Mini-SIM and micro-SIM is usually delivered in the form of a break out parts of a full-sized SIM-card
Full-size SIM-card (86Ch54x0,84 mm) - obsolete standard used in the first cellular phones (credit card size);
Mini-SIM-card (25Ch15x0,76 mm) - is widely used today in GSM-phones and most with 3G phones;
Micro-SIM (15Ch12x0,76 mm) - used in new models with 3G (Apple iPad and iPhone, Nokia N9, all models of Nokia Lumia lineup, LG U880, Samsung Galaxy S III, the new BlackBerry models, such as Z10, Q10, Sony Xperia and others)
Nano-SIM (13,3Ch8,8x0,67 mm) - There are 3 versions Nano-SIM:
(12CH9 mm) developed by Giesecke & Devrient (Eng.) Russian. with the participation of Apple. The thickness is reduced by approximately 15% compared to the others. Backward compatibility is carried out by means of an adapter.
(10x8) Nano-SIM version suggested by Nokia, which is something similar to SD-card. The advantage is that the card does not require special pallet, and hence is more space in the device, which can be used, for example to increase battery size. Unfortunately, this card can be used only in the newer devices with a special output.
(11x9) Nano-SIM, offered by RIM. Is similar to the Nano-SIM with Nokia, differ only in size.
Nano SIM format standardization should be completed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to the end of 2011 and the first phones with the appropriate connectors should be on sale in 2012. On 5.06.2012 approved the Nano-SIM dimensions: length - 12.3 mm, width - 8.8 mm, and thickness - 0.67 mm. nano-SIM official standard will be fully compatible with previous versions. Essentially, the new SIM card is the same as the micro-sim, with retracted plastic edges only. When deciding the experts considered that the proposal of Apple's most convenient and simple. [1]
Virtual SIM-card - the patent application filed by Apple.
SIM-card is usually available in the form of full-size cards, which allows to use them in the old standard phones. For use in modern phones it provides that the Mini / Micro-SIM module can be extracted only once ( "broken out") of the full-length cards.
Link to Proof