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The bitter truth about phones with two active SIM cards. Choosing a phone with two radio modules Inexpensive smartphones with two SIM cards

The bitter truth about phones with two active SIM cards. Choosing a phone with two radio modules Inexpensive smartphones with two SIM cards

This is not the first time on the pages of our portal that I have raised the issue of phones with two radio modules. It is incomprehensible and incredible that even the world's largest brands have abandoned such devices. But many people need exactly the kind of phones in which the SIM card will not suddenly disappear from the cellular network during a call to the second one (this moment will be excluded at the hardware level) and which simply work stably and maintain excellent communication on both numbers. You can always study the rating of new products on the pages of our special sections.

Need to figure it out

“Something is wrong here,” I thought. There is demand, but supply is rapidly declining, tending to zero. Old phones with two radio modules are worth their weight in gold, but there are still no new ones. This phenomenon cannot be explained by the fact that such phones do not work well on a single charge. Now it’s quite possible to create inexpensive phone with two radio modules and a 2500 mAh battery. And I'm sure Philips would be the first to release such a phone. If not for one thing...

"Secret" resolution

In March 2012, a secret decision was made that such phones had no place in Europe. Countries in our region soon joined this decision. From now on, a phone with two radio modules, in which two SIM cards are active, will not pass certification...

The reasons for this decision are obvious: on the one hand, two radio modules generate more noise and burn our heads faster, and on the other, operators have never liked phones that can have a competitor’s SIM card installed next to their own.

You can be indignant or indignant, but this cannot be changed. Apparently, this decision was known for a long time, since two active SIM cards began to disappear much earlier than March 2012. Another interesting thing is that I was unable to find records or official documents about this decision. All of them are closed and are not handed out. Electronic copies if they exist, they are not freely available. Only numerous rumors and very outdated information from a year ago. Rumors may not be believed, and news may be considered fabricated. But reality suggests that such a resolution most likely exists, and it is in effect. As always, they did everything, but didn’t ask the buyers anything.

There is a way out

So if nowadays you really want to buy a phone with two active SIM cards, you need to choose either fairly outdated devices, or a few Chinese smartphones, in which one radio module is designed for 3G/WCDMA, and the other for ST-CDMA networks. But no one bothers you to install two regular 2G SIM cards in them. It is clear that you need to order such devices directly from China, fortunately, now this is quite easy to do.

The ZTE U960, which we have already talked about, and the Chinese Samsung Note 2 (HDC Galaxy Note 2 EX) are popular among Russian users. These two phones have been tested in our realities and work fully with all operators.

Smartphones with support for two SIM cards are incredibly popular in Russia. The reason for this was the use by Russian consumers of the services of two providers at once. Chinese brands were the first to equip their phones with dual SIM card slots, and later major players in the mobile market joined them.

We have selected the most interesting devices as of the beginning of 2017, which have dual-SIM support, so that you can quickly figure out what needs to be considered first.

1. Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

Smartphone Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) is an excellent device from a South Korean manufacturer with a good price/quality ratio. He definitely has a large number pros than cons. A device with 32 GB of internal memory will cost you 27,990 rubles.

Advantages:

  • Waterproof case
  • 16 megapixel main and front cameras
  • Fast processor and functional shell
  • Fast charging
  • Separate memory card slot
  • Lots of memory and capacious battery
  • USB Type-C

Flaws:

  • Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
  • No infrared port
  • No ability to record 4K video

2. OnePlus 3T

Announced at the end of 2016, OnePlus 3T received flagship hardware, as well as powerful battery to him. The device has a Snapdragon 821 and 6 GB of RAM on board. It is available on the shelves of Russian stores with a price tag of 31 thousand rubles for a model with 64 GB of ROM and 37 thousand for 128 GB of internal memory.

Advantages:

  • One of the fastest and most convenient fingerprint sensors
  • Clear Optic AMOLED screen
  • Large 3400 mAh battery
  • Ample amount of RAM and internal memory
  • Lightweight aluminum body
    USB Type-C

Flaws:

  • No microSD support
  • USB Type-C cable is not compatible with other devices

3. Xiaomi Mi Mix

This smartphone will seem interesting to those who find 5.5-6 inch giants not enough. Xiaomi Mi Mix impresses with its 6.4-inch panel with a record body-to-body ratio of over 90%. Xiaomi sells its gadget at a price of 44 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

  • Giant screen with impressive body-to-body ratio
  • Capacious 4400 mAh battery
  • Lots of built-in memory and RAM
  • USB Type-C port
  • Qualcomm's fastest processor
  • Impressive design (body made of ceramic)

Flaws:

  • Very fragile design, worth carrying in a case
  • The front camera takes mediocre photos
  • No microSD card slot
  • No protection from water

4.Huawei Honor 8

It stands out for its multifunctional user interface, the highest level of body assembly, and the presence of all modern technologies. It is very fast and runs for quite a long time on the built-in battery. Now you can buy Honor 8 at a price of 22,800 rubles, which is very good.

