eSIM VS Nano SIM: What’s the difference

Innovative technologies do not stand still, so the traditional SIM card has undergone significant technical and functional changes. Now, it is a global eSIM card – non-replaceable and non-removable. In this article, we will look closer at how a nano SIM card differs from a built-in eSIM and what advantages this evolution of a mobile card for a gadget provides.

Traditional SIM card

The SIM card we are used to has also changed over the years – having significantly decreased in size. Let’s list these changes:

• full-size SIM card 85.6 x 53.98 x 0.76 mm (since 1991);
• mini-SIM card 25 x 15 x 0.76 mm (since 1996);
• micro-SIM card 15 x 12 x 0.76 mm (since 2003);
• nano SIM card 12.3 x 8.8 x 0.67 mm (since 2012).

It is due to the desire to free up more space on gadgets for other components. Currently, the most minor physical SIM card is a nano-sim. It is the latest format, which has practically no plastic contours, that is, like a chip. There is only a skinny border around the perimeter of the card. Almost all mobile devices have a built-in slot for installing a nano-SIM card.

Nano SIM is a specific module that has a chip. Thus, a SIM card is a Subscriber Identity Module. Previously, identification was performed using the factory phone number. It was inconvenient because it was tied to a phone, and when changing it, you had to contact your telecom operator to change the serial number. Therefore, they began to identify by SIM card.

The SIM card is also responsible for storing data necessary for identification. Therefore, it has become possible to change smartphones as often as desired without being tied to their serial number. Rearrange the card and use a different phone. In addition, the card stores the subscriber’s phone book, lists of calls, and messages. Therefore, you can transfer all the information to another smartphone – rearrange the SIM card.

Digital SIM card

Since it is impossible to reduce the size of a nano-SIM card further, the next step in the evolution of telephone cards was the creation of an eSIM card. Such technologies consist of the fact that during manufacturing, a stationary (non-removable) microcircuit is built into cellular devices. Thanks to it, the mobile operator can transfer to the subscriber the necessary data, which is recorded on this built-in card. In this way, the electronic SIM card can perform subscriber identification.

After all mobile data is recorded and saved on the local eSIM card, it will begin to act as a mobile SIM card but with additional functionality. For example, it can store up to five mobile numbers that can be used simultaneously. It is worth noting that on iPhones, you can enter more than eight numbers.

Such opportunities are advantageous for travelers or for those who have to travel abroad for work. Mobile roaming is quite expensive. 

Therefore, eSIM has advantages over nano-SIM:

• It does not need to be changed.
• You can have many numbers simultaneously.
• You save money on roaming.

However, having an eSIM card is enough to enter the number of the local operator of the country in which the subscriber is located and pay only for the selected tariff of the local telecom operator.

eSIM activation

After making sure that your gadget has such technology, you can go to the eSimsData website, regardless of location, and activate it. Select the country, telecom operator data plans and phone number. By scanning the received QR code or clicking on the received link, the programmable SIM card is activated. You can pay with both fiat and cryptocurrency.