eSIM Arguments: Pros & Cons – Do not be afraid of the SIM card successor

The SIM slot is fading away, and eSIM is on the rise – that’s foreseeable. Some persons are afraid of this transition. Nevertheless, there isn’t any must worry. We’ll list the arguments for and against eSIM.

iPhone boosts the breakthrough of eSIM

Apple’s iPhone 13 series, unveiled in late summer 2022, didn’t bring too many inventions. Nevertheless, one change made a big effect: A minimum of the American models of the brand new Apple smartphone were delivered without support for traditional SIM cards. As an alternative, buyers now must activate an eSIM to register the phone on the mobile network.

It seems that European buyers of the iPhone 2023 generation will even face this example – that is what the rumor mill says. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that negative trends set by Apple quickly rub off on Samsung and other manufacturers. Keywords: Notch, removal of the headphone jack, no charger included within the box.

No wonder some smartphone fans are apprehensive. But is that this justified relating to eSIM? Or, to place it otherwise: Is that this trend so bad for us consumers? I say: No. Or no less than: mostly no. Listed below are the arguments in favor of eSIM. However the arguments against it must also be mentioned.

How Does eSIM Work?

eSIM stands for embedded SIM, which suggests it’s a programmable SIM card embedded throughout the device. Operating a tool with eSIM doesn’t mean not using a SIM card in any respect. In an eSIM-enabled smartphone (and even smartwatches, tablets), there’s a “blank” SIM chip that’s programmed with the crucial data through software. The provider delivers this data via download.

To activate an eSIM on a smartphone, as a substitute of inserting a physical SIM card, you’ll enter a code, install the eSIM through an app, or scan a QR code, for instance. The physical strategy of removing the SIM tray and inserting the SIM chip is eliminated.

Pros of eSIM: What Speaks in Favor?

There are several compelling the reason why the growing prevalence of eSIM is a progress.

eSIM is just not uncharted territory

Although many purchasers haven’t yet encountered it, eSIM is just not a brand new technology. The specification and initial devices have been available since 2015. Manufacturers have had eight years to realize experience with eSIM.

eSIMs are fast, easy, and convenient

As a customer, you not must visit a provider shop or wait for the SIM card to reach by mail. You scan a code, and ideally, you are good to go instantly. In some cases, corresponding to with cellular iPads, you’ll be able to even subscribe to a plan directly through the system software. Within the event of device malfunction, loss, or theft, you’ll be able to not only block the old SIM but in addition receive a brand new one in your (hopefully eSIM-capable) substitute device. Moreover, the confusion around various SIM card formats becomes a thing of the past.

Recent Device Types

eSIMs are small, with the chip contained in the device being roughly half the dimensions (6 × 5 × 0.67 mm) of a traditional nano-SIM (12.3 × 8.8 × 0.67 mm, source). This makes the technology suitable not just for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches but in addition for devices within the IoT sector and smart home products. eHealth devices like blood glucose monitoring systems and pacemakers have already been equipped with eSIMs, they usually are also utilized in logistics and modern vehicles. eSIM is a technology that allows latest kinds of devices, and we’ll likely see many more of them in the longer term.

Easy Management

While on vacation abroad, quickly getting an area plan, subscribing to an extra data plan, obtaining a brand new connection when you may have limited reception together with your own network in rural areas, or booking a piece connection in your personal phone – all of this is far faster and more convenient with eSIM.

Although only two eSIM profiles could be lively at the identical time, Apple, for instance, claims that the iPhone can store “8 or more” eSIM profiles. For individuals who cope with multiple tariffs and phone numbers, simply activate the profiles which might be currently needed and deactivate those which might be unnecessary.

eSIMs are more sustainable, and this is applicable on multiple levels. Firstly, the production of standard SIM cards is resource-intensive. Along with plastic, worthwhile materials corresponding to silicon, phosphorus, and nickel are used. Although a few of these materials are still required for the eSIM chip, the general resource balance for eSIMs is prone to be significantly higher.

Some may argue that these materials account for under a small fraction in comparison with the smartphone as an entire. Nevertheless, roughly 4.5 billion SIM cards are produced worldwide every year (source), of which only a small portion is prone to be recycled after use. SIM cards weigh around 3 grams, so it amounts to roughly 13.5 million tons per yr that should be produced and transported globally. It’s an unlimited quantity. If we could save even a portion of those materials and the associated CO2 emissions, it could be greater than only a drop within the bucket. The less resources we want for our smartphone enjoyment, the higher.

Benefits in smartphone manufacturing

One other factor to not be ignored is that smartphones with eSIMs only have physical benefits over devices with SIM trays. They’ve one less moving part and opening through which dirt or water can enter the device. This implies fewer defective smartphones and, on average, an increased lifespan for smartphones – which is useful for us as consumers.

Likewise, smartphone manufacturers can utilize the space within the device more effectively in the longer term: for increased battery capability, higher speakers, or smaller form aspects, for instance. And, after all, the manufacturing cost will eventually decrease. Whether this cost advantage can be passed on to customers stays uncertain. Nevertheless, the elimination of the SIM tray is comparatively easier to just accept in comparison with the trend of removing the headphone jack.

eSIMs are less susceptible to damage

An off-the-cuff survey conducted within the editorial department revealed that roughly half of the respondents have experienced a damaged SIM card of their devices. This resulted in little or no network coverage, call drops, and similar issues. Identifying the issue is usually tougher than one might think. In such cases, some individuals can have even mistakenly assumed that their device was faulty and unnecessarily disposed of their smartphone. The less steadily such incidents occur, the higher it’s for the environment and our wallets.

