A dual SIM phone is just what it sounds like – a phone with slots for two SIM cards. Each SIM card gives you a phone number and a connection to the phone network, so with two you can have two phone numbers and potentially two connections to different phone networks. You can make or receive calls, and send or receive text messages on either number.
Here are some useful scenarios in which having a dual SIM phone is invaluable.
Scenario 1: Travel
If you have a dual SIM phone, then going on vacation is pretty simple – just keep your regular SIM card in your phone, and add a local SIM card in that second slot. You’ll be able to make local calls and texts cheaply using the second SIM, making it cheap to stay in contact with your travel partners and get in touch with local contacts. You’ll also continue to be accessible to your friends and family at home, who can still call or text you without paying for an international call or getting a busy tone.
Scenario 2: Home / Work
Having one SIM for business use and another for personal use can also be handy, letting you keep your professional and private obligations separated. You don’t have to give out your home number to your boss or business contacts, and telemarketers won’t be able to contact you at work. When an unknown number calls, you can guess the caller by seeing which number it’s dialing.
Scenario 3: Balanced Calling Plans
Another good use for Dual SIM is to take advantage of imbalanced calling plans. For example, you might use a low cost PAYG sim for unlimited internet access to supplement your cheap Internet-limited contract that provides good value minutes and texts. You could also use a SIM that has unlimited calls in the evening alongside one that has better rates during the day, to save money.
Some technical considerations
Whatever the situation, it is important to ensure that you’re getting the right kind of Dual SIM phone. There are a few different types, distinguished by what you can accomplish whilst the two cards are installed.
Let’s have a look below:
- Shift: A second SIM card slot exists, but switching is manually activated.
- Standby: Both SIMs are connected at the same time, but if one SIM is in a call the other will be busy.
- Active: Both SIMs can be used at once, allowing incoming calls on the other SIM to be accepted or rejected.
- Talk: Both SIMs can be talked on at once, allowing two different callers to be talked to at once.
Typically, Dual SIM Standby will be enough for most needs, although Dual SIM active can be a handy upgrade if you spend a lot of time using your phone for calls instead of for internet access or texts. It’s worth noting that most dual SIM phones will only support a 3G connection on one of the SIMs, so if you are using one for Internet and the other for calls make sure they’re the right way around.
 Tecmobile You 25 Dual Sim Android Smartphone |
 thumbsUp! Dual SIM Case for IPhone 5S / 5 |
There are a few options to operating a Dual SIM phone. One option is to buy a Sim Free Dual Sim Phone specifically for this purpose, a solution which does limit your choice of phones but also provides the most elegant package solution. At Mobile Fun, we have a number of phones like this, including a cheap dual SIM smartphone running Android.
Another option is an adapter, like this Dual SIM card case for the iPhone 5 and 5S. This accessory allows you to add a SIM card to your iPhone 5S or 5, while also adding a bit of protection. Then, switching SIM cards is just a case of flipping a switch at the back of your phone.
Whichever way you go, a dual SIM can be just the thing. Look for more dual and even triple SIM phones and adapters to come onto the market as these technologies continue to develop.
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Conclusion
That’s all for now. If you found this helpful or had a question about Dual Sim Phones, please let us know via the normal social media channels, or leave a comment below. Thanks!