What are the advantages and disadvantages of dual SIM phones?

Smartphones with two SIM cards are divided into two types based on the principle of operation:

• Dual Sim Dual Standby (DSDS).
• Dual Sim Dual Active (DSDA).

DSDS are smartphones in which SIM cards work alternately. That is, there is one radio module and while the user is talking on one SIM card, the second one becomes inactive. This may seem inconvenient to some, since talking for a long time on one of the numbers to the second one can miss an urgent call. The vast majority of modern smartphones have one radio module, that is, SIM cards work alternately.

DSDA are smartphones with two active SIM cards. Each of them has its own radio module. The main advantage of the technology is the ability to use two numbers simultaneously. There is also an opinion that, having two radio modules, each of which ensures the operation of one mobile network, the device receives a more stable connection. There is also a downside - battery consumption is higher, and the cost of such devices is higher. Unfortunately, DSDA smartphones are not represented on the modern market. It is difficult to judge what caused manufacturers to refuse to use this technology. The latest models with two active SIMs, which were quite popular on the market, were Honor 8, Asus ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML), HTC One M7 Dual Sim. All of them appeared on the market in 2016-17. If it is important for you to have two active SIM cards, then try looking for one of these devices; perhaps they are still on sale in refurbished form. However, practice shows that it is much easier to buy a simple push-button dialer for the second number or set up call forwarding.

We studied the modern mobile device market and could not find current smartphones with two active SIM cards. If you know similar models, then tell us about it in the comments. Perhaps you can help those who are looking for such a phone.

In this rating you will find the best smartphones with two SIM cards, working on the DSDS principle, that is, alternately.

ZTE Blade A5 (2019)

• Screen: 5.45 inches, IPS, HD+
• Processor: Unisoc SC9863A
• Memory: 2/16 GB
• Battery: 2600 mAh
• Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 4,300 rub.

For those users who choose an inexpensive device with two SIM cards, the ZTE Blade A5 (2019) is an excellent option. This is a compact device with a removable battery, a plastic body, and a small screen without any cutouts. The phone supports LTE networks and has a separate slot for a memory card, which is a serious advantage if you have a small amount of internal memory. You shouldn't count on games here, but there will be enough performance for surfing, chatting in instant messengers and making calls. Cameras – 13 and 8 megapixels. The operating system is pure Android 9.0, which is also a plus for a weak smartphone.

Advantages:

• Compact sizes.
• Pure Android - the system works “without brakes”.
• LTE support.
• Removable battery.
• MicroSD is installed separately from Sim.

Flaws:

• The glossy surface of the case is easily scratched and covered with fingerprints.
• It takes a long time to charge.

SIM card settings

Each SIM card has its own settings available in the manager: Enabled/disabled, icon for identification (SMS, Internet, work, home, sim 1, sim 2), name and network mode. I don't recommend changing the settings if you don't understand them.

• Sim card is on. You can turn off the SIM card (the first, second or both at once - it doesn’t matter) to save battery power, so as not to receive calls and if you are flying on an airplane.
• Icon for SIM 1 or SIM 2. Use only these icons to avoid confusion later.
• SIM card name – write the name of the operator, so as not to get confused.
• LTE/3G/2G network mode (auto). In some smartphones, the second SIM card can only work in 2G mode (calls and SMS - without the Internet). 3G means calls + SMS + Internet. LTE (4G) – high-speed Internet + calls + SMS.

Honor 8A

• Screen: 6.09 inches, IPS, HD+
• Processor: Helio P35
• Memory: 2/32 GB
• Battery: 3020 mAh
• Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 7,000 rub.

Honor 8A is an inexpensive smartphone with two SIM cards, a separate slot for microSD, NFC and pretty good battery life. There are decent cameras installed here - 13 and 8 megapixels. At the same time, users will especially miss the front module. The device body is made of plastic. The back cover is divided into two parts - glossy and matte, it looks quite interesting. The phone has a good screen – bright, with minimal bezels and a neat cutout for the camera. The protection of user data is ensured by a fingerprint scanner.

Advantages:

• Excellent front camera.
• Good autonomy.
• Interesting appearance.
• High quality display.
• Separate slot for microSD.
• There is NFC and fingerprint protection.

