The best smartphones with two SIM cards

Smartphones with two SIM cards are divided into two types based on the principle of operation:

Dual Sim Dual Standby (DSDS).
Dual Sim Dual Active (DSDA).

DSDS are smartphones in which SIM cards work alternately. That is, there is one radio module and while the user is talking on one SIM card, the second one becomes inactive. This may seem inconvenient to some, since talking for a long time on one of the numbers to the second one can miss an urgent call. The vast majority of modern smartphones have one radio module, that is, SIM cards work alternately.

DSDA are smartphones with two active SIM cards. Each of them has its own radio module. The main advantage of the technology is the ability to use two numbers simultaneously. There is also an opinion that, having two radio modules, each of which ensures the operation of one mobile network, the device receives a more stable connection. There is also a downside - battery consumption is higher, and the cost of such devices is higher. Unfortunately, DSDA smartphones are not represented on the modern market. It is difficult to judge what caused manufacturers to refuse to use this technology. The latest models with two active SIMs, which were quite popular on the market, were Honor 8, Asus ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML), HTC One M7 Dual Sim. All of them appeared on the market in 2016-17. If it is important for you to have two active SIM cards, then try looking for one of these devices; perhaps they are still on sale in refurbished form. However, practice shows that it is much easier to buy a simple push-button dialer for the second number or set up call forwarding.

We studied the modern mobile device market and could not find current smartphones with two active SIM cards. If you know similar models, then tell us about it in the comments. Perhaps you can help those who are looking for such a phone.

In this rating you will find the best smartphones with two SIM cards, working on the DSDS principle, that is, alternately.

ZTE Blade A5 (2019)

Screen: 5.45 inches, IPS, HD+
Processor: Unisoc SC9863A
Memory: 2/16 GB
Battery: 2600 mAh
Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 4,300 rub.

For those users who choose an inexpensive device with two SIM cards, the ZTE Blade A5 (2019) is an excellent option. This is a compact device with a removable battery, a plastic body, and a small screen without any cutouts. The phone supports LTE networks and has a separate slot for a memory card, which is a serious advantage if you have a small amount of internal memory. You shouldn't count on games here, but there will be enough performance for surfing, chatting in instant messengers and making calls. Cameras – 13 and 8 megapixels. The operating system is pure Android 9.0, which is also a plus for a weak smartphone.

Advantages:

Compact sizes.
Pure Android - the system works “without brakes”.
LTE support.
Removable battery.
MicroSD is installed separately from Sim.

Flaws:

The glossy surface of the case is easily scratched and covered with fingerprints.
It takes a long time to charge.

Which smartphone with dual SIM cards is better to buy?

Two phone numbers and two network operators provide many benefits. The first of them is savings on tariffs.

You can choose a profitable plan for calls to other regions and even countries. A spare number allows you to save time by dividing your contacts into “work” and “personal”.

But if the smartphone has a hybrid slot, the memory card can only be connected temporarily - instead of one of the SIM cards. This is inconvenient when traveling when you need to save a lot of photos and videos. Therefore, the first selection criterion is the presence of separate slots for SIM cards and microSD.

For photos and videos to look impressive, the smartphone must be equipped with a high-resolution display - at least 1920 by 1080 pixels. The optimal screen diagonal by today's standards is 5.5 inches.

Often, owners of smartphones with two SIM cards use one card for calls and the second for surfing the Internet. In this case, it is important to pay attention to the speed of the gadget.

The best performance is provided by processors:

Snapdragon 855 and 855 Plus,
Apple A12,
Exynos 9820.

The amount of RAM, battery capacity, and camera quality also play an important role. These and other features of smartphones with two SIM cards are discussed in detail in our review.

Recommendations: 13 Best Smartphone Manufacturers

14 Best Budget Smartphones

Honor 8A

Screen: 6.09 inches, IPS, HD+
Processor: Helio P35
Memory: 2/32 GB
Battery: 3020 mAh
Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 7,000 rub.

Honor 8A is an inexpensive smartphone with two SIM cards, a separate slot for microSD, NFC and pretty good battery life. There are decent cameras installed here - 13 and 8 megapixels. At the same time, users will especially miss the front module. The device body is made of plastic. The back cover is divided into two parts - glossy and matte, it looks quite interesting. The phone has a good screen – bright, with minimal bezels and a neat cutout for the camera. The protection of user data is ensured by a fingerprint scanner.

Advantages:

Excellent front camera.
Good autonomy.
Interesting appearance.
High quality display.
Separate slot for microSD.
There is NFC and fingerprint protection.

Flaws:

Low RAM.
Slow memory – the smartphone in general is slow.

