Phone with two active radio modules. Android phones with two radio modules

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 for when to have powerful smartphone With several SIM cards it is much more profitable than purchasing two different ones. What nuances are worth knowing:

  • The smartphones with two SIMs presented below work as follows: when using one SIM card (for calls, for example), the other goes into offline mode 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 usual Galaxy versions While the S7 models 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 random access memory
  • 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 – 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:

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 are talking 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. One of the advantages of this gadget is the presence of a port USB-C 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
  • Protective 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, card support MicroSD memory,MicroSDHC
  • 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

Due to numerous requests from our regular readers (and we are sure that all our visitors are regular :)), our article today will be devoted to smartphones with two radio modules. Smartphones with two SIM cards It’s already difficult to surprise anyone; almost all manufacturers have started producing such devices. But they have one small limitation. They will not be able to call you on the second phone number if you are speaking on the first one. We see that people are looking for these gadgets, but they are very, very difficult to find.

They have many undeniable advantages:

  • you are always connected, both SIM cards are active. If you have one SIM card for “home” and the other for “work”, your colleagues or relatives will always find you;
  • more stable Internet operation. When you talk to one number, the second one will still receive messages via e-mail or on social networks;
  • significant savings on calls. Connecting to two to different operators mobile communications, you can reduce your costs depending on your needs;
  • mobility. No need to carry two gadgets with you;

Unfortunately, such phones have one unpleasant feature: they discharge quickly.

But let's talk better about pleasant things, namely, what popular smartphones with two radio modules or two active SIM cards currently available in stores. Manufacturers do not particularly please us with such versions of phones; finding this smartphone is truly a rarity; we tried to select gadgets that can still be found in stores or bought on the Aliexpress site.

Let's start with, perhaps, one of the main hits of 2015. The Asus smartphone comes in three different versions, and, in our opinion, version ZE551ML is ideal. This is the epitome of simplicity and reliability. Beautiful 5.5-inch screen, Full HD IPS with Gorilla Glass 3 and oleophobic coating. Shows in the sun sufficient brightness and excellent color rendition. The cameras also pleased us: 13 MP main and 5 MP front, it is enough for video calls and excellent selfies. The cameras have many settings, so you can create real works of art. The amount of RAM is as much as 4 GB; we could not find applications or games that would slow down the work. 32 GB is available for storing personal data, i.e. In addition to a smartphone with two active SIM cards, you get an ideal, fast phone with excellent performance and NFC support. The battery is installed lithium-polymer with a capacity of 3000 mAh with technology fast charging. In 40 minutes the phone was charged to 80% from zero.

Huawei Ascend Mate7 Premium

  • Screen: 6 inches, 1920×1080(FullHD), 367ppi
  • Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 925 octa-core processor 4 A15 cores 1.8 GHz + 4 A7 cores 1.3 GHz
  • operating system: Android 4.4 with EMUI
  • RAM: 3GB
  • Internal memory: 32GB
  • Expansion slots: TF cards, support flash cards up to 128GB
  • Number of SIM cards: 2 sim cards(micro sim+nano sim)
  • Network: GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
  • Navigation: GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
  • Camera: 5 MP front camera, 13 MP rear camera, flash, autofocus
  • Ports: microUSB, 3.5 headphone port
  • Battery: 4100mA/h
  • Size: 81x157x7.9 mm
  • Weight: 185 grams

Huawei Ascend Mate7 Premium

Trademark Huawei This is not the first year that it has been delighting its customers with interesting new products, but the most interesting model smartphone with two radio modules we consider Huawei Ascend Mate7 Premium. Stylish design, durable metal case, the frames of the screen are minimal, the screen itself is 6 inches (read also), the sound quality is amazing, in other words, the “stuffing” is the latest technology. Android 4.4 is installed, but the manufacturer promised to release an update to 5.0. Fingerprint sensor It didn’t always work correctly, we are generally skeptical about such functions in a phone, but manufacturers think differently and are doing everything to increase the cost of the device. But for those who are afraid for their personal data and who have something to hide, this function may be useful.

