An eSIM is an electronic SIM card. Unlike the standard physical SIM card we use for our cell phones, the eSIM is built into your device and you can’t remove it (nor should you need to remove it). esim phones
While eSIMs are still very new for cell phones, they’ve actually been in use for a few years now. Have you ever wondered how your Apple Watch connects to its data plan even though there’s no SIM card slot? That’s right, an eSIM.
The great thing about eSIMs is that it makes switching carriers and plans super easy. Compatible carriers are able remotely wipe the data on your eSIM and reprogram it—no more waiting around for your new SIM card to arrive. eSIMs allow you to switch plans within a matter of minutes.
eSIM phones:
Apple
- iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini* new
- iPhone SE*
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max*
- iPhone XS, XS Max*
- iPhone XR*
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11‑inch (2nd generation)
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iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation)
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iPad Air (4th generation)
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iPad Air (3rd generation)
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iPad (8th generation)
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iPad (7th generation)
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iPad mini (5th generation)
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE 5g
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Ultra 5g
- Samsung Note 20+
- Samsung Fold LTE model
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy S20, s20+ and S20 Ultra (Single SIM Nano-SIM and/or eSIM models )
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
Google Pixel
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 3 & 3XL ( Limited support )
- Google Pixel 2
Microsoft
- Microsoft Surface Duo
- Windows 10 PCs
Huawei
- Huawei P40 and P40 Pro
Others
- Nuu Mobile X5
- Lenovo Yoga 630
- HP Spectre Folio
- Gemini PDA
- Motorola Razr 2019
- Palm Palm
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*iPhones purchased from China or Hong Kong are dual sim, with no eSIM.
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Pixel 3a purchased in South East Asia
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No support for by Android Q Beta versions
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Samsung Galaxy S20 Hybrid Dual SIM – Samsung produce both eSIM and no eSIM versions
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**Huawei P40 Pro+ has no eSIM support
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Oppo, LG, HTC, Xiaomi, Honor, RealMe, OnePlus, Vivo – no eSIM support yet
eSIM Pro’s & Con’s
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+
- – Easy to switch from one SIM to another
- – Immediate activation once plan is bought (no need to wait for the SIM to arrive in the mail)
- – Great for traveling (using a travel SIM and your regular SIM at the same time)
- – No risk of losing or damaging your SIM when taking it out
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–
- – Not widely available yet
- – Not all phones have dual SIM functionality (can’t use both plans simultaneously)
- – Not many phones are compatible with eSIMs (yet)
- – If your phone breaks you can’t just take your eSIM out and use it in a back-up phone
Check out list with all possible wireless operators which support eSIM by countries here.
- 5Shares
