Phones were created to connect people, and enhancing this functionality is still the primary goal for device developers. With the introduction of dual-SIM smartphones, staying in touch has become even more accessible. In today’s article, we delve into how dual-SIM technology works and whether businesses in the used device industry should include such smartphones in their inventory. Keep reading to find out more!
What Is a Dual-SIM Phone?
A dual-SIM phone is a device that supports the use of two SIM cards. Users can seamlessly switch between the SIM cards and connect to two networks simultaneously. This functionality is especially useful for work purposes, as it allows you to separate your personal contacts from corporate ones. Moreover, two SIM cards ensure better network coverage and allow you to choose different payment plans for specific purposes.
According to Global Industry Analysts (GIA) research, the market for dual-SIM phones was estimated at 1.8 billion units in 2023. This figure is expected to reach 4.6 billion units by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4%. Such devices are extremely popular in developing countries: in Indonesia, India, and Egypt, dual-SIM phones are more common than single SIM phones.
OpenSignal reports that over 25% of all Android smartphones in use have multiple SIM card slots. However, in the US and the UK, the popularity of these devices is low: only 2% of Americans and 4% of British users own them.
The Benefits of Dual-SIM Phones for Businesses
Above, we briefly mentioned the benefits of dual-SIM phones for users: convenience, better connectivity, and potentially more affordable pricing plans. But what advantages do they have for businesses operating with pre-owned devices?
The key benefit is higher customer demand. Due to their versatility, dual-SIM smartphones are appealing to clients. For businesses, this results in shorter turnaround time, and in our industry, time is money.
Additionally, some customers explicitly search for dual-SIM smartphones, particularly for business or travel purposes. Having such devices in stock will help expand your market reach.
Overall, dual-SIM smartphones provide a competitive advantage and help attract a wider customer audience.
The Disadvantages of Dual-SIM Phones
Although dual-SIM smartphones have numerous advantages, they are not perfect. Knowing their drawbacks is crucial before adding them to your inventory. The possible disadvantages include:
- Higher Battery Usage. Two active connections require more power, which results in quicker battery drain. Therefore, users will need to charge their smartphones more frequently.
- Reduced Performance. As a consequence of increased battery usage, the device might experience poorer performance. This is especially common in cheaper models, and it may also lead to limited simultaneous access to both SIM cards.
- Usability Challenges. Dual-SIM smartphones might be slightly more challenging to use, as switching from one card to another can be confusing, particularly for users who make frequent calls or send a lot of messages.
Dual-SIM Phone Models in High Demand
Although such smartphones are in demand, not all of them are worth adding to your inventory.
Regarding Apple smartphones, none of them have two physical SIM slots, but all recent versions starting from the iPhone SE (2nd generation) support eSIMs, which are pre-installed, non-removable hardware components. Therefore, all recent iPhones can be connected to multiple networks and offer the advantages of dual-SIM devices, solidifying their status as some of the most in-demand smartphones on the secondary market. In contrast, smartphones with two physical SIM card slots are found in most Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Xiaomi Redmi models.
To choose the best phone models for your inventory, read this article.
How Businesses Can Test Dual-SIM Phones
To ensure that the devices in your stock are of high quality, you need to test them thoroughly before purchasing. Using testing software for this purpose is the most efficient approach. Try NSYS Diagnostics, an advanced solution that evaluates device condition and securely erases data in accordance with international standards.
NSYS Diagnostics conducts over 60 tests to detect more than 100 hardware defects. With automated IMEI collection and integration with GSMA Device Check, the solution quickly identifies whether a smartphone has a SIM lock, carrier lock, MDM lock, or other restrictions.
After testing, NSYS Diagnostics provides a detailed certificate with the results. These certificates are essential for reselling used electronics on marketplaces such as Back Market, Amazon, and Refurbed. NSYS Group is a certified software provider for these platforms, and NSYS Diagnostics is a trusted solution for marketplace resale.
Schedule a free demo of NSYS Diagnostics and try the solution for your business!
