The Best Dual SIM Phones for 2020

Dual SIM phones are exceptionally popular outside the UK, and they do have plenty of advantages. And with more and more dual SIM models becoming available, now could be the time to invest. Why should you want one? Which one should you pick? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about dual SIM phones, and we’ve got some great model recommendations too!

Why You Need a Dual SIM Phone

Okay, dual SIM phones aren’t for everyone, but they do have a fair few benefits. A dual SIM phone allows you to put two SIM cards into your mobile. Maybe that’s one for business and one for pleasure (so you don’t need to carry a work and a personal phone). Maybe that’s one for the UK and one for somewhere else (for example you’re a frequent traveller and need a SIM for the USA). Maybe that’s one with unlimited calling and minutes, and one with a great cheap data plan from a different network.

Having two SIM cards just gives you more flexibility, and can help you save money too. And since nowadays a dual SIM phone can have all the same features as a regular smartphone and looks and feels just the same, there are no huge disadvantages to going dual SIM.

How Does a Dual SIM Phone Work?

Before we get into options, let’s talk a little bit about how a dual SIM phone is going to work. Nearly all dual SIM phones nowadays are dual-standby. This means that whilst both SIM cards are in the phone at the same time, they’re not both always on. Instead, you’ll need to decide which SIM card to use for which action. The setup process on your phone will instruct you how to do this, and you can either set a SIM card for a certain action (i.e. SIM 1 will always be used for making calls), or instruct the phone to ask you which SIM you want to use each time you do something.

You also have the option of disabling one SIM for a period of time (useful if you’re abroad and want to use only a local SIM). And whilst both SIMs are in your phone you’ll be able to receive calls and texts from both (without needing to specify, the call or text will simply come through).

This all means that there are going to be extra steps when setting up your phone, and maybe even when using it (if you’re set to “always ask” for example, every time you open your phone’s dialler you’ll be asked which SIM you want to use to make the call). But this could be a price worth paying if you’re in a position where you need a dual SIM phone.

What Are My Options?

As with most things in life, your dual SIM phone options come down to one big factor: money. A dual SIM phone is just another smartphone, and other than specs there’s little to choose from between them. So we divide dual SIM phones into price classes instead.

High End

A high-end dual SIM phone is going to cost you from £500 and up. You’ll get great features, fast speeds, and awesome top end specs. There’s little not to like about a high-end smartphone, other than that price tag, obviously…

Pros: Great specs, great speeds, loads of features

Cons: High-end phones are a big investment, and those price tags can be eye-watering

Best For: Those who aren’t on a budget, and demanding phone users who need lots of power and big specs to get the job done

Mid Range

A mid-range dual SIM phone is going to cost you between £250 and £499. They’re going to be a good combination between price and features. You might miss out on a few high end specs, and speeds may be a little slower, but on the whole, you’re going to get a well-performing mobile for a decent price.

Pros: You can save a little money, and you’ll still get a great phone that’s fast enough for most people

Cons: Lack of high-end specs means speeds won’t be super fast, and screens might not be super HD, so there will be some compromises

Best For: Those who want a decent phone but that don’t want to spend a whole bunch of money

Budget

Last, but not least, there are budget dual SIM options. You can get a phone for under £250 that will do the job. Be aware that there will be sacrifices though. This generally means slower processing speeds and displays that aren’t HD. However, you’ll get a solid, working phone, and you won’t have to take out a bank loan…

Pros: Cheap and cheerful, excellent if you’re on a budget

Cons: You won’t have lots of power or a fantastic HD screen, and there may be other sacrifices too

Best For: Those who are on a budget but really need a dual SIM phone

What Do I Need to Think About Before Buying?

Before you start looking at models, there are a few things that you’re going to want to spend a little time thinking about:

Do I Need a Dual SIM Phone?

Seriously consider whether this is a good decision for you. Yes, dual SIM phones are pretty affordable and can be used with only one SIM if you like. However, choices are limited, and you’re more likely to find a great phone within budget if you don’t restrict yourself to dual SIM models…

What’s My Budget?

Give a little thought to how much you can really afford to pay. Whether you’re buying outright or buying on a contract through a network with monthly payments, it’s not worth getting yourself into debt over a phone. And remember, phones get lost, stolen and broken, so there’s always a chance that you’re going to need to cough up for another phone in the near future…

What are My Priorities?

We all use our phones differently. If you’re a big video watcher, then a phone with a great screen might be a priority. If you love music, you might be looking for something that has a headphone jack. Think about how you use your phone and what features and specs are important for you personally since this will help narrow down your options…

What Features Should I Be Looking For?

