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The best smartphones with two active SIM cards. Smartphones with two SIM cards (Dual Sim): Pros and cons

When Apple announced the new iPhones XS, XS Max and XR on September 12, one feature captured the attention of international travelers and multi-phone owners: dual SIM cards.

If the processor is the brain of your phone, the SIM card or subscriber identity module is its soul, the tiny little chip that stores your phone number and connects you to cellular network. Essentially, this is what makes your phone a phone.

If you've ever wanted two phone lines on one device, new technology Dual SIM Dual Standby from Apple can change your life (for Android users this is no longer a new product). It may be more practical to have two phone numbers on one phone - one for business, one for personal use. And it becomes much easier and cheaper to use own phone when traveling abroad.

Although iOS beta 12.1 contains essential component technology - remote provisioning of eSIM, Apple will make it available for mass use at the end of this fall. Of course, this won't be a deciding factor for the vast majority of people who are eyeing a new iPhone in 2018, but the debut of the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR means new era phones with two SIM cards.

We don't yet know all the details about how, when and where Apple's Dual-SIM feature will work. But based on our current understanding of how the technology will be implemented, there are some limitations. So far, here's what we know about double Apple SIM card- and what this means for the three new iPhone models.

Note. The information below is all we know about this moment. If you're buying an iPhone XS, XS Max or XR to take advantage of dual-SIM/eSIM technology, make sure you get an unlocked phone (see below) before you make your purchase.

What is a dual-sim in terms of Apple?

The 2018 iPhone will allow you to have two different phone numbers on one phone. You will be able to make and receive calls, as well as send and receive SMS to any of the numbers.

Why do I need a dual SIM phone?

There are two main advantages. You can have two different phone numbers - for example, one for business and one for personal use - without having to carry two phones. And when traveling abroad, dual SIM card slots make it easy to add a local number to your phone to avoid costly international roaming charges.


Will the iPhone have both eSIM and plastic SIM cards?

Yes. The new iPhones will have a traditional plastic SIM card, a familiar SIM card that identifies you to your carrier network, and an eSIM, the more modern software equivalent.

And here's the main point - eSIM can accommodate several telephone numbers, which you can add, remove and customize directly from your iPhone settings. The plastic SIM card can only be physically removed or replaced.

In theory, as soon as eSIM technology becomes widely supported mobile operators Internationally, Apple may ditch the plastic SIM card entirely. For now, 2018 iPhones have both plastic SIMs and eSIMs, and Apple has both covered.

What is Dual SIM Dual Standby?

Apple's dual SIM card system is called Dual SIM Dual Standby. This means the new iPhones can control two devices simultaneously. telephone lines- calls received to any of them will be sent to your phone, and you can easily make calls and send SMS from any of your numbers without changing SIM cards.

Please note that you will not be able to send and receive data on both lines at the same time; If one line is on, incoming calls to the other number will go to voicemail.

How is eSIM different from Apple SIM?

Originally known as Apple SIM, the first version of Apple's soft SIM card appeared on LTE-compatible iPad and Apple Watch Series 3. Analysts believe that the technology is the same at a fundamental level, but iOS 12 may bring improvements to the user interface.

Can I add numbers from different operators?

Yes. Apple says you can add numbers from two to different operators- if your iPhone is not tied to one operator. And this main nuance. If your phone is linked, both numbers must be from the same operator. And if the first SIM card is provided by the operator CDMA standard, such as Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular, Boost and Virgin, your second SIM card will not support CDMA.

Can I use eSIM on an operator-locked iPhone?

When you buy an iPhone directly from Apple, online or from a partner store, it is untethered—meaning it can be set up and activated on any carrier's network.

But if your phone is tethered, your options are much more limited. The associated phone has program code, which prevents you from using it on another operator's network. An unlinked phone does not have a blocking one software, it happens that some craftsmen call previously linked phones from the operator. Once the device is unlocked, you can change the SIM card to a SIM card from any other operator. Most carriers require you to pay for your phone in full before they will unlock it, and other restrictions may apply.

