Did you know that Samsung beat Google to eSIM Conversions? Mobile technology space is evolving rapidly and one of the most exciting advancements has been the implementation of eSIMs.
Creating a new landscape for how we interact with our devices, embedded SIM cards offer more freedom to manage subscriptions and connect to networks without having to switch our physical SIM cards as needed.
Ahead of many others in this area, Samsung has embraced these features quickly, even before Google’s.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is an embedded Subscriber Identity Module. It is a digital representation of a traditional SIM card that has been integrated into the hardware of devices such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or other internet-connected items during their manufacturing process. With an eSIM, there’s no need to swap physical SIM cards. The user can simply switch between different carriers instantly through software controls on the device itself. Unlike removable plastic SIM cards used by many smartphones today which require manual exchanges in order to change network operators or plans. With the innovation of an eSIM, it’s now possible to make shifts more conveniently without having to physically remove any component from the device at all.
An Overview on How Samsung Beat Google to eSIM Conversions
Switching from an old device to a new Android phone can be intimidating, but the process is quicker when you upgrade within the same brand. Although eSIM technology has been intended to make transferring SIM cards simpler and more convenient. Users still have had to manually de-register it on their original device before reactivating it again on another one for quite some time. Fortunately, though, Google was in the works of creating a way that would allow people to transfer existing eSIMs between devices or turn physical SIM (pSIM) cards into electronic ones with ease.
Since February of this year, Google has been building up a workflow for transferring eSIMs. With the release of Android 14 QPR beta builds carrying code intended to lay out how to function without traditional SIM cards will look like. Many people have anticipated what would come with the Pixel 7a and later Pixel 8. Similarly, in that same month, Samsung unveiled One UI 5.1, which enabled these features on multiple devices worldwide. Unfortunately for Google, we recently found out Samsung beat them at this task by introducing One UI 5.1, which lets users do just that.
In the United States, Samsung has been facilitating seamless eSIM transfers on Verizon with One UI 5.1, making it available to a wider range of carriers. To transfer an eSIM or convert one from pSIM format, compatible devices must have their software up-to-date and a running version of 5.1 (or higher).
How to Convert to an eSIM?
In the U.S., Samsung has made it easier for Verizon customers to transfer eSIMs with their devices, to covert to an eSim you have to:
- Have a UI 5.1 software update, thus expanding the range of supported carriers.
- Compatible phones need to make sure that they are running version 5.1 or higher on both ends in order to convert a pSIM format into an eSim one. This includes Galaxy S21 series, S22 series, S23 Series: Z Fold 3, Flip3, Fold 4, and Flip4 and Note 20 models, respectively.
Conclusion
The adoption of eSIM technology by more smartphones and devices will provide users with additional options and simplicity when managing their mobile subscriptions. The fact that Samsung is in the lead indicates that eSIM technology has a promising future and can completely change how we stay connected in the digital era. Let us know what you think about this great innovation Samsung has made. Also, keep checking back for updates on modern technologies and trends in the mobile world.
