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Have you ever wondered what differentiates eSIM and physical SIM? The main difference between them both is that a physical SIM is a removable card whereas an eSIM is embedded directly in the device’s hardware. Generally, eSIMs are considered more secure than physical SIM cards, but choosing between them can depend on an individual’s needs and preferences. It can be based on convenience, security, size, compatibility, and environmental impact. The main advantage of using eSIM over a physical SIM card is that eSIM offers more security for the device and data.
However, when choosing eSIM or physical SIM, there are a few things to consider, including cost, device support, switching devices, and local phone numbers. Physical SIM cards are usually cheap compared to eSIMs, and not all devices support eSIM technology. Just like this, there are many other factors to consider when choosing between eSIM and physical SIM. So, keep reading the article to know more about their differences, which is the better option, and if eSIM is safe and secure.
Difference Between eSIM And Physical SIM: Which Is Better?
Let us see what are the factors that differentiate eSIM and physical SIM:
Security
While physical SIMs are removable cards, eSIMs are embedded in the device and cannot be physically removed. This makes it hard to steal, swap, or misuse eSIM, which reduces the risk of theft and data loss. So, when the phone is stolen, the thief cannot remove the eSIM to prevent it from tracking. Also, eSIMs have advanced encryption to protect the users’ data. There are reasons why eSIMs are considered more secure and safe than physical SIMs.
Activation and ease of use
eSIMs are considered easier to activate because all you need to do is scan a QR code or follow the instructions given in an app. On the other hand, to activate a physical SIM, you will need to manually insert the card into the phone’s SIM card slot. Also, eSIMs are generally considered easier to use because they are flexible and convenient. You can activate, deactivate, or stitch plans remotely without visiting a store, unlike how it is done for physical SIM cards.
Portability
Even though eSIMs are more secure, when it comes to portability, physical SIMs are the best. A physical SIM can be removed while eSIM comes built into the device. eSIMs become inconvenient when you want to change the device and physical SIM cards are easier to switch between devices. Also, eSIMs are not compatible with all devices, which makes physical SIMs a better option.
Cost
When it comes to cost, eSIMs are more expensive than physical SIMs. This makes physical SIMs a better choice in cost-effectiveness, especially when traveling abroad. However, in some destinations, eSIMs are more affordable than getting a local SIM card but if you plan to stay in the same location for a longer period, a physical SIM card may be cheaper.
Network operation control
Using eSIM reduces the risk of cloning because the network operators tightly control the eSIM setup. They are designed in such a way that they cannot be misused, making them clone or modification-resistant. This is the sole reason why most people choose eSIM over physical SIM cards.
Blockable
eSIMs are blockable, that is you can easily block your eSIM profile so the thieves won’t be able to use it. Also, the security settings in eSIM make it harder to resell a stolen phone as the thieves cannot access the data or remove the sim card, making it easy to track down.
Space saving
Since eSIM takes up less space, they free up space within the device, which allows to have slimmer phone designs. The extra space can be used for a longer battery or other components. It allows to maximize the smartphone with more functions and features. Also, its sleek and slim design makes it apt for smaller devices like smartwatches.
Environmental impact
eSIMs are considered more environment-friendly because they are plastic-free. Since physical SIMs are made out of many materials, including silicon and gold, they mostly end up in landfills. However, eSIMs contribute to less environmental waste than physical SIM cards, as there is no plastic waste from the card itself, its packaging, or shipping.
Is eSIM Safe And Secure?
eSIMs are considered safer than physical SIM cards, as they offer protection from theft, have advanced encryption to protect the data, have tight network operator control for eSIM setup, support SIM card block, and offer cybersecurity benefits. Since eSIMs cannot be removed, it reduces the risk of being stolen or lost. Also, a third party won’t be able to access SIM data or change the eSIM profile.
Even though eSIMs are considered safer, they still are not completely immune to security threats because both eSIM and physical SIMs can be manipulated by tracking, hacking, phishing attacks, SIM swap attacks, social engineering, and malware. However, you can reduce the risk of security concerns by activating a firewall on your device to monitor and detect any kind of fraud and control network traffic. Also, maintain good cybersecurity practices.
Conclusion
The first thing to say about physical SIM cards and eSIMs is that a physical SIM card is removable while eSIM is embedded in the device’s hardware. eSIMs are considered safer and convenient to use because they can be activated remotely and one need not activate, deactivate, or stitch plans by visiting a store, unlike how it is done for physical SIM cards. Also, eSIMs are less likely to be stolen or lost as it has advanced encryption to protect data and the card can be tracked down because it is unremovable. The users can also easily block the eSIM profile to prevent thieves from using it.
Even though eSIMs save space, reduce the risk of SIM swap attacks, and offer more security benefits, they have limited compatibility with almost all devices. Physical SIM cards, on the other hand, are compatible with all devices, cost-effective, and easily portable. Physical SIMs make it easier to switch between devices and are easy to install. However, choosing between eSIM and physical cards can depend on personal needs and preferences, such as convenience, security, size, compatibility, and portability.
