New Phone Hardware, Not eSIMs, Drives Faster 5G Speeds on 2022-and-Later Models

3 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · May 17

Faster 5G on newer phones comes from upgraded modems, antennas and other hardware—not from using an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card.
The myth grew because many recent handsets added eSIM support while carriers expanded 5G coverage, making speed gains and eSIM adoption appear linked.
Network conditions still shape performance: coverage gaps, weak reception and congestion can slow mobile internet even on newer devices.
eSIMs still offer practical benefits, including QR-code activation, easier travel setup, simpler number recovery after loss or theft, and storing multiple profiles.
Apple began selling eSIM-only iPhones in the U.S. with the iPhone 14 in 2022, while vendors also use the freed-up slot space for thinner designs or larger batteries.

With SIMs now being built into a phone's processor, what new backdoors are being created for hackers?

As physical SIMs vanish, are we handing big tech the keys to our digital identity?

When eSIMs connect everything from cars to cities, who is liable when critical systems are remotely hacked?