Is there any way to bypass the restriction on the simultaneous operation of two SIM cards in the iPhone?

Since the iPhone 12 uses one radio module, it will not be possible to receive a call from one number and simultaneously stay online from another. The other line will display "No Network". However, there is still a way out. In the case where the operator has a Wi-Fi calling service, you can use the “Wi-Fi Calling” function for the second number and receive calls for it via Wi-Fi. It is necessary to keep in mind that if the call does not go through the line that is used for data transfer by default, then you need to enable the “Wi-Fi Calling” function for it. You should also enable Allow Cellular Data Switching to accept calls on your default data line.

OPPO A5s

Screen: 6.2 inches, IPS, HD+
Processor: Helio P35
Memory: 3/32 GB
Battery: 4230 mAh
Operating system: Android 8.1

Price: from 7,700 rub.

OPPO A5s is an excellent device for users who value good looks in technology. The smartphone has a modern screen with a drop-shaped cutout and a nice back - glossy plastic, painted in bright red or black. In addition, the model boasts good autonomy - the battery will last for 1.5-2 days under average loads. There is a finger scanner and the ability to install microSD separately. Main camera – 13+2 MP, front camera – 8 MP. Both cameras take good pictures in good light and perform better in cloudy weather or in the evening.

Advantages:

Beautiful appearance.
Good autonomy.
A good supply of RAM.
You can install microSD separately.
High quality and large display.

Flaws:

Not even suitable for simple games.
A full charge takes about 3 hours.

The best dual-SIM smartphones for the average budget

This group includes gadgets with good technical components: Full HD screens, Qualcomm processors, and capacious batteries.

In mid-budget models, you shouldn't look for expensive cameras and high-tech features. These are beautiful and reliable smartphones for users without exorbitant demands. Their price ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 rubles.

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The model is equipped with a Full HD+ display with the popular 18:9 aspect ratio. Good screen brightness is complemented by an 8-core processor and 6 GB of RAM. This combination allows you to watch movies and play games of average complexity without interference.

Support for two SIM cards and all popular 3G and 4G bands ensures stable communication in any location.

Pros:

user-friendly interface;
capacious battery - 5000 mAh;
availability of GPS navigator with compass;
NFC module.

Minuses:

There are flaws in proprietary applications from Asus.

The smartphone will please users who require fast Internet browsing and high-quality telephone communications. A powerful battery and good cameras will make it a useful travel accessory.

Huawei Y7

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The new product for 2021 is designed for the active user. Dual SIM cards and support for all standard 3G and 4G bands make communication accessible in the most remote areas.

The screen has 3 advantages at once: Full HD+ resolution, no frame and fashionable 19:9 aspect ratio.

The octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor with the latest graphics accelerator allows you to run multiple applications simultaneously.

Pros:

Capacious battery lasts up to 2 days;
energy saving mode;
vision protection function;
loud speaker;
work in LTE networks.

Minuses:

long-term charging;
There is no oleophobic coating on the screen.

The smartphone will be convenient for communication and entertainment: watching videos, surfing the Internet, playing games of medium complexity.

Vivo V9

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The manufacturer addresses this model to selfie fans. The main difference between the device is the 24 MP front camera.

The memory card slot is also adapted to the needs of photography enthusiasts - you can install a 256 GB microSD into it.

The display with Full HD+ resolution and a diagonal of 6.3 inches does not lag behind. The combination of the Snapdragon 626 processor and 4GB RAM gives you speed enough to run apps, play games, and surf the Internet.

Pros:

decent performance;
screen without frame;
user-friendly interface;
excellent photo quality;
Protective film and case included.

Minuses:

lack of NFC;
no fast charging function.

Thanks to good cameras and high performance, the smartphone is popular among young people. But for games with complex graphics it will be weak.

Motorola Moto E5

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

85%

buyers recommend this product

The smartphone attracts attention with its spectacular design: narrow frames, thin body and screen with an aspect ratio of 18:9. The display doesn't reach high resolution standards (only HD), but is very bright even in direct sunlight.

The smartphone has the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system with the most necessary applications. Two SIM cards operate using Dual SIM Standby technology - during a call, the second SIM card becomes inactive.

Advantages:

capacious battery - 4000 mAh;
loud noise;
good photo quality;
"dual screen" function.

Flaws:

slippery body;
Slow switching between applications.

The gadget is aimed at a wide audience - from schoolchildren to retirees. It will suit fans of social networks and even games of medium difficulty.

Redmi 8A

Screen: 6.2 inches, IPS, HD+
Processor: Snapdragon 439
Memory: 2/32 GB
Battery: 5000 mAh
Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 7,200 rub.

