Dual sim or LTE?

[jamike77]

Why is it that so many phones are offered either in a dual-sim version (with 3G), or in an LTE version (with a single-sim). I don't see how having the LTE chip prevents inclusion of two SIMs. Is it a matter of space? I am interested in a dual-sim LTE phone, but there seem to be only one or two available worldwide for Vodafone's 800Mhz band...

[hrym]

I guess it's because that's where the market is - there's clearly a set of circumstances which creates a need.   Roaming is beginning to come together in Europe and, before long you'll be able to treat the whole continent as your home network, which makes a lot of sense.  A single SIM should therefore suffice.

[jamike77]

Makes sense. I won't need a dual-sim after Dec-2015 but until then I'll go through another 2-3 phones!!

[Voxpop13]

How many people carry around two handsets because they have TWO mobile numbers?  Companies used to have a single model policy which it could 'control', but recently there has been a move to allowing users a choice of phone.  A dual sim model would be perfect in this situation.  I have two vodafone mobile numbers and currently have two phones.  I would welcome the opportunity of buying a UK dual sim model.  At the moment, I am struggling to work out which models would be compatible with the UK network. 

[jamike77]

If you want some tips, I ended up going with the Asus Zenfone 5. Others that I considered were the HTC Desire 816 Dual SIM and the Galaxy Note 3 Neo Duos. The last one I was not sure wouldn't get locked in the UK, but mobicity.co.uk have it for £310. Presumably since it's a UK retailer it should work.

Others to consider are Samsung Grand 2 Duos, Sony Xperia T2 Ultra, Asus Zenfone 6, HTC Desire 700 Dual SIM and Huawei Ascend P7. I am 99% sure all of those will work on UK networks (as long as SIM unlocked obviously.

[Voxpop13]

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply.  I will look into some of the models, particularly the HTCs.

[hrym]

Because none (as far as I know) of the UK networks explicitly supports the dual-SIM approach, I'd be inclined to ask any retailer, even if UK-based, whether the device will work on the particular network you want it to.  That way, you have some comeback if it doesn't.   You may also be able to deduce their own level of support from their reply.

For whatever reason, there doesn't seem to be as much demand for dual-SIM devices in the UK as there does in, for instance the Far East.

A lot of companies still have policies on what employees can do with their phones, for security reasons.   Blackberry attempted to address that and create a dual-personality device, but it wasn't what you'd call a howling success.  Also, a lot of dual-SIM devices only support 2G on the second SIM, which is less than desirable, unless you only want that for calls and texts.

[Voxpop13]

I have two active Vodafone mobile numbers and it would be so much better if I could put both sims into one handset.  I am not concerned about 2G so long as 3g is also available.  The networks in this country are not interested in true freedom of choice and dual sim devices threaten market share.

I shall study the 'frequency' for a UK compatible model and see what is actually available.

[jamike77]

All of the models I listed above will work. Galaxy Note 3 Neo Duos is not 100% guaranteed but this has nothing to do with dual-sims. It's related to Samsung's policy of locking devices if they are purchased abroad. Technically, dual SIM phones may not be officially supported by UK carriers, but I don't quite see what is there to support, I am not even sure Vodafone can detect that my two SIMs are being used in a single device.

The only issue is LTE (which is why this thread was started in the first place), which cannot be found on any dual-SIM phones because they were designed for another market which uses different bands. But as long as you are okay with 3G, the selection of dual sims is actually quite good as I outlined some of the models above.

[hrym]

If the device works, fine, it works.  However, there are preiodically threads here from people who are trying to get imported devices to work and they simply don't for reasons no-one can fathom.  I don't think it's a question of market share being threatened - after all, if you have two Vodafone SIMs, it makes no differnce to Vodafone whether you put them in one or two devices.  Ditto if you have one Vodafone and one O2, actually - you'd still be using two networks even if you carry two phones.

I can see the point of a dual SIM device, I just don't think there's a huge demand for it.  If there was, the major manufacturers would be selling their devices here and providing at least some support themselves.  And no, I don't think the networks squash them - after all, it would make a heck of a usp for one of the smaller ones.

[Voxpop13]

Thanks jamike.  I took a look at all the models you suggested, but they are HUGE.  Moto has a dual sim model I will look at this.  I am not buying into LTE at the moment.