So, what features should you be looking for on this phone? Pretty much you’ll be looking at the same things as any regular phone shopper is looking for, and that means checking out specs:

• Power: You want a phone that’s responsive to your touch, and that works quickly, without lagging. So you should be looking at processor and RAM specs. For processors you should be looking at a minimum of quad core, 1.75 GHz (bigger means faster), and for RAM you want at least 2 GB, but more is much, much better
• Display: This one depends on you, but the larger a display is, the easier it is to see and to type on. However, a large display can mean that it’s difficult to use your phone with one hand, or to slide it into your pocket. Screen resolution numbers tell you how clear and sharp a display is, with higher numbers meaning better definition
• Memory: You use internal storage to store everything on your phone, pictures, videos, apps, and the operating system. The more memory you have, the more stuff you can store. When memory fills up, you get annoying notifications about your phone being full and your mobile slows down, so you want plenty of memory. Look for a minimum of 16 GB, with more being better
• Extras: Depending on what you’re looking for, there might be other things that are important to you. If you like taking pictures, then a decent camera set (minimum 12 MP, dual lens is better than single). If you’re constantly on Bluetooth then the latest Bluetooth version could be important to you. The extras really revolve around how you use your phone and what important for you personally

How We Selected Our Top Models

Before we get to our actual recommendations, first let’s talk about how we choose them. We looked at the budget, obviously, since money is always a factor in shopping. We looked at specs as well, choosing the best specs we could get for our budget ranges.

We also checked out customer reviews so we knew how phones performed over time and how satisfied others were with their purchase. Plus, since we spend our time surrounded by mobile techs, experts, and the kinds of people that use mobiles all day, every day, we got plenty of professional feedback as well.

Right, now it’s time to get on to the good stuff. Which dual SIM phones are the best around for 2020?

A Closer Look

You should have a better idea now of what exactly you’re looking for. But lets take a closer look at our top 8 picks for dual sim phones in 2020.

The Huawei Mate 20 Pro (High End)

Price: £740

Power: Octo core processing, 6 GB of RAM

Screen: 6.4 inches

Cameras: Triple lens 40 MP, 20 MP, 8 MP rear camera

Let’s start off with the most expensive phone on this list, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro. This is a serious top end phone. You get octa-core processing power, with a quad-core 1.8 GHz processor, plus a dual-core 1.92 GHz and a dual-core 2.6 GHz processor, and a full 6 GB of RAM. This means that the phone is fast and very responsive.

There’s a huge 6.4 inch, full HD display, and that’s an AMOLED screen, so you’re getting great clarity and colour reproduction. There’s a 24 MP front camera, and a whopping triple lens rear camera (with a 40 MP, a 20 MP, and an 8 MP lens), with 128 GB of internal memory. Plus, Mate 20 Pro is waterproof and dustproof as well. And there’s a huge 4200 mAh battery on board for long battery life.

There are tons of high-end specs here, and performance is excellent. However, this is an expensive phone, and that’s going to be a deal breaker for some people. And not many people will need the massive amounts of power this phone has.

The Honor 10 (Mid Range)

Price: £308

Power: Octo core processing, 6 GB of RAM

Screen: 5.8 inches

Cameras: Dual lens 24 MP and 16 MP rear camera

If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, then the Honor 10 is a great compromise choice. You still get tons of power. There’s octa-core processing (made up of a quad-core 1.8 GHz and a quad-core 2.4 GHz processor) and again, 6 GB of RAM. This phone isn’t quite as powerful as the Mate 20 Pro, but it’s pretty close, and it’s very responsive too.

The 5.8-inch display is HD, and it’s an LCD screen too, so it’s nice and clear. At the front, you’re seeing a full 24 MP camera, and the rear has a dual lens (24 MP and 16 MP) cam. There’s 128 GB of internal memory, so plenty, and there’s a solid 3400 mAh battery, so battery life is pretty good.

On the downside, that display isn’t as good as it gets, especially if you’re into watching HD video. And whilst battery life is good, it could be better. However, at this price point, the Honor 10 is an awesome buy.

The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite (Budget)

Price: £175

Power: Octo core processing, 3 GB of RAM

Screen: 5.8 inches

Cameras: Dual lens 12 MP and 5 MP rear camera

On a budget? Not to worry, this is by far the cheapest phone on our list, and it’s a pretty good one. You still get solid octa-core processing, with an 8 core 2.0 GHz processor on board, and there’s 3 GB of RAM, so the Mi A2 Lite is no slow-coach. In fact, this is one of the fastest budget phones around.

There’s a 5.8 inch HD display, again that’s LCD. You’re not getting super HD, but this should be more than enough for most people. There’s a 5 MP front camera, and a dual lens (12 MP and 5 MP) rear camera. You get 32 GB of internal memory, but there is an SD card slot so you can add more if you want. Finally, a huge 4000 mAh battery gives this phone a fantastic battery life.

As for the downsides, the camera set really isn’t that great, so if photos are a priority for you, this won’t be a good choice. And only 32 GB of internal memory isn’t a great deal either, so you’ll want to invest in an SD card. But for under £200, this is a great budget buy.

The OnePlus 6T (High End)

Price: £529

Power: Octo core processing, 6 GB of RAM

Screen: 6.4 inches

Cameras: Dual lens 20 MP and 16 MP rear camera

The OnePlus 6T is one of the most affordable flagship phones around, and you get a lot of bang for your buck. There’s octa-core processing power (made up of a quad-core 1.7 GHz and a quad-core 2.8 GHz processor) and a full 6 GB of RAM, so you’re getting lightning fast speeds and great responsiveness.

