The best smartphones with dual SIM cards. ZOOM version. Phones with two active radio modules. Best Dual SIM Smartphones from Sony with Dual Radios

Why do you need a radio module in your phone?

Radio module in mobile phone plays a vital role. Its task is to receive and transmit network signals, i.e. It is thanks to him that you can make and receive calls, messages, use mobile internet.

The radio module itself occupies a modest area on motherboard. Interference, defective installation of the module, and the presence of large metal elements in the immediate vicinity degrade the quality of signal transmission.

The difference between smartphones with one and two radio modules

The operating features of the radio module in a smartphone will be of interest to users of devices with two SIM cards. Cellular models are divided into those that support the operation of two SIM cards simultaneously and alternately. Thus, one radio module can operate with several SIM cards, i.e. with different networks and different telephone numbers mobile phones, the user can receive calls to two numbers and make outgoing calls from any number, but when one of the SIM cards is active, the other card becomes unavailable for network reception. Thus, in activity mode, for example, a conversation, only one SIM card will work, but in standby mode, the radio is ready to work with any of the cards that becomes active first. This happens because there is actually only one communication channel operating.

Some manufacturers sometimes produce smartphones with two radio modules, in which case both networks are always available, however, this technology increases the cost of production, reduces the autonomy of the smartphone and is not in mass demand. A small percentage of users for whom it is important to have parallel operation of numbers will have a choice from a very limited model range available on the mobile market.

DSDS

If we delve a little deeper into the nuances, then most of those on sale mobile devices with 2 SIM cards operate in DSDS mode. The essence of its operation is alternation and it is based on the operation of one radio module. When the mobile is in standby mode, both SIM cards are connected to their network simultaneously due to transmission channel multiplexing, i.e. at rest, several streams are transmitted at a lower speed over one channel. As soon as a call is received on one of the SIM cards, the second one is automatically turned off and becomes inaccessible for external calls and messages.

If you compare the work this mode If a smartphone operates with one SIM card, then the quality of communication of such a device will be slightly lower. This is due to the fact that the radio module constantly carries a double load and is forced to alternately contact one or the other base station of different mobile operators.

DSDA

Probably, it was for users who do not tolerate any compromises that devices supporting the DSDA mode were created. Such phones are equipped with 2 radio modules that are independent of each other in their operation. The advantage of this mode is the ability to receive incoming calls and messages simultaneously on both SIM cards. At the same time, DSDA smartphones mercilessly absorb energy, as already mentioned, and are quite expensive devices.

A selection of phones for those for whom one SIM card is not enough.

Dual SIM phones are quite popular. At a similar cost to their single-SIM counterparts, they offer work with two numbers at once, for example, personal and work. This allows you to choose a favorable combination of tariffs from different operators, eliminates the hassle of replacing a card and the cost of an additional dialer.

There are, of course, disadvantages. As a rule, dual-SIM smartphones discharge faster, and the slot for the second SIM card is often combined with a slot for a memory card.

As you can see, when choosing good smartphone There are certain pitfalls with 2 SIM cards. Therefore, we have compiled a rating for you of the best and inexpensive dual-SIM phones so that you can make the right choice.

10th place

Umi Rome X is an inexpensive phone with two SIM cards and a large 5.5-inch display. The most interesting thing about the smartphone is its design, which looks like the flagship Samsung Galaxy S7. The similarity is achieved due to the thin body, smoothed shapes and curved rear panel at the edges. The advantages of Umi Rome X include a removable battery and separate slots for two SIM cards and a memory card. At the same time, the device is quite inexpensive - about 5 thousand rubles.

But the smartphone also has some disadvantages - the lack of 4G, solid weight and a weak battery with a capacity of 2500 mAh, which is not enough for such a large display.

9th place

Doogee X5 Max is an affordable dual-SIM smartphone with 4G, a good battery and a fingerprint sensor. The phone offers its owners a clear HD display, a capacious 4000 mAh battery and Android 6.0 on board. But the most important thing is a removable cover that allows you to quickly replace the battery, as well as separate slots for two SIM cards and a memory card. In addition, we highlight the unusual design with curved ends, like some LG smartphones, and affordable price from 4 thousand rubles.

The disadvantages are a large and weighty body, rather weak 5 MP cameras and small volume random access memory, only 1 GB. But if you add one or two thousand rubles, you can buy Doogee X5 Max Pro - the same model, but with more memory (16 GB ROM and 2 GB RAM).

