Dual SIM mobile phone features have become a standard segment for most smartphone users. Nowadays, it’s a craze to use dual sim mobile phones. Phones have a built-in feature that allows you to operate two SIM cards with two different numbers simultaneously on the same phone.
So, let’s see what are dual SIM phones and why they are helpful. What are the advantages and disadvantages? What are the types of dual SIM phones? And What are the best dual SIM phones with separate MicroSD card slots in 2024?
What is a Dual SIM Smartphone?
A dual SIM smartphone is a mobile phone with room to accommodate two separate SIM cards. Depending on the type of Dual SIM technology, you can use both SIM cards simultaneously during a call.
Dual SIM smartphones have either two slots for each SIM card or a single slot with a tray that can hold two SIM cards.
Mobile service providers are known to oppose the dual-SIM smartphone idea because of the profit impact of the dual-SIM smartphone. Consumers with dual SIM smartphones can have one phone instead of two. Not only that, but you can also use competitors’ SIM cards on your phone.
Best Dual SIM Phones with Separate MicroSD Card Slot 2024
In this section, we look at the best dual SIM phones available. Each phone offers unique features and can make your life much more straightforward.
1. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
If you’re looking for an affordable dual SIM phone with a separate MicroSD Card Slot and a smooth screen, good cameras, and reliable software support, the Galaxy A54 is best for you.
The Galaxy A54 features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate so everything looks fluid. Perfect for watching videos and games. It also has a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen that offers vivid colors and contrast.
The Galaxy A54 has a great 50MP camera for its price range. But that’s not all, it also offers a Nightography feature for all low-light situations.
The Galaxy A54 also receives long-term software support. Samsung promises to update this phone for five years, which is unusual for a mid-range device. It also features a new processor, the Exynos 1380 chipset, which is much faster than the Exynos 1280 in the previous Galaxy A53.
Samsung Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 offer decent performance and offer up to 256GB of storage space. You’ll be happy to hear that Samsung has decided to include a micro SD slot in the new A54.
This allows you to add 1TB of additional storage space to your Galaxy A54, which is perfect for anyone who enjoys taking high-resolution photos and recording a lot of videos.
2. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a solid choice for an affordable 5G smartphone with dual SIM support and a separate microSD card slot.
The Galaxy A14 5G features a textured plastic body on the back, giving it more personality than most budget phones. It features a 6.6-inch PLS LCD with a 1080 x 2408 pixels resolution, a 20:9 aspect ratio, and a 90Hz refresh rate.
The A14 5G is powered by the Exynos 1330 octa-core chipset, with two cores running at 2.4GHz and six cores running at 2.0GHz. It comes in two RAM and storage configurations — 4GB/64GB and 6GB/128 GB. The phone also features a dedicated microSD card slot that supports up to 1TB of additional storage space.
The Galaxy A14 5G features a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 13MP camera for selfies and video calls.
3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 boasts a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and rich color expression, ensuring a smooth and vivid viewing experience. Whether scrolling social media or playing games, this phone can handle it all with its 6nm Snapdragon 680 processor, providing balanced performance for various tasks.
The 5000mAh battery capacity combined with Xiaomi’s 33W Pro fast charging feature allows the phone to stay powered all day and quickly charge when needed. Dual SIM card support and a dedicated microSD slot (up to 1TB) will enable you to manage your personal and professional life efficiently while having ample storage space for your photos, videos, and apps.
This international model has a limited warranty in the US and may not work with certain carriers such as Verizon and Sprint. Additionally, the camera settings may not be suitable for those looking for the best photography features.
When considering the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 as your next dual SIM phone with a dedicated SD card slot, it’s essential to compare the pros and cons.
4. Motorola Moto G62
Motorola Moto G62 has emerged as a game-changer for dual SIM phones in the top budget category with separate microSD Card Slot that supports up to 512 GB microSD card. It is a rare breed that offers dual SIM support, 5G networking, and accepts two physical SIM cards.
This phone doesn’t try to be the best in any particular area but rather offers a well-rounded package. The Moto G62 shines with its 120Hz display and is powered by the latest Snapdragon 480+ processor. The 5G connectivity it offers comes as a pleasant surprise for a phone in the same price range.
One of the most commendable aspects is the impressive battery life along with the simplicity of Motorola’s user-friendly UI, which still stands out among cost-effective phones.