An unlocked phone with a plastic SIM card requires a new plastic SIM card to move to a new operator. On the other hand, eSIM can accommodate multiple SIM profiles from multiple operators. So far, eSIM has not received much support from telecom operators, who are understandably wary of making it easier for customers to switch to other operators.

When will Apple launch its eSIM feature?

Apple activates eSIM features in iOS update 12.1, which is currently in beta. At first, of course, everything will work only in the USA. American operators a QR code will need to be provided before the line is activated using the eSIM, which will likely coincide with the public release of iOS 12.1. According to the German site iPhone-Ticker.de, some Deutsche Telekom users have reportedly already used the eSIM to add a second number to their iPhone.

How to set up eSIM on a new iPhone?

Owners of 2018 iPhone models will be able to access eSIM through the smartphone settings. According to an Apple spokesperson, you'll be able to use your phone's camera to scan a carrier QR code, which will initiate the second number activation process. Next, iOS will let you choose a default number for calls and SMS, choose a label for each number, and so on.

Apple has outlined the eSIM setup process step-by-step on its support site.

Is it possible to rewrite an eSIM?

eSIM can be rewritten and you can choose a tariff from any operator that supports the technology.

Which operators support eSIM technology?

Apple says eSIM works in 16 countries: in the US, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon currently support this technology. A Sprint spokesperson said the company will begin supporting the feature in the near future.) Internationally, participating carriers currently include Truphone, Bell, EE, GigSky, Vodafone, Jio, Airtel and Deutsche Telekom.

At a conference on September 12, Apple announced that more operators will add support throughout the fall and into next year.

Are there other phones with Dual SIM technology? And doesn't Google Pixel 2 have an eSIM?

There are many phones that can handle two SIM cards at the same time, but only a few support eSIM so far. Google Pixel 2 has an eSIM - but it's primarily for use with the service cellular communications Google Project Fi.

Do I have to get permission from my primary carrier to add a second phone number?

No, you do not need permission to add a second phone number. In fact, the main benefit of eSIM is that you don't even have to go to a store to activate your second number - it can all be done remotely.

Why doesn't eSIM work in China?

Apple has announced a special edition of the new iPhones for China, which will feature two plastic SIM card slots instead of eSIM technology. According to Neil Shah, who studies mobile technologies for Counterpoint Research, Dual-SIM technology popular in China, but very few operators have introduced support for eSIM technology.


What about Russia?

According to representatives of the big four cellular operators operating in Russia, they are all testing work with eSIM in their networks.

A representative of the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications said that the department would welcome the introduction of eSIM Russian operators, however, strict compliance with the law is required, including the identification of subscribers. To date, companies have not contacted the ministry regarding changes to the legal framework.

You've probably come across smartphones with support for two SIM cards, and of course you've heard about such devices more than once. However, the principle and operating features of such devices remain a mystery to some. Is it worth choosing this miracle of technology? regular smartphone with one SIM card? Will it cost more? These and many other questions arise in your mind, and we will try to answer them in this article.

What is Dual SIM and how does it work?

Dual SIM is not just a mode, it is a combination of several types of operation of a smartphone with two SIM cards. At the hardware level, everything is implemented quite simply: your device has two slots for SIM cards. The times when you had to restart your smartphone to switch between them are long gone - now control is carried out on program level with the help of special managers. With their help, you determine which card to work with at the moment by specifying different functions(for example, one can be used for unlimited Internet travel, and the other for cheap calls within the region). We will give an example program. But almost any application for sending SMS has the functionality of a SIM card manager. If you know more convenient programs, share them in the comments. In general, such software is pre-installed on dual-SIM devices.

Dual SIM Standby allows you to use only one of the two cards at a time. The switching is done from the menu, but there are still too many inconveniences in this operating principle, for example, a passive SIM card will not be able to receive calls. On the other hand, the battery consumption in Dual SIM Standby is minimal, as is the cost of purchasing such a device. This type is gradually becoming a thing of the past precisely because of its only, but significant, disadvantage.

