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elbeborandy

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 3, 2016
323
302
Hi guys, I'm very curious. Is there any difference when an iPhone it’s running with an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card? It’s the same 5G or not? Thanks!
 

Banglazed

macrumors 603
Apr 17, 2017
5,014
9,514
Cupertino, CA
I spoke to a rep about differences but there’s no discernible difference other than convenience. When it first rolled out for testing, there were some hiccups with cellular signal/speed and not receiving short codes but I believed they have improved by then. Currently using eSIM to see how it is.
 
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Speedman100

macrumors 6502
Jul 21, 2013
435
388
I have been using eSIM for a couple years. With 5G, I got 3700 Mbps when testing next to the cell tower. So speed is definitely not a concern with eSIM.
 
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velocityg4

macrumors 604
Dec 19, 2004
7,340
4,727
Georgia
The only difference is one is a physical card. Otherwise they're still connecting the same hardware (phone) to the same provider and radio channels. So, there shouldn't be any difference speed wise.
 

Banglazed

macrumors 603
Apr 17, 2017
5,014
9,514
Cupertino, CA
I had a few days with the eSIM but switched back to physical SIM today. With eSIM, I visited frequent locations to find out there's a difference in signal and speed.
 

now i see it

macrumors G4
Jan 2, 2002
11,258
24,295
SIM card or eSIM is just an ID card for the phone. It’s not a transceiver. There shouldn’t be any performance difference between using the two if the physical SIM card is current.
 
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AbSoluTc

macrumors 603
Sep 21, 2008
5,280
4,214
I had a few days with the eSIM but switched back to physical SIM today. With eSIM, I visited frequent locations to find out there's a difference in signal and speed.
No there’s not. ESIM and Sim, no difference.
 
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