Flaws:

• Low RAM.
• Slow memory – the smartphone in general is slow.

Is it possible and how to make two SIM cards for one number?

The official response to requests to telecom operators about SIM card duplication is the same: such a service is not provided on the territory of the Russian Federation. This is explained by the fact that the technologies of mobile operators simply technically cannot withstand the registration of two identical subscribers at the same time, which causes network failures and a variety of unpleasant problems. In addition, there is a threat of fraud, deception and a lot of scope for various scams and unscrupulous combinations, and these points are difficult to ignore.

If attackers can duplicate your SIM card, this could turn out badly for you

But most experts think differently, allegedly such an opportunity will sharply reduce the income of mobile operators. And it’s true: if duplicate numbers start to appear on tariffs with unlimited Internet, then it’s quite possible to connect several SIM cards (family or friends) and pay only one bill together. At the same time, the service will be available to everyone, and given the technical characteristics and speed of the Internet, there will be no restrictions on different devices.

However, not everything is as sad as it might seem. There are several possibilities to bypass the ban on duplicating SIM cards, two of them are main: physical duplication of the chip through a special device and a virtual duplicate from a special application.

How to bypass the ban on connecting two SIMs to one number

The first option is that the creation of a physical duplicate is not officially permitted, therefore its legality can be judged from different points of view. To create a TWIN card, you will need a special device - a duplicator, which, if desired, is easy to find on the Internet. There are different models, some of them are completely independent: just put your SIM in one cell, an empty card in another, and the device will do the rest. There are others that use a USB interface to connect to a computer and use special programs to copy the chip’s credentials.

A duplicator is a semi-legal device for copying a SIM card

The second method is more “humane” and even somewhat official. The eMotion application allows you to make a virtual duplicate of your SIM card. This means that one number will be active simultaneously on two carriers, but no additional chip is required for this, you just need Internet access. In essence, eMotion is the same WhatsApp, only linked to a phone number, and not to the corresponding network on the Internet.

Download the eMotion application from the official store

Enter your phone number and click “Login”

Enter a four-digit number from SMS

The program interface is simple and divided into three tabs:

The eMotion interface is divided into three tabs: contacts, calls, chats

The program works without a physical chip, but it needs the Internet, and 3G quality.

In total we have advantages:

But there are also disadvantages:

Officially in Russia you cannot make two SIM cards for one number. However, there are possibilities for duplication: some of them, which make a virtual duplicate of the card, are completely legal, others, with physical copying of data, are in doubt.

Source

OPPO A5s

• Screen: 6.2 inches, IPS, HD+
• Processor: Helio P35
• Memory: 3/32 GB
• Battery: 4230 mAh
• Operating system: Android 8.1

Price: from 7,700 rub.

OPPO A5s is an excellent device for users who value good looks in technology. The smartphone has a modern screen with a drop-shaped cutout and a nice back - glossy plastic, painted in bright red or black. In addition, the model boasts good autonomy - the battery will last for 1.5-2 days under average loads. There is a finger scanner and the ability to install microSD separately. Main camera – 13+2 MP, front camera – 8 MP. Both cameras take good pictures in good light and perform better in cloudy weather or in the evening.

Advantages:

• Beautiful appearance.
• Good autonomy.
• A good supply of RAM.
• You can install microSD separately.
• High quality and large display.

Flaws:

• Not even suitable for simple games.
• A full charge takes about 3 hours.

Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA)

Also known as Dual SIM Active (DSA) or Dual SIM Full Active (DSFA)

Phones that have two radio modules allow both SIM cards to work in parallel and independently of each other. They can simultaneously make calls and initiate data connections.

Advantages:

• The device can switch between two calls without disconnecting from the paused one. Since these devices have two radio modules, even after receiving a call on one of the SIM cards, you can receive calls on the second and, if desired, switch between them.

Flaws:

• The first slot can support 2G/3G, and the second slot can only support 2G, to avoid mutual interference and save power.
• Battery life is reduced by about a third when using both SIM cards.
• Often such phones are larger in size in order to compensate for the decrease in autonomy with a larger battery capacity.
• Phones may be more expensive due to increased demand in emerging markets.

