Features of the SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

Introduction Features of the SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM.

Features of the SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared. There are now different types of SIMs on the market so let’s compare the differences and see why it is important for your Mobile Brand.

While traditional SIM cards offer familiarity, eSIMs and iSIMs provide enhanced flexibility, security, and convenience for both MVNOs and subscribers. eSIMs, with their remote management capabilities, are widely adopted and offer a balance between compatibility and modern features. iSIMs, although currently less common, provide robust security and are particularly suited for specialized and compact devices. For the history details see here.

The choice between (or all) these technologies depends on your MVNO’s target market, device compatibility, security requirements, and long-term business strategy.

Main difference – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

SIM Card

Physical Nature: Physical, removable card that needs to be inserted into the device’s SIM card slot.

eSIM

Digital Nature: Integrated digital SIM card processor embedded within the device’s hardware.

iSIM

Integrated at Chip Level: Integrated directly into the device’s chipset during manufacturing. No additional hardware required.

Biggest advantages – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

SIM Card

Widespread Compatibility: Compatible with most mobile devices.

User Control: Physical presence provides users a sense of control over their network connectivity.

eSIM

Flexibility: Allows remote provisioning and switching between carriers.

Space Efficiency: No physical card slots required, enabling slimmer device designs.

 

iSIM

Enhanced Security: Benefits from the device’s hardware security features.

Compact and Energy Efficient: Compact size and energy-efficient, suitable for small and IoT devices

A disadvantage – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

SIM Card

Inconvenience: Requires physical swapping when changing devices or carriers.

Limited Space: Limited storage capacity for data.

eSIM

Limited Compatibility: Not supported by all devices, although adoption is increasing.

Transition Challenges: Migration from physical SIM cards to eSIMs can be challenging for some users.

iSIM

Limited Adoption: Currently not as widely adopted as eSIM technology.

Device Dependency: Tied to specific device models, limiting compatibility.

Related Costs – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

SIM Card

Production and Distribution: Involves costs for manufacturing, personalization, and physical distribution of cards (MVNO Costs).

eSIM

Initial Integration: Initial costs for device manufacturers to incorporate eSIM technology. Device manufacturing costs.

iSIM

Initial Integration: Costs associated with integrating iSIM technology into device chipsets. Device manufacturing costs.

Shipment / distribution – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

SIM Card

Bulk Shipment: SIM cards are shipped in bulk to various retailers, requiring secure handling to prevent theft and counterfeiting.

eSIM

Digital Provisioning: No physical shipment of cards; provisioning happens digitally, reducing logistical complexities.

iSIM

Digital Provisioning: Like eSIMs, no physical shipment of cards; easy provisioning occurs digitally. 

Impact on the Environment – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

SIM Card

Plastic Waste: Contributes to plastic waste due to production, disposal and packaging.

Shipment: For shipment physical resources are also required thus additional negative impact. 

eSIM

Reduction in Plastic Waste: Eliminates need for physical cards, no more plastic waste.

However it has its own processor resulting in additional  electronic waste.

iSIM

NO Plastic Waste: Like eSIM. Eliminates the need for physical cards, no more plastic waste.

It uses the standard onboard processor, thus NO additional electronic waste.

Operating Conditions – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

SIM Card

Physical Handling: Prone to wear and tear; can be damaged by physical handling or exposure to elements.

eSIM

Digital Reliability: Less susceptible to physical damage; operates reliably in most conditions.

iSIM

Robust Integration: Integrated at the hardware level, ensuring robust performance in various conditions.

Default Security – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

SIM Card

Physical Security: Relies on physical security measures; can be easily swapped or cloned if not properly protected.

eSIM

Enhanced Security: Offers robust encryption and security features; harder to tamper with compared to physical cards.

iSIM

Hardware Security: Leverages hardware-level security features for enhanced protection against tampering and hacking.

Use Case(s) – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared

SIM Card

Mainstream Devices: Suitable for most consumer smartphones, feature phones, and some IoT devices.

eSIM

Smartphones, Tablets, IoT Devices: Commonly used in modern smartphones, tablets, wearables, and IoT devices.

iSIM

IoT Devices, High-Security Applications: Ideal for IoT devices, industrial applications, and devices requiring high-security standards.

Sizing – SIM Card, eSIM and iSIM compared 

SIM Card

Physical: Available in various sizes – standard, micro, and nano – to fit different devices.

eSIM

Integrated: No physical size as it is integrated into the device’s hardware.

iSIM

Compact: No physical size and extremely compact due to integration at the chipset level.

Benefits for the MVNO

SIM Card

Widespread Use: Compatible with a variety of devices, ensuring a broad customer base. Everybody knows how to use it.

Remote SIM Provisioning: There are possibilities for remote SIM provisioning, also called over-the-air (OTA)

eSIM

Remote Management: Simplifies activation and allows for efficient remote management of subscriber profiles.

Global Reach: Enables seamless international roaming and attracts global customers. Service like Travel SIM

iSIM

Security and Flexibility: Enhanced security features and adaptability for various devices and applications.

Remote Management: Allows efficient remote provisioning and management, reducing operational complexities.

Benefits for the Subscribers

SIM Card

Familiarity: Traditional and widely understood, providing a sense of familiarity and ease of use.

It feels personal: People might feel personally involved when getting a physical SIM.

eSIM

Convenience: Easy activation and management directly from device settings.

Multi-Device Usage: Supports multiple devices with the same number.

iSIM

Security: Enhanced hardware-based security features, ensuring data protection and privacy.

Compact Devices: Enables the design of smaller, sleeker devices due to its compact size.

Future Outlook

SIM Card

Steady Phase-Out: Likely to continue being used in basic devices but decreasing in prevalence as eSIM and iSIM adoption increases.

eSIM

Rapid Adoption: Increasingly adopted in newer devices; expected to become a standard feature in most mobile devices.

iSIM

Niche Adoption: Expected to gain traction in specialized devices and applications with high-security demands.

Subjects about SIM (Cards), eSIM and iSIM

How to start an MVNO, how to start a mobile brand
What is an Integrated SIM (iSIM)
What is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card
Features of the SIM Cards, eSIM and iSIM compared
How to create a Marketing Plan for your Mobile Brand MVNO