What is an eSIM?

Australia is a world leader in the use of smartphones. Around 88% of the population owns one, which means they also own a SIM card. Ever since SIM cards first launched in Australia in 2003, they've made it possible for millions of Aussies to stay connected.

The SIM card reigned supreme for nearly two decades. Then the e-SIM came along.

What is an eSIM? It's a SIM card that is already embedded in your phone (e = embedded). It lets you use eSIM profile software to connect to your carrier. There's no need to insert a physical SIM card into your phone.

Here's why it's a game-changer. Your eSIM can support multiple profiles. You can switch between different operators depending on your needs. This makes it super versatile and perfect for travel and remote working.

eSIMs in phones open up a whole heap of possibilities that you can't get with a normal SIM. Let's explore this topic in more detail and see why an eSIM is the way forward.

What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work?

An eSIM is already embedded into your mobile phone. If your phone isn't compatible, there's no way to get one. You'll need to upgrade your device to benefit from this technology.

Many manufacturers will likely drop their physical SIM card slot entirely in the next few years. In the US, Apple has already done this for the iPhone 14, although it will still have a SIM card slot in Australia. The Motorola Razr has already gone over entirely to eSIM.

But right now, most people use eSIMs as a second SIM. This allows them to have an alternate plan from a different carrier that may suit them for certain kinds of work or travelling.

How an eSIM Works

A normal nano-SIM has a tiny circuit board. This contains information such as your phone number and it lets you call, text, and use the Internet from your provider. With an eSIM, that now sits in the hardware of your phone.

Unlike a traditional SIM, eSIMs are rewritable. You can move from provider to provider easily. Many can support up to 5 networks.

Benefits of an eSIM

An eSIM might not sound that revolutionary until you start to think about the benefits. Here are four common eSIM benefits that can seriously improve your mobile phone experience.

1. Ultra Convenient Switching

Are you tired of being constantly poked by the SIM 'ejector key' on your keyring?
That's a small - but comfortable - benefit of not using a physical SIM anymore. You also won't have the pain of trying to find one or trying multiple alternative tools if you can't lay your hands on one quickly.

You can switch eSIM much more quickly than a traditional SIM. You can do it over the phone or online and it should be set up within minutes. Not like in the old days when you had to place an order and wait for it to arrive at your house.

Of course, you can only benefit from networks supporting eSIMs. But more and more are adding this capability all the time.

2. Add Networks Instead Switching

Do you love the call package you have with your current provider but hate their Internet provision? With an eSIM, you can have multiple networks at the same time.

For example, if you work remotely and need access to a lot of data, switch to using the provider that gives you an awesome deal on data. Then when you need to call the other side of the country in the evening, switch back to your regular provider that gives you a great deal on calls.

eSIMs mean that you don't have to choose one or the other. You can have both.

This is great when you're travelling. Use your eSIM to buy a plan from a provider that offers great deals on roaming. Then continue using your usual plan when you get home. There's no need to remove your regular SIM and potentially lose it in the meantime.

3. Can't get damaged

Even if you don't lose your SIM card, there's always a chance it'll get damaged while it's not in your phone. Dust can get in when taking it in and out. It's easy for it to get scratched or bent.
If your SIM gets splashed or exposed to water briefly, you'll probably get away with it. But if it gets wet and stays wet for any length of time, it's sayonara. This can't happen with an eSIM!

4. Better for the Planet

When you get a new SIM card, it comes in plastic packaging. This, along with shipping, has an impact on the environment. A single eSIM can support multiple network profiles, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

5. When to use eSims

If you want the flexibility to move between networks, an eSIM is a great choice. First, check your phone is compatible. A huge range of phones from leading manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, support eSIMs.

Then pick your plan and activate the eSIM with a simple scan!

Disadvantages of an eSIM

For most people, there are very few disadvantages to using eSIMs. But there are a few niche situations where eSIMs are more restrictive than traditional ones.

1. Switching between Phones
With a normal SIM, it's easy to switch between handsets. You just pop it out and stick it in the new one. With eSIMs, it takes a phone call to your provider to make the switch.

When SIM cards first launched, all your contacts were stored on your SIM. But now most people have transitioned to storing that information in the cloud. Unless you've been used to an older, non-smartphone, this is unlikely to be an issue for you.

Once you transition to an eSIM, you won't be able to use your SIM on old tech. If you've still got a Nokia 3210 hanging around that you like to use from time to time, you're not going to be able to with your current number anymore.

2. Rules out old Tech

Once you transition to an eSIM, you won't be able to use your SIM on old tech. If you've still got a Nokia 3210 hanging around that you like to use from time to time, you're not going to be able to with your current number anymore.

Buy Your eSIM Online Today

Now that the question, 'what is an eSIM?' isn't bugging you anymore, are you ready to connect on a new level?

Don't be shackled by your old mobile phone plan anymore! Take advantage of awesome deals that can give you the freedom to travel, work from home, or work remotely without spending the earth.

An eSIM from Circles Life lets you take advantage of bonzer deals on data and calls. You don't have to leave your current provider if you don't want to. Check out our plans and apply today!