Dual SIM Active allows both SIM cards to be in standby mode at the same time. Two transceivers, one for each SIM card, allow them to be connected at all times. The peculiarity here is this: only one of these modules will be capable of working in networks with 2G or 3G data transmission, the other will only work with GSM. Dual SIM Active has two drawbacks, and they are not so fatal: the power consumption of the device increases by about a third, as does its cost.

Dual SIM Dual Standby also allows both SIM cards to be in call waiting mode, but they are served by one transceiver. When idle, it supports both cards, however, when there is a conversation going on- only one, active. Here, too, only one card can work in 2G or 3G networks. DSDS is the most common nowadays.

FAQ

The most FAQ that arise in our minds when we think about dual-SIM smartphone include, for example: What if I receive a call on both SIM cards at the same time? Naturally, in the very first case, your second card will be offline and will not accept the call. But in the case of Active, there are two options: with two transceivers you have the opportunity to open a second line, with one - offline again. In any case, if the card to which the call was received is currently inactive, the caller will be dictated a message about the possibilities voicemail.

Can I use SIM cards from different operators? Since in our country the institution of blocking devices for operators is not at all developed, you can choose without hesitation from the whole variety of packages of our expensive (literally) providers. Just remember the limitation on 2G/3G transmission for Active mode.

If I use the Internet on one of the cards, will I be able to receive a call on the other? Unless this is the first (dying) type, where only one card works at a time, then the answer is a clear yes.

If you type “dual sim UAH” into Google, you risk getting lost in a sea of ​​offers from a wide variety of Chinese and other mobile phones. Usually we are talking about Dual Standby - two cards seem to be on the network through one radio channel. What can be squeezed out of this?

Real Indians: two channels simultaneously in talk mode

And sometimes three. There is a device for sale named after merciless Chinese craftsmen, which has three GSM radio channels, divided in turn into two SIM cards in standby mode. Total - that's right, you can put as many as SIX SIM cards under the battery and feel like a Terminator. About half a day until the battery runs out. But there are also three of them in the set, so with a pocket full of batteries you can look down on the crowd.

Mobile phones with two separate GSM paths cost one and a half times more expensive than analogues with one channel. How justified such a scheme is - everyone decides for themselves based on the results of use; two channels eat up the battery faster, but are perfect for people with split personalities, allowing you to have two conversations over different numbers simultaneously. No matter how hard I tried, I found a use for these two channels in regular mobile phone I couldn't. But in smartphones it’s no different.

Among the hybrids there are CDMA+GSM mobile phones, there different channels also work in parallel. Well, for maniacs there is also CDMA + 2xGSM and so on.

The soldier is sleeping, the service is in progress: two SIM cards in standby mode, one channel

A huge disadvantage of this option is that during a conversation on one of your numbers, the second one remains unavailable. This is what he reports to his disgruntled acquaintances: they say, your subscriber is not in touch, he has fallen into the ground. Acquaintances then get offended - why, they say, turned off the mobile phone. But in fact, he was just talking on a different SIM card.

This means that the first thing you need to do, having put two cards into such a phone, is to install through the operator’s menu conditional forwarding“if unavailable” from the first number to the second, and from the second to the first. After this, friends who called at the wrong time will receive a normal “the caller is talking” signal, and you will see who is calling you.

The second disadvantage is related to the way in which two SIM cards “share” one radio channel. If you show it on your fingers, it looks something like this:

1. The first SIM card is registered in the network of the first operator. This needs to be done at intervals, say, once every 5 minutes (the figure is completely arbitrary, real values- see GSM specification). So, for the next 5 minutes, the first operator believes that your first card number is available at this address.

2. The second SIM card is immediately registered - in the network of a different or the same operator, it doesn’t matter. The operator generally doesn’t care that two SIM cards are registered on one device, since he will still encode the data not for the device, but for digital key specific SIM card.

3. After 5 minutes, the process is repeated, as a result of which the operator(s) are confident that both cards are online.

So, the registration process is an exchange of data. It takes very little time, but according to the law of meanness, they can call you on the number of the first SIM card exactly at the moment when the second one is registered on the network. And the first SIM card will not be able to answer the operator, giving the result “the subscriber is not online.”