8th place

Meizu M3s is perfect for those who want a metal 4G smartphone with two SIM cards. Despite the modest price tag of 8 thousand rubles, the Meizu M3s has plenty of advantages. This is a thin metal body with good assembly, a fingerprint scanner, a 5-inch display with HD resolution, as well as high-quality 13 and 5 MP cameras. In addition, the phone will feature 16 GB of permanent memory and a 3200 mAh battery.

There are some disadvantages, but they are not serious: a slightly dim display, a non-separable body, and a combined slot for a second SIM and memory card.

7th place

Xiaomi Redmi 3 - a good choice for those who are looking for inexpensive smartphone with a powerful battery and two SIM cards. In our opinion, this is one of the best budget dual-SIM phones of 2016. By purchasing Xiaomi Redmi 3 for just 8 thousand rubles, you will receive a metal smartphone with a bright and clear screen, decent performance and high-quality 13 and 5 MP cameras. But the most interesting thing about the phone is the high autonomy provided by the 4100 mAh battery. Despite the powerful battery, Xiaomi Redmi 3 is not thick or heavy.

There are also disadvantages: a non-removable battery and a combined slot for SIM and microSD cards. Separately, we note that for the same price you can buy Xiaomi Redmi 3s - the same phone, but supplemented with a fingerprint scanner.

6th place

Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) is a 5-inch dual SIM phone. The LTE version of the model will cost you 9-10 thousand rubles, but the 3G modification is already more expensive. The main advantage of the smartphone is its bright and clear AMOLED display with wide viewing angles, making it easy to read in the sun. In addition, the phone is well-built, and its battery life is at a decent level. What is important for a dual-SIM model is that under the removable cover you will find separate slots for SIM cards and memory cards.

The disadvantages include small amounts of memory (8 GB of storage and 1.5 GB of RAM), low performance and unimpressive 8 and 5 MP cameras.

5th place

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM is a cheap dual-SIM phone running Windows 10. It may not be the newest, but as of January 2017 it costs between 6-7 thousand rubles. The phone has a clear and bright 5-inch display, a good 8 MP camera for its price tag, and high battery life. Despite the weak hardware, the smartphone works quickly and supports LTE and even NFC. We also note a well-assembled case, a removable cover and a separate slot for a memory card that does not pretend to be a SIM card.

Among the disadvantages are a small amount of built-in memory, weak front-camera 1 MP and a limited selection of applications. When purchasing, be careful: there are other modifications of the phone - both single-SIM and without 4G support.

4th place

Xiaomi Mi4c is perfect for those who want an inexpensive dual-SIM smartphone of almost flagship level. The model was released at the end of 2015, since then its price has dropped to 7-8 thousand rubles. The phone is equipped with a clear 5-inch Full HD display and advanced 13 and 5 MP cameras. In its price range this is the most powerful smartphone with two SIM cards thanks to the 2015 flagship processor, Snapdragon 808 (the same as the top-end LG G4) and 2 GB of RAM. Xiaomi Mi4c's communications are also almost flagship-level - there is 4G, an infrared port, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The autonomy is ensured by a battery with a decent capacity of 3080 mAh and support for fast charging.

Xiaomi Mi4c has only one drawback - there is no slot for a memory card, which will be especially noticeable in the 16 GB version. Also keep in mind that the model has a non-separable body and a new USB Type C connector.

3rd place

Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is a powerful phone with two SIM cards and two radio modules. Since 2015, the price has dropped to 11-12 thousand rubles, but has not become outdated. The main feature of the model is flagship performance. Inside the phone there is a powerful chipset and 4 GB of RAM, like some laptops. At the same time, the phone looks quite unusual, boasts a removable battery and separate slots for two SIM and microSD cards. But what is more important is two radio modules, which is extremely rare today. This means that both SIM cards can work simultaneously: receive calls and not lose connection to the Internet when calling from the other card.

The disadvantages include low battery life and mediocre cameras for almost a flagship. In addition, the Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML is quite large and heavy, and the location of the control keys will seem inconvenient to many.

2nd place

Lenovo Vibe Shot is a dual-SIM smartphone with a good camera. It came out back in 2015 and significantly dropped in price to 13 thousand rubles. In addition to the advanced camera Lenovo Vibe Shot boasts a stylish design, decent battery life and high performance. We also note that this is a rare phone with a non-separable body, but separate slots for two SIM cards and a memory card.

The phone also has its drawbacks - the lack of an NFC chip and the easily soiled, glossy plastic that peels off from the body of the device over time. In addition, it is strange that Lenovo Vibe Shot is positioned as an advanced camera phone, but cannot shoot 4K video.

