Which devices have eSIM?
eSIM is a new technology that is quickly gaining popularity. It stands for embedded SIM, and it allows users to activate a cellular plan without having to insert a physical SIM card. This makes it a more convenient and secure way to connect your devices to cellular networks.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at eSIM, including what it is, how it works, and which devices support it. We will also discuss the benefits of using eSIM and why you might want to consider switching to it.
So, what is eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is embedded in a device’s firmware. This means that it does not need to be physically inserted into the device, which makes it more convenient and secure.
eSIMs work by using a technology called Near Field Communication (NFC). When you want to activate a cellular plan on an eSIM-enabled device, you simply tap it against a compatible NFC reader. This will allow you to download the carrier’s profile to your device and start using their services.
Which devices support eSIM?
A growing number of devices support eSIM, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables. Here is a list of some of the most popular eSIM-compatible devices:
| Brand | Device | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Apple |
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPad Air (3rd and 4th generation), iPad Pro (11-inch 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation), iPad Pro (12.9-inch 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation), iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generation), iPad Mini (5th and 6th generation) |
|
| Samsung |
Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip3, Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|
Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro |
|
|
| Huawei |
P40, P40 Pro, P40 Pro+, Mate 40 Pro |
|
| Motorola |
Razr 2019, Razr 5G, Edge+ (2022) |
|
| Nokia |
XR20, 8 Sirocco, 9 PureView, 9 Pro |
|
| OnePlus |
9, 9 Pro |
|
| OPPO |
Find X3, Find X3 Pro, Find X5, Find X5 Pro |
 |
| Sony |
Xperia 1 II, Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 II, Xperia 5 III |
|
| Xiaomi |
Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 12 Pro, MI 13 |
|
These are just a few of the newer phones that support eSIM. As eSIM becomes more popular, we can expect to see even more devices that support this technology in the future.
Comparison of the prices of eSIM-enabled smartphones and non-eSIM-enabled smartphones:
- The Google Pixel 6a starts at $499 for the non-eSIM version and $599 for the eSIM version.
- The Motorola Edge 30 starts at $499 for the non-eSIM version and $549 for the eSIM version.
- The Nokia XR20 starts at $549 for the non-eSIM version and $599 for the eSIM version.
As you can see, the eSIM versions of these smartphones are typically $50-$100 more expensive than the non-eSIM versions. This is likely because eSIM is a newer technology and there is a higher cost associated with developing and manufacturing eSIM-enabled devices.
However, it is important to note that not all smartphones with eSIM support are more expensive than non-eSIM-enabled smartphones. As I mentioned earlier, some eSIM-enabled smartphones are actually cheaper than non-eSIM-enabled smartphones.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy an eSIM-enabled smartphone or a non-eSIM-enabled smartphone depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a smartphone that is easy to switch between cellular plans and is more secure, then an eSIM-enabled smartphone is a good option. However, if you are on a tight budget, then you may want to consider a non-eSIM-enabled smartphone.
But even then, you can use eSIM services thanks to eSIM.me which can make almost all phones eSIM-supported phones.
Here are some indicative prepaid eSIM card prices:
