You might not be aware that the acronym SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. SIM cards are tiny pieces of plastic imbued with gold that provide your phone with its own personal identity. The contain information such as your personal details, stored contact numbers, pictures and media files. Without a SIM card, the modern mobile phone simply would not function whatsoever. What should you look for when choosing a SIM card provider and what other details will come in handy?
How Does a SIM Card Work?
A SIM card first needs to be activated after it is initially purchased. This is normally done by the provider although you might be able to activate some pay-as-you go versions yourself. Keep in mind that you need to provide the correct personal details; the card will not be valid otherwise. We can think of a SIM card somewhat in the same manner as a CPU processor. The only difference is that it is not able to store as much information and naturally, it does not offer all of the same functions. However, many cards can now store impressive amounts of data; sometimes as high as 256 gigabytes. These are normally used if you plan on storing a significant amount of media. Please keep in mind that SIM cards will also act as useful back-ups if your phone happens to fail. Technicians will be able to retrieve important details. These cards can be transferred from one phone to another; a massive advantage if one unit is employed for business and another is intended for personal needs.
The Different Types of SIM Cards
There are three types of SIM cards available. These are generally termed:
- Standard cards
- Micro cards
- Mini cards
Standard cards have existed since at least 2010 and believe it or not, they are actually not as common as they once were. These cards are still often seen on basic phones such as pay-as-you-go units.
Micro SIM cards are the second variety. The only major difference between this version and its standard counterpart is that the plastic edges around the metallic storage section are trimmed down. This was primarily intended to accommodate the needs of smaller and slimmer models; particularly those associated with Samsung and Apple.
Nano cards are some of the latest variants. These were first introduced in 2012 and many believe that these modules will eventually replace the two previous versions. Still, they are able to store just as much information at a fraction of the size.
When choosing any SIM card, be sure to select the version that best suits your needs. Take a look to see if any type of warranty is attached in terms of wear and tear. As many cards are combined with a contract, examine the associated conditions in order to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.
