For many individuals, a smartphone is a must have system for work. It means that you can make calls, handle emails and get work carried out from just about anyplace.
However to keep away from blurring the strains between your work and private life, you’ll in all probability desire a totally different telephone quantity. Historically, your solely possibility was to be equipped with a separate ‘work telephone’ or purchase your personal.
Nevertheless, there’s an excellent various these days: dual-SIM. Because the identify suggests, this lets you use two totally different SIM playing cards on the identical telephone. Every has its personal distinctive quantity and contract, and you turn between them with a couple of faucets.
Twin SIM can also be nice for travellers, permitting you to maintain your common SIM card and simply add a brand new native SIM wherever you go. And in case you don’t wish to hand over your quantity however have discovered an inexpensive SIM-only deal, you possibly can hold utilizing each.
Today, some mix one bodily SIM with one eSIM for his or her dual-SIM performance. However as a way to hold issues easy, we’re solely together with these with assist for 2 bodily SIMs right here.
It means among the greatest smartphones you should purchase aren’t included, such because the Google Pixel 8 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless loads of glorious handsets to select from.
Keep in mind that generally smartphones bought within the West are single-SIM variants, whereas various fashions of that exact same telephone bought elsewhere on the planet are dual-SIM.
We’re centered on telephones launched within the UK and/or US for this checklist, and have solely included fashions that formally assist two bodily SIMs in these markets.
Greatest dual-SIM telephones
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely – Greatest dual-SIM telephone general
Worth When Reviewed:
From $1,199
The Galaxy S23 Extremely is our third-favourite telephone proper now – however because the Google Pixel 8 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional don’t assist two bodily SIMs, Samsung’s flagship manages to high this specific rating. It arguably deserves it too: it’s extra highly effective, in all probability has higher cameras, and contains stylus assist.
The digicam is without doubt one of the greatest in any telephone, with a 200Mp major shooter backed up by an ultrawide and two telephoto lenses at totally different zoom ranges. It’s a disgrace that the 12Mp selfie digicam lets the telephone down, however in any other case photographs listed below are glorious.
The expansive 6.8in LTPO AMOLED show delivers each excessive WQHD+ decision and adaptive refresh fee as much as 120Hz, and with S-pen stylus assist it comfortably fills the productiveness area of interest of the previous Observe telephones.
In the event you like large telephones, and might afford Samsung’s asking worth, that is in all probability one of the best round – however it received’t go well with everybody.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely evaluation
2. OnePlus 11 – Nice dual-SIM flagship
Execs
- Quick efficiency
- Aggressive worth
- Robust cameras
- 5 years of software program assist
Cons
- No wi-fi charging
- Not absolutely waterproof
Worth When Reviewed:
$699
If you would like an Android smartphone with high specs in 2023 that’s designed to remain quick and may have software program assist until 2028, the OnePlus 11 is a superb selection. It’s additionally one of many least expensive high-end telephones to supply twin SIM.
The absence of wi-fi charging shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most individuals. In spite of everything, this telephone has a wonderful display screen, high cameras, good battery life and actually quick charging, and phenomenal efficiency because of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The dearth of full waterproofing is extra annoying to us.
OnePlus can’t simply stand nonetheless, it additionally should evolve – fortunately for us, the OnePlus 11 is a wonderful evolution and top-of-the-line telephones you should purchase for a worth that undercuts many competing merchandise.
Learn our full
OnePlus 11 evaluation
3. Samsung Galaxy A14 – Greatest finances dual-SIM
Execs
- Glossy S23-inspired design
- Lengthy battery life
- Dependable software program
Cons
- Solely 60Hz display screen
- Sluggish 15W charging
- Digicam efficiency is sort of blended
Worth When Reviewed:
$152.99
Not each finances telephone contains dual-SIM assist, and even fewer embody assist for 2 bodily SIM playing cards and nice battery life. That’s the place the Galaxy A14 shines.
For a really reasonably priced $150/£179 you get the acquainted Samsung expertise – strong construct high quality, an intuitive software program expertise, respectable efficiency and respectable cameras. It’s a superb telephone for a low worth, and along with all that you may equip it with two bodily SIM playing cards.
The display screen may be a little bit of a let-down with the 60Hz refresh fee, however general it’s one of the best dual-SIM telephone you should purchase on a finances.
The Galaxy A14 5G additionally helps twin SIM, however it’s not price most individuals spending further.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy A14 evaluation
4. Samsung Galaxy S23+ – A fantastic dual-SIM telephone
Execs
- Vibrant, sharp, flat display screen
- Nice battery life
- 5 years of software program assist
- Stable, versatile cameras
Cons
- Costly
- 45W charging a bit sluggish
- Software program takes some tweaking
Worth When Reviewed:
From $999
The Galaxy S23+ isn’t one of the best telephone in the marketplace at anybody factor. However it’s an excellent telephone at nearly all the pieces, with few flaws as long as you possibly can handle the pretty steep worth.
