Virtual chips or eSIM are cellular components that will replace the traditional SIM cards we know today. In this article, you’ll see a comparison between GigSky and Sapphire eSIMs. These are two digital stores specialized in this type of virtual SIM card. If you want to know more of each of these eSIMs in detail, you’ve come to the right place.
In Roaming, we’re providing you with all the information you need. You’ll read about the features, advantages, and disadvantages of eSIM GigSky and eSIM Sapphire. After the analysis, you’ll decide which brand best suits your expectations and, of course, your travel budget. Join us!
Contents
GigSky vs Sapphire: what’s a data eSIM?
An eSIM or digital chip is a small component in the chipset of a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, so it doesn’t require a physical setup (like the SIMs on the current market). In addition, it is smaller compared to a nano-SIM, and it’s configured through a QR code. These eSIM or virtual chips are displayed on digital stores like the ones we will show in this article.
Even so, virtual eSIM cards are still not compatible with most smartphones on the market. Currently, only high-end cell phones, some well-known brand tablets, and certain smartwatches are compatible with this type of virtual SIM. For this reason, you have to check if your cell phone is suitable for a data eSIM before you buy one. Now, let’s head to the part you’re most interested in: the GigSky vs Sapphire comparison.
GigSky vs Sapphire: how Gigsky works
We’re going to begin this GigSky vs Sapphire comparison, with the first store. GigSky is a digital company that sells virtual eSIM data packages for different destinations around the world. It has an official app where you can buy the eSIM, depending on the country you will travel to, either for a few days or a few weeks.
In the GigSky app (available for iOS and Android), users can manage their data plans, and customize different data roaming options. For example, there are browsing plans that range from 1 day to 1 month of use, depending on the country, region, or continent.
Cell phone devices compatible with the GigSky eSIM
As we mentioned, one of the first things you have to consider before buying a data eSIM is to know if your phone, tablet, or smartwatch is compatible with a virtual SIM. To help you, we have listed the cell phone devices suitable for GigSky’s virtual eSIM.
Android
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Ultra 5G, Samsung Fold LTE, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3, Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and the S20 Ultra.
iOS (iPhone)
iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone SE (second generation), iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and the iPhone XS.
GigSky eSIM coverage countries
This virtual store and its data eSIMs can currently be used in 190 countries. There are virtual chips or eSIM for Europe, the United States, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania. If we talk about network coverage, this virtual store has a wide presence in many countries.
GigSky virtual eSIM prices
If we talk about the prices or rates for GigSky eSIM data plans, you should know that cellular data packages for customers range from 1 GB to 5 GB (for most countries) with prices from $8 USD to $80.
Advantages of GigSky virtual eSIM
We have seen some general aspects of the GigSky eSIM, so let’s check the advantages or benefits of the GigSky virtual eSIM. Keep these positives aspects in mind in this GigSky vs Sapphire comparison.
- 24/7 customer service available on the GigSky store webpage and app.
- Browsing plans or packages for more than 170 countries.
- Manage your eSIM purchase and other features on the GigSky app. An easy-to-use tool for the user.
Disadvantages of Gigsky’s virtual SIM
We have reviewed the advantages or positive aspects of the GigSky eSIM, so let’s check the negative aspects. It is essential to review this information in this GigSky vs Sapphire comparison.
- There’s not enough information about virtual eSIM plans on the GigSky webpage.
- Information for users and potential customers is in English and other languages other than Spanish. This can be a challenge for those who don’t speak these languages.
- If your cell phone is not Android 10 or a later version, you can’t use this eSIM.
GigSky vs Sapphire: how Sapphire works
Continuing with this GigSky vs Sapphire comparison, we will discuss the second store. Sapphire is a cell phone app for data plans or packages for different destinations around the world. This app is available for Android and iOS devices. In this app, Sapphire customers can buy their data packages and manage them as they please. However, this app works with certain fees (unlike other eSIM stores/apps).
Sapphire eSIM compatible cell phone devices
Speaking of cell phones compatible with chips or virtual SIM cards, it’s time to know the cell phone devices compatible with Sapphire’s virtual eSIM. Unfortunately, on the official Sapphire website, there’s no list of cell phones, tablets, or smartwatches that are compatible with its eSIM or virtual chip. This can discourage potential customers like you who want to know if their phone is suitable for this virtual chip.
Sapphire eSIM coverage countries
Continuing with the GigSky vs Sapphire comparison, we’ll talk about coverage again. Regarding Sapphire, this virtual store has eSIM or virtual chips for more than 100 countries. Above all, Sapphire’s network coverage is focused on European countries.
Sapphire virtual eSIM prices
When it comes to data plan rates or prices, Sapphire is unique. This app will charge you $0.05 for each MB of browsing consumed, depending on the country where you’re going to use your data plan. Besides that, there are browsing packages that range from 1 GB to 10 GB.
Advantages of Sapphire’s virtual chip
After reviewing some general features of Sapphire, we will now see its advantages. This information is vital to continue with this GigSky vs Sapphire comparison.
- Different plans and browsing packages for countries.
- App to buy, manage and customize everything related to your data plan.
Disadvantages of the Sapphire digital card
The Sapphire eSIM also has some disadvantages. Let’s see below:
- Lower country coverage, compared to other cellular providers like GigSky.
- High rates considering that you’ll be charged per MB consumed.
- On its website, Sapphire doesn’t have enough information about its virtual eSIMs.
GigSky vs Sapphire, which one to choose? Our recommendation
After detailing the GigSky vs Sapphire comparison, we recommend choosing the eSIM that best suits your budget, the one with the most sought-after advantages and ease of use on your next trip.
GigSky vs Sapphire: alternatives
If you still can’t decide on any of these eSIMs after reading this article, we present a great alternative. We’re talking about the Holafly virtual store, which specializes in international eSIM cards, and has different data plans, affordable prices, and several advantages. With Holafly, you say hi to the internet and bye to intermittency.
