eSIM (embedded SIM) technology is rapidly becoming a standard feature in modern smartphones, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and enabling seamless switching between mobile networks. M.Video-Eldorado Group, a leading company in the field of e-commerce and retail trade in electronics and home appliances in Russia, reports that sales of smartphones with eSIM in the M.Video-Eldorado chain of stores increased by 33% in 2024 compared to 2023. Analysts from Unisimka found out that the top 3 most common smartphones where users insert a module to equip the phone with an eSIM include Xiaomi, Samsung, and Huawei.

Sales of smartphones with eSIM technology support in the M.Video-Eldorado Group chain of stores last year grew by 33% in quantitative terms compared to 2023. Samsung became the sales leader; demand for models with eSIM increased by 4086% over the year. Xiaomi smartphones took second and third places in popularity, showing an increase of 260%, and Google devices with an increase in demand of 237%.

At the same time, a survey by Unisimka, a manufacturer of modules for upgrading phones to an eSIM version, showed that 10% of users are ready to switch to phones with eSIM technology support if the price is acceptable. More than 1,000 people took part in the survey. More than 38% of respondents said that the presence or absence of eSIM support in the phone does not matter to them.

The M.Video-Eldorado network offers more than 900 models of various smartphones, of which about 300 models support eSIM technology. These are mainly Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi brands. The cost of such smartphones starts at 30 thousand rubles. At the same time, a regular phone without eSIM support can be purchased at a much lower price—from 6 thousand rubles for models of Xiaomi, Poco and Tecno brands. Such smartphones can be updated using a special module.

Thus, analysts from Unisimka found out that Xiaomi is the most popular smartphone on which users installed a module to support eSIM technology (30%). The top 3 most common devices also included Samsung (18%) and Huawei (10%). The conclusions were made based on anonymized data of subscribers who activated the module on their phones.

Are eSIM smartphones more expensive?

Not necessarily. The presence of eSIM technology itself does not significantly increase the price of a smartphone. Instead, pricing depends on the brand, model, and overall features of the device. High-end flagship smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Google often include eSIM support, but this is due to their premium hardware and features rather than eSIM functionality alone. However, many mid-range and even some budget devices now come with eSIM support, making it accessible at various price points.

Is the number of eSIM-enabled smartphones growing?

Yes, and at a fast pace. Initially, only a handful of flagship models supported eSIM, but now, an increasing number of manufacturers integrate eSIM technology across their lineups. Apple has fully embraced eSIM, even removing the physical SIM slot entirely in U.S. versions of the iPhone 14 and later models. Samsung and Google have also expanded their eSIM-compatible devices, and more Android manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Oppo, and Motorola, are following suit.

With global carriers and mobile operators enhancing eSIM support, the adoption of eSIM smartphones will continue to rise. Industry trends suggest that in a few years, eSIM may replace physical SIM cards entirely in many regions.