RAM 3 GB, adding up to 4 GB would have been a rational decision, but we decided that this would be enough. Support LTE networks, the communication quality is excellent, GPS/GLONASS satellites are picked up quickly and with high accuracy. Supports memory cards up to 128 GB, but some users note installation options up to 256 GB. Built-in memory 32 GB. The battery in the smartphone is non-removable, capacity 4100 mAh, withstands 2 days of active load calmly, in addition, it is possible to recharge other devices using a special cord included in the kit.

The smartphone is positioned in the premium class, but it lacks something in terms of speed; there are minor problems with branded shell EMUI. But if this doesn't scare you, then Huawei smartphone Ascend Mate7 Premium with two active radio modules will be a real find.


The HTC model is already a little outdated, but among the smartphones with two active SIM cards you can choose from, this phone is one of the best. So, what can HTC ONE M7 Dual offer us? There is no need to delude yourself too much about the capabilities of the device, because... There is nothing outstanding about the smartphone. Unfortunately, there is a limitation on the operation of SIM cards: while the first slot supports 2G and 3G networks, the second slot only works with second generation networks. The smartphone is equipped with an aluminum removable back cover , which significantly makes the gadget heavier, but, at the same time, gives reliability and solidity.

When we saw that the smartphone only had a 2300 mAh battery, we didn’t believe it at first and thought that this was some kind of defective version of the phone, but it turned out that it was a real battery and not a joke. It is sometimes difficult to keep the charge even from morning until evening. You need to reduce the activity of using smartphones to a minimum or carry a PowerBank in your pocket.

Cameras are installed in the device, apparently, in order to simply say that they are there. Front 2.1 MP, rear 4 MP.

In all other respects, it turned out to be an ordinary average phone for those who need a dialer, but with two active SIM cards: RAM 2 GB, built-in 32 GB, proprietary interface HTC Sense UI has always been HTC's specialty. We personally didn’t have any problems with the work, but some note an “eternal” problem with the microphone, so choose the device carefully and check it directly in the store.


When purchasing a smartphone from Lenovo, make sure that the K910 model has two letters “S”, they mean that this is a smartphone with two radio modules. The phone turned out to be classic in design, but, nevertheless, it calmly copes with everyday tasks. On board good processor with a frequency of 2.2 GHz and RAM 2 GB. Unfortunately, only 16 GB of storage is available to the user, so we immediately advise you to purchase an additional memory card. The screen is excellent, with excellent viewing angles, resolution 1080×1920 and a diagonal of 5.5 inches, protected by glass Gorilla Glass 3. It fits comfortably in the hand and weighs only 147 grams. The microUSB port supports OTG technology.

The cameras are ordinary - 13 MP rear and 5 MP front. They are nothing outstanding, but the pictures come out quite decent. When working with two radio modules There were no problems, it’s a little inconvenient to choose which card to call from, but you can quickly get used to it.


Another smartphone from HTC was included in our article. Users call it one of best smartphones with simultaneous operation of two SIM cards. This is a simplified version of the company's famous flagship. The device works very stable. We did not notice any malfunctions. Looks very prestigious. There are no significant advantages in it, but there is something special about it, an ideal combination of price and quality. There is only 1 GB of RAM, and 8 GB is available to store your files, videos or photos, memory cards up to 64 GB are supported. The screen is 5 inches with a resolution of only 540x960, but it is made quite well and does not cause discomfort when working.

The smartphone uses technology HTC BoomSound, it provides superior sound quality with dual front-facing stereo speakers.

The 8 MP rear camera showed excellent results, even despite its modest characteristics. Video recording occurs in FullHD 1080p format.

Bottom line

That's probably all we wanted to tell you about smartphones with two radio modules. You should determine for yourself whether you need such a gadget or not. Unfortunately, manufacturers believe that it is inappropriate to produce such devices; in some European countries it is even legally prohibited to use such phones. Perhaps in the future the situation will somehow change, but today the forecast is negative. It all comes down to the battery, which, as usual, remains weak side all phones. You can have a mega-cool device, but if its battery lasts only half a day, then it is of no use. Tell us about your experience using such gadgets, write about them in the comments, and we will definitely review them in our next articles.

