eSIM Compatible Phones: Comprehensive Guide

Embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, replacing traditional physical SIM cards, offers flexibility and convenience in mobile communication. So, which devices support this modern technology? In this article, we will examine in detail the eSIM compatible and incompatible models of popular brands, regional differences, and important points to consider.

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Apple (iPhone, iPad, Watch)

Compatible Models

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd gen - 2020)
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd gen - 2022)
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPad Pro (2018 and later - Cellular models)
• iPad Air (Cellular models)
• iPad (Cellular models)
• Apple Watch Series 3 (Cellular models)
• Apple Watch Series 4 (Cellular models)
• Apple Watch Series 5 (Cellular models)
• Apple Watch Series 6 (Cellular models)
• Apple Watch SE (Cellular models)

Important Notes and Exceptions

• Dual eSIM Activation: On iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series models (and later), you can activate two eSIMs simultaneously.
• Devices Without eSIM Feature:
  • iPhones from Mainland China generally do not support eSIM (some models have dual physical SIM slots).
  • iPhones from Hong Kong and Macao (except iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) do not support eSIM.
• Physical SIM Card Incompatibility (USA): iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max models sold in the United States do not support physical SIM cards; they work only with eSIM.
• Supported iPad Models: Only iPad devices with Wi-Fi + Cellular capabilities support eSIM. Wi-Fi only models do not have eSIM functionality.

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Samsung Galaxy

Compatible Models

• Galaxy Z Flip
• Galaxy Z Flip 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip4
• Galaxy Z Flip5 5G
• Galaxy Fold
• Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold4
• Galaxy Z Fold5 5G
• Galaxy S20
• Galaxy S20+ 5G
• Galaxy S20 Ultra
• Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy S21
• Galaxy S21+ 5G
• Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy S22
• Galaxy S22+
• Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy Note 20
• Galaxy S23
• Galaxy S23+
• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 FE*
• Galaxy A54 5G*
• Galaxy S24
• Galaxy S24+
• Galaxy S24 Ultra

(*) eSIM support for marked models may vary depending on the region and carrier. Please check the notes below and verify with your carrier.

Devices Not Compatible with eSIM and Exceptions

• Exceptions:
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G/5G models do not support eSIM.
  • US (United States) versions of the Samsung S20/S21 series (may be supported with some carrier updates, see below).
  • US versions of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G.
  • US and Hong Kong versions of the Samsung Note 20 Ultra.
  • US and Hong Kong versions of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2.
• South Korean Purchases:
  • Models such as Galaxy S20, S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G, S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra 5G, Note 20, Fold, Z Fold2 5G, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, and Z Flip3 5G purchased from South Korea (excluding specified new generation exceptions) are generally not compatible. (See note below)
• Originating from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan:
  • All Galaxy devices from these regions generally do not support eSIM.
• Fan Edition Models:
  • Most "Fan Edition" (FE) models, except for the Galaxy S23 FE, do not support eSIM.
• Galaxy A54 5G eSIM Availability Variations:
  • eSIM support for this model may vary by country/region and carrier. You need to check with your carrier.
• Specific Regional Support (South Korea - Current):
  • In South Korea, most Samsung Galaxy devices do not support eSIMs, except for the Galaxy S23 series, Z Flip4, Z Fold4, Z Flip5, Z Fold5, A54 5G, and Galaxy S23 FE.
• North American Variants (S21 Update):
  • The Galaxy S21 series (excluding FE models) in Canada and the US may support eSIM if the One UI 4 update is installed. Confirm with your carrier.

Important Note: The country of origin of Samsung devices directly affects eSIM compatibility. Be sure to confirm with your carrier or the device manufacturer (Samsung) whether your device supports eSIM in your location.

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Google Pixel

Compatible Models

• Pixel 3 & 3 XL*
• Pixel 3a & 3a XL*
• Pixel 4
• Pixel 4a
• Pixel 4 XL
• Pixel 5
• Pixel 5a
• Pixel 6
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel 7
• Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 8
• Pixel 8 Pro
• Pixel Fold

(*) Note the regional restrictions below for the Pixel 3 and 3a series.

Devices Not Compatible with eSIM and Exceptions

• Pixel 3 Models:
  • Not compatible with eSIM if purchased from Australia, Taiwan, and Japan.
  • Models purchased with service from US or Canadian carriers (excluding those on Sprint and Google Fi networks) do not have eSIM capability.
• Pixel 3a Models:
  • Those purchased in Southeast Asia do not support eSIM.
  • Models with Verizon service are also not compatible with eSIM.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact your carrier or check Google's latest updates.

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Huawei

Compatible Models

• P40
• P40 Pro
• Mate 40 Pro

Note: Huawei P40 Pro+ and P50 Pro models generally do not support eSIM.

Regional Restrictions

• All Huawei devices purchased in China do not support eSIM.

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Oppo

Compatible Models

• Find N2 Flip
• Find X3 Pro
• Find X5
• Find X5 Pro
• Reno 5 A
• A55s 5G
• Reno6 Pro 5G

Unsupported Devices and General Information

• OPPO Lite series does not support eSIM.
• eSIM support may vary by country/region and carrier. It is important for OPPO device owners to contact their carrier or OPPO directly to verify if their specific model is eSIM compatible.

