Explore the Different Types of SIM Cards: A Comprehensive Guide
Did you know that there are over 15 billion mobile connections worldwide? Each one relies on a tiny but mighty piece of technology — the SIM card.
Since the early '90s, SIM cards have been silently powering our mobile communication. Yet, they've morphed dramatically since their credit-card-sized debut, reflecting our unrelenting pursuit of technological miniaturization and advancement.
SIM cards have come a long way from enabling the first generation of mobile phones to now empowering the expansive Internet of Things (IoT). In this article, we delve into the different types of SIM cards — from the Full-Size SIM to the Nano SIM, and the high-tech eSIM. By the end, you'll know which SIM size or type you need for your IoT device.
SIM Cards: What They Are and How They Work
A SIM card, or Subscriber Identity Module, is a small smart card that connects your mobile device to a specific cellular network. Its main purpose is to store the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and its related keys, which are used to identify and authenticate the user of a mobile network.
When your mobile device is powered on, it reads data from the SIM card and passes it to the mobile network. This process allows the network to verify the user’s identity and determine whether they have access to the network.
If you travel outside the coverage area of the original network (known as roaming), the SIM card can connect to a different network. This is possible only if the original network has a roaming agreement with the foreign network. This is what enables you to use your mobile devices when traveling internationally.
Different Types of SIM Cards
Here are the major 6 types of SIM cards:
1. Full-Size SIM Cards (1FF)
Full-Size SIM cards, or 1FF (First Form Factor), are the original SIM cards introduced in the early 90s. They were called “credit-card size” or “bar-card” cards because of their shape and size, measuring 85.6 x 53.98 mm.
1FFs were used in the bulky first portable phones that supported a 2G network. They were able to identify the user to the network, store their unique International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and facilitate connection with the mobile network. Nowadays, no one makes devices that accept 1FF SIM cards.
2. Mini SIM Cards (2FF)
A credit card-sized SIM card is uncomfortable and requires a lot of space within the device. Hence, mobile devices became smaller and more compact leading to the invention of smaller SIM cards. Introduced in 1996, 2FF SIM cards used to be the most common type of SIM card in the market for many years.
Despite the reduction in physical size, the Mini SIM continued to carry the same functionality as the Full-Size SIM, holding crucial user identification and network information. They measure 12 x 15 mm and are mainly used with GSM devices. In addition to mobile phones, you can also find them in IoT devices.
3. Micro SIM Cards (3FF)
The advent of smartphones and the drive to make them even smaller led to the creation of the Micro SIM, or 3FF (Third Form Factor). Introduced in 2003, it was created to replace the 2FF SIM cards which were taking up too much precious device internal space.
At 15 x 12mm, the Micro SIM is significantly smaller than the Mini SIM but still performs the same tasks - it holds the IMSI and authenticates the user with the network. It was one of the most common sizes used in older smartphones and it is still being used in some of the newer devices.
4. Nano SIM Cards (4FF)
Introduced in 2012, the 4FF SIM card is the smallest of the standard SIMs. Measuring just 12.3 x 8 mm, it contains almost no plastic around the chip. It is really small and compact making it perfect for smart wearable devices and the latest smartphones.
The Nano SIM is currently the smallest physical SIM card used in mobile devices. And yet manufacturers are striving to make devices thinner and save space for other components. Despite its small size, it contains all the functionality of its predecessors.
5. Embedded SIM (MFF2)/eSIM
Unlike traditional SIM cards that need to be inserted into a device, eSIMs are embedded and soldered into the device during manufacturing. Measuring just 6 x 5 mm, they are significantly smaller than even Nano SIMs. Also called MFF2, they are often used for IoT (Internet of Things) devices that require more flexibility.
Newer IoT devices use embedded SIM cards as they are smaller and more secure since they cannot be removed. Some new smartphones also come with an embedded SIM along with a traditional SIM slot allowing the user to choose.
The beauty of eSIMs is that they can be reprogrammed to connect with different networks, eliminating the need for physical SIM swaps to change carriers. This allows you to switch between networks over the air. eSIMs are increasingly found in newer models of smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, and IoT devices.
6. Integrated SIM
The Integrated SIM, or iSIM is an advanced variant of the eSIM. While the eSIM is a separate chip embedded in the device, iSIM is incorporated into the device’s hardware. It's permanently integrated into the device making it highly robust and resistant to physical wear and tear. These SIMs are particularly suited to industrial applications, such as IoT devices, connected cars, and smart city infrastructures, where physical SIM card changes are impractical.
All the SIM card needs is just the chip, and the plastic around it wastes space that manufacturers could use to improve and optimize their devices.
Simbase - The Right SIM Card Type for IoT Device
Choosing the correct SIM for an IoT device hinges on device design, environment, scalability, cost efficiency, and network coverage. Compact designs favor Nano SIMs, but eSIMs and integrated SIMs are becoming standard for their flexibility and minimal space requirements. However, not all IoT devices come with eSIMs or iSIMs. They come with various SIM compatibility slots leaving you to wonder which size to choose.
But with Simbase SIM cards, you don’t really need to worry about it. Because like most SIM cards manufactured today, even Simbase SIM cards are multi-sized SIM cards. These SIM cards hold all the sizes (1FF/2FF/3FF/4FF) in one card - so you do not need to worry about getting the wrong size SIM card.
SIM Sizes Chart
| Sim Type | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-size SIM (1FF) | 85.6 | 53.98 | 0.76 |
| Mini-SIM (2FF) | 25 | 15 | 0.76 |
| Macro-SIM (3FF) | 15 | 12 | 0.76 |
| Nano-SIM (4FF) | 12.3 | 8.8 | 0.76 |
FAQs
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There are mainly 6 types of SIM cards: Full-Size SIM Cards (1FF), Mini SIM Cards (2FF), Micro SIM Cards (3FF), Nano SIM Cards (4FF), eSIM (Embedded SIM), and Integrated SIM.
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There are 3 types of SIM cards for phones: Mini-SIM (2FF), Micro SIM (3FF), and Nano SIM (4FF). Each one is smaller than the last, with the Nano SIM being the most commonly used in modern smartphones.
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Broadly speaking, there are two main types of SIM cards: Physical SIM cards (Full-Size, Mini, Micro, and Nano SIMs) and Virtual SIM cards (eSIMs and Integrated SIMs). Physical SIM cards are removable, while Virtual SIM cards are either integrated into the device or exist solely digitally and don't require a physical card.