Redmi 8A is an excellent budget smartphone with support for two SIM cards. It has good performance, excellent battery life, fast charging, high-quality 12 and 8 megapixel cameras, and a separate slot. The model is available in three colors, the screen is equipped with a drop-shaped cutout. There is no fingerprint sensor here, but there is face unlock.

Advantages:

Pleasant appearance.
Good performance.
Excellent autonomy.
Fast charging.
Great cameras.
Installing a memory card does not interfere with the use of SIM cards.

Flaws:

I would like to see more RAM.
No NFC.

The best top-end smartphones with 2 SIM cards

Devices costing over 25,000 rubles. are created on the basis of powerful hardware: the latest processors, AMOLED and QLED matrices, thin but capacious batteries. They can install 2 independent SIM cards and a memory card up to 512 GB. Stable communication is ensured by the latest versions of radio modules.

Huawei P30 Pro

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The 2021 model looks as it should be for an elite smartphone: an iridescent blue-green body, narrow frames, and characteristically curved edges. The 6.47-inch OLED screen also serves as a speaker—sound is supplied through it.

Another impressive feature of the device is a 4-module camera with autofocus. The proprietary Kirin 980 processor reproduces the most complex content without any problems.

Pros:

fast charging - 70% in half an hour;
one-handed control;
fingerprint scanner built into the screen;
high quality photos.

Minuses:

lack of stereo sound;
Slow Internet switching between SIM cards.

The smartphone is recommended for “advanced” users who are interested in photography and mobile games.

Samsung Galaxy A70

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The smartphone is ideal for watching video files - its 6.7-inch display reproduces images in Full HD+ resolution.

The Snapdragon 675 processor isn't the most powerful, but when paired with 6GB of RAM, it handles graphically rich games without a hitch. The main feature of the gadget is a powerful 32 MP selfie camera.

Advantages:

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections of the latest versions;
memory card slot for 512 GB;
high autonomy - charge up to 2 days;
convenient settings.

Flaws:

slow fingerprint scanner;
quiet speaker.

In technical terms, the smartphone is not much inferior to the 2019 flagships. It is suitable for people who are accustomed to high-tech gadgets.

Blackview BV9700 Pro

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The gadget appeared on the market in 2021 and immediately became a worthy competitor to flagship smartphones. The most important feature of the model is its rubberized body with reliable protection from falls, moisture and dust.

The 5.84-inch display provides images in Full HD+ resolution with a high level of brightness. The smartphone supports simultaneous operation of two SIM cards and communications in the 4G range.

Pros:

The battery lasts for 2 days;
presence of a GPS navigator;
IP68 level protection;
loud speaker;
simultaneous operation of both SIM cards.

Minuses:

lack of optical stabilization in the camera;
periodic errors when launching applications.

The model will adequately serve travel lovers, drivers and representatives of working professions. A massive smartphone with a brutal design will fit perfectly into a man's image.

vivo Y19

Screen: 6.53 inches, IPS, FHD+
Processor: Helio P65
Memory: 4/128 GB
Battery: 5000 mAh
Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 13,000 rub.

Vivo Y19 is a good phone for the money. The chipset is capable of running most modern games, while the proprietary shell has a game mode that improves performance. There is a capacious battery that can withstand a couple of days, and in addition, fast charging is provided. The device supports contactless payments and is equipped with a fingerprint sensor. Despite the excellent memory reserve, the slot is triple – you can install two SIM cards and microSD. The main camera is triple – 16+2+8 MP, front – 16 MP.

Advantages:

Excellent performance.
There is a game mode.
Pleasant appearance.
High autonomy.
Fast charging.
MicroSD is installed in a separate slot.
Large memory reserve.

Flaws:

Mediocre photography.
Old microUSB.

Samsung Galaxy A51

Screen: 6.5 inches, AMOLED, FHD+
Processor: Exynos 9611
Memory: 4/6 GB and 64/128 GB
Battery: 4000 mAh
Operating system: Android 10

Price: from 15,700 rub.

Samsung Galaxy A51 received a large and high-quality AMOLED screen with a built-in fingerprint sensor and a hole for the camera. The body is made of plastic with a coating that imitates glass. It looks nice, but it’s still plastic and many will find this a minus in a phone at this price. The new product has a full set of wireless interfaces, fast charging, face unlock, a high-quality 32 MP front camera and a main module of four lenses – 48 + 12 + 5 + 5 MP. The cameras are not the best in their price segment, but they take decent shots.

Advantages:

Great screen.
Nice modern appearance.
Good cameras.
Good performance.
Fast charging available.
Separate slot for microSD.
Fresh OS.

