Dual SIM with Dual VoLTE – What it is & list of supported phones

Most smartphones sold these days are 4G enabled, but users cannot use 4G on both SIM cards simultaneously. The non-data SIM card falls back to 3G or 2G network. This posed a challenge to 4G only operators (like Jio in India) which do not work on 2G/3G frequencies. The limitation also meant that users were not able to enjoy HD voice calls using VoLTE on the non-data SIM card. The solution comes in the form of new chipsets which support LTE on both SIM cards at the same time.

Dual SIM Dual VoLTE (DSDV) Chipsets – The Future

The new chipsets from Qualcomm, MediaTek and Spreadtrum are challenging the old limitations. They now bring the technology (DSDV) to allow simultaneous LTE connectivity on SIM 1 as well as SIM 2. Hence, making HD voice and video calls on the secondary SIM card is now possible. It enhances and improves the calling experience for the users. Smartphone users can soon make the best out of their Dual SIM smartphones (and feature phones) by upgrading to phones which make use of these new chipsets.

Mobile operators are also slowly retiring 2G and 3G networks. So, there is a need for 4G + 4G standby smartphones to cater to the needs of the users. With 5G technology just around the corner, 2G and 3G have surely lived up to their life.

Features of Dual VoLTE:

• Both SIM cards on 4G network
• Superior HD calls with fast connectivity from both SIM cards at any point
• Use two 4G-only SIM cards in the one phone
• Minimal impact on battery & standby time of smartphones
• Use data on any SIM card and still make and receive calls on any SIM

Do you need Dual VoLTE in your phone?

Dual SIM with Dual VoLTE support is a upgrade to the calling experience. It allows you to experience the same HD calls over LTE as you do on your active data SIM. VoLTE offers upto three times more voice and data capacity than 3G (source). You can also use two 4G-only (Jio) SIM cards in your smartphone. You will be able to make calls from both cards at any point of time.

Hence, Dual VoLTE is a good technological improvement. It is a feature you should consider when looking to purchase a new dual SIM smartphone.

Will Dual VoLTE work on your existing phone via OTA update?

Dual SIM VoLTE support requires new hardware (modem). So, it cannot be enabled on older smartphones via a software update. And I also do not suggest you to upgrade to a new phone just for this reason, unless you have some serious requirements. However, you should ensure that you look for dual VoLTE when making your next smartphone purchase.

There are some new phones which have the upgraded hardware. If you buy a smartphone with a chipset supporting Dual VoLTE, then it can be enabled via a software upgrade (OTA). It still depends on the particular OEM to enable it or not.

Which chipsets support Dual SIM and Dual VoLTE?

Nearly all chipset manufacturers are working to produce chips with Dual SIM Dual VoLTE setup. These include big companies like Qualcomm & Huawei and MediaTek. Even Spreadtrum is considering to offer Dual SIM Dual VoLTE chipsets. Some of the chipsets which support Dual SIM LTE are listed below:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon – 630 (Nokia 7 & Nokia 6.1 got DSDV support via update), 636, 660, 845
• MediTek – MT6739, Helio P60, Helio P23, Helio P22
• Huawei – HiSilicon Kirin 970
• Samsung – Exynos 9810

List of smartphones which support Dual SIM with Dual VoLTE

Looking to purchase a new smartphone? Is LTE support on both SIM cards a serious need for you? Then, you can consider purchasing one of the following smartphones that support 4G DSDV technology.

Did we miss a phone that you know? Do let us know and we’ll add it to the list along with credits for your contribution.