However, it is not without its drawbacks. Due to tight budgets, 5G connectivity comes at a cost and impacts performance, storage space, and charging speeds. If you want raw power, you might be better off considering a 4G-only alternative in the same price range.
But for those who covet the luxury of 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, the Moto G62 has proven to be one of the most viable options among the best dual-SIM Android phones on the market.
5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro
The Redmi Note 10 Pro Dual-SIM card phone with a separate SD card slot has a 6.67-inch 120Hz panel that boasts AMOLED technology, which means an excellent contrast ratio and vivid colors. Meanwhile, the 108-megapixel reed camera has a pair of auxiliary snappers that exceed expectations.
Interesting extras like 33W fast charging, headphone jack, and IR blaster make the Redmi Note 10 Pro go from a good budget product to a significant budget one, considering Xiaomi has integrated it here.
6. Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
The Galaxy A32 5G is a dual-SIM model, but availability varies, so check out the dual-SIM variant before buying. These are all affordable Samsung phones with a great modern design and solid battery life. The primary camera records up to 4K 30fps.
One of the best things about this phone is its separate micro SD card slot. There is also a 5G support.
7. Samsung Galaxy A21
There are many reasons why this is one of Samsung’s best-selling phones and one of the best dual-SIM phones with a separate MicroSD card slot in 2024.
In addition to having a dual SIM variant, the Galaxy A12 has an excellent, understated modern design, a quad camera, and a large battery that lasts a long time. It has expandable storage via microSD and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it one of the best value-for-money phones.
8. Motorola Moto G7 Plus
The Motorola Moto G7+ has a high-quality 1.8GHz octa-core processor. Its simple yet elegant design features a 6.20-inch display with 1080 x 2270 pixel resolution, covered with Gorilla Glass 3, and water-resistant. The unit has a dual rear camera with a 16MP (f/1.7) primary lens, a 5MP (f/2.2) secondary lens, and a 12MP front camera.
It provides 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 256GB with a microSD card. This phone is powered by a removable Li-ion 3000mAh battery that should last a while.
It has a face ID scanner, fingerprint scanner, proximity sensor, and various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, GPS, USB, and Bluetooth.
9. Redmi Note 8 Pro
The Redmi Note 8 Pro runs Android Pie with an MIUI 10 skin on top and features a 6.53-inch Full HD+ with 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution and an HDR display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. Beyond that, an 8-core MediaTek Helio G90T processor is paired with up to 8GB of RAM.
The phone has a 64MP primary sensor with an f/1.89 lens backed by an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. On the front is a 20MP camera with an f/2.0 lens for selfies and video calls.
The Redmi Note 8 Pro has 128GB of onboard UFS 2.1 storage, but this phone also has a dedicated microSD card slot for expansion. It is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging.
10. LG Q6
The LG Q6 recently entered the smartphone market at 1 million won. The Dual SIM phone has a dedicated MicroSD card slot, allowing users to expand the 32GB onboard storage to 2TB via a microSD card.
In addition, the 18:9 full-vision display stands out with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD with Full HD+ resolution, 442 PPI, and a 78% screen-to-body ratio. If you like to consume media content on your phone, the LG Q6 is worth considering for under budget.
11. Lenovo K8 Note
Lenovo’s newest entrant, the K8 Note handset, has a dedicated MicroSD slot to charge additional storage. The mid-range smartphone is also the first for the company to offer users a near-stock Android (in this case, Nougat 7.1.1) experience.
12. Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
Asus has teamed up with Flipkart to launch a new, affordable,e low-cost handset. The Zenfone Max Pro M1 handset has an 18:9 Full HD+ display, a large 5000mAh battery, uses the powerful Snapdragon 636 chipset, and is the first Asus phone to run near-native Android 8.1 software.
The phone has a separate microSD card slot that can accommodate up to 256GB of secondary storage. Zenfone Max Pro also has a Dual SIM card slot.
13. Samsung On7 Pro
Enjoy super-fast browsing at 4G speeds on the Galaxy On7 Pro — Ultra data saving mode and excellent options for an enhanced experience. Improved memory performance is one of the unique concepts that will make it a perfect device for various gaming functions. S Bike mode allows you to enjoy a comfortable ride.
