Sim Card Sizes

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SIM Card Sizes - Mini and Micro

In this article brought to you by www.SIMsurprise.co.uk we tell you a little about the different sizes of SIM card that are available.

The earliest SIM cards, sometimes referred to as "Full Size", were about the same size as a Credit Card - 85.6mm (3.370 Inches) long, 53.98mm (2.125 Inches) wide, by 0.76mm (0.029 Inch) thick.

The next size down is the Mini SIM card - the thickness of these are the same as the earliest 0.76mm, however the length is 25mm (1.000 Inch) and width is 15mm (0.590 Inch).

Even smaller still is the Micro Sim Card - again, the thickness is the same 0.76mm, with a length of 15mm (0.590 Inches) and a width of 12mm (0.470 Inch).

The contact arrangement on all three sizes remains the same.

Why are SIM cards getting smaller?

As with many technological developments everything is getting smaller - remember the first ever mobile phone handsets?

Mobile phone batteries have become smaller and lighter and so it follows that handsets can also become smaller and lighter.

To help achieve the goal of making handsets even smaller still is to reduce the size of components - one important component is the SIM card.

Many newer phones accept only a micro SIM card.

For some users this can create an issue when upgrading from a handset, or device, which uses a mini SIM card - the upgraded device may accept only a Micro SIM card.

What is the solution if you wish to retain your existing phone number, yet upgrade from a Mini SIM card device to a device which only accepts a micro SIM card?

There are a number of solutions - perhaps the predominant solution found by the author of this article, sounds a little drastic and conjures worrying thoughts of destruction.

However, the popularity perhaps gives the solution a mention.

Physically cutting the SIM card to the correct size.

There are a number of SIM card cutting service providers available both online and in Mobile Phone related street shops.

If you do not feel confident in doing the cutting yourself perhaps a visit to a Service Provider would be prudent.

Alternatively, if you feel confident in trying the procedure yourself, there are a number of SIM card cutting tools available.

Cautions

Cutting a SIM card can cause irreversible damage to your SIM card if the cutting is carried out incorrectly.

Like other processes that involve cutting - you can cut more off but you cannot put it back on - cut your SIM card too short or too narrow your SIM card may become unusable.

Also, once a SIM card has been cut to accommodate a newer Micro SIM device, the MicroSIM card may or may not then be effective in an alternative device which is designed for a Mini SIM.

If you are interested in investing in a SIM card cutter you might like to check out these SIM Card Cutting Tools.

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