How not to drown in a sea of ​​dual-SIM smartphones, understand technologies without a dictionary and choose without a consultant good smartphone for 2 SIM cards - read our detailed guide.

Today it is difficult to find a smartphone without support for two SIM cards, rather than vice versa (the only exception is iOS devices). Even flagship smartphones, depending on the sales market and other criteria, are produced in several configurations - with one or two SIM cards. Are dual-SIM users really so necessary for humanity?

Yes. For several reasons.

Firstly, this is savings on a second smartphone: often, when moving to a new job, an employee can get new number- “worker”, with corresponding benefits corporate rates. You can choose a good inexpensive smartphone for corporate number, or maybe in your regular phone deliver a “working” SIM card.

Secondly, it saves on tariffs when calling numbers of subscribers of other operators. And although among Ukrainian networks there are favorable rates For such communication, someone, simply out of habit, can leave their favorite operators for calls within these networks. Internet tariffs, like the Internet services themselves, can also be included in this item: some operators have excellent 3G coverage - even in the metro, even in the mountains, there will still be online communication, pleasant unlimited or other attractive conditions of use mobile internet. It’s simply profitable to call from other cards.

And thirdly, 2 SIM can be used for frequent travel, trips abroad, by purchasing additional local cards mobile operators- so as not to lose connection with your main SIM and not waste all your money while roaming.

The point “one SIM card for conversations, the second for the Internet” is also logical because not all smartphones support the “both cards for 3G” function. More often you have to assign a card that will be responsible for going online. Therefore, if you are interested in models in which the Internet connection can be assigned to both SIM cards, carefully read the characteristics of the phones. Among inexpensive models, this could be Xiaomi Mi MAX, Sony Xperia Z3, Xiaomi Mi Note Pro, Huawei Honor 7, Lenovo Vibe P2 and other smartphones.

By the way, Apple is probably the last brand on the market that stubbornly does not produce dual-SIM smartphones. All iPhones have a single SIM card slot. And no matter what advantages the iPhone has over its competitors, there are enough buyers in the world who chose flagships instead of Apple. Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy Note 8 simply because they can accommodate two SIMs.

Although Chinese craftsmen have long invented an adapter that will supposedly allow two cards to work on one iPhone.

Pitfalls: hybrid slots

Dual SIM is a strong marketing ploy. We have noticed that recently, no matter what smartphone you pick up, there will be support for two SIMs marked “hybrid slot” (that is, combined with a memory card slot). And you have to choose: either additional memory, or additional number mobile In some models, this choice is not critical: the built-in 32 or 64 GB of memory is more than enough to store multimedia on a smartphone. But if the model has only 16 GB of internal memory (or even a makeshift 8 GB), two SIMs, but a “hybrid” slot, beware - it’s better to look for another smartphone.

Why is this happening? 16 GB is the minimum configuration for most, even Chinese manufacturers. Minimum means the cheapest. Chinese cheap smartphone in 99.9% of cases it works on one of the Android versions with custom firmware on top of the OS. The operating system itself takes up quite a lot of space and instead of the stated 16 GB, at best, you will have 12 GB at your disposal. Add weight on top custom firmware- and the available memory will become even less. Plus, install a couple of programs, take two or three dozen pictures or short videos - and then the service message “Not enough memory!” hangs on the screen.

Therefore, if the SIM slot is hybrid, and you really need both SIM cards in your smartphone and you are not ready to sacrifice for a memory card mobile communications- do not take models with built-in capacity below 32 GB.

Standards and characteristics

To choose smartphone with 2 SIM cards , you need to know the basics: what configurations there are for dual-SIM devices and how they differ. Next, decide which technology suits you best. Nothing complicated here, just two types:

  • DSDS (or Dual SIM Dual StandBy) means that of this smartphone There is only one radio module, so two SIM cards cannot fully work at the same time. There is only one radio module, so the SIM cards will work alternately: if they call you on one number, the second will be temporarily out of reach.
  • DSDA / DSFA (or Dual SIM Dual Active / Dual SIM Dual (Full) Active) markings are given to smartphones with two radio modules that can operate in parallel - convenient if you are one of those who always miss important calls on the second line, stuck on the first. In addition to the markings, whether there are two radio modules in the model or one, you can check it simply - by calling from one SIM card to another from the same smartphone.