Advantages:

  • Unique dark blue design color
  • Beautiful and smooth shell with lots of functionality
  • There is an infrared port
  • Fast charging
  • Fingerprint sensor responds instantly
  • Durable glass covered body
  • Two radio modules

Flaws:

  • The battery produces average performance
  • Slightly slippery body
  • The sound is not loud enough

5. Xiaomi Mi5S

This device can seriously compete with OnePlus 3T. It doesn't have as much RAM and a smaller battery, but it will cost you a lot less. You can purchase Xiaomi Mi5S at a price starting from 21 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

  • Fast charging
  • Excellent quality build
  • Great flash
  • Powerful processor

Flaws:

  • Main camera
  • No memory card slot
  • Quiet speaker

6. Meizu MX6

Meizu MX6 is one of the most interesting offerings from the Chinese brand. The device has an attractive design, excellent characteristics and, most importantly, a good price. For a model with 32 GB of internal memory and 4 GB of RAM you will have to pay less than 20 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

  • Design and quality of materials used
  • Loud speaker
  • Fingerprint sensor works instantly
  • Fast charging
  • Both SIM cards can work on 4G Cat 6 networks
  • Very bright and contrasting screen
  • USB Type-C

Flaws:

  • The display scratches quite easily
  • No memory card support
  • Both cameras take mediocre photos

Typically, a smartphone with two SIM cards has certain limitations. When you talk on one SIM card, the second one appears busy for those who dial your number. But this can be a very important challenge that should not be missed! If you are afraid of encountering such a problem, then you need to choose not just a device with two sim cards ami. You need to make sure that they can work in simultaneous mode. Unfortunately, very few such devices have been created. We will talk about almost all of them in today’s article.

If you already have a device in your hands into which a pair of SIM cards is inserted, then you may want to check the supported operating mode. To do this, just call yourself from one number to another. If the call does not go through, then the SIM cards operate in alternating mode. If it passes, then everything is in order: both SIM cards work simultaneously.

The best inexpensive smartphones with two SIM cards

ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML

  • Operating system: Android 5.0
  • Display: 5.5 inches, IPS, 1080 x 1920 pixels
  • Battery: 3000 mAh
  • Weight: 170 g

Price: from 9,990 rub.

Manufacturing a device with two radio modules is a rather complex and expensive task. Therefore, now a very small number of companies are engaged in this business. Most often, their products are very expensive. Fortunately, there are exceptions to the rule, as evidenced by the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML. Despite the presence of as much as 4 GB of RAM, the device is quite inexpensive. The exact cost will depend on how much internal memory you need.

We recommend choosing the 16 GB version, since you can always use a microSD card if necessary. The device is capable of transmitting data via LTE networks. It also has Bluetooth 4.0 wireless modules and, more importantly, Wi-Fi 802.11ac.

An interesting feature of the smartphone is the fact that it is powered by an Intel processor. The graphics accelerator is also good here, with it the device can run any modern games. However, sometimes the graphics settings will still be reduced. But nothing else was expected from such an inexpensive smartphone.

Overall, this is a fairly powerful device with a good battery. He can only be upset by a large number of defects. And we strongly do not recommend updating to the sixth version of Android, as it suffers from numerous incurable errors!

Advantages

  • Lots of RAM;
  • There are versions with different amounts of permanent memory;
  • There is a slot for a microSD card;
  • Decent processor and graphics accelerator;
  • Good screen with high pixel density;
  • There is support for 4G networks;
  • Capacious battery;
  • Not a bad 13 megapixel camera.

Flaws

  • Some people may find it heavy;
  • Internet is available only for one SIM card;
  • There are copies with defects.

HTC Desire 700

  • Operating system: Android 4.1
  • Display: 5 inches, 540 x 960 pixels
  • Battery: 2100 mAh
  • Weight: 150 g

Price: from 5,500 rub.

This smartphone is almost impossible to find in official retail. But it can be purchased relatively cheaply through Avito and other services with free advertisements. At one time, the device was a real hit. People liked the 8-megapixel camera, which produced good images. The smartphone was even more captivating when playing music - the creators did not skimp on good speakers. What was disappointing here was the lack of a 4G module - at the time of the announcement it had not yet been built into devices of this price category.

Advantages

  • Connecting a headset via Bluetooth 4.0;
  • There are many useful sensors available;
  • High-quality GPS chip;
  • Relatively good main camera;
  • Stable operation of the operating system;
  • High sound quality.

Flaws

The best smartphones with two active SIM cards

Huawei Nonor 8

  • Operating system: Android 6.0
  • Display: 5.2 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels
  • Battery: 3000 mAh
  • Weight: 153 g

Price: from 21,700 rub.

There are several versions of this smartphone. They have the same number of radio modules, but the memory capacity is different - you can choose between 32 and 64 GB. There’s no need to think too hard before making a choice, since you can always use a microSD memory card if you wish. The device was released quite recently, so don't be surprised by the presence of a connector here. The device also has a fingerprint sensor at its disposal, which is no less important. LTE-Advanced support should also please the buyer. This device is sold for a reason high price. It has not only a pair of radio modules, but also a dual camera! Under both lenses there is a 12-megapixel matrix. If you love photography, then you should definitely choose this smartphone! It is reliable and productive - you are unlikely to encounter any problems during operation. What is important is metal smartphone with two SIM cards - minimal plastic is involved in its production.

Advantages

  • There is a new connector;
  • The latest wireless network standards are supported;
  • Recognizes fingerprints;
  • good front camera(8 MP);
  • There is a dual main camera;
  • The screen has high resolution;
  • Fresh Android version;
  • Lots of RAM and permanent memory;
  • Powerful processor of our own production.

Flaws

  • The price may seem high;
  • Although beautiful, the body is slippery;
  • The second radio module is unstable.

