What is a SIM card and how many different kinds are there? First off, SIM stands for subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module. These modules are small memory cards that contain information for a mobile network. To learn more, check out the image below.
SIM Card Type
Physical Size
Year of Introduction
Generation Name (Form Factor)
Terminology
SIM - Subscriber Identity Module
ICCID
Full Size
85.6mm × 53.98mm × 0.76 mm
1991
FF1
IMSI
Standard / Mini
25mm x 15mm x 0.76mm
1996
FF2
IMEI
Micro
15mm x 12mm x 0.76mm
2003
FF3
MSISDN
Nano
12.3mm × 8.8mm × 0.67mm
2012
FF4
KI AND ADM KEYS
eSim (Non-Removable)
6mm x 5mm x <1mm
2016
eUICCID (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card)
OPC
ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier)
This is a number located on a SIM card itself that acts as a personal identifier