The SIM card in your phone is the thing that manages your mobile number and your network connection. A dual SIM phone can handle two SIM cards at a time, which means they’re ideal for anyone who uses two different numbers or data plans. For example, one SIM card might get a lot of calls and texts, while the other has a great data package, so one SIM can be used for contacting people and the other for browsing the internet and using social media.
Dual sim phones are also ideal for anyone who has a work number and a personal number, or for anyone who frequently travels abroad because they can switch to the local SIM card as soon as they arrive.
Different types of dual SIM phones
Dual SIM phones are split into two types, DSDA and DSFA.
How do DSDA phones work?
DSDA (Dual SIM Dual Standby) means that when you’re using one SIM card, the other is put into ‘standby’. So, if you receive a call on SIM 1, SIM 2 would be put on standby, just like if you were engaged on another call anyway.
Only one card at a time can connect to the internet, but some phones have a feature called ‘Hot Swap’, which will let you choose which SIM card to use for data in the settings. If your phone doesn’t have this feature, then you’ll have to make sure that the one you want to use for the internet is in slot 1, because only the primary SIM will be able to connect.
How do DSFA phones work?
DSFA (Dual SIM Full Active) phones allow both SIM cards to connect, meaning you could get a call on both lines at the same time. If you get an incoming call on line two during a call on line one, you’ll receive an alert and can handle both calls. There aren’t too many of this type of device around though.
Can you use SIM cards from two different networks?
It depends on the device. Some phones are ‘locked’ to one network, which means it won’t accept a SIM card on another provider. If that’s the case, then you’ll have to use two SIM cards that are on the same network.
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