Camera smartphones will be one of the massive plus points for selfie lovers. One of the advantages of adding a quick-launch camera and a palm gesture selfie mod is. The 120-degree selfie mode is most helpful for group selfies.
How does a dual SIM mobile phone work?
Not all dual SIM smartphones work the same way. You see two standard versions of this type of technology in smartphones: the standard Dual SIM and the Hybrid Dual SIM versions.
Also, how a phone works with two SIM cards differs from phone to phone. This depends on whether the smartphone uses passive or active dual SIM technology. Here is the explanation of all types of SIM versions.
Types of Dual SIM Phones
There are several types of dual SIM phones, each with pros and cons. To use Dual SIM, you must unlock your phone with that technology.
1. Dual SIM Single Standby
The oldest kind of Dual SIM. This type of phone contains both SIM cards, but only one can be active at a time. You have to change what is used manually. This works great if you know you only need to contact them on certain days of the week or if you travel frequently between countries. It’s rare on smartphones, but you can find it on other types of phones.
2. Dual SIM Dual Active
Phones with dual SIM features keep both cards active simultaneously. Even if you receive a call with one SIM, you will receive call waiting and data from the other SIM.
3. Dual SIM Dual Standby
You probably already noticed. This kind of smartphone can activate two cards with one transceiver. You can use either to answer a call when both are on hold. When you answer a call, an unused card is deactivated until you end the call.
This is just a limitation for phones that use 2G to make voice calls (3G and 4G do not have this limitation). This is probably the most popular form of dual sim technology in smartphones and is cheaper than dual sim active.
4. Dual SIM variants and non-identical connectors
When discussing dual SIM smartphones, you can easily imagine a phone with two identical slots for SIM cards. That image isn’t wrong, but you can find other dual SIM variants on other phones on the market.
The three most common variants of Dual SIM technology are:
1. Hybrid Dual SIM: Hybrid Dual SIM smartphones have two slots for two SIM cards. The first slot is dedicated to the primary SIM card, but the second slot can accept either a SIM card or a memory card.
So, in essence, a hybrid dual-SIM phone can function as either a dual-SIM phone or a single-SIM phone with an external storage slot.
2. Multiple SIM sizes: If you are familiar with SIM cards, you will realize they are not all the same size. Some cell phone manufacturers have considered this when designing Dual SIM technology. The result was a phone that could accommodate two SIM cards of different sizes.
A variation on the multi-SIM size technology includes an embedded SIM card, also known as an eSIM. As the name suggests, the eSIM is part of the phone and cannot be removed. So, if your phone is a dual SIM smartphone with an eSIM, you can usually only remove and replace one SIM card (the “regular” card).
3. 4G+2G and Dual 4G: Some phones offer different connections in each SIM slot. It’s common to find dual SIM phones with a 4G connection in one slot and a 2G connection in the other. You can also get slots with dual 4G-like connectivity.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual Sim Mobile Phones in 2024?
Dual SIM cell phones have been gaining popularity recently. The reason is apparent. There is no need to carry two phones everywhere. But we need to know inside and out about the cell phone you are investing in.
In all these cases, however, knowing the pros and cons is appropriate to get the best value for the money you invest in your smartphone.
Hopefully, you got it, no. Let’s move to the pros and cons of Dual SIM card phones.
Advantages of Dual Sim mobile phones
1. Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most significant advantages of a phone with a Dual SIM feature is its cost-effectiveness. Call rates vary by mobile number service provider. This technology allows you to use two different SIM cards on your phone and takes advantage of the best rates offered by two separate service providers. There is no better way.
2. No blocking
Dual SIM smartphones aren’t locked to a specific network, so you don’t need to change your SIM while traveling to another country. You can sign up for any network provider for free. Some service providers offer free international credit that saves you up to 80% on roaming charges.
3. Differentiated Professional and Personal Calls
One SIM is for professional use, and the other is for personal use. When you get a call, they tell you if you are a professional or an individual. So, you are mentally prepared before you answer the call.
4. Unique Work and Play Invoice
SIMs designated ‘Work’ will show a work bill and a playbill. You can draw a line between the two if you’re budget-conscious. You don’t need a calculator or a highlighter to determine what is what. Your smartphone spending will be more cost-effective.
