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SIM800L vs SIM900A GSM Modules
GSM modules use a SIM card and an RF chip to connect to the internet and phone network, providing microcontrollers with the capability to make calls and send SMS messages. The SIM800L and SIM900A are two such GSM modules, which will be compared in this article.
SIM800L and SIM900A GSM Module Specifications
|
Specification |
SIM800L |
SIM900A |
|
Supply voltage |
3.4V to 4.4V |
3.4V to 4.4V |
|
Bands supported |
GSM850, EGSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900 |
GSM850, EGSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900 |
|
Cellular network |
2G |
2G |
|
Audio I/O |
8Ω speaker, electret mic |
Earphone, electret mic |
|
Data |
SMS, GPRS, FM |
SMS, GPRS, FM |
|
Transmit power |
|
|
|
Communication with microcontroller |
Serial based AT |
Serial based AT |
|
Antenna |
FL connector |
UFL, SMA connectors |
|
SIM Card |
Micro SIM |
Full-size SIM |
Note: More technical details can be found in the SIM800L datasheet and SIM900A datasheet linked at the bottom of this page.
Major Differences Between SIM800L and SIM900A
The SIM800L and SIM900A are both very similar GSM modules, but the major difference is that the SIM800L model supports Bluetooth, and the AT commands for Bluetooth/FM are added. Of the two, the SIM800L is the newer model, with support for more features like Bluetooth and better signal reception, while also being cheaper.
|
SIM800L |
SIM900A |
|
Newer module |
Older module, nearing obsolescence |
|
Support for Bluetooth and FM |
No support for Bluetooth |
Conclusion
The SIM800L is a newer and updated version of the SIM900A with more features like Bluetooth connectivity and FM reception while having better signal reception and being low-cost.
Component Datasheet
Component Datasheet