Conquest S6

  • Operating system: Android 4.4
  • Display: 5 inches, IPS, 720 x 1280 pixels
  • Battery: 4000 mAh
  • Weight: 275 g

Price: from 29,780 rub.

A smartphone that combines a bunch of advantages and disadvantages. It has a capacious battery, which ensures long-term battery life. The device also boasts good protection against dust and water. But all this led to the fact that the smartphone weighs unaffordably! Also, not everyone will like that such an expensive device has outdated version operating system. However, there are also more recent versions of the device equipped with Android 5.0.

Unlike many others modern smartphones,Conquest S6 has an event indicator light. This is very convenient - you can immediately notice if you missed incoming message or some kind of notification. Under the body of the device are hidden 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of permanent memory (but there are other configurations). At the time of its announcement it was the gold standard. Now this may not seem enough. An interesting feature of the Conquest S6 is the presence of a loop for a carabiner or lanyard. This suggests that purchasing a smartphone is recommended for lovers of active recreation.

Advantages

  • Water protection according to IP68 standard;
  • Long battery life;
  • There is a loop for a lanyard or carabiner;
  • There is a gyroscope, compass and a couple of other sensors;
  • Good navigation module;
  • Capable of transmitting data via 4G networks;
  • Not a bad screen;
  • There are no serious complaints about the main camera.

Flaws

  • Old version of the operating system;
  • Weak processor for such a price;
  • Not the largest amount of memory;
  • Exorbitant price tag.

Torex S18

  • Operating system: Android 5.1
  • Display: 4.3 inches, IPS, 540 x 960 pixels
  • Battery: 3500 mAh
  • Weight: 249 g

Price: from 19,950 rub.

If you need to buy a smartphone with a protected case, then you can pay attention to the Torex S18. Unlike some competitors, it does not cost astronomical money. Although no one argues that budget phones are even cheaper. This model is distinguished by its size - the device easily fits into any average pocket. On its front panel there is a 4.3-inch display made using IPS technology and having a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. With such a diagonal, this is a quite tolerable parameter; individual pixels are quite difficult to see with the naked eye. The device can also please you with a 13-megapixel camera. Surprisingly, the creators even worked on the front camera. Its 5 megapixel resolution may not be enough for shooting masterpieces, but it is quite enough for communicating via Skype. The body of this device is protected from water, dust and shock. But it still cannot be called very reliable - at least the touch keys under the display indicate this. But the Torex S18 can still be considered productive. There is 2 GB of RAM, and the quad-core MediaTek processor can handle any application. A smartphone is not suitable only for modern games, but this is understandable. The device does not disappoint in terms of communication either - the creators have introduced an LTE module into it.

Advantages

  • Not bad cameras on the front and back panels;
  • There are many useful sensors, including a barometer and compass;
  • Data transmission via 4G networks is possible;
  • Not a bad resolution for such a small display;
  • Good protection from moisture and dust;
  • Decent amount of RAM;
  • Stable functioning Android 5.1.

Flaws

  • Weighs a lot;
  • No light sensor;
  • Many will still not be able to afford it.

Smartphones that allow their owner to use two SIM cards at once have appeared on the market for a long time. Every year, more and more interesting solutions appear among them, which we want to show you today. In this rating we have collected best phones with two SIM cards that you can buy today. Let's go.

#10 – INOI 2

Price: 4,300 rubles

Our list opens with a smartphone from the domestic developer INOI. The gadget is a representative of the budget price segment, so it is equipped with a modest MediaTek processor MT6737. Screen diagonal – 5 inches, resolution – 854 by 480 pixels. Main camera – 5 MP, front – 2 MP.

INOI 2 is a real find for unpretentious users who do not need modern flagships with their bells and whistles. By purchasing this gadget, you will have at your disposal a reliable smartphone that can easily launch a simple game and allow you to always be in touch. A nice bonus is that the model supports 4G LTE, which is rare in budget devices. True, only one of the SIM cards can be active in this mode.

No. 9 – VERTEX Impress Bear

Price: 4,300 rubles

VERTEX Impress Bear is a gadget with a classic design from a company that is not very popular on the market mobile devices. The smartphone is powered by a Spreadtrum SC9832 processor. The diagonal of its 5-inch screen is 1280 by 720 pixels. The sensor resolution of the main camera is 8 MP, the front one is 5 MP.

VERTEX Impress Bear deservedly made it onto our list. This is a good solution at an adequate price. Yes, the smartphone does not pretend to be anything serious, but for everyday needs it will be enough. SIM cards work in alternating mode, and one of them can work in 4G LTE mode. The VERTEX Impress Bear has no serious shortcomings; I especially want to praise the build quality of the smartphone.

VERTEX Impress Bear

#8 – Samsung Galaxy J8 (2018)

Price: 14,500 rubles

Samsung Galaxy J8 (2018) with a 6-inch display and an AMOLED matrix, the resolution of which is 1480 by 720 pixels, occupies 8th place in our rating. The smartphone uses Snapdragon 450. Memory configuration is 3/32 GB. The main camera is double, represented by sensors – 16 and 5 MP. Front camera resolution is 16 MP. The operating mode of two SIM cards is alternating.

Like many Samsung smartphones, the main advantage of the Galaxy J8 (2018) is its cameras and screen. The pictures turn out to be detailed with the correct level of color balance; for the average consumer, the camera capabilities will be sufficient. The display, made using proprietary technology, offers its owner a detailed image and maximum viewing angles.