This can also be treated by redirecting, but don’t be surprised if a couple of times a week someone manages to “redirect” out of the blue. It just happened right when registering another card.

But my “double standby” LG does not require charging for weeks. And at the same time, it was not announced as a super-economical phone, it just happened that way. I'm afraid that with an option with two simultaneously operating channels this would be impossible.

With the Internet in life: smartphones

So, I have “just a phone” with two cards - Beeline and MTS. Not for some kind of savings, but in order to be in touch: holes in the coverage of Kyivstar and MTS rarely coincide. Well, before the Kievstarization of the Beeline, MTS was even more justified as a safety net.

But I also have a simple smartphone that desperately needs the Internet. Who gives us smart internet? That's right, Ukrtelecom. His card is in the smartphone.

But the prospect of carrying a bunch of devices in my pockets is somehow depressing. After all, I bought a “dual SIM” phone so that I wouldn’t have to carry an extra phone. And here you are, again, a crowd of gadgets.

And I almost fell for it, out of habit I almost bought an Android smartphone with two SIM cards in standby mode. Now, finally, sensible ones have appeared - with Android 2.3+, on MTK processors 6573 or Qualcomm 7227. But I realized in time that such a device simply did not make sense.

Judge for yourself: the smartphone is somehow constantly connected to the Internet. Receives the notifications I need, keeps in touch my SIP number, working Jabber, and so on. This means that the only communication channel is almost constantly occupied by an Internet session, and you can only get through to an Internet card: the second one will simply “dangle” under the lid, becoming accessible only if the Internet has ended.

Of course, if you turn on the Internet session on your smartphone only when necessary and manually, two cards will work in standby mode. But this is still not the most common mode of using such devices.

So for “smartness” you will have to look for a more expensive two-channel device - a reviewer recently ran through here. There you can enjoy receiving a call to the second number, while the first card shows Yandex traffic jams from the Internet.

p.s. Do you want to Samsung Galaxy Mini discharged 15% slower? Disable automatic screen rotation in settings! Yeah, I'm freaking out myself, but it works.

Usually a smartphone with two SIM cards has certain restrictions. When you talk on one SIM card, the second one appears busy for those who dial your number. But this can be a very important challenge that should not be missed! If you are afraid of encountering such a problem, then you need to choose not just a device with two SIM cards. You need to make sure that they can work in simultaneous mode. Unfortunately, very few such devices have been created. We will talk about almost all of them in today’s article.

If you already have a device in your hands into which a pair of SIM cards is inserted, then you may want to check the supported operating mode. To do this, just call yourself from one number to another. If the call does not go through, then the SIM cards operate in alternating mode. If it passes, then everything is in order: both SIM cards work simultaneously.

The best inexpensive smartphones with two SIM cards

ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML

  • Operating system: Android 5.0
  • Display: 5.5 inches, IPS, 1080 x 1920 pixels
  • Battery: 3000 mAh
  • Weight: 170 g

Price: from 9,990 rub.

Manufacturing a device with two radio modules is a rather complex and expensive task. Therefore, now a very small number of companies are engaged in this business. Most often, their products are very expensive. Fortunately, there are exceptions to the rule, as evidenced by the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML. Despite having as much as 4 GB random access memory, the device is quite inexpensive. The exact cost will depend on how much internal memory you need.

We recommend choosing the 16 GB version, since you can always use a microSD card if necessary. The device is capable of transmitting data via LTE networks. He also has at his disposal wireless modules Bluetooth 4.0 and, more importantly, Wi-Fi 802.11ac.

Interesting feature smartphone is the fact that it is powered by an Intel processor. The graphics accelerator is also good here, with it the device can run any modern games. However, sometimes the graphics settings will still be reduced. But nothing else was expected from such an inexpensive smartphone.

Overall, this is a fairly powerful device with a good battery. He can only upset big amount marriage. And we strongly do not recommend updating to the sixth version of Android, as it suffers from numerous incurable errors!

Advantages

Flaws

  • Some people may find it heavy;
  • Internet is available only for one SIM card;
  • There are copies with defects.

