What is e-SIM? Advantages and Disadvantages of e-SIM

Whether you have a smartphone or a basic phone, everyone uses a SIM card. Traditionally, SIM cards are small square plastic objects, but technology has evolved. Now, many people are using e-SIMs instead of regular SIM cards.

However, not everyone is familiar with e-SIMs. In this article, we’ll discuss what an e-SIM is, its meaning, which mobiles in Bangladesh support e-SIMs, the advantages and disadvantages of e-SIMs, how to use an e-SIM, the price of e-SIMs in Bangladesh, and information about e-SIMs from Grameenphone.

What is a SIM Card?

To understand what an e-SIM is, along with its usage rules, advantages, and disadvantages, you first need to know what a SIM card is. Simply put, a SIM card is a small, four-cornered card with a golden-colored circuit.

Each SIM card has a unique number assigned by different operators like Grameenphone, Robi, Teletalk, and Airtel. This card allows us to save important contacts, make calls, send messages, and even browse the internet by purchasing mobile data.

Hope this is clear to everyone.

What is e-SIM?

Before delving into the advantages, disadvantages, and usage rules of e-SIM, let’s first understand what an e-SIM is. A few years ago, most people were unfamiliar with e-SIM technology. Grameenphone was the first to introduce e-SIM in Bangladesh, and now many people in the country are using it in their mobile phones.

So an e-SIM, or embedded SIM, is now a digital SIM built into your device that lets you activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. This means you don’t have to swap out cards to change carriers or plans. e-SIMs offer more convenience and flexibility compared to traditional SIM cards, as they can be remotely programmed by your carrier.

To understand what an e-SIM is, we must first compare it to a traditional SIM card. Essentially, an e-SIM is a modern version of the four-cornered SIM card we’re familiar with. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an e-SIM has no physical form because its chip is built directly into the mobile device. This means there’s no need for a separate, removable card. I hope this clarifies what an e-SIM stands for.

What is the Main Difference Between e-SIM and Normal SIM?

Now that you know what an e-SIM is, let’s address a common question: what is the main difference between e-SIM and normal SIM? Traditional SIM cards can be easily transferred from one device to another. However, this is not possible with e-SIMs.

e-SIMs are embedded directly into the device, eliminating the need for a removable card. This means you can’t physically transfer an e-SIM between devices. Additionally, not all phones support e-SIMs; you need a device that is compatible with e-SIM technology to use it. I hope this clarifies how e-SIMs differ from normal SIMs.

Which Mobiles Support e-SIM?

Since the e-SIM chip is integrated into specific mobile phones, not all devices can be considered e-SIM supported. Currently, certain companies have introduced e-SIM mobile phone models to cater to customer needs. Let’s explore which mobiles support e-SIM.

Apple Smartphones

Firstly, let’s look at Apple, a favorite mobile brand. Among the iPhone series, the iPhone 12 and later models, including the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, support e-SIM. Additionally, you can use e-SIM on earlier models like the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max by following the appropriate usage rules.

Apple Smartwatch

If you are a smartwatch user, and have a clear idea of ​​what e-SIM is, the pros and cons of e-SIM, then I can say good news for you that Apple’s smartwatches have the option to use e-SIM. Apple smartwatch 3, 4, 5 and 6 series. E-SIM can be used if desired.

Google Pixel

Besides the iPhone, Google’s Pixel series phones are now at the top of customer demand. Google Pixel 3, 4, 5 and 6 models are e-SIM supported mobiles.

Samsung

Which Android phone company is everyone’s favorite? You guessed it right! I’m talking about Samsung. If you want to buy a Samsung brand mobile that supports e-SIM, you can go for a Samsung Galaxy S20 or S21 series model. Additionally, devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G, and Samsung Fold LTE also support e-SIM.

If you want to use an e-SIM supported mobile, consider choosing any of these models. However, it’s advisable to know the advantages and disadvantages of e-SIM before purchasing a mobile phone.

Rules for Using e-SIM

In Bangladesh, Grameenphone was the pioneer in introducing e-SIM technology. By the end of April this year, Grameenphone made e-SIMs available to everyone. Currently, Grameenphone is the only operator offering e-SIMs in the country.

As of now, e-SIMs from operators like Robi or Banglalink are not available. If you want to use an e-SIM, you’ll need to purchase one from a Grameenphone center. Make sure to understand the rules and guidelines for using Grameenphone’s e-SIM before getting one.

e-SIM with Grameenphone

Now, let’s discuss how to use an e-SIM with Grameenphone. Grameenphone offers e-SIMs for three types of SIMs: Prepaid, Postpaid, and Migration. Ensure that your mobile phone supports e-SIM technology before proceeding.

Here’s how to use a Grameenphone e-SIM:

1. Purchase the e-SIM: Go to an authorized Grameenphone center to buy your e-SIM. You will receive a paper with a QR code for the e-SIM along with the necessary SIM papers.
2. Scan the QR Code: Use your phone to scan the e-SIM QR code provided.
3. Activate the e-SIM: Follow the activation instructions given with the QR code to set up and start using your e-SIM.

Make sure to follow these steps carefully to ensure proper activation and use of your Grameenphone e-SIM.

Cost of Grameenphone e-SIM

In Bangladesh, the price for a new Grameenphone e-SIM is 200 taka. If you prefer, you can convert your existing normal SIM card to an e-SIM for just 99 taka.

Additionally, if you are a Grameenphone Star customer, you can convert your normal Grameenphone SIM to an e-SIM completely free of charge.

Advantages of e-SIM

e-SIMs offer several benefits. First, you can store the data of up to five different operator SIMs virtually, allowing easy switching between operators without needing to insert a new SIM card. Additionally, e-SIMs enable you to use your normal SIM alongside the e-SIM, which is great for managing multiple SIMs on one device.

They also provide enhanced security since they’re not physical cards and are therefore less likely to be lost or damaged by water or dust. Furthermore, e-SIMs are environmentally friendly because they don’t involve plastic. Lastly, e-SIMs are cost-effective, making them an appealing option for many users.

Disadvantages of e-SIM

There are some drawbacks to using an e-SIM. If your mobile phone is damaged or lost, you might not be able to recover the data stored on the e-SIM. Additionally, if you need to reset your phone, all data on the e-SIM will be deleted, which means you could lose all contact numbers and other important information saved on it.

As e-SIM technology is still relatively new in Bangladesh, many people are still getting accustomed to it. Some might purchase an e-SIM without fully understanding what it is, leading to potential issues.

To avoid these problems, it’s important to first learn what an e-SIM is, understand its advantages and disadvantages, and familiarize yourself with the rules for using it. Only proceed with purchasing an e-SIM if you find it suits your needs.

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