Does eSIM Have Worse Connection Than Physical SIM?

Mobile technology has moved at lightning speed over the last decade, with eSIMs emerging as a flexible alternative to traditional physical SIM cards. But one of the most common questions people ask before switching is: does an eSIM provide a worse connection than a physical SIM? In this guide, we'll dive deep into how eSIMs work, compare them with physical SIM cards, and explain what you can really expect when it comes to signal, data speeds and reliability.

What Exactly Is an eSIM?

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM built directly into your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike a traditional SIM card, which you insert into a tray, an eSIM is soldered onto the device's motherboard at the factory.

Instead of swapping out bits of plastic, you activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code or downloading a network profile. This makes it possible to switch between mobile networks without physically handling anything. For frequent travellers, businesses, and people managing multiple numbers, it's a real game-changer.

How Do Physical SIM Cards Work?

A physical SIM card is a small piece of plastic containing a tiny chip that holds your mobile identity. When inserted into your device, it tells the network who you are, what plan you're on, and what services you can access.

Physical SIMs have been the standard for decades, but they do come with some limitations. You need to carry spares if you travel, risk damaging or losing them, and must wait for delivery when ordering a new SIM from your network.

Does an eSIM Affect Signal Strength?

The short answer is no. eSIMs and physical SIM cards work in exactly the same way when it comes to connecting to the network. Both store the same essential data and communicate with the same mobile infrastructure.

Signal strength depends on factors like:

The coverage in your location
The frequency bands supported by your device
Network congestion at a given time
Obstacles like buildings, trees or even weather conditions

Whether you're on eSIM or a traditional SIM card, these factors remain unchanged.

Is Data Speed Slower on eSIM?

A common myth is that data speeds are somehow slower with eSIM. In reality, there is no difference between the two.

Your download and upload speeds are determined by your mobile network and the capabilities of your device's modem, not the type of SIM you're using. An eSIM profile simply authenticates you to the network, it doesn't alter how fast your 4G or 5G data flows.

Why Do Some People Think eSIM Has Worse Connection?

Perceptions often come down to setup issues rather than technology. For example:

Incorrect activation: If the QR code isn't installed properly, some features may not work.
Dual SIM confusion: Many devices let you run eSIM and physical SIM side by side. If the wrong SIM is prioritised for calls or data, it may look like the eSIM is underperforming.
Network restrictions: Not all networks support eSIM equally. A smaller provider may have less mature eSIM systems, causing hiccups during activation.
Device compatibility: Older devices may support eSIM only partially, which can create service inconsistencies.

In all these cases, the issue is not the eSIM itself, but how it's been configured.

How Do eSIMs Perform on Android Devices?

On Android, eSIM support varies slightly between manufacturers, but the connection quality is identical to physical SIM.

Samsung Galaxy: Most modern Galaxy models allow multiple eSIM profiles and let you choose your default for calls, texts and data. Once activated, signal quality is indistinguishable from a physical SIM.
Google Pixel: Google was one of the earliest adopters of eSIM, and Pixels are optimised to handle them smoothly. Connection and data speeds remain the same.
Other Android brands: Devices like Oppo, Xiaomi, and OnePlus increasingly include eSIM, but support may differ depending on regional models. Again, the performance is not affected once it's activated.

How Do eSIMs Perform on iOS (iPhone and iPad)?

Apple has pushed eSIM adoption faster than most. On iPhone:

Models from the iPhone XS onwards support eSIM.
The newest US-only iPhone 14 and 15 models ship without any physical SIM slot, proving Apple's confidence in eSIM performance.
Once activated, the signal strength and data speeds are exactly the same as with a physical SIM.

On iPads with cellular capability, the process is equally straightforward, and connection quality is no different.

How Does eSIM Work on WhatsApp and Messaging Apps?

Many people worry whether WhatsApp, iMessage or similar apps behave differently with eSIM. The truth is that they don't.

WhatsApp verification works as long as the eSIM number can receive SMS or calls.
iMessage and FaceTime activate using your phone number, whether it's linked to eSIM or a plastic SIM.
Apps that rely on your mobile number see no difference between the two.