The problem of connecting to the Internet on only one SIM is exactly about phones with one radio module. On models with two radio modules, in theory, both SIM cards should work with 3G. “Give me the one with two - it’s better!” the buyer, accustomed to making quick decisions, will think. But take your time. DSDA phones have their pitfalls.

The question of autonomy

On the one hand, you are always connected, but on the other, the characteristics of “always connected” and “two active radio modules” should be read differently: the smartphone will consume energy faster due to the need to keep two radio modules online at the same time.

Thus, a smartphone with two active SIMs can discharge 30% faster than a model with alternately active cards. There is a solution: buysmartphones with more energy-dense batteries , an energy-efficient processor or with a lower screen resolution (the backlight of which takes up the lion's share of the charge). Ideally, the battery capacity of a 5.5-inch smartphone with two active SIMs should be 3300-4000 mAh (more is better) so that you have enough energy for at least a day and a half of use. To save energy, you can also take a model not with Full HD (1920x1080 pixels), but with an HD screen (1280x720 pixels), although this is already extreme.

Did you know that the rate of charge consumption is affected not only by the type of radio modules, but also by the operator whose SIM you use, and the type of network to which you are connected? And besides dual-SIM smartphones, there are smartphones with 3 SIM cards . Don't ask why. Take it for granted.

Models with two radio modules may be more expensive than their analogues. So be careful with prices. This is not a sky-high difference, but even among Chinese smartphones it can be 25-40 USD.

TOP 7: selection of smartphones for 2 SIM cards

Most of the models in the selection are Dual Stand-By, that is, only one SIM card will work at a time. Simply because this makes the devices lighter, cheaper and more energy efficient. But we won’t leave the Dual Active model without attention either.

Price: ~500 USD.

SIM format: Nano-SIM.

The OnePlus 5T is a nice buy, if only because its analogues often cost $100 or even $250 more. And for 500 USD you get a 6-inch smartphone with one of the top processors of 2017 on board - Snapdragon 835, sky-high 8 GB of RAM and a 16 MP camera shooting in 2160p resolution. The battery capacity of 3300 mAh is alarming - for a smartphone with 6 inches this is not enough, especially since this is a dual SIM card.

On the other hand, 3300 mAh can be charged almost an hour faster than 4000 mAh: you can charge it more often and remove it from it faster.

Did you know , that the more capacity a smartphone battery has, the longer it will take to charge it? For example, a 4000 mAh battery takes on average 3 hours to charge. The charging process can be accelerated by a special Quick Charge adapter, with which you can charge up to half the battery capacity in 30-40 minutes. But such adapters are rarely included in the package of a smartphone - they have to be purchased separately, and not all smartphones support “fast charging”.

Price: from ~400 USD.

Technology: Dual SIM (dual active).

SIM format: Nano-SIM.

Huawei P9 is the first smartphone jointly designed with the famous Leica brand. This is a flagship whose feature is a dual 12 MP camera: Huawei P9’s mission is to reinvent smartphone photography. And also, add variety to the world of Dual Stand-By dual-SIM users, because... one of the “nine” configurations supports both SIM cards active, which is the exception rather than the rule for smartphones of this class.

Price: from ~450 USD.

Technology: Dual SIM (dual stand-by).

SIM format: Nano-SIM.

The Chinese compact Xiaomi smartphone Mi6 screen with a diagonal of 5.15″. In a year when there are many 5.5-inch models on the market, this one really seems miniature. It has a Full HD display, dual 12 MP cameras, 6 GB of RAM and the latest Snapdragon 835 under the hood. This means that such a baby is knee-deep in the sea. The battery here is also only 3350 mAh, but due to the smaller display diagonal, the smartphone will last longer than its 6-inch counterparts.

Plus, in addition to the version with 6 GB RAM, there is also a lightweight version on the market - Xiaomi Mi6 with 4 GB RAM. And, to choose from, 64 or 128 GB of internal memory.

Price: from ~350 USD.

Technology: Dual SIM (dual stand-by).

