The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 both have an eSIM (embedded-SIM), but in the US they still haven’t been able to use it. That’s changing now, however.
In a new software update, eSIM support is being added, which means you will be able to use your phone without a removable SIM card.
More usefully, this also brings support for Dual SIM, Dual Standby (DSDS), which means you can use a removable standard SIM and running eSIM at the same time, so you can have two different numbers on your phone. This can be useful if, for example, you want a work and personal number on the same device.
The update also adds camera improvements, including higher quality photos when shooting with social or third-party camera apps, an ‘Auto Framing’ feature for video mode and some video calling apps, and – in the case of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 – now there is also support for the telephoto lens in Pro mode and improvements to the night portrait feature. Additionally, this update includes stability and security improvements.
This update is currently rolling out to T-Mobile and unlocked models of both phones, but it’s likely to hit other carriers soon, so keep an eye out.
In many regions outside of the US, eSIMs are already supported on these phones, so there’s no need to wait for this update to get it, but camera improvements are likely on the way globally.
Analysis: What’s so great about an eSIM?
There are some advantages to an eSIM. For one, it takes up less space than a traditional SIM card slot, so phones can be made a little smaller and lighter, or that space can be used for other components.
In the case of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3, there is still a traditional slot, of course, but this takes up at least less space than two traditional slots.
An eSIM also theoretically makes it easier to switch networks as you don’t have to wait for a new physical SIM to be delivered. And multiple virtual SIM cards can be stored in a single eSIM, so you can have multiple numbers on your phone for different purposes.
Not all smartphones have an eSIM yet and not all carriers support them, which is one of the reasons the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 also have a traditional SIM card slot, but eSIMs are likely to become become the new standard. Even now, you can get an eSIM with various handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S22 and iPhone 13 lines.
Through GSMArena (opens in new tab)
