Your phone might already be making the choice for you, and you don’t even know it yet.

Apple ditched the physical SIM card slot completely on iPhone 14 models sold in the US, and newer iPhones and Android flagships are pushing eSIM even harder. No more tiny plastic cards or fiddly SIM ejector tools. But before you panic about whether this is just another tech company forcing change on us, let’s talk about what this actually means for Aussies.

Here’s the thing: eSIM isn’t just some fancy new feature anymore. Many carriers now see a big chunk of their new activations coming through eSIM. Travel eSIM providers can connect you to hundreds of networks across more than 200 countries and regions, giving you way more options than one little plastic card ever could.

The compatibility question that used to worry everyone? Largely sorted. Most new flagship and mid-range phones sold in 2025 come with eSIM capability as standard, plus a lot of wearables and tablets as well. Got a phone that’s less than two years old? There’s a good chance it’s already eSIM-ready.

But here’s what we really want to know: is eSIM actually better for your day-to-day life, or is it just change for the sake of change? Should you stick with what you know, or is it time to make the switch?

Whether you’re eyeing a phone upgrade, planning your next overseas trip, or just trying to figure out if eSIM is worth the hassle, we’ve broken down everything you need to know to make the right call in 2025.

Key takeaways

Here are the essential insights to help you choose between eSIM and physical SIM technology in 2025:

• eSIMs shine for travellers and dual-number users – Instant activation via QR code or app, the ability to store multiple carrier profiles on one device, and easy switching between them.
• Physical SIMs still win for universal compatibility – They work with virtually all mobile phones regardless of age, and are still standard on many budget and older devices.
• Security generally favours eSIM – Strong encryption and the fact the SIM can’t just be pulled out of your phone make it harder to steal or clone compared to a removable plastic card.
• Performance is effectively identical – There’s no meaningful difference in signal strength, battery usage or network quality between eSIM and physical SIM. Both use the same network once you’re connected.
• Swapping between devices is different – Physical SIMs are easy to move between phones. eSIM transfers can be a bit more involved and may require using your carrier’s app or support.

The choice ultimately comes down to your phone, your carrier, how often you travel, and whether you need multiple numbers – not one technology being “magically” faster than the other.

What’s really different between eSIM and physical SIM?

The physical stuff: tiny card vs built-in chip

You know that little plastic card you’ve been jamming into your phone with a paperclip? That’s your physical SIM. It holds your subscriber details, sits in a SIM tray and you can pop it out whenever you want.

eSIMs are completely different. They’re built into your phone – a tiny chip soldered onto the motherboard. No card, no tray, no fiddling around with microscopic pieces of plastic. It’s just there, ready to be programmed by your carrier.

Getting connected: apps vs plastic surgery

Want to switch carriers with a physical SIM? You’re usually looking at a trip to the shop, waiting for a new card, or ordering one in the mail and then carefully swapping it without losing it down the back of the couch.

With eSIM, your provider sends you a QR code or directs you to their app. You scan it, follow the prompts and boom – your phone’s connected to their network. No store visit, no waiting for postage, no plastic card at all. You can even do the whole thing from your lounge while watching telly.

The really clever bit? You can activate many travel eSIMs instantly while you’re still at home. That means you can land overseas with data already working. Try doing that with a SIM card you can only buy at the airport.

Storage space: one vs many

Physical SIMs are pretty basic: one SIM card equals one carrier profile. Want to switch? You need a new card.

eSIMs are much more flexible. Most modern phones can store multiple eSIM profiles at once (often 5–10), plus a physical SIM in some cases – though you’ll usually only have one or two active at any given time. This is perfect if you:

• Want separate work and personal numbers on the same phone
• Travel regularly and like to keep local plans saved
• Like to try different carriers to chase better deals

Who’s got what in 2025?

Most new phones these days come with eSIM capability built in. All iPhones from the XS and XR onwards support eSIM, and newer models are increasingly pushing eSIM-first designs. Plenty of Android phones from Samsung, Google, Motorola and others also support eSIM – including mid-range models like the Pixel 9a and Galaxy A56.