In this TOP 10 rating we present decent phones with dual SIM. Each of them has room for two rooms, but in addition we took into account many other factors. At the end of the day, a good smartphone should be fast, have a good battery, good cameras, ample storage, and generally be good value for money.

Redmi 8A

• Screen: 6.2 inches, IPS, HD+
• Processor: Snapdragon 439
• Memory: 2/32 GB
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 7,200 rub.

Redmi 8A is an excellent budget smartphone with support for two SIM cards. It has good performance, excellent battery life, fast charging, high-quality 12 and 8 megapixel cameras, and a separate slot. The model is available in three colors, the screen is equipped with a drop-shaped cutout. There is no fingerprint sensor here, but there is face unlock.

Advantages:

• Pleasant appearance.
• Good performance.
• Excellent autonomy.
• Fast charging.
• Great cameras.
• Installing a memory card does not interfere with the use of SIM cards.

Flaws:

• I would like to see more RAM.
• No NFC.

The best top-end smartphones with 2 SIM cards

Devices costing over 25,000 rubles. are created on the basis of powerful hardware: the latest processors, AMOLED and QLED matrices, thin but capacious batteries. They can install 2 independent SIM cards and a memory card up to 512 GB. Stable communication is ensured by the latest versions of radio modules.

Huawei P30 Pro

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The 2022 model looks like it should be a luxury smartphone: an iridescent blue-green body, narrow frames, and characteristically curved edges. The 6.47-inch OLED screen also serves as a speaker—sound is supplied through it.

Another impressive feature of the device is a 4-module camera with autofocus. The proprietary Kirin 980 processor reproduces the most complex content without any problems.

Pros:

• fast charging - 70% in half an hour;
• one-handed control;
• fingerprint scanner built into the screen;
• high quality photos.

Minuses:

• lack of stereo sound;
• Slow Internet switching between SIM cards.

The smartphone is recommended for “advanced” users who are interested in photography and mobile games.

Samsung Galaxy A70

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The smartphone is ideal for watching video files - its 6.7-inch display reproduces images in Full HD+ resolution.

The Snapdragon 675 processor isn't the most powerful, but when paired with 6GB of RAM, it handles graphically rich games without a hitch. The main feature of the gadget is a powerful 32 MP selfie camera.

Advantages:

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections of the latest versions;
• memory card slot for 512 GB;
• high autonomy - charge up to 2 days;
• convenient settings.

Flaws:

• slow fingerprint scanner;
• quiet speaker.

In technical terms, the smartphone is not much inferior to the 2019 flagships. It is suitable for people who are accustomed to high-tech gadgets.

Blackview BV9700 Pro

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The gadget appeared on the market in 2022 and immediately became a worthy competitor to flagship smartphones. The most important feature of the model is its rubberized body with reliable protection from falls, moisture and dust.

The 5.84-inch display provides images in Full HD+ resolution with a high level of brightness. The smartphone supports simultaneous operation of two SIM cards and communications in the 4G range.

Pros:

• The battery lasts for 2 days;
• presence of a GPS navigator;
• IP68 level protection;
• loud speaker;
• simultaneous operation of both SIM cards.

Minuses:

• lack of optical stabilization in the camera;
• periodic errors when launching applications.

The model will adequately serve travel lovers, drivers and representatives of working professions. A massive smartphone with a brutal design will fit perfectly into a man's image.

vivo Y19

• Screen: 6.53 inches, IPS, FHD+
• Processor: Helio P65
• Memory: 4/128 GB
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 13,000 rub.

Vivo Y19 is a good phone for the money. The chipset is capable of running most modern games, while the proprietary shell has a game mode that improves performance. There is a capacious battery that can withstand a couple of days, and in addition, fast charging is provided. The device supports contactless payments and is equipped with a fingerprint sensor. Despite the excellent memory reserve, the slot is triple – you can install two SIM cards and microSD. The main camera is triple – 16+2+8 MP, front – 16 MP.

Advantages:

• Excellent performance.
• There is a game mode.
• Pleasant appearance.
• High autonomy.
• Fast charging.
• MicroSD is installed in a separate slot.
• Large memory reserve.

Flaws:

• Mediocre photography.
• Old microUSB.

Mobile networks

Setting up a mobile network for each SIM card is easy. Settings – Connections – Mobile networks (the option is not available without a SIM card inserted).

