Google 's new Pixel phones are still a ways off, but it looks like the upcoming smartphone could offer better Dual-SIM functionality than the current and previous Pixel smartphones. The Pixel 4 could offer true Dual-SIM functionality, allowing users to choose which SIM they want to use for calls and messages.
The Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 3, along with their XL variants, offer Dual-SIM functionality, as they support a secondary eSIM. However, they follow the Dual SIM, Single Standby (DSSS) protocol, which means that the networks offered by the physical SIM and the eSIM cannot operate simultaneously, and only the service provided by one of them can be used at a time. In contrast, the majority of Android smartphones from third-party manufacturers follow the Dual SIM, Dual Standby protocol, in which the service provided by both SIM cards is active and users can specify which one they wish to use for calls, SMS, and data. It now appears that the Dual SIM, Dual Standby feature will make its debut on Google smartphones starting with the Pixel 4, which is codenamed “Coral” and was spotted on Geekbench last month.
New developments suggest that the Pixel 4 may introduce support for the Dual SIM, Dual Standby (DSDS) protocol via an eSIM + physical SIM configuration, just like the iPhones released in 2018. There may also be the possibility of the arrival of Dual SIM, Dual Active (DSDA) support on the Pixel 4, which allows the use of telephony and data services of both SIMs at the same time, but it depends on whether Google equips the Pixel 4 with dual radios. In addition, Google seems to be testing enabling this feature on older Pixel smartphones, but it cannot be said for sure whether support for the DSDS protocol will be enabled on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 2.