Physical SIMs still work with almost every mobile phone ever made. That’s their superpower: universal compatibility. Old phone, new phone, budget phone, doesn’t matter – as long as it has a SIM tray, it’ll take a physical SIM card.

The catch? Ultra-budget and older devices often stick with physical SIM only, while the latest and greatest phones are where eSIM support tends to show up first.

The good, the bad, and the actually useful

Why eSIM might be your new best mate

The biggest win with eSIM? You can ditch most of the hassle of visiting a carrier store.

Scan a QR code, download an app, follow a few prompts and you’re connected. No more waiting around for SIM cards in the mail or hunting down a shop that’s actually open when you need it.

It gets better:

• You can keep multiple carrier profiles on your phone at once.
• You can have work and personal numbers on the same device (if your phone supports dual SIM/eSIM).
• You can activate travel eSIM plans before your plane even takes off.

Security-wise, eSIMs have some solid advantages. Because they’re embedded in your device, no one can simply steal your SIM card and plug it into another phone. eSIM profiles are protected with strong, industry-standard encryption and can usually be deactivated or wiped remotely if your phone is lost or stolen.

Phone makers also love eSIMs because removing the SIM tray can free up internal space for things like bigger batteries, better waterproofing or slimmer designs.

Where eSIM falls short

There are still a few downsides though:

• Not every device supports eSIM – many older and cheaper phones are still physical SIM only.
• Not every carrier offers eSIM support – in Australia, most big and many smaller providers now do, but there are still exceptions and some niche or ultra-budget providers are slower to adopt.
• Switching devices can be fiddly – instead of just moving a card, you’ll usually need to deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and reactivate or add a new eSIM on your new one using your carrier’s app or support team.

If your phone dies completely and you don’t have access to your apps or SMS, recovering an eSIM can sometimes involve extra identity checks with your provider, which can be a bit of a headache when you just want your number back.

Physical SIMs: the reliable old-timer

Physical SIMs have one massive advantage: they just work with almost everything.

Old phone, new phone, random spare handset you found in a drawer – if it has a SIM tray, your physical SIM will probably fit.

Device swapping is simple too:

• Take SIM out of old phone
• Put SIM into new phone
• Power on

That’s it. No QR codes, no apps, no waiting on carrier systems to catch up.

If you’re heading somewhere remote or to a country where eSIM support is still limited, physical SIMs are often the safest, most straightforward option.

The downsides of going physical

On the flip side, physical SIMs can be a real pain when things go wrong:

• Lose that tiny card and you’re offline until you can get a replacement.
• Drop it, bend it or damage it and you’ll need a new one.
• You’re stuck with one carrier profile per card – want to switch, you need a whole new SIM.

Physical SIMs are also more exposed to classic SIM-swap scams, where someone convinces your carrier to move your number onto a SIM in their possession. Proper identity checks and extra security can reduce that risk, but the fact the SIM is a removable object does make theft and misuse easier than with an embedded chip.

And finally, all those plastic cards add up – more waste, more packaging, more logistics.

Does it actually work better? The performance reality check

Signal strength: same networks, same performance

Here’s something that surprises a lot of people: there’s effectively no difference in signal strength between eSIMs and physical SIMs.

Both connect to exactly the same mobile network infrastructure. Whether you’ve got great coverage in the city or patchy reception in the outback, your SIM type isn’t the deciding factor.

What actually affects your signal?

• How far you are from the nearest mobile tower
• Obstacles like buildings, hills and trees
• Your phone’s antenna design
• Network congestion

The SIM – whether embedded or on a tiny plastic card – is just the secure “pass” that tells the network who you are. It doesn’t boost or weaken your actual reception.

Battery life: another non-issue

You might’ve heard eSIMs drain your battery faster. That’s a myth.

Battery usage is dominated by things like:

• Screen brightness and time on
• Background app activity
• How hard your phone is working to maintain signal in poor coverage
• High-drain tasks like gaming, GPS and video streaming

Whether your service is running on an eSIM or physical SIM doesn’t make a meaningful difference to your battery life under normal conditions.

