Esim vs physical sim

[arlangyr]

I'm about to make the switch from Rogers as they're getting rid of their prepaid services and Public is the best deal I can find that offers 5G. What are the pros and cons between the 2 different sim cards? I know if I get esim I can port my number ASAP online. I've only ever used physical sim cards.

[Meow]

- Physical SIM: is compatible with any phone accepting SIM.  SIM comes in 3 different sizes but you always get adapters so SIM can fit into any phone. If you are changing phones or want to try another one just pulling it out and inserting into other phone is all is needed to continue having service and do a test or switch. Physical SIM rarely fails. It could be damaged if you do rough handing (pulling out/in all the time, carrying it in a pocket, bending, etc.

- eSIM: no physical item. YOUR phone has a circuit to accept eSIM and you 'install it'. Cannot move it from phone to phone. If your carrier offers free eSIM then when changing phones you might get a free one. Not possible to test other phones 'transferring' eSIM from one to another. eSIM being a software might fail or your phone might decide it does not like it anymore. If your phone accepts e eSIMs it might be simpler to have one major eSIM and other install/uninstall if you travel a lot. eSIM you get on-line no need to go into store or order and wait for it.

My personal preference would be always physical SIM. Younger generation might prefer eSIM...

[will13am]

If the service is intended to be permanent, p-SIM is the way to go.  It might be inconvenient initially to get the p-SIM.  After that, it is much easier to move the SIM from phone to phone.  Until such time e-SIM has this type of option, it is painful to get a new SIM each time a different phone is used.  For temporary service like a travel SIM, it is hard to argue against using e-SIM as everything can be done online.  

[ORNGNBLK]

@arlangyr   After being a fly on the wall in this forum and reading most posts about SIM’s I would say that much fewer problems occur when dealing with physical SIM cards. Many subscribers have noted download issues with E’s , as well there seems to be more porting issues reported from a variety of carriers. I personally have a physical SIM and have referred about a dozen folks to PM and suggested physical sims to them. Not a single person experienced an issue with porting in and using physical, and although I can’t say for certain, I’m not sure if all 12 would have had such an easy go if porting in with e-sim. Hope this helps 

[BKNS27]

@arlangyr 

If prefer the SIM for its flexibility to switch it from one phone to another. You can get the SIM for $5 at Amazon or $4 at Canadian Cell Supplies

The eSIM is more convenient but you need to purchase and download if you need to switch phones. eSIM is currently free for the first switch.