HTC Desire 700

  • Operating system: Android 4.1
  • Display: 5 inches, 540 x 960 pixels
  • Battery: 2100 mAh
  • Weight: 150 g

Price: from 5,500 rub.

This smartphone is almost impossible to find in official retail. But it can be purchased relatively cheaply through Avito and other services with free advertisements. At one time, the device was a real hit. People liked the 8-megapixel camera, which produced good images. More stronger smartphone charmed when playing music - the creators did not skimp on good speakers. What was disappointing here was the lack of a 4G module - at the time of the announcement it had not yet been built into devices of this price category.

Advantages

Flaws

The best smartphones with two active SIM cards

Huawei Nonor 8

  • Operating system: Android 6.0
  • Display: 5.2 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels
  • Battery: 3000 mAh
  • Weight: 153 g

Price: from 21,700 rub.

There are several versions of this smartphone. They have the same number of radio modules, but the memory capacity is different - you can choose between 32 and 64 GB. There is no need to think too much before making a choice, since you can always use the card if you wish microSD memory. The device was released quite recently, so do not be surprised by the presence of a connector here. The device also has a fingerprint sensor at its disposal, which is no less important. LTE-Advanced support should also please the buyer. This device is sold for a reason high price. It has not only a pair of radio modules, but also a dual camera! Under both lenses there is a 12-megapixel matrix. If you love photography, then you should definitely choose this smartphone! It is reliable and productive - you are unlikely to encounter any problems during operation. What is important is metal smartphone with two SIM cards - minimal plastic is involved in its production.

Advantages

  • There is a new connector;
  • Latest standards supported wireless networks;
  • Recognizes fingerprints;
  • good front-camera(8 MP);
  • There is a dual main camera;
  • The screen has high resolution;
  • Latest version of Android;
  • Lots of RAM and permanent memory;
  • Powerful processor own production.

Flaws

  • The price may seem high;
  • Although beautiful, the body is slippery;
  • The second radio module is unstable.

Conquest S6

  • Operating system: Android 4.4
  • Display: 5 inches, IPS, 720 x 1280 pixels
  • Battery: 4000 mAh
  • Weight: 275 g

Price: from 29,780 rub.

A smartphone that combines a bunch of advantages and disadvantages. He has capacious battery, which ensures long-term autonomous operation. The device also boasts good protection against dust and water. But all this led to the fact that the smartphone weighs unaffordably! Also, not everyone will like that such an expensive device has outdated version operating system. However, there is more latest versions devices equipped with Android 5.0.

Unlike many others modern smartphones,Conquest S6 has an event indicator light. It’s very convenient to immediately notice if you missed incoming message or some kind of notification. Under the body of the device are hidden 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of permanent memory (but there are other configurations). At the time of its announcement it was the gold standard. Now this may not seem enough. An interesting feature of the Conquest S6 is the presence of a loop for a carabiner or lanyard. This suggests that purchasing a smartphone is recommended for lovers of active recreation.

Advantages

  • Water protection according to IP68 standard;
  • Long battery life;
  • There is a loop for a lanyard or carabiner;
  • There is a gyroscope, compass and a couple of other sensors;
  • Good navigation module;
  • Capable of transmitting data via 4G networks;
  • Not a bad screen;
  • There are no serious complaints about the main camera.

Flaws

  • Old version of the operating system;
  • Weak processor for such a price;
  • Not the largest amount of memory;
  • Exorbitant price tag.

Torex S18

  • Operating system: Android 5.1
  • Display: 4.3 inches, IPS, 540 x 960 pixels
  • Battery: 3500 mAh
  • Weight: 249 g

Price: from 19,950 rub.

If you need to buy a smartphone with a protected case, then you can pay attention to the Torex S18. Unlike some competitors, it does not cost astronomical money. Although no one disputes that budget phones are even cheaper. This model It is distinguished by its size - the device easily fits into any average pocket. On its front panel there is a 4.3-inch display, made according to IPS technology and has a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. With such a diagonal, this is a quite tolerable parameter; individual pixels are quite difficult to see with the naked eye. The device can also please you with a 13-megapixel camera. Surprisingly, the creators even worked on the front camera. Its 5 megapixel resolution may not be enough for shooting masterpieces, but it is quite enough for communicating via Skype. The body of this device is protected from water, dust and shock. But it still cannot be called very reliable - at least they say so touch keys under the display. But the Torex S18 can still be considered productive. There is 2 GB of RAM, and quad-core processor MediaTek supports any application. A smartphone is not suitable only for modern games, but this is understandable. The device does not disappoint in terms of communication either - the creators have introduced an LTE module into it.