5. Great Text and Data Deals
You can allocate your budget more carefully if you get great deals for calls, texts, and data at different rates. You can also streamline your data requirements and text and call.
6. Overcome the limitations of missing networks
Sometimes, network coverage becomes erratic and leaves the network without prior notice. Consider a situation where you need to make an urgent call. A second SIM handles these emergencies. This is probably the most significant advantage of dual sim. There are unique advantages. If you are traveling where certain SIMs do not have good coverage.
7. Simultaneous calls
You are least likely to miss a call with a dual SIM. While talking on one line, you can answer the call on the other line. Instead of going to voicemail, you can put the first call on hold and answer another call you feel is more important.
8. Customizable storage
You can store data on dual SIM cards as needed. Up to 33 network identification codes can be stored on a SIM with 32KB storage. Now you can get 256 KB of SIM.
Disadvantages of dual sim mobile phones
1. Battery life
One of the most significant downsides is battery life. Having two SIM cards means that they consume more battery power. This is why these phones need to be charged almost regularly.
2. If Passive Dual SIM
Smartphones have two SIM cards, but only one can be active a time. So you can’t connect to the second SIM card. Manually activating the first will turn off the second. Of course, these issues occurred in earlier versions.
3. Micro-SD slot
The second SIM is micro-SD, so you cannot use a micro-SD card to expand storage. So you have to get a Dual SIM phone with a separate MicroSD card slot to get more built-in storage.
4. Usage Restrictions
Smartphones use a 4G + 2G standby implementation, so you can only use one SIM for calls and text messages but not for data connections.
5. Electro-Magnetic Frequency
The EMF inherent in smartphones is doubled with dual SIM cards. However, due to the optimization of the technology, the EMF of Dual SIM has been lowered to 40–80% of single SIM smartphones. Also, the EMF is still lower in low-signal areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dual SIM phones be on different networks?
Mobile phones with dual SIM cards allow you to stand by on two separate mobile networks. You can also use mobile data on two different networks, but only one network can use the internet at a time.
What is the difference between dual sim and single sim?
Dual-SIM phones support inserting and using two SIM cards in a single device. This is different from a single SIM device, which only has a slot for one SIM card. A dual SIM phone can support two active SIMs simultaneously without needing to remove and replace the SIM to change the phone number.
Are Dual SIM phones allowed in the UK?
Dual-SIM phones were only standard in other parts of the world, but now many phones are available in the UK, and more and more are being launched, including many high-end and popular handsets. Having a dual SIM card slot in your phone has several potential benefits.
Does Dual SIM affect performance?
So, in theory, a dual SIM phone radiates twice as much energy as a single SIM device. Dual-SIM phones not only use radiation but also drain the battery faster because the battery is used to power both circuits simultaneously, resulting in increased usage and higher power consumption.
Does Dual SIM affect the signal?
No, Dual SIM does not affect the signal. Some older models have experienced network speeds, but newer dual SIM phones don’t have these issues.
Do dual SIM phones work in the US?
Yes, you can use dual SIM card phones in the USA if you have an active SIM card and a phone available with your carrier.
What is the difference between dual standby and dual active?
Dual-SIM Standby (DSS) requires the user to select the SIM being used at the time, whereas Dual-SIM Active (DSA) allows both SIM cards to be used simultaneously. All of the new dual SIM phones have DSM capabilities.
Does Verizon support dual SIM iPhones?
Verizon only supports the Dual SIM option on unlocked phones. Their iPhone phone is unlocked. However, until a few days after purchase, iPhones in the US only offer an eSIM as a second SIM.
Are Dual SIM Phones Harmful?
No. Theoretically, two signals from your phone would produce twice as much radiation. Still, in practice, only a noticeable amount of radiation is detected when you make or receive a call. The same is true for single or dual SIM phones.
Does your iPhone have a dual SIM card slot?
Yes, but not in the US market. However, there are places primarily online) you can buy an iPhone with dual slots in the US.
Conclusion Best Dual-SIM Phones with Separate MicroSD Card Slot
Dual SIM smartphones are handy, especially if you travel to different countries or need to use two numbers but don’t want to carry two phones.
However, if you’re considering buying a new smartphone and having two SIM cards is essential, get a smartphone with the right technology so you won’t be disappointed. You probably don’t want a hybrid dual SIM smartphone when using two SIM cards with a memory card.
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