What is "eSIM" supported by iPhone and Pixel? How is it different from a normal SIM card? [November 2020 version]

Today's smartphones cannot communicate with the main unit alone. By inserting a "SIM card" and grabbing the radio waves of the mobile phone network that supports the SIM card, you will be able to make calls and perform data communications.

Speaking of SIM cards, the relatively new "iPhone" and "Pixel" are built into "eSIM" in addition to general SIM cards. Mobile phones that only support eSIM, such as "Rakuten Mini" and "Rakuten BIG" released by Rakuten Mobile, have begun to appear.

What exactly is "eSIM"?

What is a "SIM card" in the first place?

"SIM" of SIM card is an abbreviation of "Subscriber Identification Module", that is, a module (IC chip) for identifying a subscriber, and stores information necessary for connecting to a mobile phone network.

In general, when a mobile phone is turned on (or released from "airplane mode"), it follows the following steps before it can communicate.

1. The mobile phone reads the information of the SIM card inserted in it
2. Search for a mobile phone network that can communicate with that SIM card
3. Ask for permission to connect when a network is found
4. The network collates information such as "card individual number (ICCID)" and "contractor's mobile phone number" recorded on the SIM card with the contractor's database.
5. Allow communication if it is determined that the SIM card is correct

Broadly speaking, there are three SIM card sizes, "standard", "micro", and "nano?", And you need to select one according to the terminal you are using. However, since the "contents" of the module are the same for all sizes, the number of "multi-size SIM cards" that allow users to select the hollow size according to the terminal is increasing.

What is the difference between "eSIM" and a normal SIM card?

In eSIM, "e" is an abbreviation for "Embedded". Translated literally into Japanese, it means "incorporated." In short, eSIM is a SIM for mobile communication devices built into electronic devices.

When embedding a mobile communication device in an electronic device, it is difficult to replace the SIM card like a smartphone depending on the structure. Therefore, eSIM can rewrite contract information remotely.

Some eSIMs are in the shape of a "card" like a normal SIM card, and some are mounted as "chips" on the board of the device because it is structurally difficult to replace the cards.

Recent iPhone (* 1) (* 2), Pixel series (* 2), Rakuten Mini, and Rakuten BIG eSIM have a built-in chip type eSIM. For that reason, recently, "eSIM" is increasingly referred to as a chip type.

(* 1) Compatible with "iPhone XS", "iPhone XS Max" and "iPhone XR" or later with iOS 12.1 or later installed. However, the model for China does not support eSIM (* 2) SIM lock must be unlocked before using eSIM on terminals with SIM lock set.Check with your carrier who purchased your device for details on how to include the procedure.

Which carrier issues eSIM?

As of November 20, only IIJ (Internet Initiative Japan) and Rakuten Mobile provide monthly communication services for individual users that support eSIM. There are a few more options if you include "prepaid eSIM" that pays only for what you use, but this time I will omit the explanation.

IIJmio

IIJ's personal communication service "IIJmio" offers "IIJmio eSIM Service Data Plan Zero" exclusively for data communication.

This plan is intended for users who have already subscribed to a voice call plan of a major mobile network operator (MNO) or another MVNO (so-called "cheap SIM"). Is set to 150 yen (excluding tax, the same applies below). For data communication, "Purchase an additional amount of data separately. The charge is 300 yen for the first 1GB and 450 yen per 1GB for the subsequent 10GB. The communication area is NTT DoCoMo's Xi (LTE) and FOMA. Complies with (3G) area.

At the time of contract, an initial fee of 3000 yen and an eSIM issuance fee of 200 yen will be charged. However, until November 30, the initial cost will be 1 yen by applying the "eSIM Trial Campaign".

The contract requires a credit card in the name of the person, a valid e-mail address (destination of contract information), a personal computer and an internet environment. If you want to apply at the store, you can also apply at the BicCamera Group (BicCamera, Sofmap, Kojima) stores (the plan name will be "Good SIM").

Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten Mobile is the only telecommunications carrier (MNO) that builds its own mobile phone network and offers a monthly communication service that supports eSIM.

The plan is very simple with only "Rakuten UN-LIMIT V" that also supports 5G (5th generation mobile communication system). The monthly fee is 2980 yen, and the first 3 million people can use it free of charge for one year.

Rakuten UN-LIMIT V allows unlimited data communication in Rakuten Mobile's own area, and domestic voice calls are free if you use the communication app "Rakuten Link" (some phone numbers are not covered). Monthly communication capacity outside the company's area is limited to a maximum of 1 Mbps up and down if the au roaming area exceeds 5 GB and the overseas area exceeds 2 GB (each capacity is counted separately).

There are no contract fees. If you need to reissue your eSIM, you can do so for free. You can make a contract not only online but also at a dealer.

Which smartphones support eSIM?

The number of smartphones equipped with eSIM is increasing, but the options are still limited. I will briefly introduce the main ones.

iPhone 12 series (Apple)

As mentioned earlier, Apple's iPhone 12 series supports eSIM. However, as of November 20, 5G communication is only compatible with NTT DoCoMo, au (KDDI and Okinawa Cellular Telephone), Softbank's genuine 5G line, and 5G compatible SIM cards that use SIM cards of each company.

If you don't need to support 5G communication, you can use eSIM with "iPhone XS", "iPhone XS Max", "iPhone XR" or later models with iOS 12.1 or later installed.

Pixel 5 / Pixel 4a (5G) (Google)

As mentioned earlier, Google's Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) also support eSIM. However, as of November 20, it does not support Rakuten Mobile's 5G network (communication via LTE network). Support for the company's 5G network is scheduled for December or later.

If you don't have to support 5G communication, you can use eSIM with "Pixel 4a" and "Pixel 4".

Rakuten Mini / Rakuten BIG (Rakuten Mobile)

Rakuten Mobile's original smartphones, Rakuten Mini and Rakuten BIG, are eSIM “dedicated” terminals, which are rare among eSIM compatible smartphones as mentioned above. Rakuten BIG is also compatible with Rakuten Mobile's 5G area.

Both models are terminals sold by Rakuten Mobile, but since they are SIM lock-free, it is theoretically possible to write and use eSIM data from other companies such as IIJmio (* 3).

(* 3) The latest production of Rakuten Mini does not support the NTT DoCoMo network.Therefore, it may not be possible to communicate with IIJmio's eSIM.

OPPO A73 (Ouga Japan)

Ouga Japan's SIM lock fleece smartphone "OPPO A73" is the first to be sold separately at general home electronics mass retailers and is compatible with eSIM. Both Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio have been confirmed to work, so you can use them with greater peace of mind.

The back is equipped with a 4-eye (quad) camera including an ultra-wide-angle lens, and it also supports reception of FM radio and playback of high-resolution sound sources (high-resolution compatible headphones / earphones are required to play high-resolution sound sources). is)

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