Different types of SIM Cards
SIM cards are required by all phones, but not in the same size. There are actually three sizes, Standard, Micro, and Nano. There are also eSIMs which use a slightly newer technology.
What is a Nano SIM Card?
Nano SIM cards, which measure 8.8 x 12 3mm, are the smallest and newest of the sizes for removable SIM cards. They were introduced in 2012.
The most common SIM card is the Nano SIM. If you are buying a phone, you will almost certainly need one. For information on a Multi Network Data Sim, consider lister-communications.co.uk/business-mobiles/multi-network-data-sim-cards
What is a Micro SIM Card?
A Micro SIM is one size larger than a Nano SIM. It’s slightly larger at 12 x15mm. It’s the area around the chip that is smaller.
This card was introduced in 2003. Most handsets now use the newer Nano SIM cards.
Micro SIM cards are used by older phones that have been around for several years but are too old to use Standard SIM cards. However, handsets from the past seven or eight year’s don’t. For example, Samsung Galaxy S5 released in 2014 used a Micro SIM card, while the Galaxy S6 launched the year after uses a Nano SIM.
What is a Standard SIM Card?
Standard SIM cards are not standard SIM cards, despite their name. It was launched in the early 2000s, hence its name.
This is also the largest SIM card type available, measuring 15 x25mm. It’s a full size card, while the two other sizes are reduced. All three sizes have the same chip size.
Standard SIM cards are the oldest (introduced in 1996) of the three types. They were once found in many phones, including the iPhone 3GS. However, they’re no longer widely used. Some feature phones, very basic mobiles and older handsets still use them, but most smartphones manufactured in the past eight to nine years will not.