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Every smartphone has a SIM card and won't work without it. It's the tiny 'brain' that connects the device to the network. If you've researched smartphones recently, you may have noticed that some are described as dual SIM phones and be wondering what that means. Why would anyone need more than a single SIM?
The quick verdict
A dual SIM phone lets you run two numbers or two networks on one handset, which is handy if you want to split work and personal calls, widen your coverage or use the best-value deal for calls and data. iPhones running iOS 13 or later can work as dual SIM phones thanks to the eSIM. To use two different providers, the phone must be unlocked, and every Envirofone refurbished smartphone is guaranteed unlocked.
Dual SIM phones at a glance
| Point | What to know |
|---|---|
| What it does | Two numbers or networks on one phone |
| Dual SIM Dual Standby | One SIM on standby while the other is used |
| Dual SIM Full Active | Both SIMs active at once |
| eSIM | Built-in SIM, no second card needed |
| iPhone | iOS 13 or later includes an eSIM |
| Two providers | Needs an unlocked phone |
At Envirofone, we're experts at refurbishing phones, which makes us all-round experts in smartphone technology. So here's our quick guide to what a dual SIM phone is, and why you might find one useful.
What exactly does a SIM card do?
The SIM (subscriber identity module) card is that little piece of plastic containing a microchip that slots into a slide-out tray on your phone. Insert a SIM and the phone springs into life. It carries the MSISDN (Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number) which tells the network that this is your device, and makes your unique phone number work.
The SIM also stores contact information, telephone numbers, SMS messages, billing information, your data usage record and the personal identification number (PIN) that stops other people from using your phone. That's why, if your smartphone malfunctions, you can simply transfer the SIM to another handset and...hey presto, that's your phone!
What is the point of having dual SIM cards?
If you want two phone numbers on the same device, one for work and one for personal use perhaps, a dual SIM makes this possible. Anyone who has struggled to juggle different handsets will understand the appeal of having two phones in one. People also choose a dual SIM so they can alternate between two networks or two different contracts on the same network. There can be various reasons for this, such as:
One network doesn't provide adequate coverage in some locations. One network or contract offers the best value for voice calls, whereas the other is better or cheaper for internet usage, so a dual SIM can save you money.
What is the purpose of having Dual SIM cards?
There are two types of dual SIM smartphones Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDA) and Dual SIM Full Active (DSFA). The first type puts one SIM on standby when the other is in use, so if anyone rings that number they see it as engaged. DSFA allows both SIMs to be active at the same time, so you can be on two calls at once and jump between them.
Most dual SIM phones have traditionally had a tray that physically holds two cards, but eSIM devices are becoming more common. The e stands for 'embedded' and, as that suggests, the eSIM is built-in and not removable. The advantage is that you can run two different networks and/or numbers without the faff of inserting two cards.
Can you have 2 SIM cards in an iPhone?
Only certain Android phones offer a dual SIM option but Apple iPhones that run iOS 13 or later include an eSIM, which means they can be used as a dual SIM phone.
Can you have two different providers with a dual SIM?
Some phones are locked to a particular network, but any unlocked phone with dual SIM capability can run on different networks. All refurbished smartphones from Envirofone are guaranteed to be unlocked. So choose any dual SIM phone from us and you're free to use two networks at the same time.
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Conclusion:
In truth, all the leading manufacturers including Samsung, Huawei, OnePlus and Apple now offer superb dual SIM phones. Our advice is to keep checking the choice here at Envirofone. You'll always find a wide range of expertly refurbished smartphones with exceptional savings.
Frequently asked questions
What does a SIM card do?
A SIM card is a small piece of plastic with a microchip that connects your phone to the network and makes your unique phone number work. The SIM also stores contacts, SMS messages, billing information, data usage and your PIN.
What is the point of a dual SIM phone?
A dual SIM phone lets you have two phone numbers on one device, for example one for work and one for personal use. A dual SIM phone also lets you switch between two networks if one has poor coverage or one is cheaper for calls and the other for data.
Can you have 2 SIM cards in an iPhone?
Apple iPhones running iOS 13 or later include an eSIM, which means they can be used as a dual SIM phone. The eSIM is built in, so you can run two numbers or networks without inserting two physical cards.
Can you have two different providers with a dual SIM?
Any unlocked phone with dual SIM capability can run on two different networks, but a phone locked to one network cannot. All refurbished smartphones from Envirofone are guaranteed to be unlocked, so you can use two networks at the same time.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is an embedded SIM that is built into the phone and cannot be removed. The advantage of an eSIM is that you can run two different networks or numbers without the faff of inserting two cards.
