Micro Sim Card VS Nano Sim Card: What’s The Difference?

Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by

Micro SIM cards measure 15 x 12 mm, while Nano SIM cards, introduced in 2012, are smaller at 12.3 x 8.8 mm. Both serve the same purpose but vary in size.

Micro Sim Card VS Nano Sim Card

Feature	Micro SIM Card	Nano SIM Card
Size	15 x 12 mm	12.3 x 8.8 mm
Introduction Year	Introduced in 2010	Introduced in 2012
Popular Adoption	Used in phones from 2010 to mid-2010s	Widespread adoption in mid-2010s
Notable Devices	iPhone 4 and 4S, some early Android phones	iPhone 5 and newer iPhones, modern Android phones
Surface Area	Larger than Nano SIM	Smaller than Micro SIM
Compatibility	Adapters available for larger slots, but trimming may be necessary	Adapters available for larger slots, but trimming may be necessary
Advantages	More common in older devices, easier to handle	Smaller size allows for more compact designs in modern smartphones
Disadvantages	Larger size may limit design options in newer devices	May require an adapter for devices with larger SIM card slots
Current Usage	Becoming less common due to the popularity of Nano SIMs	Widely used in modern smartphones
Example Phones (as of 2022)	iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, some early Android phones	iPhone 5 and newer iPhones, modern Android phones

What Is A Nano Sim Card?

The Nano SIM card is smaller in size, so it is called the “nano” SIM. The nano sim measures 12mm by 15mm in size. This design makes them compatible with Android Lollipop (version or newer) on Google phones as well as iOS 11 onward if you need to upgrade your phone from a Micro-SIM but there are some issues regarding compatibility which can make this feature hard to find without checking out wireless carriers or electronics stores first. 

A nano sim card is a type of SIM card that is used in devices with smaller form factors, such as tablets and smartphones. The size was designed to be more suitable for the slimmer design requirements of these types of devices than their micro sim predecessors which are 24 mm by 16 mm in size.

Nano SIM cards are a newer development in the world of cellular phones, so there is not yet an established standard for these. This means that if your phone or tablet doesn’t have a nano sim slot, you would need to buy an adapter or new phone.

Benefits Of Using Nano Sim Cards:

1. Longer battery life

2. Higher data speeds and bandwidth

3. Better reception in buildings with steel or concrete walls, underground parking structures, etc.

4. Easier to switch carriers while traveling overseas (requires a nano sim adapter)

5. More compatible devices are available on the market for nano sim cards including iPhone models like the SE model which only has a mini-SIM tray. 

6. Easier to use in iPads and other tablets with SIM card slots.

What Is A Micro Sim Card?

A micro SIM card is one of the two smaller formats used for GSM authentication. It stands at 12mm x 15mm and can be found in devices such as tablets, wearables, and mobile hotspots. The benefit to these cards is that they are much easier to use with device cases made specifically for them since it’s a little more compact than its counterpart. However, very few phones on the market today have storage space enough for the Micro SIM so consumers will need an adapter if their phone doesn’t support this new-sized sim; not only do you lose your old number when switching to a new provider but now you’ll also have multiple numbers because your cell service was split between both services.

The Micro SIM Card is interesting because it’s not quite as wide and tall, but still has enough space in its design to hold all of your necessary information. The benefit to this card is that it’s much easier to use with device cases made specifically for them since it’s a little more compact than its counterpart – the Nano SIM Card (12×15).

The main benefit of using a microSIM is that it doesn’t take up as much storage room in the device which would allow them to upgrade without having to get rid of all their data from the previous model. This also means there is more storage available for other things important data.

Benefits Of Using Micro Sim Cards:

1. It is compatible with most phones and carriers, so it can be used for a variety of models

2. Micro SIMs are available almost anywhere

3. They have higher data transfer speeds that allow mobile devices to connect faster when downloading content from the web or streaming videos on social media.

4. On average, they can handle about 50 MBps (Megabytes per second).

5. The micro sim card size also allows for more efficient use of space on electronics like laptops since there’s less need for a slot where the sim card can be placed.

6. They also have a lower power consumption rate which means your battery will last longer!

Can You Convert Micro SIM To Nano SIM?

This is a common question that people have when looking to switch. It’s possible to convert Micro Sim cards into Nano Sim cards. Also, the costs are high and it can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Some places may offer this service for free, so check with your provider first before paying any fees or taking matters into your own hands which could result in data loss on your device.

Applications like “SIM Card Converter” (available on Google Play) will let you change the size of Micro SIM cards without having to fiddle around with them manually – just make sure it’s turned off before inserting a new card as there is no recovery mode available! This method works best for those who want to switch to a different SIM card provider.

What Phones Use A Nano Sim Card?

1. Apple iPhones:
   • iPhones from iPhone 5 and newer models (iPhone 5, 5S, SE, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max) use Nano SIM cards.
2. Samsung Galaxy Series:
   • Many Samsung Galaxy smartphones, including the Galaxy S6 and newer models, use Nano SIM cards.
3. Google Pixel Series:
   • Google Pixel phones, such as the Pixel, Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, and likely future models, use Nano SIM cards.
4. OnePlus Phones:
   • Most OnePlus smartphones, including OnePlus 3 and newer models, use Nano SIM cards.
5. LG Phones:
   • LG G6 and newer models typically use Nano SIM cards.
6. Huawei and Honor Phones:
   • Many recent Huawei and Honor smartphones, like those in the P and Mate series, use Nano SIM cards.
7. Sony Xperia Series:
   • Sony Xperia smartphones, starting with models like the Xperia Z3 and newer, use Nano SIM cards.
8. Motorola Phones:
   • Motorola smartphones, including the Moto X, Moto G, and newer models, use Nano SIM cards.

References:

http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/difference-between-nano-and-micro-sim/