Samsung Galaxy J8

#7 – ASUS ZenFone Max Pro

Price: 14,000 rubles

A product of the popular ASUS company called ZenFone Max Pro received at its disposal a display with a diagonal of 6 inches and a resolution of 2160 by 1080. The Snapdragon 636 chipset and 3 or 4 GB of RAM are responsible for the speed of processes. The amount of built-in memory is 32 or 64 GB, so the user can always choose the most suitable option. The dual rear camera consists of 13 and 5 MP modules, the front one is 8 MP. The operating mode of the two SIM cards is alternating.

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro is a quality solution for those users who are looking for a powerful smartphone, but do not have enough money to afford something from the premium segment. The gadget has a good screen with maximum viewing angles and a decent brightness range, cameras capable of taking great pictures and good hardware that can easily handle any modern game.

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro

#6 – Honor Play

Price: 23,000 rubles

Honor Play with a 6.3-inch screen and a resolution of 2340 by 1080 pixels has a powerful Kirin 970 processor in its arsenal. The smartphone has two memory configurations - 4/64 GB and 6/64 GB, so any user can choose the option that best suits his needs . The main camera consists of two modules 16 and 2 MP, the front one is 16 MP. The operating mode of two nano SIM format SIM cards is alternating.

Honor Play is aimed at users who often play a variety of projects. That is why it uses unusual GPU turbo technology, which overclocks the graphics processor when standard frequencies are not enough. Contrary to the expectations of many, this is not a marketing ploy and it actually works. We also note good screen with decent levels of contrast and saturation.

#5 – Xiaomi Mi A2

Price: 15,000 rubles

Xiaomi Mi A2, released at the end of July this year, was equipped with a 5.99-inch display with a resolution of 2160 by 1080 pixels. The processor is the Snapdragon 660 chipset. RAM is 4 or 6 GB, storage is 32, 64 or 128 GB. The camera on the rear side is double, represented by a combination of modules with a sensor resolution of 12 and 20 MP. The front one is content with one 20 MP lens. The operating mode of two nano SIM format SIM cards is alternating.

Like all Xiaomi products, Mi A2 has an excellent combination of price and quality. In its category this is one of best solutions. The smartphone has an excellent screen that has a wide range of brightness, due to which the user will not have problems both in the absence of lighting and in excess of it. The processor is not the top one, but it will run any modern game without much difficulty.

No. 4 – Xiaomi Pocophone F1

Price: 25,000 rubles

Xiaomi Pocophone F1 is one of the newest flagships on the market. The gadget is equipped with a 6.18-inch matrix with a resolution of 2246 by 1080 pixels. Snapdragon 845 is responsible for the performance of the smartphone. There are two memory configurations – 6/64 and 6/128 GB. The main camera is dual – 12+5 MP, front – 20 MP. You can insert nano SIM form factor modules into the SIM card slot, which will operate in alternating mode.

Xiaomi Pocophone F1 turned out to be a very high-quality flagship without any obvious flaws. The only disappointment is the lack of an NFC module. Among the strengths, we highlight a high-quality screen that demonstrates a gorgeous picture in any operating conditions and powerful hardware that will not require an upgrade for the next few years.

Xiaomi Pocophone F1

No. 3 – Huawei P20

Price: 34,000 rubles

The bronze medalist in our ranking of the best smartphones with dual SIM cards is the Huawei P20. The gadget was released this spring and has already won the love of customers. It offers Kirin 970 as a processor and a 5.8-inch screen with a resolution of 2240 by 1080 pixels. The quality of the images is ensured by a dual rear camera with a combination of 12 and 20 MP lenses and a 24-megapixel front camera.

Huawei P20 intrigues with its glass body and screen, which occupies the entire front surface. The developers did not do without a cutout at the top of the screen and not everyone liked it. Putting this aside, we get a powerful gadget with a chic matrix, a top-end proprietary processor and cameras, the results of which you won’t be ashamed to post on Instagram.

#2 – OnePlus 6

Price: 33,000 rubles

It recently turned out that OnePlus 6 is the most powerful Android smartphone according to test results in one of the benchmarks, but in our rating it is content with only second place. Even a 6.28-inch AMOLED matrix with a resolution of 2280 by 1080 pixels and the Snapdragon 845 chipset were not enough to win. The latter is helped by 6 or 8 GB of RAM. Pictures taken with the main camera, consisting of two modules 16 and 20 MP and a 16-megapixel front camera, can be stored in the built-in memory, which is available in three options - 64, 128 and 256 GB.

It is difficult to single out the strongest side of OnePlus 6 - there is a top-end processor that can easily handle all demanding games, a gorgeous matrix that captures the imagination of any user, and excellent cameras that make every captured moment brighter and more dynamic. OnePlus 6 even has an NFC module, so you can only find fault with the developers for the cutout in the screen, and even then for some this is not a drawback at all.

No. 1 – Samsung Galaxy S9+

Price: 49,000 rubles

The winner of our rating was the Samsung Galaxy S9+, the newest flagship in the arsenal of the popular company. It was equipped with a 6.2-inch diagonal display with a resolution of 2960 by 1440 pixels. As befits a flagship, it runs on a top-end chipset – Exynos 9810. There are two memory configurations – 6/64 GB and 6/256 GB. The rear camera is a combination of two modules with identical resolution - 12 MP, the front sensor is 8 MP.

