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eSIM vs. Nano-sim!!The Perfect Pick for You 

If you have a smartphone, you must be using a SIM card. It is a tiny plastic chip that you need to insert in your mobile phone to link your device to the network carrier. At first, standard SIM was introduced in 1991 and as time passed, things moved to nano SIM. Now, as the telecom industry has advanced, eSIM cards are the new game. But what sets an eSIM card apart from the Nano-SIM?

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between an eSIM and a Nano-SIM card, their pros and cons, and how to use both effectively simultaneously. Stay tuned till the last.

What is an eSIM card?

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, functions just like a physical SIM card but without the need for a physical card. Users can activate an eSIM easily through their device settings, making it a convenient option for travellers. Purchase a plan suitable to your needs, activate it, and connect to the local network upon arriving at the destination.

What is a Nano-SIM?

A Nano-SIM is a smaller version of a physical SIM card introduced back in 2012. It's 40% smaller, measuring 12.3 mm x 8.8mm. Surprisingly, despite being so small, a nano-SIM can hold the same amount of info as a regular SIM card. A nano-SIM is often called the 4FF (Fourth Form Factor), representing the fourth generation of SIM cards. Its dimensions are merely 12.3mm x 8.8mm x 0.67mm.

Being smaller in size, Nano-SIMs need a tiny SIM card slot. This gives flexibility in deciding where the SIM fits, how it blends with the device's design, and how compact it can be. In the IoT industry, the current trend is to make smaller devices, which is why each new generation of SIM cards is smaller than the previous one.

Nano-SIM Vs eSIM card: The best pick for you 

The main difference between the two is that one is physical, and the other is digital. Although a nano-SIM is smaller than a regular SIM card, it is still used externally. If you want to switch carriers or utilize a local SIM card during your travels, you must remove your nano-SIM and replace it with another. This process can be tricky because of its tiny size, making it more prone to damage or misplaced.

On the other hand, an eSIM card is installed within your device and cannot be removed (unless someone breaks the phone). An eSIM operates digitally, performing all the tasks just like a regular SIM card. If you want to change your carrier or plan, you can download a digital data plan and connect to a new network within seconds. Moreover, most devices allow you to store multiple eSIM cards without worrying about physical cards.

Key Differences between an eSIM card and a Nano-SIM card

Nano-SIM is more prone to damage:

·      eSIMs are integrated into your smartphone, which makes it easier to be protected from external elements. This integration safeguards against dust, moisture, or accidental impact that could harm an eSIM. The sealed environment within the phone adds an extra layer of durability, ensuring the eSIM card remains secure. 

·      On the other hand, nano-SIMs are exposed and can be prone to physical damage or environmental hazards.

Flexibility and Convenience in Switching Carriers:

• eSIMs offer greater flexibility as you can switch carriers or plans without physically swapping SIM cards. You can switch virtually through digital processes, providing added convenience and speed.
• With nano-SIMs, you must procure a physical SIM card from the new carrier and swap it in, which takes more time and effort.

International Roaming and Travel Convenience:

• eSIM card plans are affordable, especially if you are travelling abroad, as they eliminate the need for international roaming plans; you can easily add a local data plan using eSIM, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.
• Nano-SIMs often require travellers to purchase and replace their existing SIM cards with a local one, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.

Environmental Impact:

• eSIMs reduce waste and the environmental impact of producing, distributing, and disposing of physical SIM cards.
• Nano-SIMs involve producing and disposing of physical cards, contributing to environmental waste and requiring additional resources.

Storage and Profile Management:

• eSIMs allow you to store multiple carrier profiles on a single device, allowing users to easily switch between different carriers or plans without needing a physical swap.
• Nano-SIMs require physical swapping to switch carriers or plans, making it less convenient in terms of managing multiple profiles on a single device.

Using an eSIM card and Nano-SIM card together 

You can use nano-SIM and an eSIM at the same time dual SIM technology. It allows you to:

• Use one number for professional use and another for personal use, keeping your communications organized and separate.
• Add a local eSIM data plan while travelling abroad. It ensures cost-effective and convenient connectivity without physically swapping SIM cards.
• You can have separate voice and data plans on the same device, giving you flexibility and control over your usage and costs.

Why you should buy an eSIM by Prune?

• Seamless Activation: Prune offers a streamlined activation process that saves time and eliminates the need to visit a store or wait for a SIM card to arrive.
• Cost-Effective: Prune eSIM card plans are affordable, ensuring seamless connectivity without roaming charges. Moreover, it eliminates the need to purchase international roaming packs.
• Global Connectivity: Prune delivers eSIM plans with expansive global coverage, guaranteeing uninterrupted connectivity no matter where your travels lead you.

If you are planning to travel abroad, buy an eSIM plan from Prune and stay connected on your international travel without switching out your physical nano-SIM card or paying heavily on international roaming packs.