What is a SIM Card and What Are the Different Types of SIM Cards

Published on 30.11.2022

Copy to clipboard

A SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small card with a chip that stores subscriber identity and its key used to identify and authenticate each unique user. The SIM connects mobile phones to the respective cellular network and enables services like calling, wifi calling and texting.

Staying connected with your loved ones is important and what better than a SIM card as your source of connectivity, entertainment, convenience, visibility, reach and security – all in one go! Here is an in-depth guide for you to better understand SIM card types.

A SIM card contains:

International mobile subscriber Identity (IMSI)
Security authentication and ciphering information
Temporary local network information
List of services availed by subscribers
Two passwords: Personal Identity Number (PIN), Personal Unblocking Code (PUC)

Different types of SIM cards and their Usage:

Full-Size SIM Cards: Initially, SIM cards used to be huge, sized like credit cards to fit into larger phones. But with the advent of sleeker smartphones, these full-size SIM cards became obsolete.
Mini SIM: Launched after the full-size SIM cards, these mini SIMs were also known as standard SIM cards. The dimensions of the mini SIM were 25x15mm, but these could be converted into a micro SIM by manually cutting out the extra plastic on the mini-SIM.
Micro SIM: Micro SIMs are smaller versions of the mini-SIM, with dimensions 12x15mm, designed to make smartphones lighter. Although most devices now use nano SIM cards, some older handsets and tablets still use micro SIMs.
Nano SIM: With the evolution of the SIM card from full size to nano, this is probably as small as SIM cards might get. Nano SIM is almost the size of the integrated circuit (IC) chip on the SIM card. First introduced around 2012, most smart devices today use the nano SIM card.
eSIM: Short for Embedded SIM cards, an eSIM is a digital SIM that is built-in into your device. It enables you to use mobile services seamlessly without a physical SIM.

SIM Card Services

Vi™ postpaid SIM card plans & features

Enjoy good speed and coverage for calls and internet
With Vi™ Postpaid SIM, select your mobile number with your lucky digits that too before placing the order!
Binge watch your favourite movies and shows 24*7 – with subscriptions to Amazon Prime. Disney Plus Hotstar and Vi™ movies & TV.
Avail international roaming pack while travelling abroad and stay connected with dear ones

Vi™ prepaid SIM card plans & features

Complete network coverage and high-speed internet
Long-term validity plans with unlimited calls, SMS and data
Additional benefits such as binge all night offer, double data, weekend data rollover, lots more
Avail one-year subscription to Disney Plus Hotstar and Vi™ movies & TV through special prepaid plans

If you are looking for an eSIM or a new physical SIM card, Vi offers all of it with a wide variety of postpaid and prepaid plans at pocket-friendly prices, and many exciting benefits. Get a new Vi SIM or check out Vi eSIM and enjoy all the perks.