If even in budget smartphones and mid-segment solutions, the AMOLED matrix produces an excellent picture, then what can we say about premium gadgets. Once you look at the display of the Samsung Galaxy S9+, you will never forget it. The matrix is ​​configured almost perfectly - viewing angles, brightness range, contrast, color rendition, detail and saturation - everything is at the highest level. The hardware is top-end, the Exynos 9810 processor can be compared in performance to the Snapdragon 845, which is one of the most powerful chipsets on the market. Cameras are a separate topic of conversation. The Samsung Galaxy S9+ has a huge bunch of shooting modes, but in any of them the pictures turn out great and in this parameter the smartphone is one of the leaders on the market and it can easily compete with the best camera phones.

Samsung Galaxy S9+

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Let's start with the most technically advanced devices in which manufacturers have made a hybrid slot. Either a nano-SIM or a card is inserted into it MicroSD memory. This saves space in the case, which in thin modern smartphones is already worth its weight in gold. Well, the user has to choose whether to use a second SIM card or listen to the music stored on the memory card. But in fairness, we note that with a storage capacity of 64 GB or more, it is not a fact that MicroSD will be needed at all.

In addition to its attractive design, the device features a dual main camera sensor - one of the modules is widescreen. The case is protected against impacts according to MIL-STD-810G and water penetration according to IP68.

LG G6 also works with two SIM cards, the second slot is hybrid. In principle, this can be survived with a 64 GB drive. Although the possible capacity of MicroSD is not limited to the standard 256 GB - memory expansion with cards up to 2 TB is allowed.

HTC U 11

HTC finally managed to launch a new smartphone: it looks interesting, has top-end hardware, a high-quality camera, decent battery life and high-quality sound. Moreover, the smartphone is equipped with the Edge Sense function - the edges of the body shrink slightly, responding to the strength and duration of touches. Edge Sense can be used with gloves and some cases. The system's reaction to handshakes can be adjusted by the user independently, which is very nice. By default, a short press launches the camera or allows you to take a photo, a long press launches Google Assistant.

In terms of filling, the HTC U11 is a pure flagship: a fresh Snapdragon 835 chip, 4 or 6 GB of RAM, a screen resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, a 12-megapixel camera with an optical stabilizer and an f/1.7 aperture, support for LTE CAT 16 networks. The optional storage capacity is 64 or 128 GB: even in the first case, not to mention the second, the user may not be confused by the hybrid MicroSD slot.

Smartphones with a separate slot for MicroSD

Fortunately for those who like to use both a second SIM card and a memory card, smartphones with separate slots for them are still being produced. It is quite possible to choose a device with modern filling, with which you do not have to make compromises.

LG V20 is a device in a practical case: slots for SIM cards and MicroSD are separate, and the battery is removable. Above the large 5.7-inch screen, which takes up almost the entire front panel, there is a secondary display for notifications, controls and favorite applications. Another feature of the device is a dual main camera module (16 + 8 megapixels), which until recently was only available in premium models. One of the sensors has a viewing angle of 135°.

At the helm here is a fairly fast Snapdragon 820 chip with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory. The smartphone runs on Android 7.0 Nougat. The LG V20 never officially arrived in the Russian Federation; it would have been a bit expensive - at the start of sales it cost from $810 (48,000 rubles). But in small stores the device can now be found for 26,000 rubles.

Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017)

Until recently, the J-series could only scare off buyers with its unsightly appearance and completely “sad” characteristics - only the screen was decent. The line update released this year received many advantages characteristic of more expensive smartphones, and the design completely refers to last year’s flagships of the Galaxy S series. The device still has the ability to separately install two nano-SIM and MicroSD - no sacrifices or compromises. Moreover, a memory card will not hurt here - the storage capacity is only 16 GB.

It received a thin and first in the series metal body, as well as a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED screen rounded and frameless at the edges. Compared to last year's version, the agility has not increased much: it still has the same eight-core Exynos 7870, but with 3 GB of RAM. The battery capacity was increased to 3600 mAh. Full support for Samsung Pay (NFC + MST) has also appeared. The price at the start of sales is 20,000 rubles, but it will probably fall in the near future.

Made in an aluminum case, supports fast charging and runs on pure Android 7.0 out of the box. Belonging to the middle class is indicated by the solid size of the frame around the 5-inch screen. The heart of the smartphone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 with 2 GB of RAM, the Plus version is slightly more powerful with a Snapdragon 625 chip and 3/4 GB of RAM. At the presentation, the developers said that they had improved the parameters that buyers initially look at - the screen, camera and autonomy.

The IPS matrix resolution of the Moto G5 is 1920 x 1080 pixels, the 5-inch display supports Always On technology when the screen is turned off. necessary information. The main 13-megapixel camera has phase detection autofocus, the front module has a wide coverage angle for group selfies. The battery capacity is 2800 mAh, but the manufacturer assures that it will last for the whole day. It is impossible to check this yet - the smartphone has not yet officially appeared on the Russian market; in Europe it costs from 200 euros (13,600 rubles), the Plus version with a 5.2” screen - from 280 euros (19,000 rubles).

SIM card slots are hidden under the battery, one of them is made in micro-SIM format, and the second is nano-SIM. A memory card with a capacity of up to 128 GB is inserted into a separate slot; the smartphone’s own memory is 16/32 GB in the regular version and 32/64 GB in the extended version.

