What is a dual SIM phone?

Dual SIM phones come with many different benefits, making them a must-have device for many people. However, not everyone understands what the concept of 'dual SIM' or 'dual SIM' means or how dual-SIM phones work.

The following article will explain everything you need to know about dual SIM phones, their benefits, and learn about eSIM.

What is a dual SIM phone?

Dual SIM phones support the insertion and use of 2 SIM cards on one device. Dual SIM phones are different from 1 SIM devices (there is only one slot for one SIM card).

Most dual SIM phones have a dual SIM function. A dual SIM phone can support 2 SIMs that work at the same time, without requiring you to remove and change the SIM when you want to change a phone number.

This means you can receive calls and messages from both SIMs. You can also often adjust which SIM is the main SIM. Some 2 SIM phones even support the ability to chat with 2 people at the same time.

Meanwhile, another type of dual-SIM phone is the Dual SIM Standby device (two SIMs connect to two independent networks). Dual SIM Standby devices require you to switch between SIMs in the device settings to activate them. Your phone only connects to one network at a time, so you will not receive messages or calls for both SIMs at the same time.

There are also 2 SIM smartphones that support one of two things: a second SIM or a microSD card. This is the kind of limited dual-SIM functionality seen on older smartphones, meaning you have to choose between a second SIM or additional storage.

What is eSIM?

A recently introduced dual SIM phone is the eSIM type. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is an integrated microchip that acts as an electronic SIM card (rather than a physical one). Since it allows remote SIM provision, there is no need to change the eSIM when switching carriers. Instead, these embedded SIMs use software to load profiles and mobile packages from mobile carriers.

eSIMs can completely replace physical SIM cards in the device and they are also used in dual SIM devices. For example, the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR smartphones have a dual-SIM setup with nano-SIM and eSIM.

However, due to inconsistent application of eSIM by manufacturers and mobile carriers, this setting has not been widely disseminated. Most dual SIM devices still use two physical SIM cards. It is likely that many dual-SIM devices with eSIM will appear in the future as the technology expands.

You can learn more about how to use and set up eSIM in TipsMake.com's guide on this topic.

Benefits of 2 SIM phones

There are many benefits of having a dual SIM phone compared to a single SIM phone. In fact, many consumers rate dual SIM support as an essential feature for smartphones.

Here are some benefits of dual SIM phones compared to phones that support only one SIM card.

Two different numbers on one phone

Dual SIM phones allow you to use two different phone numbers on one device. This is useful for people using personal and work numbers at the same time, but does not want to have to carry two different devices.

Get the best deals for data and calls from your provider

Dual SIM phones allow you to take advantage of the best deals when it comes to carriers. Often you will find that one carrier has a high data rate, while another has better voice calls or offers for overall packages.

Using a dual SIM device allows you to take advantage of both. You can use one SIM for your data plan and the other SIM for other packages.

Because the dual-SIM phone settings allow you to place your primary SIM calls and data, this method is easy to use.

Keep the old number

If you don't want to get in trouble or spend the cost of transferring your old number to your new carrier's SIM, you can always use a dual-SIM device. Depending on your contract terms, your old carrier will usually convert your old SIM to a prepaid SIM. You can then add a second SIM to the device from the new carrier.

Although the number transfer is relatively easy, it also depends on how well the customer service provider you are using. Some people do not want to go through a transition period involving a gear shift.

With a dual-SIM device, you can still receive calls and messages to your old SIM and don't need to worry about porting numbers.

Stay connected while a network operator is down

Another lesser known benefit of dual SIM phones is the ability to stay connected during a network downtime. If a network operator is having technical issues, you can switch to another SIM during this time.

Carrier coverage may vary in certain regions. Some carriers have better connectivity in certain areas. With a dual SIM phone, you can try switching to another SIM to see if the connection is better.

Which brand produces 2 SIM phones?

Dual SIM smartphones are more popular than ever, so they are no longer really limited to specific devices or brands. Most devices released since 2018 have dual SIM support.

However, major smartphone companies in China and developing markets tend to include more dual-SIM functionality. Many devices released before 2018 from these brands still have dual SIM slots.

However, major US brands such as Apple and Google now also include dual-SIM functionality in new iPhone and Pixel devices.

Other brands that regularly produce dual-SIM smartphones include Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Sony, LG and OnePlus. If you are interested in a dual-SIM smartphone, check the specifications of the smartphone you are considering buying. This will tell you whether it supports dual SIM functionality or not.

How to manage your SIM card

If you are still hesitant about the technical aspects of a dual SIM phone or want to learn more about SIM cards, there are tools that will help you.

SIM card management is not too difficult. In fact, the SIM card actually has quite a lot of data and useful information that you can use.

If you want to learn more, see TipsMake.com 's guide to Android apps for managing SIM cards.

Wish you find a satisfactory choice!