Getting set up: QR codes vs tiny plastic cards

Physical SIM setup is straightforward: slide the card into the tray, power on your phone and wait a few minutes for activation.

eSIM setup is different but not necessarily harder. Typically, your carrier will:

• Send you a QR code to scan, or
• Ask you to install or log into their app, then follow prompts

Both methods usually take about the same amount of time – they’re just different flows. The real advantage with eSIM is you can often activate from anywhere with Wi-Fi or another connection, rather than needing to physically get hold of a card.

Switching phones: where things get interesting

Got a new phone?

• With a physical SIM, it’s usually as simple as moving the card from one phone to another.
• With an eSIM, you’ll often need to deactivate or “remove” the eSIM on your old device and then download or activate a new eSIM on your new device.

Some carriers now offer fairly seamless eSIM transfers via their apps or built-in phone tools, while others still require a chat with support or a store visit. It’s slowly getting better, but it’s still more steps than just moving a physical card.

Hot tip: check your carrier’s eSIM transfer process before you upgrade so you know what you’re in for.

Which SIM actually makes sense for your life?

It’s not really about which technology is “better” in some abstract way – it’s about which one suits how you actually use your phone.

Heading overseas? eSIM’s got your back

For international travel, eSIM is a bit of a game-changer.

You can buy and install a travel eSIM plan before you even leave Australia. No more hunting around airport kiosks or local shops, trying to find a SIM vendor who speaks English or accepts your card. You land, switch on your phone, and you’re good to go.

Doing a multi-country European or Asian trip? Regional eSIM plans can cover multiple countries under one plan, which is incredibly handy if you’re crossing borders every few days.

If you’re staying in one country for a longer stretch and want to squeeze every last dollar of value, a local physical SIM might still work out cheaper. But for most travellers doing typical week or two-week trips, eSIMs are a neat way to avoid expensive roaming and keep things simple.

Work phone, personal phone – one device

Still carrying two phones because work insists on “their” number? eSIM can help you simplify.

On many modern phones, you can run one line on an eSIM and another on a physical SIM in the same device. For example:

• Keep your personal number on a physical SIM
• Add your work number as an eSIM

Or, if you travel, you can keep your Aussie number active on one SIM while using a local eSIM data plan so you don’t miss important calls or SMS from home.

Smartwatches and gadgets: eSIM’s taking over

If you’ve got a smartwatch, kids’ tracker, tablet or other connected gadget with its own mobile connection, chances are it uses eSIM. There simply isn’t enough physical space in many of these devices for a traditional SIM tray.

The wearables market is growing fast globally and eSIM is at the heart of most cellular-enabled smartwatches. For parents, kids’ smartwatches with eSIM are becoming a popular middle ground between “full smartphone” and “no phone at all”.

Budget phones and older devices: physical SIM is still king

Got an older handset or shopping on a tight budget? Physical SIM is still your best bet.

Many sub-$200 phones and older models don’t include eSIM support, and even in 2025 there are still stacks of perfectly good devices on the second-hand market that rely on physical cards.

That said, the trend is shifting. More mid-range devices – like Samsung’s Galaxy A series and Google’s Pixel “a” line – now support eSIM alongside a physical SIM. Over time, support will trickle further down into cheaper phones, but for now physical SIMs remain essential for compatibility with older and basic devices.

eSIM vs physical SIM: side-by-side comparison

Here’s a quick comparison to help you see how eSIM and physical SIM stack up.