Flaws:

Some people don't like the plastic body.

Types of dual SIM card support

Dual SIM operates in 3 modes:

passive;
waiting;
active

It is impossible to change the operating principle; it is dictated by the technical features of the device, as discussed below.

Passive mode

A device with a passive Dual SIM mode
is marked Passive. It was used in the first phones with Dual SIM according to the following principle:

Two SIM cards were installed in the devices.
The active card maintained communication through a single radio module, the second one was considered disabled - it was impossible to receive a call or message on it.
In the settings there was an option to switch between SIM cards and then they swapped roles (one worked, the other didn’t).

The development of technology and chipsets has led to the emergence of the following type.

Standby mode

Denoted as Dual Stand by or DSS. As of June 2021, it is found in the vast majority of smartphones and phones. It works like this:

One radio module is installed in the device, to which the first and second cards are connected. SIM cards work in parallel.
When a call comes in, the second SIM is automatically disabled and remains unavailable until the active call ends. During this period of time, she will not receive calls, messages and will lose her Internet connection.

Previously, for smartphones with this type of connection, only one SIM card could access 3G/4G Internet, while the second one received 2G. In current devices this problem has been eliminated and both SIMs support mobile Internet.

Active mode

The type of connection known as DSDA in Dual SIM gadgets is practically not widespread due to the high cost of production and the need to increase the size of the case. This technology works like this:

The phone is equipped with 2 independent radio modules.
When a call comes to one number, the second remains active and can receive a parallel call, text message or maintain Internet access.

Due to trends for thin bodies, this mode is implemented in individual flagships or rugged models aimed at working in extreme conditions and when communication with several cell towers may be needed.

Redmi Note 8 Pro

Screen: 6.53 inches, IPS, FHD+
Processor: Helio G90T
Memory: 6/128 GB
Battery: 4500 mAh
Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 17,500 rub.

For those looking for a mid-price smartphone for gaming, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is an excellent choice. It has a liquid-cooled gaming chipset, an excellent memory set, and a fairly capacious battery that will last for 7-8 hours of gaming. In addition, the device has a good quad camera of 64 + 8 + 2 + 2 megapixels and a 20 megapixel front camera. The manufacturer did not forget about NFC, fast charging, a fingerprint scanner, and a 3.5 connector. All this is packaged in a beautiful glass case with Gorilla Glass 5 coating.

Advantages:

Excellent performance.
Good photo opportunities.
Fast charging support.
Good memory reserve.
Liquid cooling.

Flaws:

Combined slot for SIM and memory.
Heavy weight.

Honor 20

Screen: 6.26 inches, IPS, FHD+
Processor: Kirin 980
Memory: 6/128 GB
Battery: 3750 mAh
Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 22,500 rub.

Honor 20 is a balanced model with a couple of minor drawbacks that are typical of most expensive phones. The smartphone offers good performance, a battery for intensive work throughout the day, NFC, a finger scanner installed in the side button. The phone supports fast charging – 50% in 30 minutes. Front camera - 32 MP. The main one is a combination of four lenses: 48+16+2+2 MP. At the same time, both cameras take really high-quality photos without any reservations and shoot decent videos.

Advantages:

Ergonomic and stylish body.
Great cameras.
High performance.
High quality small display.

Flaws:

No memory card support.
No 3.5 jack.

Realme X2 Pro

Screen: 6.5 inches, AMOLED, FHD+
Processor: Snapdragon 855+
Memory: 8/128 GB and 12/256 GB
Battery: 4000 mAh
Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 34,300 rub.

Realme X2 Pro is a fairly inexpensive flagship by modern standards. It features high performance based on the overclocked top-end 2021 chipset. The manufacturer offers a corresponding screen for the gaming processor - AMOLED with a frequency of 90 Hz and improved vibration response. High-quality picture and high speed are complemented by good sound - two speakers with their own amplifiers and Dolby Atmos support. In addition, the device received fast charging, NFC, an optical under-screen finger scanner and a quad camera. It consists of 64+13+8+2 MP lenses. There is an optical zoom x2 and gyroscopic electronic stabilization. Front camera – 16 MP.

Advantages:

Gaming performance.
Good cameras.
Great screen.
Fast under-screen finger scanner.
High quality sound.

Flaws:

No memory card support.

ASUS Zenfone 6 ZS630KL

Screen: 6.4 inches, IPS, FHD+
Processor: Snapdragon 855
Memory: 6/8 GB and 64/128/256 GB
Battery: 5000 mAh
Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 43,000 rub.

