When you buy a new smartphone, you rarely pay attention to the format of the SIM card supported. It is a serious mistake. If the SIM card in your possession is not compatible with your new device, you will not be able to surf the internet, make calls, or even send messages. Here's everything you need to know about the different SIM card formats and their compatibility with smartphones..
What is a SIM card and what is it for?
Rest assured, far from me the idea of giving you a course in electronics but I think it useful to remind you of the principle of operation of the SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module). Indeed, we tend to forget it but this silicon chip plays an essential role in our smartphones.
In the world of mobile telephony, there are two major network standards: CDMA (Code division multiple access) mainly used in America and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). Each of these two solutions has advantages and disadvantages..
But the big difference between these two standards is in the authentication system. CDMA telephones have an ESN (Electronic serial numbers) number that identifies the owner of the device. Operators use this identifier to authenticate their customers on their network.
GSM phones use a SIM card to access the operator's mobile network. Without this precious sesame, it is impossible for example to make phone calls, send SMS or connect to the 4G / 5G internet network..
The different sizes of SIM cards
The SIM card as we know it offers many advantages such as the possibility of changing operator and also telephone more easily. Indeed, unlike the CDMA standard, the subscriber's data, namely his telephone number, part of his directory and these connection identifiers are directly stored on the SIM card and not on the device.
Be careful all the same with the sizes of the SIM card. Indeed over the years, she has seen her size considerably decrease. Today no less than three generations of SIM cards coexist in our smartphones making it a little more complicated to buy a new phone.
The Mini SIM card: this is the first SIM card format launched when GSM phones appeared in the early 90s. It was then used on so-called basic phones like the Nokia 3310s and Motorola StarTACs. This SIM card format is no longer used by smartphone manufacturers.
The Micro SIM card: The arrival of micro SIM symbolizes the start of the race for miniaturization launched by chip manufacturers like Gemalto, Giesecke and Devrient. It measures 15 millimeters in length and 12 millimeters in width.
The Nano SIM card: today it is the most used SIM card format in the world. It equips most of the latest generation phones. Dimensionally, it is 12.3 millimeters in length and 9 millimeters in width. For the record, it was launched by Apple.
ESIM: this is a card system directly integrated into telephones. The eSim format is still relatively rare on the mobile phone market. Few manufacturers have adopted it. However, things may change over time.
From a technical point of view, the first three card formats work technically in the same way. Just open the SIM card drawer and slide the chip inside. Mobile network authentication is done automatically when the phone is started.
Which SIM card is compatible with my smartphone?
When you buy a new smartphone, you can't wait to try it out. Unfortunately without a SIM card, there is little you can do with a phone. Aside from taking photos and changing the wallpaper, that's about it.
You will find in the list below the main smartphones available on the French market and the type of SIM card they accept. Please note this list is given for information only. The Asian versions of some phones do not always support the same SIM card formats as the European versions. If in doubt, please contact the seller.
- Mini SIM for Samsung devices: Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Note, Galaxy S, Galaxy S2, Nexus S
- Micro SIM for Samsung devices: Galaxy Core Prime, Galaxy J3 (2016), Galaxy J5, Galaxy J7, Galaxy J7 (2016), Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 , Galaxy S5
- Nano SIM for Samsung phones: Galaxy A3 (2016), Galaxy A3 (2017), Galaxy A5, Galaxy A5 (2016), Galaxy A5 (2017), Galaxy A7, Galaxy A8 (2016), Galaxy A9 (2016), Galaxy J3 (2018), Galaxy J7 (2018), Galaxy J7 Pro, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S9