1 place

Huawei Honor 7 is a fairly powerful phone with 2 SIM cards and two radio modules. It costs from 19 thousand and offers almost top-end characteristics. Thus, Honor 7 can boast of high-quality 20 and 8 MP cameras, a metal body with a fingerprint scanner, a high-quality display, high performance and an additional Smart Key control button. But the main advantage of the model is two radio modules, allowing two SIM cards to work simultaneously. With such a smartphone, you will be able to talk and not lose your Internet connection from the second SIM card, and also receive two calls at once.

Honor 7 also has some disadvantages - a non-separable body and a combined slot. The latter is especially sad, because the amount of permanent memory is small for the money, only 16 GB. Also, for a top model, the phone looks unattractive, and the time battery life only average.

Do you want to understand others? important issues? Read

Most modern smartphones have 2 SIM card slots, but only a few are equipped with two radio modules at the same time. At the end of 2018, we managed to find only 2 similar phones on the market – Honor 8 and Conquest S6. They receive calls on the second SIM card while talking on the first. This is a dubious advantage, since during a conversation using one SIM card the person is still busy and in most cases does not answer. In addition, the additional radio module takes up space, which is valuable in modern devices. Consequently, most smartphones of all price categories are equipped with one GSM module, but two slots for SIM cards, operating in alternating mode: during a call on one number, the second one becomes unavailable.

Below are the best smartphones with 2 SIM cards that are collecting positive reviews.

1st place – Honor 8

This is the only modern smartphone equipped with two radio modules and supports simultaneous operation of both SIM cards. Indicated for people who are forced to always be in touch using two numbers, but do not want to use 2 phones at the same time.

The device itself turned out to be cool - at one time it was almost a flagship, although today it is considered a slightly outdated model. There are already Honor 9 and Honor 10 on the market.

Characteristics:

1. 5.2-inch IPS display with Full HD resolution. On top is Gorilla Glass 3.
2. Rear camera with 2 modules of 12 megapixels and f/2.2 aperture. Can record video at 60 FPS.
3. Front camera 8 MP.
4. Processor: flagship Kirin 950, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of memory.
5. Interfaces: NFC, Wi-Fi 5 GHz, Bluetooth 4.2.
6. 3000 mAh battery.

The phone collects positive reviews, but there are also negative ones. We highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

A reliable and cool smartphone with two radio modules, which is rare - it is recommended to buy.

2nd place – Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus

Leader of the mid-price segment - Redmi 5 Plus from Chinese brand, which has collected hundreds of positive reviews on the Internet. Among devices costing 10,000 rubles best model not found - subjective opinion.

Options:

1. IPS display 6 inches diagonal, with 2K resolution.
2. 12 MP camera with f/2.2 aperture. Front – 5 MP.
3. Chipset: Snapdragon 625. 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of memory. With such components, the phone works quickly and runs heavy applications, although it is a mid-range processor.
4. 4000 mAh battery, providing autonomy for 2-3 days.

Taking into account the disadvantages, it logically fits into the TOP phones. It is recommended to purchase, but we remind you: it only works with SIM cards in alternating mode.

3rd place – Samsung Galaxy J6 (2018)

Options:

1. Exynos 7 Octa 7870 chipset with 3 GB RAM.
2. 13-megapixel camera with f/1.9 aperture; front – 8 megapixels.
3. 3000 mAh battery.

The smartphone has NFC, although it is stripped down, supports 2 SIM cards, is made in a solid case and is characterized by optimized energy consumption.

One of best phones with two SIM cards working in alternating mode, although this is normal.

High price segment

The listed phones are low and medium price categories, but flagships also work with two SIM cards, and there is a place for them in the ranking of the best smartphones.

The most expensive among the flagships at the end of 2018 is HTC U12 Plus. This is an exquisite and almost revolutionary smartphone with a stunning 6-inch Super LCD display with 2K resolution. The phone supports 2 SIM cards operating in alternating mode, but this is not the main thing here. You can find a detailed analysis of the flagship with example pictures.

Options:

1. Processor: Snapdragon 845 with Adreno 630 core.
2. 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage.
3. Rear camera with 12 (wide-angle) and 16 megapixel modules with f/1.75 and f/2.6 aperture. The sensor records 4K video at 60 FPS and in slo-mo mode at 240 FPS in 1080p format.
4. Set of interfaces: Wi-Fi 5 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, full NFC, face and fingerprint scanner.
5. Water protection.