Cons of eSIM: What are the drawbacks?

In fact, eSIMs still have their disadvantages, which we shouldn’t ignore.

eSIM continues to be relatively latest

The psychological aspect shouldn’t be underestimated: Many purchasers have had no prior experience with eSIMs. Most of us are inclined to be skeptical of recent technologies initially. That is human nature and, in principle, an excellent thing, nevertheless it also signifies that meaningful innovations initially face resistance. Customers should be won over to modified processes. This implies promoting, highlighting the advantages, and meticulously documenting how it really works. It requires effort, and yet not everyone can be convinced instantly. It takes persistence to be certain that eSIMs are perceived as a useful feature reasonably than as a constraint on customers.

Inconsistent eSIM support

Major German providers corresponding to Vodafone, O2 Telefónica, and Deutsche Telekom have been offering eSIMs for years, and MVNOs like fraenk and freenet have also joined the trend. Nevertheless, many providers currently don’t offer eSIMs, especially for prepaid plans. Others charge exorbitant fees in comparison with traditional plastic SIM cards or only provide eSIMs as secondary cards when you have already got a daily SIM card.

I expect that after the launch of eSIM-only iPhones, market pressure will compel a majority of providers to supply eSIMs within the near future.

Unnecessary Incompatibilities

Not every eSIM works with every eSIM-enabled device. For instance, fraenk initially only allowed its eSIMs for Samsung and Apple devices but blocked the setup for Pixel smartphones. Booking an eSIM for a smartwatch can be impossible (Source: Teltarif). Pixel devices at the moment are reportedly compatible, but they’re still missing from the list of devices supported by fraenk eSIMs. Other providers have similar issues. Having to check compatibility lists is frustrating and never customer-friendly. Providers urgently need to handle this problem.

Booking eSIMs can still be (partially) complicated

Here’s an anecdotal story: Prior to now few months, I needed to register an eSIM for secondary devices twice. In each cases, it wasn’t quite easy with my provider, o2.

The primary problem: In my o2 account, three different SIM cards are registered. When attempting to establish the eSIM through the mein-o2 app, the provider stubbornly desired to register it under the flawed number, no matter which major SIM I chosen. Thankfully, it worked on the web site. The second problem: It took around 12 hours every time for the devices arrange with the eSIM to hook up with the network, and a restart was required. The need of this waiting time was not communicated very transparently, and I used to be uncertain if it could even work.

Moreover, organising an eSIM normally requires an online connection. In other words, you would like (fixed) web to attach your phone to the (mobile) web. This complicates the setup process when no Wi-Fi is offered and might create a “chicken and egg” problem in certain situations.

To persuade customers of this latest technology, it is crucial to make the strategy of registering and installing an eSIM as fast, easy, and transparent as possible. On this regard, o2, it should be said, still needs to enhance and eliminate teething problems. Other providers are also advised to evaluate the usability of their processes.

Hesitant eSIM Transfer

With the standard SIM card, you are taking it out of the old device, insert it into the brand new one, and also you’re good to go. It will probably’t get any simpler than that.

Unfortunately, it is not necessarily the case with eSIMs. While you’ll be able to easily transfer an eSIM from one device to a different, corresponding to from an iPhone, two things should be in place: Firstly, each devices and the provider must support the transfer of eSIM profiles. Secondly, the old device must still be functional. If these conditions are usually not met or when you’re simply switching from an existing contract with a physical SIM to a tool that only supports eSIM, you will need to request a brand new eSIM. Although this effort is affordable, the old way was still easier.

Competing Standards

Once more, it’s typical: Just as eSIM starts to ascertain itself, competing formats are already on the horizon, corresponding to Qualcomm and Vodafone’s iSIM and Telekom’s nuSIM. Although each formats are primarily intended for IoT devices, they essentially cover similar functionalities as eSIM. The unique aspect is that they do not require a separate chip; the corresponding technology is directly integrated into the mobile modem.

Technological advancements are helpful, but they could be confusing and create uncertainty for consumers. Just as I got used to 1 thing, why is something else already emerging? It stays to be seen whether a brand new standard can prevail within the medium term.

The eSIM is Software

In fact, the boundaries are usually not set in stone, but normally, it might be said that the eSIM is software-based, while the standard SIM is hardware-based. This also signifies that cybercriminals could potentially find latest ways to attack this technique, corresponding to extracting customer data or impersonating identities.

Nevertheless, that is primarily a theoretical risk. The eSIM specification includes cryptographic procedures designed to stop such attack scenarios. Moreover, an IT expert from the network operator Vodafone argues that stealing an eSIM is definitely tougher than stealing a standard SIM card.

Conclusion: eSIM is Coming, but No Must Fear

The pragmatist in me says: Essentially, debating about eSIM is pointless because it’ll develop into the usual in a single to 2 years regardless. It is best to start out getting used to it now.

The idealist says: The fear that the smartphone industry is once more establishing latest standards disregarding the needs of consumers is, for once, unfounded on this case. Despite its initial hiccups and bonafide criticisms, the eSIM is a meaningful standard. It offers flexibility and addresses problems which have persevered for many years, making smartphones and other devices a bit more sustainable. So, let’s embrace the brand new with courage!