The technological innovations are making our worldwide connection more flexible and hassle-free. eSIM and rSIM are the two terminologies that are becoming popular worldwide as the best means to improve communication. eSIM or embedded SIM is the built-in chip in devices that allows a global connection. rSIM or remote SIM is like a physical SIM card that offers a solution for locked carrier phones. Both these work to make your connectivity easy and at an affordable cost. But these are different from each other.

In this article, I will discuss the details about eSIM and rSIM, how these work, their features, and what is the difference between eSIM and rSIM.

Difference between eSIM and rSIM

What is an eSIM?

eSIM is a virtual SIM that is a digital version of a SIM card. It is the best travel companion that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. It can’t be removed from the devices; therefore considered more secure to use. It works in the latest smart devices, smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and tablets.

How does an eSIM work? 

Like a physical SIM card, it remotely connects your device to different networks. You can make calls and send texts with an eSIM. You can store multiple eSIM profiles in a single device and switch between them to improve your cellular data connection. 

Key Features of eSIM

The key features of electronic SIM include:

  • Integrated into the devices: eSIM is built into the devices by the manufacturers. Like a SIM card, users don’t need to insert it into devices. 
  • Remote eSIM Activation: Embedded SIM allows users to remotely activate eSIM without visiting the store physically. You can buy an eSIM remotely and activate it via QR code or manual method without any delay. 
  • Store Multiple Profiles: eSIM can store multiple carrier profiles, which you can switch without physical swapping. Only one carrier works at a time.
  • Remote Carrier Switching: Unlike the physical SIM card, to switch networks, you don’t need to insert a new SIM. eSIM allows remote carrier switching from your device settings.

What is rSIM?

Remote SIM or rSIM is a small adapter that works to unlock your carrier-restricted device. It is a chip, like the SIM card, that offers two profiles to improve communication. It allows two numbers to users to make calls and texts. 

How does rSIM work?

The key function of rSIM is to bypass the network restrictions and help your device connect to different networks. It is mostly used to unlock iPhone devices. rSIM works between the SIM card and the mobile phone to enhance connection 

Key Features of rSIM 

The key features of rSIM include:

  • Unlock Carrier Restricted Devices: rSIM unlocks the carrier-restricted devices and enables them to use multiple networks.
  • A Bridge Between SIM Card and Phone: It stimulates your real SIM card and allows your device to link with different cellular carriers.
  • Compatible with Locked Devices: rSIM is used only for the carrier-locked devices. It tricks your SIM card into linking with other networks.

Difference between eSIM and rSIM

Both technologies improve our communication, but they are different from each other. 

FeatureseSIM rSIM 
Function A built-in SIM technology that offers remote data connectionAn adapter that bypasses the carrier restrictions and unlocks the devices
AppearanceVirtual SIM doesn’t have a physical appearanceLooks like a physical SIM card
ActivationRemote eSIM activationManual activation
Device compatibility Compatible with the latest smart devicesCompatible with carrier-locked devices as iPhones
Profile storageStore Multiple eSIM profilesStore two profiles
Carrier switchingRemote carrier switchingAutomatic switching

What is best for you: eSIM or rSIM?

Both SIMs have different functions. I have explained both technologies in detail for your understanding. You can make better decisions about what you need, an eSIM for convenient data connection or an rSIM to unlock your devices.

If you are a frequent traveller and are looking for a convenient and flexible solution for cellular data connection, eSIM is the best option for you. Unlike the physical SIM, eSIM offers affordable and hassle-free data with multiple network options.

rSIM is best to use if your iPhone device is carrier locked. It is a cost-effective solution to make your device compatible with multiple networks.

Conclusion 

rSIM and eSIM are different from each other. Both look different and have different functionalities. eSIM offers a hassle-free mobile experience for international travelers. rSIM helps you during travel when you need to make your device compatible with other carriers. Which is best between these depends on your needs. You should use eSIM for global connectivity and rSIM to erase your device’s carrier restriction.

FAQs

How are eSIM and rSIM similar?

Both are the latest technologies that are designed to work in the latest IoT devices. eSIM and rSIM enhance the user’s experience and improve the connectivity. 

What are the risks of eSIM?

Compared to physical SIM cards, eSIM has lower security concerns. It has no chances of being damage or stolen. However, it has a risk of hacking and a SIM swapping attack.