[eSIM] Smartphones that do not support dual SIM/eSIM are surprisingly common in Japan [Consideration]

I'm Takajo from Beyond Shenzhen and I've been feeling like my home PC isn't working lately.

Well, this time too, we will talk about SIM.

Recently released smartphones such as the iPhone 16 series and foldable smartphones from Samsung Galaxy and HUAWEI are always talked about.

Even though technology is developing so much and various functions are becoming more sophisticated, do you still come across information such as ``Dual SIM not supported'' or `Physical SIM only''

This time, I would like to summarize my personal opinion as to why this happens.

What is dual SIM?

First of all, let me explain about "Dual SIM"

Dual SIM is, as the name suggests, a feature that allows you to use two SIM cards in one device.

The author also owns a smartphone that can use this function, and when he is in Japan, he uses a Japanese SIM, and when he returns to China, he activates a SIM that can be used in China.

As a general rule, SIM locks are prohibited for smartphones released after October 2021, and personally, I feel like I've heard the term dual SIM more often since then. This is a great feature that is very convenient and increases the options for users.

What is eSIM?

It's a word I've often mentioned in this blog, so it may seem a little late, but it's a SIM that uses a QR code to read your profile (phone number, subscriber information, etc.).

○ [eSIM] How to set up Beyond SIM ~ iOS version ~

○ [eSIM] Explanation of APN settings in Beyond SIM ~ iOS edition ~

○ [eSIM] Smartphone SIM lock and how to unlock it

There are many types of eSIM, and it is an innovative technology that is also used in IoT devices and smart watches, but in this article, we will focus on eSIM for use in smartphones and how it is used in the mechanism described above. It is defined as an eSIM.

Why are there still models that do not support dual SIM/eSIM?

So, despite having such wonderful functions, why do some smartphones exist that cannot use dual SIM or eSIM?

I believe that the reason is that carriers or the government have imposed some kind of restrictions

There are a wide variety of smartphones, and especially Android smartphones and tablets, where various manufacturers release their own products, and each one is made into a series. How many smartphones are there in existence?

It's hard to imagine, right?

Furthermore, the conditions for selling the product to country A and the conditions for selling it to country B, for example, do not necessarily match.

Manufacturers manufacture and sell products that meet the conditions of their customers.

In other words, ``Manufacturers may customize the settings and functions of the main unit and sell it depending on the conditions of the sales destination, even if they are exactly the same model.''

Specific example

An actual example is shown below.

dual sim

■ Case ①

Globally, there are relatively few carriers that are proactive about dual SIM functionality. (To secure profits for the carrier)

eSIM

■ Case ②

Since eSIM itself is regulated in China, all devices use physical SIM, and even if they support dual SIM, they are equipped with a card slot that allows you to insert two physical SIMs.

*Same for iOS and Android smartphone devices.

■ Case ③

This is limited to iPhone models sold in the United States, but there is no card slot for a physical SIM, and all models from the iPhone 14 series onwards are only eSIM compatible.

For example, let's say you purchased a smartphone through a certain carrier and checked the spec information on the vendor's official website.

Even if you want to use dual SIM in Japan, there are some restrictions on the carrier side, and there are cases where ``the screen to add another SIM does not even appear on the settings screen in the first place.'' There will be enough.

Also, if you have an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet device purchased in Japan, please compare it with the example above.

You should be able to notice the difference.

Due to the reasons and background mentioned above, it is clear that individual requirements have arisen and these requirements have an impact on the specifications of the main unit, and it is clear that the manufacturer has made a decision as to whether the function can really be used. You may not be able to tell just by looking at the product catalog.

About trouble prevention

I've explained it here and there, but I'll summarize the conclusion.

This is a basic thing, but before purchasing an eSIM, first check carefully whether the device can use the eSIM functions .

1. In the first place, the device itself does not support dual SIM or eSIM.
2. Models sold in certain countries and regions are not supported or have some restrictions.
3. Although it is compatible, it cannot be used due to differences in the broadband (bandwidth) of the contracted carrier.

There is a good chance that the above situation will occur, and in some cases, there may be even more complicated circumstances for the carrier or vendor.

Personally, I find it faster to check where you purchased the smartphone and contact the carrier/seller.

Especially when changing the model of your smartphone or tablet, be sure to check it once again.

summary

At Beyond, we offer Beyond SIM

However, on rare occasions, an incident like the one described in this blog may occur and we receive inquiries from customers. In such cases, the only option is for the smartphone subscriber to personally contact the carrier or vendor and confirm the specifications and functions of the device.

Therefore, before purchasing a smartphone or tablet, be sure to check with your carrier or vendor whether this device supports dual SIM or eSIM.

If you can't use your eSIM after purchasing it, the consequences are quite big, so be sure to check in advance to get off to a good start!

Global eSIM service “Beyond SIM”