Feature	eSIM	Physical SIM
Form factor	Embedded chip built into the device motherboard	Removable plastic card with an integrated chip
Storage capacity	Typically stores multiple carrier profiles (often 5–10, 1–2 active at once)	Single carrier profile per SIM card
Activation method	Remote activation via QR code, app or carrier provisioning	Manual card insertion followed by network activation
Security features	Embedded in device, protected by strong encryption; harder to steal or tamper with physically	Can be removed, lost or stolen; more exposed to traditional SIM swap and physical theft
Device compatibility (2025)	Most new flagship and many mid-range phones, plus many wearables and tablets	Universal compatibility across almost all mobile phones, including older models
Travel usage	Can activate travel plans before departure; easy to switch between regional and local plans	Usually need to buy and insert local SIM at your destination
Key advantages	Remote activation and switching Multiple carrier profiles on one device Space-saving design for manufacturers Strong security and remote management Ideal for wearables and IoT devices	Works with almost any phone Very easy to move between devices No apps or QR codes required Reliable option in regions with limited eSIM support
Key disadvantages	Not supported on all devices, especially older or ultra-budget phones Some smaller carriers may not support eSIM Device transfers can be more complex	Easy to lose, damage or steal One carrier profile per card More plastic waste More vulnerable to physical SIM swap attacks
Signal performance	No difference compared to physical SIM	No difference compared to eSIM
Battery usage	No significant impact	No significant impact

The takeaway? Neither option will leave you with worse reception or a dead battery. It really comes down to what you need from your phone and how you use it day to day.

Got a newer phone and travel often? eSIM’s probably your best bet. Rocking an older device or like to switch phones regularly by just moving your SIM card? Physical SIM still has your back.

The bottom line

Let’s not sugar-coat it: eSIM is where things are heading.

Apple has already removed physical SIM trays from some iPhone models in certain markets, Google is following with eSIM-only phones in some regions, and other manufacturers are likely to follow over time. But that doesn’t mean you need to panic if you’re still using a physical SIM.

Here’s what it really comes down to:

• If you’ve got a recent phone and you love to travel or try new plans, eSIM is a no-brainer. Being able to activate local plans before you even board your flight is a huge win for convenience and cost.
• If you’ve got an older or basic device, or you just like the simplicity of moving a tiny card between phones, physical SIMs are still perfectly fine. They’re not going away overnight.
• Performance-wise – signal strength, call quality, data speeds, battery life – there’s effectively no difference between the two.

At MATE, we support both eSIM and physical SIM because we get that not everyone’s in the same boat. Some people want the latest tech and total flexibility; others just want their phone to work reliably without any fuss. Both are completely valid.

The real question isn’t which technology is “better” on paper – it’s which one fits your life right now. Travel heaps for work? eSIM’s your friend. Happy with your current setup and not looking to complicate things? Your physical SIM will keep doing its job just fine.

Don’t overthink it. Pick what works for you today – and when you’re ready to make a change, your options will only be getting better.

FAQs

Q1. Is an eSIM more advantageous than a physical SIM card?

It depends on your needs. eSIMs offer convenience for travellers, support multiple profiles on one device and generally improve security and flexibility. Physical SIMs provide universal compatibility, very simple device switching and work on older or budget devices. Consider your phone, your travel habits and which carriers you prefer when deciding.

Q2. What are the main drawbacks of using an eSIM?

eSIM drawbacks include:

• Limited support on older or very cheap phones
• Some smaller carriers or niche providers may not support eSIM
• Transferring an eSIM between phones can be more complex than moving a physical card, and may require carrier assistance

Q3. Why hasn’t eSIM technology completely taken over yet?

eSIM adoption has been growing quickly, but physical SIMs are deeply entrenched. Some reasons it hasn’t taken over completely include:

• Older and entry-level devices still relying on physical SIMs
• Some carriers being slow to upgrade systems and processes
• Customer familiarity and comfort with the “old way” of doing things

That said, eSIM is becoming more common every year, especially in newer phones and for international travel.

Q4. Does using an eSIM affect battery life?

No. eSIMs do not use more battery than physical SIMs in any meaningful way. Battery life is mainly influenced by factors like screen usage, background apps, and how strong your mobile signal is – not whether your plan is on an eSIM or a plastic SIM card.

Q5. How does eSIM benefit international travellers?

eSIMs are particularly handy for international travellers because they:

• Let you buy and activate local or regional plans before you leave Australia
• Remove the need to queue up for a SIM at the airport
• Allow you to store multiple travel plans and switch between them easily
• Help avoid expensive roaming charges from your home carrier

For multi-country trips or frequent flyers, this can save a lot of time, stress and money.