Advantages

  • Good cameras on the front and rear panels;
  • There are many useful sensors, including a barometer and compass;
  • Data transmission via 4G networks is possible;
  • Not a bad resolution for such small display;
  • Good protection from moisture and dust;
  • Decent amount of RAM;
  • Stable functioning Android 5.1.

Flaws

  • Weighs a lot;
  • No light sensor;
  • Many will still not be able to afford it.

Article about Dual phone SIM, operating modes.

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Phone with two SIM cards. Operating modes, characteristics

A phone with two SIM cards is one device that includes two phones.

Dual SIM phone

The design of the phone includes two niches for placing SIM cards, two transceivers, two separate numbers, and work with two different operators.
The workflow is based on serial connection SIM cards for incoming and outgoing calls and messages.
The phone has a special switch key. New generation smartphones have GSM1, GSM2 keys for selecting an operator line. You can set the number of the desired operator manually. The phone's memory stores a list of contacts from two operators.

Affiliation with a particular provider is indicated by the highlighting of the contact number or an icon with a number or letter.
The possibilities and growing popularity of this type of cellular communication include the following:

  • practicality, ease of communication
  • inexpensive cost
  • systematization of contacts, for example, personal numbers and production
  • economical calls over the network within one operator
  • using SIM cards from a local operator when traveling and on business trips

There are several modes of operation of phones this kind of. Depending on this, the phone names will include the selected operating mode.

Systematization of modes of 2-sim card phones

The following modes are distinguished:

  • 2Sim Dual Bands or Dual Standby, dual standby mode
  • Pseudo-Dual, pseudo mode
  • Dual SIM Dual Active, active mode
  • Dual Talk, communication mode

Take a closer look at each of the modes.

Dual standby mode (2Sim Dual Bands) or (Dual Standby)

Mode, one of the most popular among mobile phones having a dual SIM card. The phone uses one transceiver that receives signals from cellular operator stations. Two SIM cards are in standby mode. While communicating on one SIM card, incoming calls and messages to the other card go into voicemail mode or there is a message that the subscriber’s device is out of the access zone.
The latest phone models based on MediaTek chips have the function automatic change SIM cards, with one radio transmitting device.
The advantages of a phone with this mode include economical energy consumption compared to devices that support one SIM card. The disadvantages include the fact that the first SIM card supports 2G/3G networks, and the second only 2G networks, as well as the inability to make calls simultaneously from two cards.

Pseudo-Dual

The mode supports two SIM cards, but one of them is real, inserted into a slot on the phone body, and the other is Internet (virtual). Support virtual card carried out by the mobile operator.

The mode is not entirely effective, since the phone needs to be rebooted to switch numbers, and only one phone remains in working mode. The mode has not gained much popularity among phone manufacturers and users.

Active mode (Dual SIM Dual Active)

A phone that supports active mode is two-modular, i.e. has two radio transmitting devices. The modules switch among themselves during a conversation and work in parallel. Used special key For manual switching. Currently, many series of phones running on the Android system platform adhere to this mode. The disadvantages include increased energy costs, large geometric parameters of the phone, and high cost due to increased demand.

Communication mode (Dual Talk)

In practice, this mode is communication in a conference call. A phone that uses talk mode uses two SIM cards, two EDGE transceivers, and allows you to talk with two interlocutors at the same time. The mode on the phone provides voice communication, transmission of messages, faxes, Internet access, in the most modern standards EGSM900/1800.
There are still few phones on the market that provide Dual Talk mode. The most famous of them is the LG GX500 series phone.
We hope that reviewing the modes will help you choose a convenient phone!

Video: Nokia 230 Dual SIM review