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What Is a Dual SIM Phone?

dual SIM phone used to mean a phone with two physical SIM slots—great for travellers or anyone juggling work and personal numbers. Today, it also includes phones with eSIMs, allowing a mix of physical and digital SIMs for even more flexibility—either physical SIMs, eSIMs, or a combo of both.

This lets you use two phone numbers or mobile plans on the same phone. Handy if you want to keep work and personal calls separate, or if you’re travelling and want a local data plan to avoid data roaming charges.

There are two main types of dual SIM setups:

  • Dual SIM, Dual Standby (DSDS): This is the most common type. Both SIMs can receive calls and texts, but only one is active at a time. If you’re on a call on SIM 1, SIM 2 goes quiet until you're done.
  • Dual Active SIM: This setup lets both SIMs stay active—even during calls. It’s less common, but useful if you need to stay available on two lines simultaneously.

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