eSIM (short for electronic or embedded SIM) is a newish technology that, in theory, will one day replace the physical SIM card. A physical SIM is a piece of plastic (with an electronic chip) that can be removed, while an eSIM is entirely built into the device.
If you're trying to decide whether eSIM is right for you, here are the pros and cons of ditching your physical SIM.
What are the benefits of using eSIM?
Some of the key advantages of eSIM include quicker switching between mobile plans, using multiple SIMs at once, and enabling 4G on your smartwatch.
Switching between mobile plans
eSIM is more convenient. It's only a matter of time until eSIM becomes the norm, and when it does, it will make switching and signing up for a new plan easier - even when travelling overseas. You essentially have the option to instantly change your mobile provider in just a few minutes at any time - so long as you're not locked into a phone repayment or a contract.
You won't even need to pick up a SIM card from a store or place an order online to port. Just request it on your device, and voilà, you're signed up with a new telco.
It makes switching between providers easier, which in turn increases competition and could also increase the visibility of MVNOs and phone plan providers without a retail presence.
There's a range of telcos offering eSIM on both prepaid and postpaid SIM-only plans.
See the cheapest postpaid plans with at least 20GB of data from providers offering eSIM:
See the cheapest prepaid plans with eSIM (each of these plans has 28-day expiry and 20GB or more data):
Using more than one SIM or eSIM at once
If you opt for an eSIM, this keeps your physical SIM slot free for a secondary SIM. This essentially turns your phone into a dual SIM phone. There are a couple of reasons you might want to consider this:
- You want a personal number and a work number without carrying two separate devices
- You want to keep using an Australian phone number when using your phone overseas, but pick up a more cost-effective local SIM for mobile data
- You want the benefit of coverage from two different networks. For example, if you're heading into regional Australia and know you won't get Vodafone coverage, you could throw a cheap prepaid SIM card into the second slot for additional coverage in the outback when you need it
Enabling 4G on your smartwatch
eSIM can also be used to share a phone number between a smartphone and a wearable device, like the Apple Watch and select Samsung smartwatches. The Big Three telcos all have wearable-specific eSIM plans starting at $5 per month. These days, even some Telstra MVNOs also offer eSIM for wearables.
Use the WhistleOut search engine to compare mobile deals from 28 providers.
What are the disadvantages of using eSIM?
While eSIM is generally a useful feature, it does have its drawbacks. Not all phones are compatible with eSIM, and they can be inconvenient if you want to change mobile phones.
Lack of eSIM-capable phones
Because it's a newer feature typically reserved for premium devices, eSIM-capable phones tend to be more expensive.
eSIM capability isn't widely supported across all phone models and is typically reserved for flagship phones. This should change over time as eSIM becomes the standard; it should extend to less premium phones. A few cheaper devices that are eSIM-enabled include the Pixel 10a, Galaxy A57, and the Moto G57.
Less easy to switch between mobile phones
While eSIM makes it easy to switch between mobile plan providers, it's slightly different when it comes to switching phones. With a physical SIM, you can pop the card out of its slot and into a new phone, and it's pretty much ready to go.
By comparison, an eSIM may require you to deactivate your profile on one device and activate it on your new phone. In some cases, you may need assistance from your telco. This can be especially inconvenient if the first phone in the scenario is damaged.
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eSIM vs. physical SIM
If convenience is your main priority, then eSIM is a safe bet - especially for those travelling in parts of the world where it's more readily available. It's also a great option for those who want a work phone and personal phone in one device.
However, if you're worried about cost or simply prefer something more familiar, you can still find plenty of physical SIM cards from all major telcos in Australia.
“Whenever I’m overseas for more than a couple of days, I purchase a travel eSIM through Airalo. Since eSIMs are digital, you can download one straight to your phone. You don’t need to find a store when you land at your destination. You can even buy your eSIM before you leave if you want to be super prepared.”
Alex Choros, Managing Editor WhistleOut
eSIM Benefits and disadvantages FAQs
Is it worth getting an eSIM?
If you value being able to switch to another network more conveniently or want to operate two SIMs at once in one phone, then it could be well worth getting an eSIM-capable phone so you can use the technology.
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM card?
In terms of everyday use, eSIM has more benefits than disadvantages when compared to a physical SIM, especially when it comes to convenience. More broadly, eSIM is also better for the planet as it is another opportunity to reduce plastic use and lessen the environmental impact of technology.
Does eSIM work without internet?
You do need a separate internet connection, such as WiFi, during the initial activation process, but eSIM will enable your device to function over a mobile network once your profile has been downloaded and set up.
Is eSIM safe?
Yes, using eSIM on your phone is completely safe. In fact, eSIM is more secure if your phone is lost or stolen; the person who found it wouldn't be able to remove the SIM. The risks of remote hacking or fraud remain the same as it does with a physical SIM.
These are the most popular eSIM mobile plans with WhistleOut users this week:
Dylan Crismale
Digital Content Editor
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