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Hammer

Compatible Models

• Blade 3
• Blade 5G
• Explorer PRO
• myPhone NOW eSIM
• myPhone Hammer Construction

Regional eSIM Support

eSIM support for Hammer devices is limited to specific regions. It is important for users to contact their carrier or the device manufacturer directly to verify if their model supports eSIM in their region.

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Xiaomi

Compatible Models

• Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G* (Only in Japan)
• 12T Pro
• 13
• 13 Lite
• 13 Pro
• 13T Pro

General Information and Special Cases

• In general, eSIM support varies by country/region and carrier.
• Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G supports eSIM only in Japan.
• It is essential for Xiaomi device users to contact their carrier or Xiaomi directly to determine if their specific model supports eSIM.

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Sony Xperia

Compatible Models

• Xperia 10 III Lite
• Xperia 10 IV* (Only in Europe)
• Xperia 10V
• Xperia 1 IV
• Xperia 5 IV
• Xperia 1 V
• Xperia Ace III
• Xperia 5 V

General Information and Special Cases

• The availability of eSIM functionality on Xperia devices may vary depending on the country/region and carrier.
• Sony Xperia 10 IV supports eSIM, but this feature is specific to Europe only.
• It is crucial for Xperia users to contact their carrier or Sony directly to verify if their specific model has eSIM capabilities.

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Motorola

Compatible Models

• Razr 2019
• Razr 5G
• Razr 40
• Razr 40 Ultra
• Razr+
• Edge+
• Edge 40
• Edge 40 Pro
• Edge 40 Neo
• G52J 5G
• G52J 5G Ⅱ
• G53J 5G
• Moto G54 5G
• G84

Regional eSIM Support

eSIM functionality on Motorola devices is available only in specific regions. It is crucial for users to check with their carrier or Motorola directly whether their model supports eSIM in their region.

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Sharp Aquos

Compatible Models

• AQUOS sense4 lite
• AQUOS Sense6s
• Sense 7
• Sense 7plus
• AQUOS Wish
• Wish 2 SHG08
• Wish3
• Zero 6
• Sumaho6
• AQUOS R7
• AQUOS R8
• AQUOS R8 Pro

Regional eSIM Support

eSIM functionality for Aquos devices is confirmed to be available in Japan and may be available in other select regions. It is crucial for users to contact their carrier or the device manufacturer directly to verify if their model has eSIM capabilities in their country or region.

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Rakuten

Compatible Models

• Mini
• Big-S
• Big
• Hand
• Hand 5G

Regional eSIM Support

eSIM functionality on Rakuten devices is specifically available in Japan and may be extended to other select regions. It is recommended for users to contact their carrier or the device manufacturer directly to find out if their model supports eSIM in their location.

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Honor

Compatible Models

• Magic 4 Pro
• Magic 5 Pro
• 90*

Special Cases and Regional Support

• Honor 90 and Honor 50: These models may support eSIM, but compatibility can vary between different versions of the device; some versions may not be compatible. Caution is advised.
• eSIM support for Honor devices is region-specific and available only in certain areas. Users should reach out directly to their carrier or the device manufacturer to check if their specific model supports eSIM in their region.

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Nokia

Compatible Models

• XR21
• X30
• G60 5G

Regional eSIM Support

eSIM functionality for Nokia devices is not universally available and is limited to specific regions. It is recommended for users to contact their carrier or the device manufacturer directly (HMD Global) to determine if their specific model supports eSIM in their area.

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OnePlus

Compatible Models

• Open
• 11
• 12

Regional eSIM Support

eSIM functionality for OnePlus devices is available only in specific regions. Users should contact their carrier or the device manufacturer directly to find out if their specific model supports eSIM in their location.

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Vivo

Compatible Models

• X90 Pro
• Vivo V29 Lite 5G* (Only in Europe)
• V29* (European Version)
• Vivo X100 Pro

Special Cases and Regional Support

• Vivo V29 Lite 5G: eSIM support is available, but only for the European version of the device.
• Vivo V29 (European Version): Indicates potential eSIM support, implying users should verify the capability based on the specific model and region.
• In general, eSIM functionality can vary significantly depending on the country/region and carrier. For owners of Vivo V29 and V29 Lite 5G devices, especially those in Europe, it is crucial to contact their carrier or Vivo directly to verify if their device supports eSIM in their specific location.

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Other Compatible Devices

• Nuu Mobile X5
• Gemini PDA 4G+Wi-Fi
• Fairphone 4
• Fairphone 5
• DOOGEE V30
• OUKITEL WP30 Pro
• OUKITEL WP33 Pro

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Important Reminders and Conclusion

As you can see, eSIM compatibility can vary from brand to brand and even between different versions of the same model in different regions. It's important to remember the following points:

• Regional Availability: eSIM support can vary significantly depending on the device, country/region, and carrier. Even a model listed here might not be supported in your region or by your carrier.
• Verification is Key: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, be sure to verify with your carrier or the device manufacturer whether your device (especially models marked with * or having regional notes) is eSIM compatible.
• Country of Origin Factor: Especially for brands like Samsung, iPhone, and Pixel, the country where the device was purchased (e.g., USA, China, South Korea, Hong Kong) can directly affect eSIM compatibility.

We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you choose an eSIM compatible device or understand the status of your current device!