So, the following options are available to us:

1. Data in roaming. Enable/disable data transfer (Internet) while roaming. In Russia, not all operators allow you to use the Internet throughout the country, as in your home region (applies to the Far East, Chukotka, Crimea), so it is better to disable the option. I’m generally silent about international roaming - be sure to turn it off!
2. VoLTE calls – the enabled option improves the quality of voice calls over the 4G (LTE) network.
3. Network mode. Select LTE(4G)/3G/2G (auto). Those. We simultaneously use 3 communication standards for calls and the Internet. 2G – valid only for calls and SMS, the Internet will not work.
4. Access points. There is no need to change anything here. The mobile operator sends and automatically sets your Internet access settings. And 8-10 years ago, you had to manually register separately settings for the Internet and receiving MMS messages, passwords and logins, servers, protocols and types of access points. Fortunately, everything is automated now. If you change the settings by mistake, you can always restore them to default.

Samsung Galaxy A51

• Screen: 6.5 inches, AMOLED, FHD+
• Processor: Exynos 9611
• Memory: 4/6 GB and 64/128 GB
• Battery: 4000 mAh
• Operating system: Android 10

Price: from 15,700 rub.

Samsung Galaxy A51 received a large and high-quality AMOLED screen with a built-in fingerprint sensor and a hole for the camera. The body is made of plastic with a coating that imitates glass. It looks nice, but it’s still plastic and many will find this a minus in a phone at this price. The new product has a full set of wireless interfaces, fast charging, face unlock, a high-quality 32 MP front camera and a main module of four lenses – 48 + 12 + 5 + 5 MP. The cameras are not the best in their price segment, but they take decent shots.

Advantages:

• Great screen.
• Nice modern appearance.
• Good cameras.
• Good performance.
• Fast charging available.
• Separate slot for microSD.
• Fresh OS.

Flaws:

• Some people don't like the plastic body.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of such devices is the opportunity to save on mobile communications. You can install cards from 2 different service providers into your phone. For example, the first operator can offer cheap calls to telephone network subscribers, while the second one makes it possible to send SMS cheaply or exchange packet data on the Internet. For people who use two phones in the course of their lives, a dual-SIM device will become an ergonomic alternative.

Among the disadvantages of dual-SIM devices, one can note their inflated cost compared to single-SIM models. However, the modern mobile phone market offers a large number of budget models that will satisfy the requirements of even the most economical consumer.

Redmi Note 8 Pro

• Screen: 6.53 inches, IPS, FHD+
• Processor: Helio G90T
• Memory: 6/128 GB
• Battery: 4500 mAh
• Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 17,500 rub.

For those looking for a mid-price smartphone for gaming, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is an excellent choice. It has a liquid-cooled gaming chipset, an excellent memory set, and a fairly capacious battery that will last for 7-8 hours of gaming. In addition, the device has a good quad camera of 64 + 8 + 2 + 2 megapixels and a 20 megapixel front camera. The manufacturer did not forget about NFC, fast charging, a fingerprint scanner, and a 3.5 connector. All this is packaged in a beautiful glass case with Gorilla Glass 5 coating.

Advantages:

• Excellent performance.
• Good photo opportunities.
• Fast charging support.
• Good memory reserve.
• Liquid cooling.

Flaws:

• Combined slot for SIM and memory.
• Heavy weight.

Honor 20

• Screen: 6.26 inches, IPS, FHD+
• Processor: Kirin 980
• Memory: 6/128 GB
• Battery: 3750 mAh
• Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 22,500 rub.

Honor 20 is a balanced model with a couple of minor drawbacks that are typical of most expensive phones. The smartphone offers good performance, a battery for intensive work throughout the day, NFC, a finger scanner installed in the side button. The phone supports fast charging – 50% in 30 minutes. Front camera - 32 MP. The main one is a combination of four lenses: 48+16+2+2 MP. At the same time, both cameras take really high-quality photos without any reservations and shoot decent videos.

Advantages:

• Ergonomic and stylish body.
• Great cameras.
• High performance.
• High quality small display.

Flaws:

• No memory card support.
• No 3.5 jack.