The display is a solid 6.4 inches, full HD, and it’s an optic AMOLED screen as well, so clarity and colour are excellent. Up at the front, there’s a 16 MP camera, and the back features a dual 20 MP and 16 MP cam. You get 128 GB of internal storage, and a decent 3700 mAh battery as well. Not bad for just a little over £500.

There aren’t many negatives here. Battery life could be a little better, and there’s no triple lens camera as seen on the Mate 20 Pro. But on the whole, this is a fantastic dual SIM phone for a fantastic price.

The Nokia 6.1 (Mid Range)

Price: £269

Power: Octo core processing, 4 GB of RAM

Screen: 5.5 inches

Cameras: Single lens 16 MP rear camera

Nokia are a well-known name on the mobile market, and the 6.1 is by far their best dual SIM option. You get octa-core processing, with an 8 core 2.2 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM. Speeds aren’t the fastest around, but they’re pretty good, and the Nokia 6.1 is very responsive to input.

The display is HD, and it’s 5.5 inches, which is pretty comfortable to use. It’s an LCD display though, not AMOLED. The front camera is only 8 MP, and there’s only a single lens 16 MP cam at the back, but both of those get Carl Zeiss optics, meaning they’re still pretty good despite the low MP number. There’s 64 GB of internal memory, which is a fair amount, and a 3000 mAh battery on board.

This is a phone of compromises. The cameras could be better, as could the RAM and battery life. However, for this price point, these aren’t bad specs, and that display is very nice indeed.

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Duo (Budget)

Price: £229

Power: Octo core processing, 4 GB of RAM

Screen: 5.5 inches

Cameras: Dual lens 13 MP and 5 MP rear camera

Another budget option and Samsung have been making dual SIM phones for some time now, making them a reliable choice. The J7 Duo gets octa-core processing (six-core 1.6 GHz and a dual-core 2.2 GHz processors) and 4 GB of RAM, making it pretty fast for this price point. It’s great at multitasking in particular.

The display is a decent 5.5 inches, and though it’s not true HD it is an AMOLED screen so colour reproduction is very good. The front sees an 8 MP camera, and the back gets a dual lens 13 MP and 5 MP cam, which is unusual for this price range. You get 32 GB of internal memory, which could be a little low for some. Finally, there’s a 3000 mAh battery on board.

We don’t expect to see amazing specs at this price range, and the J7 Duo could use a higher definition screen and a better camera set. On the whole though, for a budget dual SIM phone, the J7 Duo gets plenty of power, and it’s a good deal.

The Honor View 20 (High End)

Price: £600

Power: Octo core processing, 8 GB of RAM

Screen: 6.4 inches

Cameras: Dual lens 48 MP rear camera

Another pricey choice, but this one is a truly amazing phone. The Honor View 20 gets octa-core processing (quad core 1.8 GHz, dual-core 1.92 GHz, and dual-core 2.6 GHz) as well as a whopping 8 GB of RAM, making this the fastest and most powerful phone on this list. Performance really is incredible here.

There’s a full HD 6.4-inch display, though it is LCD, not AMOLED. Up at the front, there’s a 25 MP selfie cam, and around at the back you’re seeing the world’s first dual lens, 48 MP, 3D camera, so if you love pics this is the phone for you. There’s a stunning 256 GB of internal memory, plus a huge 4000 mAh battery. What’s not to love?

There really aren’t any big downsides here. Screen resolution could be a little higher, though the display is still fantastic. It’s a little pricey, but it is a high-end phone. If you’re looking for a great camera phone though, this should be a clear choice.

The Xiaomi Mi 8 (Mid Range)

Price: £370

Power: Octo core processing, 6 GB of RAM

Screen: 6.2 inches

Cameras: Dual lens 12 MP rear camera

Finally, another decent mid-range choice is the Xiaomi Mi 8, which is very affordable given its specs. There is octa-core processing here (quad-core 1.8 GHz plus quad-core 2.8 GHz), plus 6 GB of RAM, so you’re looking at a fast and responsive phone where performance really shouldn’t be an issue at all.

The display is an AMOLED screen, and it’s 6.2 inches, as well as full HD, so it’s pretty perfect. The front camera is 20 MP, and there’s a dual lens 12 MP cam at the back. You get a solid 128 GB of internal memory, and a 3400 mAh battery as well. Not a bad little package for under £400, particularly given the power involved.

The sacrifices? The camera set isn’t the best around, and battery life could definitely be better. Other than that though, this is a powerful phone with a great display and one that’s affordable as well.

It used to be that dual SIM handsets were expensive and low powered, but times are changing, and there are some awesome dual SIM smartphones on today’s shelves. If you’re looking for a great phone that just happens to be able to run two SIM cards then any one of the eight above is going to be a stellar choice.

Questions? Feedback? Feel free to contact us.