eSIM vs iSIM vs SoftSIM | Comparison of Virtual SIMs

In this technological world, traditional SIM cards are replacing with new technologies like eSIM, iSIM, and SoftSIM. eSIM is a tiny digital chip preinstalled into the device to provide connectivity. iSIM technology integrates connectivity and SIM functionality into System-on-Chip (SoC). SoftSIM is a software-based SIM that does not have any hardware. These are the better alternatives to traditional SIM cards with more convenience, flexibility, and affordability. People usually know embedded SIM for their travel benefits. iSIM and SoftSIM are still emerging and not as popular as eSIM. However, understanding the new SIM standard is essential for future IoT solutions. 

In the article, you will learn about virtual SIMs, I will go through the details of eSIM, iSIM, and SoftSIMs and their unique comparison. You will discover how IoT cards evolved from physical SIM to eSIM and SoftSIM

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Evolution of SIMs from Physical SIM to SoftSIM

The worldwide communication journey started with the cellular network and now moves to advanced IoT solutions. In 1991 the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) was inserted into the device to connect to another network. After some time its size evolved and turned into a Mini SIM in 1996. It became Micro SIM in 2003, and in 2012, it was called Nano-SIM. The first device to use Nano SIM was the iPhone 5, it is still used in smartphones.

In 2016 the traditional SIM lost its physical appearance and introduced the virtual SIM called eSIM. But this evolution period does not stop here, in 2021 we get to know the new term integrated SIM (iSIM) which is more efficient than the others and reduced in size. Now, the communication technology is upgrading to SoftSIM, which is a software-based SIM.

What is embedded SIM?  

eSIM is a tiny chip, preinstalled into the devices from the device manufacturer. Embedded SIM is known as MFF2, which is physically attached to the motherboard and cannot be removed. Unlike the physical SIM card, eSIM technology digitally stores the user's information. eSIM is convenient for travelers to be connected anywhere in the world. 

How does eSIM work?

Electronic SIM uses the eUICC technology and remote provisioning, allowing users to switch through different networks. eSIM works on specific devices, so before switching to eSIM make sure your device is compatible. eSIM provides the user with worldwide connectivity. 

eSIM providers such as eSIMCard offer eSIMs for 190+ countries. You can purchase the eSIM according to your destination and data usage. 

What is iSIM?

An integrated SIM is a small embedded chip in the devices that stores the SIM card data. It is the new evolution in SIM card technology which is emerging with time. Similar to eSIM, iSIM replaces the need for a physical SIM card. iSIM is a small-sized chip that provides free space to the other components to make devices more compact. iSIM minimizes the cost of communication and offers a secure and efficient solution for seamless connectivity. 

How iSIM works?

Integrated SIM contains the essential electronic circuits and works through a System on Chip (SoC). The SIM operates more efficiently than the traditional SIM cards. The usual purpose of SIM is to ensure the device's authenticity and network reliability. Embedded SIMs like iSIM are designed to resist logical attacks. The device with iSIM uses integrated circuits to connect with the network. Like traditional SIM, iSIM stores the user's information safely. 

What is SoftSIM?

SoftSIM is a software-based solution that doesn’t have any hardware. It is a virtual SIM stored in the device's memory and processor. It can be downloaded from the cloud onto the existing module on the device. The SIM runs like the other software in the device and connects it to the mobile network.

How does Software SIM work?

Like other SIM cards, SoftSIM allows calls and messages. SoftSIM handles the Application Protocol Data Unit Command and manages the authentication of key material and assets. The SIM follows the GSMA guides to provide users with an easy and regular SIM interface. 

Comparison Between eSIM, iSIM, and SoftSIM

 eSIM, iSIM, and SoftSIM work similarly and provide connectivity to the users. However, I am comparing these SIMS based on some factors including:  

SIM Adoption

People are adopting the eSIM technology due to its convenience and flexibility. Usually, frequent travelers prefer to switch to eSIM for their journey. The market of eSIM is growing yearly. Integrated SIM is becoming popular with time and offers more efficient working than the eSIM. SoftSIM adoption is still emerging but in the future, it will get more preference. 

Cost for Purchase and Installation

eSIM is expensive to incorporate into your IoT devices. The cost of an eSIM plan depends on your destination and the data usage. iSIM is cost-saving and 50% cheaper than an eSIM card. SoftSIMs with no hardware and physical manufacturing comparatively cost less than the others.

Security Concerns

eSIM is considered more safe than the other digital SIMs. eSIM stores the user's information digitally with hardware-based security features. While SoftSIM has software-based authentication which raises security concerns. Unlike the physical SIM card eSIM, iSIM and SoftSIMs are embedded into the devices and can’t be removed which is the main security advantage. 

SIM Implementation

Implementing eSIM, iSIM, and softSIMs is easier than the physical SIM card because these are embedded into the devices. The users don’t need to purchase them from the physical stores. Users can remotely install and activate the SIM. In the case of eSIM users, they buy the data plans to activate the SIM. SoftSIM exists in the device software or the processor. You cannot physically insert or remove it. 

Size

SoftSIM is not like the physical chip. It is entirely software-based. eSIM and iSIM are the small chips that are inserted into the devices. Unlike physical SIMs, virtual SIMs have reduced size and provide more space for the other functions to make compact devices. 

Power Consumption

Embedded SIMs have a processor with memory, and they consume more power than other virtual SIMs. iSIM also drains batteries like the embedded SIM. SoftSIM extends the lifespan of the batteries but offers the same functionality as eSIM and iSIM.

Flexibility 

Both eSIM and iSIM are more flexible than the traditional SIM card. The eSIM and iSIM users can switch different networks in case of any connectivity issue. SoftSIM has not fully emerged in the telecommunication industry, it is still at the testing stage. However, as an advanced technology, it will be the fully upgraded form of all the SIMs due to its flexibility and compatibility.   

Environment Friendly

Embedded SIM, iSIM, and SoftSIMs are environment-friendly. All the virtual SIMs are more sustainable than traditional SIM cards because they reduce plastic use. SoftSIM is software-based and does not require physical components for manufacturing. 

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of SoftSIM?

SoftSIM has more security concerns than the other digital SIMs. The SIM lacks adherence to remote provisioning, which increases the security risks. SoftSIM has no certification and the IoT data is exposed to major attacks.

Which is the superior eSIM, iSIM or SoftSIM?

SoftSIM is more flexible than eSIM and iSIM and modified with the software updates. However, eSIM is favored by travelers with better security, reliability, and wide device compatibility. iSIM is not as popular but provides good data services. SoftSIM is a software-based SIM with the most upgraded software, but it requires betterment in security concerns.  

What are the disadvantages of eSIM?

eSIM is not for all smart devices; only the latest devices support eSIM. If you want to change your device, it will not be a straightforward process with the eSIM. Unlike the physical SIM card, eSIM does not have a physical backup.