Physical SIM Support Reportedly in the Balance for Ultra-thin Smartphones w/ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 SoCs

[T0@st]

According to Digital Chat Station—a repeat leaker of unannounced Qualcomm hardware—unnamed Android smartphone manufacturers are considering an eSIM-only operating model for future flagship devices. Starting with the iPhone 14 generation (2022), Apple has continued to deliver gadgets that are not reliant on "slotted-in" physical SIM cards. According to industry insiders, competitors could copy the market leader's homework—Digital Chat Station's latest Weibo blog post discusses the space-saving benefits of eSIM operation; being "conducive to lightweight and integrated design." Forthcoming top-tier slimline Android mobile devices are tipped to utilize Qualcomm's rumored second-generation "Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2" (SM8850) chipset.

Digital Chat Station reckons that: "SM8850 series phones at the end of the year are testing eSIM. Whether they can be implemented in China is still a question mark. Let's wait and see the iPhone 17 Air. In order to have an ultra-thin body, this phone directly cancels the physical SIM card slot. Either it will be a special phone for the domestic market, or it will get eSIM." The phasing out of physical SIM cards within the Chinese mobile market could be a tricky prospect for local OEMs, but reports suggest that "traditionally-dimensioned" flagship offerings will continue to support the familiar subscriber identity module standard. Physical SIM card purists often point out that the format still provides superior network support range.



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[Dristun]

"...conducive to lightweight and integrated design." Lmao. The phones are still going to get bigger and heavier though, aren't they? So it's just another smart little way to cut costs here and there, like removing the 3.5mm jack, cause that one also let the OEMs get rid of the headphone amp and make the assembly cheaper. Tons of lies, as usual.

 

[ZoneDymo]

"...conducive to lightweight and integrated design." Lmao. The phones are still going to get bigger and heavier though, aren't they? So it's just another smart little way to cut costs here and there, like removing the 3.5mm jack, cause that one also let the OEMs get rid of the headphone amp and make the assembly cheaper. Tons of lies, as usual.

Im not against options but man, I totally rekt my phone's headphone jack and my headphones wearing them while traveling and getting the cord stuck everywhere.

Im now using Bluetooth headphones and they are great, so jsut for practical reasons, im fine with no more 3.5mm jack, also means the phone can be more water resistand.

 

[Jun]

Im not against options but man, I totally rekt my phone's headphone jack and my headphones wearing them while traveling and getting the cord stuck everywhere.

Im now using Bluetooth headphones and they are great, so jsut for practical reasons, im fine with no more 3.5mm jack, also means the phone can be more water resistand.

3.5mm does not affect water resistance, check out Sony Xperia phones. I have a nice sounding wire headphone used with the usb-c to 3.5mm and I also have another Bluetooth headphone which does not sound as nice but it's good for moving around.

I think they can co exist. Same with physical sim and eSim, they both have their uses. I think most of the time when they try to sell removing feature is for reducing manufacturing cost and not for the good of consumer.