How to Choose the Right SIM Card Connector: Size, Pin Count & Features
In modern electronics, SIM card connectors are essential components across mobile devices, IoT modules, tracking systems, and embedded communication boards. Choosing the right connector ensures reliable data transmission, device integrity, and long-term durability.
In this guide, we break down the key criteria—SIM card size, pin count, mounting type, and special features—to help you select the optimal solution for your application.
📐 1. Understand SIM Card Sizes
There are four standard SIM card sizes:
1FF – Full-size (now obsolete)
2FF – Mini SIM (25 × 15 mm)
3FF – Micro SIM (15 × 12 mm)
4FF – Nano SIM (12.3 × 8.8 mm)
📌 Today, the majority of devices use Micro and Nano SIM card connectors.
🧲 2. Pin Count: 6 or 8 Contacts?
SIM cards typically use either:
6 Pins – Standard for voice/data
8 Pins – For UICC/eSIM/USIM or secure payment applications
A higher pin count provides extra functionality but requires compatible contact alignment in the connector.
MOARCONN’s Nano SIM connectors offer both 6 and 8 contact designs with gold-plated terminals for signal integrity and durability.
👉 Explore our Nano SIM connector series.
⚙️ 3. Choose the Right Insertion Style
Common SIM card connector styles include:
Style
Push‑Push
Push‑Pull
Hinged
Tray Type
Description
Insert + spring eject
Insert manually, remove manually
Flap opens for card insertion
Card placed on tray, inserted into housing
Use Case
Smartphones, IoT
Embedded boards
Compact or secure designs
Mobile phones, wearables
MOARCONN offers hinged, push-pull, and tray-style connectors, designed to meet both high‑cycle durability and shock resistance requirements.
🧾 4. Mounting & Technical Specs
Key electrical and mechanical specs to consider:
Mounting Type: SMT / DIP / hybrid
Contact Material: Phosphor bronze with gold plating (recommended)
Durability: ≥ 3,000–5,000 cycles
Operating Temp: –40°C to +85°C
At MOARCONN, our SIM connectors are tested for extended thermal resistance, anti-misinsert design, and tight contact resistance (<50mΩ).
🧠 5. Advanced Features to Look For
High-end connectors now offer:
✅ Card detection switch – Detects SIM presence
✅ Mis-insertion prevention ribs
✅ EMI shielding for secure communication
✅ Customizable footprint & tray design
MOARCONN supports custom connector requests with quick mold turnarounds for IoT, automotive, and ruggedized consumer electronics.
🧪 6. Compliance & Reliability
Ensure the connector meets industry standards such as:
IEC 60870, RoHS, REACH
High insertion cycle life
Tape & reel packaging for pick‑and‑place machines
MOARCONN provides batch traceability, CAD files, and sample test reports with every product shipment.
📩 Contact us to request a free engineering sample or a custom connector quotation:
👉 www.moarconn.com/contact
✅ Conclusion
Choosing the right SIM card connector means balancing:
📏 Card size compatibility
🔌 Pin count & circuit need
🛠️ Mounting & durability
🔐 Features like switch & shielding
With over 15 years of manufacturing experience, MOARCONN is a trusted source for high-precision SIM, Micro SIM, and Nano SIM connectors—direct from our factory in Dongguan, China.
