Search Dual SIM phones

With a Dual SIM phone it is possible to insert not one but two SIM cards at the same time. In many cases you can also be reached on both SIM cards, although there are exceptions. These types of phones are especially popular here with people who want to combine a private and work phone, but in other countries they are also popular when someone is near two coverage areas or who travels a lot and doesn't want to change SIM cards every time.

Differences Dual SIM

There are two types of Dual SIM; Standby and Active. With Dual SIM Standby (DSS) you have to choose in advance which SIM card is logged on the network, both are not possible. Via a menu in your phone you can switch SIM cards or 'shift'. This type is therefore sometimes called 'Dual SIM shift'.

Something newer is Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). Both SIM cards are registered on the network but you cannot use both at the same time. This is because there is only one antenna that is shared between both SIM cards. However, the antenna for data is different from the antenna for voice. This way you can make calls with one SIM card and simultaneously surf the mobile internet with the other. This type is the most common.

• Dual SIM Standby (DSS) - One SIM card logged on and active
• Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) - Two SIM cards logged on, one SIM card active at a time
• Dual SIM Active (DSA) - Two SIM cards logged on and active at the same time

If you don't want a phone call on one SIM card to go to voicemail on the other, you need Dual SIM Active (DSA), sometimes also called Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA). Such phones are equipped with two antennas, one for each SIM card. They are therefore more expensive, consume more battery and are rarer.

Hybrid Dual SIM

And then there's the Hybrid Dual SIM. With this type, the slot for the second SIM card is shared with that of the memory card. A disadvantage is that you will have to choose whether you insert a second SIM card or a memory card, neither is possible. This in itself does not have to be a problem for mobile phones that have a lot of storage memory of their own. If you're considering a Dual SIM phone that has such a lock, make sure you have enough storage memory because expanding at the expense of your second SIM card.

Type sim cards

Unfortunately, SIM cards come in different shapes and sizes. Used to be as big as a credit card, now they're no bigger than a pinnail. In terms of size, today from large to small; miniSIM (2FF), microSIM (3FF) and nanoSIM (4FF). Dual SIM phones do not always have to accept the same type, a combination also occurs. You can request a new SIM card for that format from your provider. We do not recommend using a SIM card adapter to make a smaller SIM card larger. They too often cause problems with damaging contact points or simply get stuck in the device. You often have no guarantee after permanent damage.

eSIM

A fairly new form is the electronic SIM card, also known as embedded sim. It is fixed in place and cannot be exchanged. The user can choose from a menu which provider he sits with and can also easily switch between them. We will see this form much more often in the future, possibly combined with a physical SIM card slot. You can then insert a SIM card and combined with the built-in eSIM you will have a Dual SIM phone at your disposal.