Smartphones with two radio modules

In all of the devices listed above, as in the vast majority of modern smartphones, it is impossible to use two SIM cards at the same time: when the user is talking on one number, the second one will be busy if they call it. But models that use Dual Active technology and are equipped with two radio modules allow you to receive calls simultaneously. It’s a pity that there are very few such smartphones now, but we have selected a couple of the most relevant ones.

Our selection includes a new product from last year - the more recent “nine” no longer has simultaneous support for both SIM cards. It can receive calls and SMS to two numbers at once, however, the second SIM only works in 2G networks. Simply put, you won’t be able to use the Internet on both SIM cards at the same time. But this is not bad compared to competitors whose SIM cards work alternately for receiving calls.

The smartphone is housed in a body with a metal frame and runs on an eight-core proprietary Kirin 950 chip, accelerating to 2.3 GHz, with 4 GB of RAM. Inside there are 32 or 64 GB of memory and it is expandable up to 256 GB (by the way, the memory card slot is hybrid).

The camera's image quality is good thanks to the dual main module of 12 megapixels each, however, there is no stabilization when shooting video, and this is not Leica optics. The 5.2” Full HD screen is highly praised for its color reproduction and brightness. In general, the model has no serious shortcomings; for its 22,000 rubles it is a smartphone with good camera and a screen, decent battery life and productive hardware.

ASUS ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML)

Asus ZenFone 2 was released in 2015, and therefore is still quite fresh. Despite the presence of two radio modules at once, it uses one SIM card for 3G and LTE networks, the second one can also only receive calls and SMS. Slots for micro-SIM are located under the cover, and there is also a separate slot for MicroSD, allowing you to add 64 GB of memory.

The device was released in several modifications: with Intel processor Atom z3580 with a frequency of up to 2.3 GHz and with 2 or 4 GB of RAM. The 5.5-inch IPS screen has a good pixel density (403 PPI) and Full HD resolution. The smartphone has a decent set of wireless interfaces, including NFC. The battery capacity is 3000 mAh, but you need to remember about increased energy consumption due to two SIM cards. The 13 and 5 MP cameras have “hospital average” characteristics, but this is not the flagship of the line, so it would be stupid to make any complaints about the device.

This is not the first time on the pages of our portal that I have raised the issue of phones with two radio modules. It is incomprehensible and incredible that even the world's largest brands have abandoned such devices. But many people need exactly the kind of phones in which the SIM card will not suddenly disappear from the cellular network during a call to the second one (this moment will be excluded at the hardware level) and which simply work stably and maintain excellent communication on both numbers. You can always study the rating of new products on the pages of our special sections.

Need to figure it out

“Something is wrong here,” I thought. There is demand, but supply is rapidly declining, tending to zero. Old phones with two radio modules are worth their weight in gold, but there are still no new ones. This phenomenon cannot be explained by the fact that such phones do not work well on a single charge. Now it is quite possible to create an inexpensive phone with two radio modules and a 2500 mAh battery. And I'm sure Philips would be the first to release such a phone. If not for one thing...

"Secret" resolution

In March 2012, a secret decision was made that such phones had no place in Europe. Countries in our region soon joined this decision. From now on, a phone with two radio modules, in which two SIM cards are active, will not pass certification...

The reasons for this decision are obvious: on the one hand, two radio modules generate more noise and burn our heads faster, and on the other, operators have never liked phones that can have a competitor’s SIM card installed next to their own.

You can be indignant or indignant, but this cannot be changed. Apparently, this decision was known for a long time, since two active SIM cards began to disappear much earlier than March 2012. Another interesting thing is that I was unable to find records or official documents about this decision. All of them are closed and are not handed out. Electronic copies, if available, are not freely available. Only numerous rumors and very outdated information from a year ago. Rumors may not be believed, and news may be considered fabricated. But reality suggests that such a resolution most likely exists, and it is in effect. As always, they did everything, but didn’t ask the buyers anything.

There is a way out

So, if nowadays you really want to buy a phone with two active SIM cards, you need to choose either fairly outdated devices, or the few Chinese smartphones in which one radio module is designed for 3G/WCDMA, and the other for ST-CDMA networks. But no one bothers you to install two regular 2G SIM cards in them. It is clear that you need to order such devices directly from China, fortunately, now this is quite easy to do.

The ZTE U960, which we have already talked about, and the Chinese Samsung Note 2 (HDC Galaxy Note 2 EX) are popular among Russian users. These two phones have been tested in our realities and work fully with all operators.

Smartphones with two SIM cards have become in particular demand because they save the user from having to buy two phones at once. After all, many are accustomed to having one device for work and another phone exclusively for personal purposes. In this article, we will introduce you to the best dual SIM smartphones of 2017 that are available in the market today. Among them there are both powerful devices and inexpensive ones... You will definitely find something suitable for yourself.

The practicalities of using phones with two SIM cards can be listed endlessly. This handset is useful to have in case you go on a trip and need a second phone to install a local SIM card in it. It's easier to use two SIM cards in one phone. There are other options when having a powerful smartphone with several SIM cards is much more profitable than purchasing two different ones. What nuances are worth knowing:

  • The dual-SIM smartphones presented below work as follows: when you use one SIM card (for calls, for example), the other goes offline and automatically becomes active after you finish using the first one.
  • If you use two SIM cards, you no longer have an open microSD slot if support for them is enabled.