Does eSIM Work Well on WhatsApp Business?

For businesses, especially in the UK, eSIMs offer extra flexibility. If you're using services like gosimless to set up a UK virtual mobile number for WhatsApp Business, the eSIM is simply another way to associate your account with a valid number. The network quality is the same as if you were using a standard SIM card.

What About Using eSIM on WhatsApp Web?

When you link your WhatsApp account to WhatsApp Web, the app connects through your phone, not directly through the SIM card. That means whether your number is running on an eSIM or physical SIM makes no difference at all to the connection.

Can You Run eSIM and Physical SIM Together?

Yes. Many modern devices support Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), allowing one eSIM and one physical SIM to operate at the same time.

This doesn't degrade performance. Your device simply switches between whichever SIM is set as default for data, calls, or texts. If you notice weaker service, it's usually because one of your two networks has poorer coverage, not because the eSIM is inferior.

Do eSIMs Work as Reliably When Travelling?

Absolutely. In fact, eSIMs are often more reliable because you can instantly download a new local profile when abroad instead of hunting down a physical SIM card.

For example, if you land in Spain, you can buy an eSIM data plan online, scan a QR code, and be connected within minutes. There's no difference in the quality of that connection compared with inserting a plastic SIM you bought at an airport kiosk.

Is Battery Life Worse With eSIM?

Battery usage depends on your device's radio hardware, not the SIM format. Running multiple SIMs (whether physical or eSIM) may slightly increase battery drain because your phone is monitoring two networks at once. But this is the same whether the second SIM is physical or embedded.

What Are the Advantages of eSIM Over Physical SIM?

While performance is the same, eSIMs do have practical advantages:

No need to wait for delivery of a physical SIM
Switch networks in minutes with a QR code
Keep multiple numbers on one device without carrying plastic SIMs
Less risk of damage or loss
Ideal for international travel and business accounts

Are There Any Downsides to eSIM?

The main downsides aren't about performance, but flexibility:

Not all devices support eSIM yet
Not all mobile networks offer full eSIM functionality
Transferring eSIMs between phones can be less intuitive than swapping a physical card

However, as adoption grows, these limitations are rapidly disappearing.

Troubleshooting: Why Might My eSIM Not Connect Properly?

If you're experiencing connection problems on eSIM, try the following:

Check your device supports the eSIM profile you're trying to install.
Confirm your mobile network has enabled eSIM services.
Make sure your eSIM is set as the default for mobile data.
Toggle aeroplane mode on and off to reset connections.
Re-download the eSIM profile if activation failed.

These steps usually resolve issues quickly.

Should You Switch to eSIM?

If your device supports it, there's no technical reason not to switch. eSIM delivers the same connection quality as a physical SIM while giving you added convenience and flexibility. For many UK businesses managing WhatsApp Business accounts, it's especially useful because you can quickly set up and verify numbers without waiting for SIM delivery.

Key Takeaway: eSIM vs Physical SIM Connection

To answer the central question: No, eSIMs do not have worse connection than physical SIMs.

Signal strength, call quality, and data speeds are identical. Any problems users encounter are usually related to setup, device compatibility, or network coverage and not the eSIM itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM Connection

Does eSIM drop calls more often than a physical SIM?

No. Dropped calls are caused by network coverage gaps, not by whether you use eSIM or physical SIM.

Is 5G supported on eSIM?

Yes. If your device and network support 5G, an eSIM will connect at the same speed as a physical SIM.

Can I switch back to a physical SIM if I don't like eSIM?

Yes, most networks still support physical SIMs. However, newer iPhones in the US have removed SIM trays entirely, signalling where the industry is heading.

Is eSIM secure?

Yes. In fact, eSIMs can be more secure because they can't be physically stolen from your device.

eSIMs Myth Debunked

The idea that eSIMs provide worse connection than physical SIMs is a myth. From everyday use in the UK to international roaming, eSIMs deliver the same high-quality service. For businesses using WhatsApp Business with virtual UK numbers from gosimless, they offer a modern, flexible way to stay connected without sacrificing reliability.