to this change means rethinking traditional billing and service models.

If you’re ready to embrace the future of connectivity and drive your telco business forward, consider exploring how Tridens Monetization for Communications can help transform your operations.

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