The flagship from Asus is a very interesting device for those who are looking for something unusual. The phone has no problems with performance - a powerful processor and a large supply of RAM do their job. The permanent storage also looks no worse - there are several options to choose from, and a memory card is installed separately from the SIM. The device will delight you with stereo speakers with powerful amplifiers, NFC, and a capacious battery with fast charging. The camera looks interesting here. The module is rotary, that is, it acts as the main and front one. Consists of two lenses – 48+13 MP. The camera can shoot in 4K at 60 fps, does Slo-mo, Time Lapse. Three-axis electronic stabilization.

Advantages:

Excellent autonomy.
Powerful processor.
Separate slot for microSD.
There are 3.5.
Good camera.
There is an event indicator - this is rare for modern devices.
Android 9.0 with virtually no additions from the manufacturer.
Good sound.

Flaws:

Not found.

OnePlus 7T

Screen: 6.55 inches, AMOLED, FHD+
Processor: Snapdragon 855+
Memory: 8 GB and 128/256 GB
Battery: 4085 mAh
Operating system: Android 10

Price: from 43,500 rub.

The OnePlus 7T has a great curved screen with high brightness, 90Hz and HDR10+ support. It also contains a fingerprint sensor with a high response speed. The model offers excellent performance, a decent amount of memory, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. The device, as expected, has all the wireless interfaces and has cool cameras. The main one is 48+8+16 megapixels with optical stabilization and zoom, as well as improved night mode. Main camera 16 MP.

Advantages:

Great screen.
High-speed fingerprint scanner.
Stylish appearance.
Good sound.
Top performance.
Great cameras.

Flaws:

No memory card support.
No headphone jack.

Smartphones with two SIM cards and a good camera

Such phones should have at least 2-3 modules. The minimum recommended overall resolution is 48 MP. A wide-angle camera, macro mode, good flash, and stabilization are welcome. The models collected in this section meet these parameters. The Vyborexperta.ru project selected them from 7 candidates.

Samsung Galaxy A71

The leader among models with a good camera, of which there are 4. The rear ones have a high resolution - 64, 12, 5 and 5 megapixels. Along with autofocus, macro mode and a good flash, the quality of photos is not inferior to those taken with an amateur or semi-professional DSLR.

The front camera with its 32 megapixels did not disappoint either. This resolution allows you to take decent self-portraits and conduct high-quality video communication sessions. Therefore, the model is especially relevant for online conferences, seminars, etc. A loud speaker with clear sound also makes it comfortable to use.

The 2-SIM smartphone “Samsung Galaxy A71” features an infinite 6.7-inch screen for vivid impressions. The display looks clear, contrasty and natural in games, when watching videos and surfing the Internet. This is facilitated by an expanded color palette and high detail images in FHD+ resolution.

The smartphone is equipped with two SIM card slots, but you can only use them one at a time. The appropriate card size is nano, it is not difficult to pick it up at a communication store. The contactless payment function eliminates the need to carry a bank card.

Advantages:

Increased RAM capacity – 6 GB;
Powerful video processor – Adreno 618;
Compatible with memory cards up to 512 GB;
To store files on the device, 128 GB is provided;
High speed due to 8 cores.

Flaws:

Quick contamination of the rear panel.

The device is sold with a 4500 mAh battery, which lasts up to 42 hours (talk time) and up to 107 hours when listening to music. When downloading files online, the battery drains faster.

Honor 30i

The rating continues with the ultra-fast Honor 30i model, which has proven itself in photography. Photography lovers appreciated it because of the triple main camera with a total of 48 megapixels. This resolution guarantees a clear, non-blurred image with rich colors even in not very sunny weather. On a cloudy day or indoors, you can use the built-in flash.

The device is suitable for shooting video, the resolution of which is 1920x1080. The front camera with its 16 megapixels provides ample opportunities for selfies and video calls. The device operates autonomously for 40 hours during active conversations. Power is supplied from a 4000 mAh battery.

Honor 30i features a sensitive sensor that quickly responds to user touches even in cold weather. There is a fingerprint scanner and facial recognition for unlocking. A large amount of built-in memory - 128 gigabytes, allows you to avoid the mandatory use of a storage card.

If the internal memory is not enough, you can additionally insert a 256 GB card. However, the slot for it is combined with a SIM card. The performance is due to 4 GB of RAM, an 8-core processor and the ultra-fast Android 10 operating system.

Advantages:

The optimal diagonal is 6.3 inches;
Light weight – 172 g;
Smoothed corners;
No frame;
Non-glare screen.

Flaws:

Lack of payment function via NFS;
Automatic reset of “Pro” mode after closing the camera.

Due to its medium-sized screen, a smartphone with 2 SIM cards is suitable for both men and women. The thin, compact body and non-slip lid provide a comfortable grip.