A slick, easy design is paired with high Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 efficiency, lengthy battery life, and a flexible triple rear digicam array. Throw in Samsung’s promise of 5 years of software program assist and this begins to appear like an extremely sensible selection.
Apart from the worth the primary draw back is the 45W wired charging, which is okay, however slower than different choices on the worth. The smaller Galaxy S23 is a bit cheaper, however barely tougher to suggest because of even slower charging and shorter battery life, although it’s possible you’ll discover these trade-offs price it for the smaller dimension.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus evaluation
5. Xiaomi 13 Professional – Greatest dual-SIM major digicam
Execs
- Class-leading efficiency
- Glorious major digicam
- Spectacular 120W charging
- Stable battery life
Cons
- Unintuitive software program
- Enormous rear digicam module
- Costly
The Xiaomi 13 Professional is a top-tier flagship, however what stands out most is its major rear digicam, that includes an infinite 1in sensor that captures extra gentle for beautiful outcomes.
That major shooter will be the standout, however all the Leica lenses impress, although the trade-off is placing up with an infinite rear digicam bump. The common Xiaomi 13 is a bit more compact, however doesn’t pack as highly effective a digicam.
The software program expertise might be irritating too – we don’t love Xiaomi’s MIUI – however efficiency from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is completely implausible, with its improved energy effectivity and a bigger battery delivering vital battery life enhancements.
Learn our full
Xiaomi 13 Professional evaluation
6. OnePlus Nord 3 – Greatest mid-range dual-SIM
Execs
- Reasonably priced worth
- Nice efficiency
- Spectacular major digicam
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Common battery life
Worth When Reviewed:
Not obtainable within the US
OnePlus Nord 3 once more demonstrates that the corporate is good at taking precisely what’s wanted in a telephone, packaging it into a pleasant, well-built exterior, and topping it with a reliable Android pores and skin. What’s to not love?
You additionally get an excellent major digicam, good efficiency and a dual-SIM slot. For its reasonably priced asking worth, it’s excellent worth for cash.
The Nord 3 misses out on flagship niceties akin to wi-fi charging and waterproofing, and its different cameras are nothing to put in writing house about. However these are actually the one compromises it’s a must to make.
Learn our full
OnePlus Nord 3 evaluation
7. Asus Zenfone 10 – Greatest compact dual-SIM
Execs
- Distinctive, compact design
- Implausible battery life
- Robust specs
Cons
- Solely two Android updates promised
- Digicam is just not high tier
- Sluggish 30W charging
Worth When Reviewed:
$699.99
The Zenfone 10 is a full-force flagship in a small dimension, and with remarkably few compromises for it.
The 5.9in show is without doubt one of the smallest in the marketplace, particularly on the Android facet, although the telephone is about the identical dimension as an iPhone 14 or Galaxy S23 general.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and as much as 16GB of RAM mark this as a severe efficiency telephone, and it additionally packs glorious battery life, which places different compact smartphones to disgrace.
The gimbal-stabilised major digicam impresses, particularly at night time, although you possibly can undoubtedly discover higher cameras elsewhere for a similar worth, together with some with a telephoto lens. It’s additionally a disgrace that Asus is barely promising two main Android updates, although it should no less than obtain safety assist till 2027.
Learn our full
Asus Zenfone 10 evaluation
8. Oppo Discover N2 Flip – Greatest dual-SIM flip telephone
Execs
- Sturdy, gapless hinge design
- Glorious major digicam
- Huge cowl show
- Good battery
Cons
- No water-resistance
- No wi-fi charging
- Unreliable Bluetooth
Worth When Reviewed:
Not obtainable within the US
The Oppo Discover N2 Flip isn’t fairly one of the best flip telephone round. However neither of the opposite two gadgets we contemplate to be higher for most individuals – the Motorola Razr 40 Extremely (Razr+ 2023) and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 – assist two bodily SIM playing cards.
Nevertheless, the Discover N2 Flip continues to be an excellent foldable. It’s a match for Motorola and Samsung on nearly each spec, and has them beat on digicam efficiency and charging speeds. Throw in a sturdy, gapless hinge and succesful cowl show, and also you may surprise if it isn’t one of the best flip telephone on the market in any case.
Actually, the one downsides are the dearth of water-resistance or wi-fi charging, plus some spotty Bluetooth efficiency. Small faults, and sufficient to make the Discover N2 Flip straightforward to suggest, and a very good two-SIM possibility.
Learn our full
Oppo Discover N2 Flip evaluation
9. OnePlus Open – Greatest dual-SIM book-style foldable
Execs
- Glorious shows
- Superb rear cameras
- Intuitive software program options
- Premium, sturdy design
Cons
- Battery life might be higher
- Few apps optimised for large display screen
- Solely splash resistant
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,699
Not like with Oppo, the OnePlus Open is one of the best book-style foldable you should purchase – twin SIM or not. However supporting twin bodily SIMs is definitely an additional string to its bow.