SIM format: Nano-SIM.

If you want a smartphone in the same oversized 5.15″ format and for less money, pay attention to the Xiaomi Mi5s: it is similar to the flagships of late 2016, but only costs half their price. It has a Full HD display, a 12 MP camera that shoots 2160p videos, 4 GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 821 processor. The filling is energy efficient, so the built-in 3200 mAh is enough for two days of use without recharging. Plus, this Xiaomi also comes in different configurations - with 3 and 4 GB of RAM, 64 and 128 GB of internal memory.

Price: from ~520 USD.

Technology: Dual SIM (dual stand-by).

SIM format: Nano-SIM.

Big, powerful and beautiful - this is about the 5.7-inch Meizu Pro 6 Plus. It has a clearer display with a resolution of 1440x2560 pixels: so if you, in addition to two SIM cards, also want excellent image quality, this is your choice! The model is equipped with a 12 MP camera with f/2.0 aperture and 4-axis optical image stabilization. 4 GB RAM and eight-core Exynos 8890 with Mali-T880 MP10 graphics accelerator are responsible for high performance indicators. The only drawback of this version is that our buyer is not used to paying that kind of money for Chinese smartphones. It's a shame, because this one is definitely worth the money.

Price: from ~200 USD.

Technology: Dual SIM (dual stand-by).

SIM format: Nano-SIM.

Another inexpensive option- choose Lenovo smartphone Moto G5. It is compact - 5.0″ Full HD screen, takes good pictures for a budget class with a 13 MP camera, is equipped with 3 GB of RAM and an average Snapdragon 430 processor. In addition, this Moto runs on “pure” Android, which has a positive effect on system performance and the regularity of receiving firmware updates. A nice bonus: among cheap smartphones, this one has one of the most accurate and fastest fingerprint scanners.

Price: from ~180 USD.

Technology: Dual SIM (dual stand-by).

SIM format: Micro-SIM/Nano-SIM.

One of the most popular and inexpensive dual-SIM models. Since its release, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X in Ukraine has become a real hit among those who wanted to get everything at once for little money. Including two SIM cards. There are no complaints about the phone: it pays for itself in full. The only remark is for the smartphone in basic configuration with the notorious 16 GB of memory (in addition, there are models with 32 and 64 GB on board). Since the SIM card slot is hybrid, you can put either a memory card or a SIM card in it. And we insist on a 16 GB memory card. Less than 16GB is critically small even for a grandmother who uses a smartphone for video calling and messaging with her grandchildren.

Articles and Lifehacks

From time to time there are people who are interested in a phone with two radio modules. True, they do not always objectively understand why they need it.
After all, existing dual-SIM telephones with one radio module in most cases suit everyone. Because it’s hard for one head to talk on two SIM cards at the same time.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Such a device allows you to simultaneously receive calls on two SIM cards, although it would be nice to have two mouths for this.
  • But you can use the second radio module in another way, for example, for a constantly active Internet connection via a second SIM card; perhaps someone needs this.
  • If you have not yet wondered why phones with two GSM modules are almost out of production, then we will try to clarify this point a little.
  • The first is the rapid drainage of the battery, because two GSM receivers consume twice as much electricity.
  • Accordingly, you will have to carry spare batteries or not move further from the house than the distance of the extension cord from the 220 V outlet allows.
  • Second, the harmful effects of radiation on the human brain. If you have not yet seen a video in which an ordinary egg is boiled using two mobile phones, then take a look - it’s very entertaining.
  • Modern standards try to reduce the negative impact of high frequencies on your head, and two radio modules ruin these efforts.
  • Third, placing two antennas in the case so that they do not interfere with each other is now very difficult, because in addition to the GSM standard, phones also use Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, NFC, and so on.

Models with two radio modules

If all of the above options do not scare you and still want to purchase a phone with two GSM modules, then we will provide a list of models in which a similar technical solution was found.

They have all most likely already become “used”, but new alternatives will be even more difficult to find.

So, phones: LG GX300, GX500, ZTE U960, Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos S6802 as well as series Samsung Duos with models C5212, C3212, B5702, C6112, B7722, B5722, D880, D780, D980, S9402.

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