Powerful smartphones with dual SIM cards

Samsung Galaxy S7 Duos and Galaxy S7 edge Duos

The flagship from the Korean manufacturer, which has not yet gone off the rails, is still relevant. Unlike the regular versions of the Galaxy S7, which are powered by Qualcomm's quad-core Snapdragon 820 processor, the Duos models use Samsung's own Exynos 8890 processor, which is said to be more power efficient. There are no significant differences between the Duos version and just the S7, that is, you get the same functions, but with the ability to install up to two SIM cards. Not available in all markets.

  • Super AMOLED display 5.1 inches, resolution 2560 x 1440 (Quad HD)
  • 4 GB RAM
  • Main camera 12 MP, front camera 5 MP

    • Video recording resolution - UHD 4K (3840 x 2160), 30 fps

    Internet operating time (3G) - up to 11 hours, LTE - up to 13 hours, Wi-Fi - up to 15 hours, video - up to 15 hours.

  • Battery – 3000 mAh

This option is for those who are looking for a powerful smartphone with two SIM cards, and even with a large screen. Huawei Mate 9 is the best choice. The official launch in the United States took place back in January, and the operating system here is Android 7 Nougat. There is a large 5.9-inch display, among the filling we note the eight-core Kirin 960 processor, as well as 4 GB of RAM. The user is also offered a dual main camera, a 4000 mAh battery and 64 GB of internal memory. Super!

Inexpensive smartphones with two SIM cards

This flagship was launched six months after the launch of OnePlus 3. And it still supports dual SIM cards just like its predecessor. At the same time, there are a number of hardware innovations:

  • Faster Snapdragon 821 processor
  • Increased battery life
  • Improved front camera

At the same time, OnePlus 3T is an inexpensive smartphone with two SIM cards.

A relatively new device in an aluminum case with a 5.5-inch display. Inside is a not too “shabby” Kirin 655 processor, 3 GB of RAM, and a dual main camera. There is a battery on board with a capacity of 3340 mAh. It is quite enough for the smartphone to work stably for a day or even a little more.

ZTE Blade V8 Pro

If we talk about price, then ZTE Blade V8 Pro is slightly cheaper than Honor 6x. At the same time, the main body material of the smartphone is plastic on a metal frame. Among the advantages of this gadget we can note the presence USB-C port Type, as well as improved battery life compared to Honor 6x. An excellent smartphone with two SIM cards.

  • Display 5.5 inches, resolution 1920x1080, density 401ppi
  • Safety glass Gorilla Glass 3;
  • 64-bit chip, 8-core Snapdragon 625 processor
  • RAM capacity 3 GB
  • Built-in memory 32 GB expandable via memory card up to 128 GB;
  • main camera 13 MP sensor, autofocus, 4K video support
  • Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.2 aperture
  • Fingerprint scanner
  • Battery capacity 3140 mAh, fast charging Quick Charge 2.0;
  • OS: Android 6.0, Mifavor 4.2 UI.

A very inexpensive smartphone with two SIM cards - you will have to spend no more than $150 for it. At the same time, it is distinguished by worthy characteristics:

  • 5.2-inch display, resolution 1280×720, density 282 ppi
  • MediaTek quad-core processor
  • Main camera 13 MP, front camera 5 MP
  • RAM capacity 2 GB
  • 16 GB of internal memory, support for MicroSD, MicroSDHC memory cards
  • 4100 mAh battery
  • Battery life – up to 2 days, talk time – up to 20 hours, video playback – up to 15 hours
  • OS - Android 6.0 Marshmallow

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 select a favorable combination of tariffs from different operators, eliminating 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 a good smartphone with 2 SIM cards, there are certain pitfalls. 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 an affordable price from 4 thousand rubles.

The disadvantages are a large and weighty body, rather weak 5 MP cameras and a small amount of RAM, 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 is a good choice for those looking for an inexpensive smartphone with a powerful battery and dual 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.

The disadvantages are a small amount of built-in memory, a weak 1 MP front camera 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 dual-SIM smartphone 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 - 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 the Lenovo Vibe Shot is positioned as an advanced camera phone, but cannot shoot 4K video.

1st 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-end model, the phone looks unimpressive, and the battery life is only average.

Want to understand other important issues? Read

In 2016, a smartphone with two SIM cards will not surprise anyone. If previously such functionality was considered the province of budget Chinese handsets, now global giants (like Samsung or Sony) do not neglect to install a second slot in their flagships. Only Apple stands on the sidelines, seemingly not intending to follow the lead of the market.

At first glance, all smartphones with two SIM cards are no different in terms of working with networks. But in fact, they can be divided into 2 groups: Dual Standby and Dual Active. The main differences between them are that in Dual Standby technology the SIM cards work alternately, and in Dual Active they work in parallel, without depending on each other.

The first technology is easier to implement and therefore occurs most often. In this technology, the phone does not exchange data with communication towers simultaneously with two SIM cards, but does it alternately, first with one, then with the other. This is enough for towers located in the access area to confirm the subscriber’s activity.

The disadvantage of Dual Standby technology is that the device is unable to simultaneously send a request from two SIM cards. As a result, when a conversation is being carried out using one SIM card, the second one is unavailable. Sometimes you won’t be able to get through if one of the cards supports an Internet connection, exchanging packet data with the database. And if both numbers belonging to the same operator are assigned identical IMEIs, then at such moments the activity of one SIM card can completely “knock out” the other from the network.