Like previous version, HTC U12+ received compression-sensitive Edge panels on the sides. By squeezing the phone, the user activates certain functions and receives fast access To necessary applications. Due to these panels, the “shovel” is convenient to use with one hand.

In terms of hardware, the device is very fast - the latest Snapdragon shows high performance, so it has a reserve for the future. The best flagship with TOP cameras that surpasses even the P20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S9+.

2nd place – LG G7 ThinQ

The new flagship from LG with 2 slots for SIM cards that work in alternating mode. The device is made in a housing that protects the insides from water, mechanical and even temperature influences. Its protection complies with Military Standard 810G, which means the device has passed the rigorous test of frost, shock and survived. The flagship is also in 2nd place.

Peculiarities:

1. Cool screen with 1000 nits brightness. No other phone has such a bright display. The colors are accurate.
2. Processor Snapdragon 845; 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory.
3. 3000 mAh battery.
4. Dual rear camera with 16 megapixel module resolution and f/1.6 aperture.

Excellent reliable smartphone with shortcomings: no best camera– the photo quality corresponds to the Samsung Galaxy S8; poor autonomy - with moderate use the device will survive until the morning; you will have to charge it every evening.

Smartphones with support for two SIM cards have become so widespread over the past few years that it is now easy to buy such a gadget for every taste and budget, from simple dialers to flagships. But almost all of them work with SIM cards in alternating (DSDS) mode, and to find a device in which both SIM cards work simultaneously (DSDA), you will have to try.

I knew the basic principles of smartphone operation in both modes, but still, it turned out there were interesting points there. Look...

DSDS or DSDA?

In the vast majority of modern communication gadgets, two SIM cards operate in DSDS (Dual) mode SIM Dual Standby), which in Russian is usually called “alternating”. The operating principle of DSDS is that both SIM cards use the same radio module. Smartphones with DSDS can have either one or two IMEI numbers(international identifier of a mobile communication device), but the presence of a second one is not necessary according to the rules of the GSM Association.

The ability to receive calls to any of the SIM cards is due to the fact that in standby mode, SIM cards can “communicate” with the network simultaneously thanks to time multiplexing. If a call arrives on one of the SIM cards, the second one is simply turned off - at that moment you can neither call nor send a message to it.

Another disadvantage of DSDS is the lower quality of communication compared to phones with a single SIM card. The radio module constantly has to carry a double load and, as a rule, “communicate” with different base stations different operators. For the same reasons, everything is not so smooth with the mobile Internet: it is almost impossible to obtain the maximum data transfer speed on DSDS devices.

Of course, in reality, everything is not so bad: DSDS smartphones usually cost less and last longer on a single battery charge, and modern models are quite capable of providing decent call quality.

But if you want to get the most reliable “dual SIM” gadget, you need to look among devices that support DSDA (Dual SIM Dual Active) mode. Such smartphones are equipped with two radio modules independent of each other, each of which must have its own IMEI. Thanks to the presence of two radio modules, communication is usually more stable. Plus, they allow you to simultaneously receive calls on both SIM cards or talk on the phone and watch at the same time. necessary information in the Internet. But such gadgets consume more energy - this feature is worth keeping in mind. Also, the second radio module in DSDA smartphones is often limited to 2G or 3G networks, but this is done to reduce the cost of the device and increase its autonomy.

By the way, I once saw almost five-SIM phones on Chinese sites.

source

Smartphones with support for two SIM cards have become so widespread over the past few years that it is now easy to buy such a gadget for every taste and budget, from simple dialers to flagships. But almost all of them work with SIM cards in alternating (DSDS) mode, and to find a device in which both SIM cards work simultaneously (DSDA), you will have to try. Today we will talk about modern smartphones with two radio modules, and how such a device can be useful.

Two technologies for two SIM cards: DSDS or DSDA?

In the vast majority of modern communication gadgets, two SIM cards operate in DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby) mode, which is usually called “alternating” in Russian. The operating principle of DSDS is that both SIM cards use the same radio module. Smartphones with DSDS can have either one or two IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers, but the presence of a second number is not required according to the rules of the GSM Association.

The ability to receive calls to any of the SIM cards is due to the fact that in standby mode, SIM cards can “communicate” with the network simultaneously thanks to time multiplexing. If a call arrives on one of the SIM cards, the second one is simply turned off - at that moment you can neither call nor send a message to it.

