Do you know the differences between eSIM and iSIM? Both of them are important for various applications, and we must understand what they are, and how they are used.
An eSIM, or embedded SIM refers to a digital SIM card that is built into a device, a soldered component that doesn’t have to be inserted or ejected from a device. eSIM as an embedded SIM can be preloaded with the network carrier profiles.
An eSIM can also refer to an Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) that can be remotely programmed and configured for new network carrier profiles.
When eSIM is referred to as eUICC, users can change carriers and plans without physically changing the SIM card. Therefore, this makes it convenient for devices to manage multiple network connections.
In this article, we will be indicating when we will be referring to one or the other by using eSIM (embedded SIM) and eSIM (eUICC).
eSIM technology is widely used for M2M (Machine-to-Machine) devices because of its convenience, flexibility, and remote management capabilities.
An iSIM is a SIM integrated in a system-on-chip(SoC), typically as a secure enclave containing a SIM OS and an MNO profile.. It differs from regular SIM cards, which can be taken out, or MFF2 SIM cards that need to be soldered and connected to the device's main chipset. Instead, the iSIM is permanently integrated into the device's chipset.
An iSIM may also be known as an iUICC, and it may incorporate eUICC functionalities into a System on a Chip (SoC), allowing for the installation of Mobile Network Operator (MNO) profiles at the time of SoC production, IoT device creation, or in the field.
iSIM technology offers advantages in security, space-saving design and stability. It is ideal for certain use cases where security and durability are crucial and commonly used in industrial and critical applications.
eSIM and iSIM are variations of traditional SIM technology designed to offer more flexibility and convenience in managing mobile connectivity.
When comparing eSIM and iSIM as embedded SIM vs integrated SIM, the major differences are as below:
Presence in device: An eSIM, when referring to the form factor, is a physical SIM card soldered or embedded into a device and is visible as a different element. Whereas, an iSIM as an integrated SIM is directly integrated into the device's chipset and is not physically visible.
Physical Space: An eSIM as an embedded SIM, while smaller, still occupies a physical space within a device. On the other hand, iSIMs offer a space-saving design, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot or a soldered MFF2 chip and internal connection lines to the main chipset.
When comparing eSIM and iSIM as eUICC and iUICC, since iSIM can also make use of the eUICC technology, it is difficult to compare the two, as there are no key differences between them.
When it comes to use cases, eSIM technology greatly facilitates M2M connectivity, which can be used in mobile devices and device management while being more dynamic and affordable. iSIMs are generally used in more specialised applications and devices. For example, industrial IoT devices, smart grid devices, satellite communication terminals, and critical infrastructure systems.
Both eSIMs and iSIMs have their own upsides and limitations. Therefore, the choice between eSIM and iSIM depends on the device's intended use, security requirements, the level of flexibility and permanence needed, and your application’s use case.