For smartphones with two radio modules (Dual Active technology), these problems are not relevant. Each SIM card has its own active transceiver, with the help of which it communicates with the base. Accordingly, if you are talking on one number, you will be able to hear and receive a call to the second number at the same time. It’s just a pity that in 2016 there are only a few of these pipes left.

Two active modules increase the cost of production, require fine optimization of energy consumption, and therefore are not popular among manufacturers. Our material is dedicated to those few smartphones that are equipped with two radio modules and that are still relevant in 2016.

Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is a relatively recent, and therefore relevant, smartphone with two radio modules. It was released in March 2015, and now the device can be purchased at prices ranging from 180 (2 GB RAM/16 GB ROM) to 350 (4 GB RAM/64 GB ROM) dollars. In addition to the amount of memory, the versions differ in processors. The 2 GB model uses the Intel Atom z3560 (4 x86 cores, frequency up to 1.8 GHz), the 4 GB model uses the z3580 (4 x86 cores, up to 2.3 GHz).

Screen Asus ZenFone 2 – 5.5-inch FullHD, with IPS matrix and 3rd generation “Gorilla” protective glass. Camera – 13 MP, with dual flash, f/2.0 aperture and autofocus (not laser, regular). Operating system – Android 5, upgrade to “six” is planned.

A 3000 mAh battery is typical for a phablet, but considering that 2 modules mean increased battery consumption, the operating time can be called average. The Asus ZenFone 2 will last two days only if it is not particularly loaded. In general, the device is balanced, and thanks to hardware from Intel, it is also quite fast.

Second smartphone with two simultaneously operating radio modules – Huawei Honor 7. It was released in July 2015, and can now be purchased for $350. The smartphone runs on a HiSilicon Kirin 935 chip with eight cores (frequencies up to 2.2 GHz). RAM 3 GB, built-in storage – 16 or 64 GB. There is a memory card slot, it is combined with the second SIM card slot.

The display of Huawei Honor 7 is built on an IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, and a diagonal of 5.2". The 20 MP camera has f/2.0 aperture, is equipped with phase detection autofocus and dual flash. The smartphone runs Android Lolipop OS, you can upgrade to the sixth version .

The battery is non-removable, with a capacity of 3100 mAh. It will last for 13 hours of reading, 10 hours of video, 4 hours of gaming or 2 days of standby time. Huawei Honor 7 is a really good, once flagship gadget from a Chinese manufacturer, and one of the few “pure” dual-SIM phones in this category.

Huawei also has other products that support Dual Active SIM (almost every model over $250 comes with this modification). But everything is very complicated with the versions: for different regions of the world they install radio modules tailored to the frequencies of a specific market. Among the “Europeans” there are no other dual-SIM Huawei devices.

HTC Desire 700 is a real long-liver: it was introduced back in November 2013, and went on sale at the beginning of 2014. at the moment its characteristics look relevant only in the budget category. It’s somehow a pity to pay $165 for a model that is more than 2 years old, but if you need a phone with two active radio modules, then the choice is small.

HTC Desire 700 runs on a 1.2 MP quad-core processor. There is 1 GB of RAM, about 5 GB out of a total of 8 are allocated for data. There is a MicroSD slot. Screen – five-inch 960x540. The camera has a resolution of 8 MP, is equipped with autofocus and a LED flash. The device OS is already outdated Android 4.1.

The battery in HTC Desire 700 is removable, its capacity is 2100 mAh. Not much, but enough for a day of moderate exercise. But longer - that’s how it goes: if both SIM cards are active, the charge is consumed quickly.

Lenovo K910SS

Lenovo Vibe Z K910SS is another not new, but still relevant smartphone with two radio modules. It was released in September 2013 and was probably the last Lenovo to support simultaneous operation of both SIM cards in transfer mode. The model with two S in the suffix is ​​the version for China, which is not so easy to find, but still possible. The issue price is about 200 dollars.

The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. This is a quad-core chip operating at up to 2.2 GHz, which is the flagship of 2013. The Vibe Z has 2 GB of RAM, which is normal even by 2016 standards. About 12 GB (out of 16) are allocated for files; there is no memory card slot, but there is OTG.

The 5.5-inch diagonal screen is equipped with a FullHD IPS matrix. Protective glass (Gorilla Glass 3) is present. The 13 MP camera is unremarkable: there is autofocus, there is a flash, it records video in FullHD, the overall shooting quality is average. Initially, Android 4.2 OS was installed on the smartphone, later version 4.4 appeared, and craftsmen ported CyanogenMod based on Android 5.1.

The 3050 mAh battery provides autonomy, which is nothing to criticize or praise for. 4 hours of games, 8-10 videos, 12 readings, a little more than 2 days in standby mode - typical indicators for most smartphones.

Conclusion

Finding a current smartphone with two radio modules is not easy. As the review showed, all devices that support simultaneous activity of both SIM cards were released in 2013-2015. In addition, most of them are either made in China, or for China, or both.

Given the trend, soon the second radio module will completely become a thing of the past. However, if you don't want to miss a call on one card when another is active, you can simply set up cross-forwarding. And then the call to the unavailable number will automatically be redirected to the one from which you are currently talking.

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