Another disadvantage of DSDS is the lower quality of communication compared to phones with a single SIM card. The radio module constantly has to carry a double load and, as a rule, “communicate” with different base stations of different operators. For the same reasons, everything is not so smooth with the mobile Internet: it is almost impossible to obtain the maximum data transfer speed on DSDS devices.

Of course, in reality, everything is not so bad: DSDS smartphones usually cost less and last longer on a single battery charge, and modern models are quite capable of providing decent call quality.

But if you want to get the most reliable “dual SIM” gadget, you need to look among devices that support DSDA (Dual SIM Dual Active) mode. Such smartphones are equipped with two radio modules independent of each other, each of which must have its own IMEI. Thanks to the presence of two radio modules, communication is usually more stable. Plus, they allow you to simultaneously receive calls on both SIM cards or talk on the phone and at the same time view the necessary information on the Internet. But such gadgets consume more energy - this feature is worth keeping in mind. Also, the second radio module in DSDA smartphones is often limited to 2G or 3G networks, but this is done to reduce the cost of the device and increase its autonomy.

Smartphones with DSDA
ASUS ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML)

One of the smartphones that supports DSDA mode is ASUS ZenFone 2 (model ZE551ML), released in 2015. It is equipped with a quad-core processor Intel Atom, 5.5-inch HD display and 2 or 4 GB of RAM. The device has two radio modules, but only one of them can work in 3G and LTE networks. The second radio module is intended for calls and SMS, since it only supports second generation networks.

Honor 7

Many people have DSDA type Huawei smartphones, including the Honor 7 model. This gadget has a combined slot, and a second SIM card is installed instead of the card microSD memory. But you don’t have to think about which slot to insert the card into to use LTE - you can select any of them in the smartphone settings. Other specifications of the Honor 7 include an octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 935 processor, a 5.2-inch Full HD display, and 3GB of RAM.

Lenovo Vibe Z (K910S)

Lenovo Vibe Z for two SIM cards (model K910S) is also a DSDA type, but, unfortunately, does not support work in LTE networks, and 3G networks are only available for one SIM card slot - the second is limited to GSM. Other specifications of the device include a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and 2 GB of RAM.

HTC Desire 616

This gadget appeared at the end of 2014, but you can still see it on sale. The smartphone is equipped with an eight-core Mediatek MT6592M SoC, a five-inch HD display, but only 1 GB of RAM. The device does not support operation in LTE networks, but it has two radio modules, i.e. It can work in DSDA mode, and has a very reasonable price - this is the most affordable smartphone in our selection.

Sony Xperia T2 Ultra

Sony's Xperia T2 Ultra is a real heavyweight with a six-inch HD display. The device is equipped with a quad-core Snapdragon 400, 1 GB of RAM and a main 13-megapixel camera. This is also a mid-segment smartphone, which can still be bought at a not too high price. As for working in DSDA mode, like many other smartphones, the Xperia T2 Ultra supports the LTE standard on only one SIM card slot, but the device can connect to 3G networks when using any slot.

DSDA for iPhone

Finding a device with support for two SIM cards on Android is quite simple, and not only with DSDS support, but also, as you can see, with DSDA support. But Apple, despite the huge number of its fans, is in no hurry to release models for two SIM cards. Therefore, third-party developers have to get down to business, producing external radio modules for the iPhone that connect to smartphones via Bluetooth. One of these accessories is called NeeCoo Me 2. Outwardly, it resembles a thin powerbank weighing only 145 grams, but the gadget’s battery capacity is only 380 mAh. According to the manufacturer, the smartphone's battery charge lasts for 72 hours of standby or 4 hours of calls.
For calls using NeeCoo Me 2 from App Store You need to download the official application, which will serve as a dialer and a utility for controlling the accessory. And, of course, nothing prevents you from using the device together with an iPad or iPod touch to be able to make calls from these gadgets. The communication range with NeeCoo Me 2 is limited by Bluetooth technology and is about 10 meters. As a small bonus, we note the ability of the accessory to save SMS and missed calls in cloud service, even when it is not connected to the iPhone.

Conclusion

Despite all the advantages of smartphones that support DSDA mode, their variety is significantly inferior to DSDS gadgets. Is it worth making a conscious choice? new smartphone only among DSDA devices? It all depends on your requirements. If you prioritize the quality and reliability of communication, then purchasing a device with DSDA should be considered first. In other cases, a smartphone with DSDS will suit you. In the end, in most cases the difference between them is not that big, and each method of organizing work with two SIM cards has both its advantages and disadvantages.

What kind of smartphone technology would you prefer?