Which is stronger against "identity exposure," eSIM or physical SIM? A SIM strategy guide for privacy-conscious users
"SIM" is unavoidable when using a smartphone.
Recently, you often hear voices like "eSIM is convenient, isn't it?" and "Physical SIMs are old-fashioned now, right?"
Indeed, eSIMs do not require inserting or removing physical cards and can be activated online immediately.
However, from a privacy perspective, can they really be trusted? That's another matter.
For privacy-focused enthusiasts like AntiSpyPhone users who want to "use it without anyone knowing" and "have a smartphone that cannot be identified,"
choosing which SIM is safer is truly a matter of survival strategy.
So this time, we will thoroughly explain the security and anonymity of eSIMs and physical SIMs with a comparison table.
eSIM vs Physical SIM Comparison Table
| Item | eSIM | Physical SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Can it be obtained anonymously? | ❌ Identity verification is almost mandatory domestically | ◯ Possible with some overseas prepaid SIMs |
| Is it easily linked to IMEI? | ◯ Device information may be sent when writing | △ Sent during communication but can be handled by swapping |
| How easily does communication history remain? | ◯ Profile management logs may remain | △ Can be avoided by swapping or discarding |
| Freedom of SIM swapping | ❌ Carrier procedures are required | ◯ Just pull out and insert |
| Compatibility with overseas SIMs | △ Limited supported countries and carriers | ◯ Can insert and use SIMs from around the world immediately |
| Theft and loss risk | ◯ Cannot be separated from the device, so theft risk is low | △ Possible to be pulled out |
| Is it suitable for hardcore users? | △ Easily managed and difficult to modify | ◎ You can control everything yourself |
The convenience of eSIM is a "double-edged sword"
The charm of eSIM is, above all, that no physical SIM is needed. The entire process from application to activation is completed online, and there is no need to open the tray. It is sometimes said, "Even if you drop the device, the SIM is safe."
However, behind the convenience lies the risk of being easily traced.
Many carriers record "which device (IMEI) the eSIM was installed in" when issuing the eSIM. In other words, just by using an eSIM, there is a possibility that your smartphone’s identity can be easily discovered by someone. Furthermore, the carrier also keeps operation logs of the eSIM profile (where, when, and from which IP it was issued).
The "old-fashioned" physical SIM can be an advantage
On the other hand, the physical SIM looks like an old-fashioned plastic card but is surprisingly tough. This is because communication carriers cannot fully track "who removed it and when."
For example, you can buy a prepaid SIM without ID verification overseas, insert it into your device, use it for a short period, and then discard it. This is only possible with physical SIMs. Being able to insert and remove it means you can "manually disconnect communication history," which is the greatest weapon.
Also, linking to the IMEI can be temporary. Even if the IMEI is sent, inserting another SIM next time breaks the connection. Unlike eSIMs, the profile does not remain on the device indefinitely.
So, which is better after all?
eSIMs are for those who prioritize convenience.
Issuing a local eSIM on the spot while traveling and remotely changing carriers is certainly convenient.
But if you want to "communicate as anonymously as possible," "not be controlled by the country," and "act without anyone knowing,"
physical SIMs are the only choice. This is because you have overwhelmingly more control yourself.
AntiSpyPhone's recommendation
AntiSpyPhone includes features that demonstrate their true value when combined with physical SIMs, such as blocking communication logs.
If you seriously aim for a "smartphone that does not reveal your identity," you should use SIMs responsibly and selectively.
Freedom of communication lies in the "freedom to insert and remove"
If you want to choose "strength to use without anyone knowing" over convenience, please consider operating with physical SIM + AntiSpyPhone.
