If you’ve heard the term “eSIM” being mentioned and wondered what it’s all about, you’re not alone. eSIM stands for “embedded SIM,” which is a digital version of the small plastic SIM card we've been using in our phones for years. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, your phone connects to a mobile network through software. This makes switching carriers and managing your mobile plan easier—especially handy for frequent travelers who want to avoid swapping SIM cards in every country. One place to check for travel SIM options is https://simcorner.com/.
So, which phones support eSIM? Well, many newer phones now come with this feature, and more are adding it with each new release. Let’s take a quick look at some of the models that currently support eSIM.
Starting with Apple, most iPhones from 2018 onward support eSIM. That includes the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, right up to the latest iPhone 15 series. These phones usually let you use both a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time, which is useful if you have a personal and work number or if you want to keep a local SIM while traveling.
Google has also been on board with eSIM for a while. The Pixel 3 and newer models (Pixel 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, and so on) all have eSIM support. Just like with Apple, you can often run both a physical SIM and an eSIM together.
Samsung phones that support eSIM include the Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, and the newer S24 series, as well as the Galaxy Note 20 and the foldable Z Flip and Z Fold models. Do keep in mind that eSIM availability can differ depending on your country and copyright, so it’s a good idea to check if it’s active in your area.
Other brands like Motorola, Huawei, and Oppo have also started including eSIM support in some of their phones, though it’s less common. The Motorola Razr and some Huawei P-series models, for example, have this feature.
In short, if you’re buying a phone or already have a recent model, there’s a good chance it supports eSIM. It’s a small change, but it can make managing your mobile life a lot easier—especially if you travel or switch phone plans often.