Two birds, one stone: Unleashing the full potential for simultaneous 5G cellular connections, thanks to our new Qualcomm DSDA Gen 2 with dual data

One of the earliest breakthroughs in smartphones, the multi-subscriber identity module (multi-SIM) phones, tried to address some of the connectivity challenges by enabling users to enjoy the benefits of more than one cellular network. 

However, it did not provide the full potential of utilizing two cellular connections simultaneously. For instance, you had to stop doing something you were engaged in — like gaming or video streaming — to answer a phone call. 

We’ve come a long way in the last few years, and our newest generation of multi-SIM technology known as Dual-SIM Dual-Active or DSDA puts these limitations behind us.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. introduced the first generation of 5G DSDA with the Snapdragon X70 Modem-RF System in February 2022, helping to enable the first 5G + 5G and 5G + 4G DSDA devices. Now, with the Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System, the DSDA capability is further enhanced with the dual data feature. Let’s take a closer look.

The evolution of 5G DSDA 

DSDA means a new generation of multi-SIM technology that enables 5G smartphones to have two cellular connections concurrently, based on two different SIM subscriptions: 

• It allows users to have a voice call on one SIM and browse the internet on another one. 
• Additionally, our solution extends DSDA to cover both 5G and 4G concurrently. This is a notable upgrade from the Dual-SIM Dual-Standby (DSDS) feature, which allows only one SIM to stay connected with active data or voice at a time.  
• On top of the DSDA features we introduced in the previous generation, DSDA Gen 2 introduces dual data, for more versatile and advanced 5G data usage use cases and to allow end users to utilize 2 data streams from two different subscriptions (SIMs) simultaneously. 

By enabling applications to utilize two data connections at the same time, we are enhancing the user experience, ultimately facilitating the widespread rollout of 5G.

 In addition to user benefits, this technology helps device manufacturers:

• Improve end-user experience with smarter 5G implementations in their next generation devices. 

Now, let’s look at some of the key usage scenarios enabled by DSDA.

1. Dual data (both SIM1 & SIM2 are serving data)

This key 5G DSDA use case significantly enhances data performance for end users by enabling the use of two data connections concurrently across SIM1 and SIM2, with the option to choose the best of them or aggregate both, if necessary, to reach higher data throughput. 

Dual data can also enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to innovate and differentiate their products with more complex use cases.

2. Gaming and Data + Voice (SIM1 serves Gaming & Data, SIM2 Serves Voice)

DSDA allows users to have uninterrupted voice calls while enjoying gaming and data usage on 5G. 

Picture it this way: You’re on a 5G network in the middle of a heavy multi-player gaming session, supported by the first SIM in your device. 

Say you receive a call on your second SIM:

3. Voice + Voice (SIM1 & SIM2 both service voice calls, one of them on hold)

DSDA lets users accept, reject or hold calls on their second SIM while on a voice call on their first SIM. 

For instance, say a user has both a personal SIM and a business SIM in their device. With DSDA, they can answer a personal call while keeping their business line open for critical workplace communications and quickly transfer back and forth without missing any call in the process.*

4. Gaming and Data + MMS/SMS

Another key DSDA use case involves gaming (or data usage) and messaging (multimedia messaging service (MMS) or short message service (SMS)). 

While a user is actively playing a game (or streaming a movie or downloading a file) on 5G using the first SIM, they can simultaneously exchange messages using their second SIM.

The future of 5G DSDA with dual data

Building a dual data device requires reimagining the phone design, from radio frequency (RF) antennas, RF modules and Modem-RF subsystem, all the way to the operating system and user interface. 

Our solution is built with the end user in mind and enables OEMs to differentiate with new use cases and improved user experience on their devices. 

Dual data paves the road for a superior user experience. The adoption of dual data also introduces application programing interface (API) from Qualcomm which helps to determine the best of two data paths and optimizes the use of both data connections across two SIM cards. 

The ability to dynamically determine the best of two data paths can open new opportunities for OEMs, enabling innovative new smartphone use cases, allowing it to extend DSDA to other types of devices.

Qualcomm is driving the technologies forward in tangible ways for users, operators, and OEMs alike, with the goal of enabling a world where everyone and everything is intelligently connected.

* The feature requires network support for call holding.

Editor's Note: This blog has been updated with links to the next generation of DSDA technology on September 4, 2025.