Why don't Chinese smartphones have an eSIM?

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China Mobile

Why do many Chinese smartphones not offer eSIM China support? This question can be explained by both technological and regulatory factors. This article examines the main reasons for the lack of eSIM China smartphones in many devices from manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Honor, Huawei, Realme, Redmi, OnePlus, Nubia and Asus. Current developments and future prospects for the integration of eSIM China in Chinese smartphones are also examined.

1. regulatory restrictions

Chinese eSIM Regulation

One of the main reasons for the lack of eSIM China technology in Chinese smartphones is the strict regulations of the Chinese government. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) strictly regulates telecommunication services in China and has been reluctant to allow the introduction of new technologies such as eSIM China Unicom. Currently, eSIM usage in China is mainly focussed on IoT (Internet of Things) devices rather than general consumer smartphones.

In 2020, the three largest Chinese mobile operators, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, received approval to use eSIM China provider technology, but initially only for specific applications such as IoT services. This restriction means that eSIM China is currently not allowed to be widely used in smartphones.

However, in recent years, the MIIT has announced new regulations and plans to promote eSIM China technology. This includes expanding the use of eSIM China to tablets, portable computers and potentially smartphones once conditions are ripe. These developments show that the government has recognised the importance of eSIM China and is actively working to promote its implementation and reduce regulatory hurdles.

2. hardware and software requirements

Hardware or Software requirements for eSIM

Hardware

A smartphone requires specific hardware components to support eSIM China:

  1. eSIM chip: A device must be equipped with a special eSIM China chip that has the ability to store and manage multiple mobile phone profiles. These chips are integrated directly into the main board of the device and differ from the conventional physical SIM card slots. The eSIM China chip is crucial for the functionality and management of the various mobile phone profiles stored on the device.

  2. Antenna and signal processors: The remaining hardware must be able to communicate with the eSIM China chip and support its functions. This includes the necessary antennas and signal processors required to connect to mobile networks. Without these specific hardware components, the eSIM China technology cannot be used effectively.

Software

In addition to the hardware, the software of the device must also be adapted accordingly:

  1. Operating system support: The device's operating system must support the management and switching of eSIM China profiles. This includes the ability to activate, deactivate and change eSIM China profiles without the need to replace physical SIM cards.

  2. Mobile operator software: Network operators must provide software solutions that are compatible with eSIM China operator technology. This includes the provision of eSIM China profiles, remote management and profile security.

  3. Firmware updates: Regular device software updates are necessary to ensure that the latest security protocols and features are supported. Firmware updates are essential to ensure the continued support and security of the eSIM China functionality​.

3. market-related considerations

Chinese Smartphone Brands

Another important factor is the market. Many Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Honor, Huawei, Realme, Redmi, OnePlus, Nubia and Asus target their products at both the domestic and international markets. In many regions of the world, physical SIM cards are still widely used and favoured. Therefore, manufacturers may not see an urgent need to integrate eSIM China until demand is strong enough.

In China itself, the flexibility of choosing mobile service providers is often solved by dual SIM nano-SIM cards, which allow users to use two different network operators at the same time. This offers similar flexibility to eSIM China, without the regulatory and technical challenges associated with implementing eSIM China.

4. advantages of eSIM technology

The eSIM China technology offers several advantages over traditional SIM cards:

  1. Flexibility and convenience: With an eSIM China, users no longer need to insert or exchange physical SIM cards. This eliminates the need to carry multiple SIM cards for different networks or travelling abroad. Users can easily switch between different networks and tariffs via the device settings, which is especially convenient for frequent travellers.

  2. Space saving: As eSIM China are embedded directly into the device, the physical space normally reserved for SIM card slots is freed up. This can lead to slimmer devices and offers manufacturers more flexibility in the design of the hardware.

  3. Security enhancements: eSIM China offer greater security as they cannot be physically removed and stolen. The profiles are securely stored in the device and can be managed remotely, providing additional protection against theft and tampering.

  4. Compatibility with multiple devices: eSIM China are not just limited to smartphones. They can also be used in tablets, laptops, wearables and even smart access points..

5. advantages of Dual SIM Nano SIM cards

While eSIM China technology offers many advantages, many Chinese smartphones use dual SIM nano SIM cards instead. This solution also has some advantages, especially for travellers and users who want to switch flexibly between providers:

  1. Flexibility when changing providers: With dual SIM slots, users can use two different SIM cards at the same time. This allows them to switch between different mobile phone providers as required in order to take advantage of the best tariffs and network coverage.

  2. No dependence on software solutions: Unlike eSIM China, the use of Nano SIM cards does not require any special software solutions or network operator support. Users can simply replace the physical cards without worrying about compatibility issues.

  3. Useful for international travel: Dual SIM smartphones are particularly useful for international travel as users can use a local SIM card for data and calls in their country of travel, while retaining their home SIM for accessibility. This provides a cost-effective solution for mobile usage abroad.

  4. Independence from network operators: Dual SIM smartphones offer users more independence from network operators as they are not dependent on their eSIM China services. This can be particularly useful in regions where eSIM China services are not yet widespread or do not work reliably.

FAZIT

The current reluctance to integrate eSIM China into Chinese smartphones is a combination of regulatory hurdles, specific hardware and software requirements and market-related considerations. While eSIM technology is gaining momentum globally, its adoption in China remains limited for the time being. Dual Nano SIM cards allow a lot of flexibility and are not dependent on regulations and software solutions, but it is foreseeable that this could change as the regulatory framework and technological infrastructure evolve.

The advantage for TradingShenzhen customers is that every product page for smartphones contains information under "PRODUCTDETAILS" as to whether the device is eSIM-capable or not. Of course you can always ask us questions.

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