And there’s a lot to love about OnePlus’ first ever foldable elsewhere. The 6.31-inch cowl show is the closest we’ve seen to an everyday smartphone, whereas the crease on 7.82-inch inside display screen is barely noticeable. Each are glorious 120Hz OLED panels.
Not like some foldables, there aren’t any compromises to the excellent rear cameras, although they aren’t fairly the very best on any smartphone. Efficiency from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is strong, and OnePlus has added some genuinely helpful multitasking options to its common OxygenOS Android pores and skin.
Battery life is the massive compromise, although 67W charging does partly make up for it. However the important thing cause it’s not larger up this checklist is worth – it’s nonetheless too costly for most individuals to justify shopping for.
Learn our full
OnePlus Open evaluation
10. Nothing Cellphone (2) – Nice mid-range dual-SIM
Execs
- Distinctive design
- Premium efficiency
- Nice Android pores and skin
- Stable battery life
Cons
- Cameras aren’t nice
- Solely IP54 score
- Display is dim and barely seen in direct daylight
Are you able to make a telephone that has an inexpensive worth, nice efficiency, eye-catching design and a non-bloated, quick Android pores and skin? The Nothing Cellphone (2) says you possibly can.
The 2023 smartphone from Nothing stands out as a result of it presents crucial bits of a flagship – nice efficiency, good battery life and strong construct high quality – and places its spin on it with the quirky design and the Glyph interface of LEDs on the again panel.
It needs to be stated that there are trade-offs, akin to weak cameras and a dim display screen. However as an entire package deal, it’s nonetheless an excellent deal, particularly in case you’re uninterested in boring black or gray slabs like a lot of the competitors presents.
Learn our full
Nothing Cellphone (2) evaluation
Shopping for information for dual-SIM telephones
How do dual-SIM telephones work?
One thing we’ve seen when purchasing for dual-SIM telephones is that the producer very not often offers any details about the performance aside from it exists. It doesn’t let you know how the dual-SIM performance works in apply, nor whether or not each SIMs assist 4G/5G, and even what dimension SIM playing cards they settle for.
You may by no means assume; you’ll must contact the producer or examine spec tables, evaluations, or boards to seek out out this info.
In all of the dual-SIM telephones we’ve examined, each SIMs are on standby always (referred to as dual-standby telephones), however you possibly can actively use just one SIM at a time. Because of this both SIM can settle for a telephone name or textual content at any time, with out you having to actively swap between them or reboot the telephone.
Nevertheless, in case you get a name on one quantity whereas a name is lively on the opposite, it received’t begin ringing in your ear or provide the choice to put the primary caller on maintain – the decision will merely not achieve success.
What’s the distinction between Twin-Standby and Twin-Lively?
Twin-active SIM telephones use two modems and permit you to obtain calls on each numbers directly.
If it’s you who desires to make a name or ship a textual content, Android has a regular SIM Administration menu that permits you to specify which SIM needs to be used for voice calls, video calls, messages and cellular information. You may both specify a specific SIM for every of those duties, or go away the setting as ‘At all times Ask’.
The information connection is the place there appears to be lots of confusion in relation to dual-SIM telephones. Whereas each SIM slots on some dual-SIM telephones are able to supporting 4G or 5G connections, you need to use information connectivity on just one SIM at a time.
Not like with calls and texts, sometimes talking the information connection can’t be on standby for each SIMs; you could specify which SIM you wish to use fairly than choose one when prompted – although some telephones will allow you to set them to modify to the opposite SIM when the primary can’t make a connection.
By default, when you’re utilizing the information connection on one SIM and a telephone name is available in to the opposite, it should pause the information connection on the primary.
Can you utilize dual-SIM with a microSD card?
If you wish to benefit from each SIM card slots and expandable storage, your choices shall be a bit restricted.
Whereas most telephones with expandable microSD storage additionally provide dual-SIM, sometimes the SD card has to make use of that second SIM slot, forcing you to decide on between storage and the SIM.
If this can be a precedence for you, be sure that to examine evaluations and specs rigorously for telephones that assist two SIMs and a microSD card concurrently – there are some on the market – or look out for a combo of microSD and eSIM assist.
Are there any dual-SIM iPhones?
Sure and no. iPhones solely ship with two bodily SIM trays in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and even then it’s just some fashions.
So, in case you don’t reside there, then you possibly can’t use two bodily SIM playing cards in an iPhone. That’s why we haven’t included any iPhones in our checklist above.
Nevertheless, each iPhone that helps eSIM – these from the XS and XR onwards – means that you can use a single bodily SIM card together with an eSIM, and people from the iPhone 13 onwards even permit you to arrange dual-SIM with two eSIMs.
Are there any dual-SIM Google Pixel telephones?
It’s an identical story for Google as for Apple. Telephones from the 3a onwards permit you to use a single bodily SIM together with a second eSIM, whereas the newest fashions – from the 7 onwards – embody assist for twin eSIM.
Nevertheless, not one of the Pixel telephones all you to put in two bodily SIM playing cards concurrently.