eSIM Enabled Phones: Complete List of eSIM Phones

Featured eSIM.net Support Team

eSIM phones take you beyond the limits of wireless connectivity.

Phones have used plastic removeable SIM cards for years, but the arrival of an embedded SIM (eSIM) marks a new era for mobile phones.

eSIM technology gives smartphone users more flexibility with their operators and data plans and requires no admin or contracts.

And luckily for us, there are many great eSIM phones already on the market – or perhaps your phone has an eSIM and you don’t even know it does.

This guide covers everything you need to know, including which phones have an eSIM.

The Journey of eSIM Phones (So Far)

eSIM technology was launched in mobile devices in 2015 with the debut of the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch and it only really started going mainstream with smartphones in 2020.

The uptake has been slow, but eSIM is the future for mobile devices and its adoption is projected to grow considerably over the next few years.

The GSMA predicts that 35% of all smartphone network connection will be made via eSIM enabled phones by 2025.

In the meantime, mobile users are realising its benefits and conveniences and manufacturers are releasing more eSIM compatible phones.

Apple, Google, and Samsung have all released eSIM enabled smartphones.

Need a refresh about what an eSIM is?

An eSIM is a rewritable SIM (subscriber identification module) that is embedded into the hardware of a device (hence the name). It cannot be removed.

eSIM technology was designed to supersede the plastic SIM cards that currently slot into phones. An eSIM accesses cellular networks through remote SIM provisioning.

Remote SIM provisioning is a specification realized by the GSMA that allows consumers to remotely activate the subscriber identity module (SIM) embedded in a portable device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, fitness band or tablet computer.

Find answers to commonly asked questions about eSIM phones on our FAQ page.

Read | Different Kinds of eSIM

A Complete (and Updated) List of eSIM Phones

All the major mobile device manufacturers have released eSIM phones, so there are plenty of options on the market. Most new phones will come with an embedded SIM card.

The latest iPhones have an eSIM (and standard SIM) and Android brands such as Samsung and Huawei have also launched smartphones with eSIM capabilities.

Here is a complete list of phones with an eSIM:

Apple Phones with an eSIM

iPhone XS, XS Max*
iPhone XR*
iPhone 11 OR LATER

*Devices bought in China or Hong Kong do not have an eSIM

Google Phones with an eSIM

Google Pixel 2
Google Pixel 3, 3XL
Google Pixel 3a, 3XL (Discontinued)*
Google Pixel 4 OR LATER

*No eSIM support for a Pixel 3a purchased in South East Asia

Samsung Phones with an eSIM

Samsung Galaxy S20 (All Models)
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G OR LATER
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
Samsung Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra, 20 Ultra 5G
Samsung Galaxy Note 20+
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE, 20 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE
Samsung Galaxy Fold
Samsung Galaxy Fold LTE
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

Other Brands

Motorola Razr (2019), Razr 5G
Huawei P40, P40 Pro (single SIM version) *
Huawei Mate 40 Pro
NUU Mobile X5
Oppo Find X3 Pro

*No eSIM support for the Huawei P40 Pro Plus

There are also smartwatches and tablets with an eSIM.

See a complete list of eSIM enabled devices.

eSIM.net is the leading UK eSIM store providing unlimited data, voice and SMS plans

Commonly Asked Questions about eSIM Phones

Below we have answered a few frequently asked questions about eSIM phones.

We have covered questions about what benefits they offer, which networks are eSIM friendly, and what kind of eSIM plans and services are available.

Jump to section:

What are the Benefits and Features of Phones with an eSIM?
Which Mobile Networks in the UK Support eSIM?
What eSIM Plans are Available?

What Are the Benefits and Features of eSIM Phones?

Aside from freeing up space for new components that will help smartphones evolve and become better – a bigger battery for instance – there are 5 other major ways an eSIM phone improves mobile connectivity and, ultimately, offers a better online experience.

1. Switch Between Different Networks

Perhaps the most exciting thing about phones with an eSIM is that they allow users to use various networks interchangeably, without the need for a new SIM card or contract.

Mobile users can buy an eSIM online, at any time, and simply download a new eSIM profile to their device.

This means complete flexibility and freedom to move to another network if you are travelling or need better coverage and deals on data.

2. Easily Get a Local Number While Travelling

All that network flexibility applies abroad too.

eSIM phones are popular among travellers and digital nomads because they allow users to use a local network without the need for a new mobile plan or to visit a mobile store.

This makes getting connectivity easier when you travel to other countries and helps you avoid excessive international roaming charges.

Global roaming eSIM plans and Destination Specific plans are designed for this.

3. Two Phone Numbers and Plans on One Device

eSIM capable phones can hold several eSIM plans simultaneously and give you a completely separate phone number if you have a dual-SIM phone.

Smartphones with an eSIM typically have a regular nano-SIM too, which allows users to have two independent mobile numbers and plans.

Having two numbers is great if you need a second number for work, but it is also perfect if you need another number for privacy or two-factor authentication.

Being able to store multiple eSIM profiles on a device means you can store several plans on a single device. This is ideal if you want to have separate voice and data plans.

A note on dual-SIM functionality

Most eSIM phones have an eSIM and a slot for a standard nano-SIM card (or variation). The Motorola Razr is the only phone that exclusively uses an eSIM.

Depending on where you get your device, your phone may use two nano-SIM cards for dual-SIM functionality instead of the eSIM and nano-SIM combination.

Watch | How to Set up and Use Dual SIM on iPhone

4. Experience the Power of 5G

eSIM phones give you access to 5G networks around the world if you’re using a 5G eSIM service. This means more coverage and better connectivity at home and abroad.

The great thing about using an eSIM with 5G is that you won’t have to get a premium plan or pay premium prices to access the 5G networks.

And with features like WiFi Calling enabled, you will never be out of touch again.

5. eSIM Phones Take a Few Minutes to Activate

Who doesn’t want to be able to step off a plane and buy and activate a mobile plan right there and then? Its ease of use is one of the best things about using an eSIM.

It is significantly quicker and easier to get and set up than traditional SIM cards. All it takes is scanning a QR code and a few quick on-screen taps.

Being able to activate an eSIM plans within minutes is one of the most appealing features of an eSIM for obvious reasons.

Say goodbye to waiting around for a SIM to arrive and visiting mobile stores!

Which Mobile Networks Support eSIM in the UK

All four of the major mobile networks in the United Kingdom support eSIM (O2, EE, Vodafone, Three). Specialist eSIM providers like eSIM.net also offer eSIM services.

Most mobile networks require you to order a SIM pack to activate the eSIM on your phone. Independent eSIM providers offer eSIM plans that can be bought online.

A QR code is sent to your inbox after you buy an eSIM online. You scan this QR code, follow a few on-screen prompts, and your new eSIM service will be live and ready to use!

Supported devices and eSIM services may vary from carrier to carrier.