Setting up two SIM cards

Regardless of the smartphone you use, you can configure exactly how SIM cards will be used. So, in the settings it is possible to set the main SIM card for voice calls, the Internet, and messaging.

To make it easier for you to navigate between installed SIM cards, we recommend that you first configure the number display. For example, you have Beeline and Tele2 SIM cards installed in your phone, and also added an MTS virtual SIM card. By specifying names for these SIM cards, it will be easier for you to navigate not only during setup, but also when using in the future.

In the settings, you can select which of the installed SIM cards will have priority for calls, SMS exchange, and data transfer. However, even in this case, you can select a different number to call or SMS at any time.

Important!

Only one SIM card can be used to connect to the Internet. If you need to switch to another, you can do this only through the settings, setting the one you need to connect to data transfer.

Realme X2 Pro

• Screen: 6.5 inches, AMOLED, FHD+
• Processor: Snapdragon 855+
• Memory: 8/128 GB and 12/256 GB
• Battery: 4000 mAh
• Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 34,300 rub.

Realme X2 Pro is a fairly inexpensive flagship by modern standards. It features high performance based on the overclocked top-end 2022 chipset. The manufacturer offers a corresponding screen for the gaming processor - AMOLED with a frequency of 90 Hz and improved vibration response. High-quality picture and high speed are complemented by good sound - two speakers with their own amplifiers and Dolby Atmos support. In addition, the device received fast charging, NFC, an optical under-screen finger scanner and a quad camera. It consists of 64+13+8+2 MP lenses. There is an optical zoom x2 and gyroscopic electronic stabilization. Front camera – 16 MP.

Advantages:

• Gaming performance.
• Good cameras.
• Great screen.
• Fast under-screen finger scanner.
• High quality sound.

Flaws:

• No memory card support.

ASUS Zenfone 6 ZS630KL

• Screen: 6.4 inches, IPS, FHD+
• Processor: Snapdragon 855
• Memory: 6/8 GB and 64/128/256 GB
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 43,000 rub.

The flagship from Asus is a very interesting device for those who are looking for something unusual. The phone has no problems with performance - a powerful processor and a large supply of RAM do their job. The permanent storage also looks no worse - there are several options to choose from, and a memory card is installed separately from the SIM. The device will delight you with stereo speakers with powerful amplifiers, NFC, and a capacious battery with fast charging. The camera looks interesting here. The module is rotary, that is, it acts as the main and front one. Consists of two lenses – 48+13 MP. The camera can shoot in 4K at 60 fps, does Slo-mo, Time Lapse. Three-axis electronic stabilization.

Advantages:

• Excellent autonomy.
• Powerful processor.
• Separate slot for microSD.
• There are 3.5.
• Good camera.
• There is an event indicator - this is rare for modern devices.
• Android 9.0 with virtually no additions from the manufacturer.
• Good sound.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Is it possible to use 2 active eSIMs from the same operator?

Example: you want to simultaneously use two different numbers within the networks of one operator, using two eSIMs for this.

I tried to use 2 eSIMs from Tinkoff Mobile (Tele2 network) at once. But even if both are included in iOS, only one actually works.

iPhone does not display warnings or errors in this case. It’s just that only the first of two eSIMs from one operator works, which you enabled in Settings -> Cellular. The second one will be virtually unavailable until you turn off the first one through Settings.

Conclusion: simultaneous use of 2 eSIM with one operator is not possible in iPhone 13.

OnePlus 7T

• Screen: 6.55 inches, AMOLED, FHD+
• Processor: Snapdragon 855+
• Memory: 8 GB and 128/256 GB
• Battery: 4085 mAh
• Operating system: Android 10

Price: from 43,500 rub.

The OnePlus 7T has a great curved screen with high brightness, 90Hz and HDR10+ support. It also contains a fingerprint sensor with a high response speed. The model offers excellent performance, a decent amount of memory, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. The device, as expected, has all the wireless interfaces and has cool cameras. The main one is 48+8+16 megapixels with optical stabilization and zoom, as well as improved night mode. Main camera 16 MP.

Advantages:

• Great screen.
• High-speed fingerprint scanner.
• Stylish appearance.
• Good sound.
• Top performance.
• Great cameras.

Flaws:

• No memory card support.
• No headphone jack.