Since the launch of the last iPhones in 2018, eSIM cards have been incorporated to other mobile models. The difference with traditional SIM cards is that they are not physical or occupy space. Many of us wonder which phones are compatible with the eSIM card, and in this article we leave you an updated list.
Be aware that in order to use an eSIM you must meet this requirements:
- Have an eSIM-compatible device.
- Having contracted the line with one of the operators that provide services with virtual cards.
- In case you travel, buy a travel eSIM for the destination you are going to, like Holafly’s eSIM cards.
Which cell phone support eSIM?
Here is the updated list of phones with esim, ordered by brand, as well as a detail of all models of each manufacturer.
| Manufacturer | Model | eSIM | Maximum eSIMs | Set up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone XR | Yes | 20 | QR, App operador |
| Apple | iPhone XS | Yes | 20 | QR, App operador |
| Apple | iPhone 11 | Yes | 20 | QR, App operador |
| Apple | iPhone 11 Pro | Yes | 20 | QR, App operador |
| Apple | iPhone SE (2020) | Yes | 20 | QR, App operador |
| Apple | iPad Pro (2018 y adelante) | Yes | 20 | QR, App operador |
| Apple | iPad Air | Yes | 20 | QR, App operador |
| Apple | iPad | Yes | 20 | QR, App operador |
| Apple | Watch series 3 | Yes | 1 | Aplicación |
| Apple | Watch series 4 | Yes | 1 | Aplicación |
| Apple | Watch series 5 | Yes | 1 | Aplicación |
| Pixel 3 | Yes | 1 | QR | |
| Pixel 3e | Yes | 1 | QR | |
| Pixel 4 | Yes | 1 | QR | |
| Huawei | P40 | Yes | 1 | QR |
| Huawei | P40 Pro | Yes | 1 | QR |
| Huawei | P40 Pro+ | No | – | – |
| Motorola | Razr 2019 | Yes | 1 | QR |
| Samsung | Galaxy Fold | Yes | 1 | QR, App operador |
| Samsung | Galaxy Z Flip | Yes | 1 | QR, App operador |
| Samsung | Galaxy S20 | Yes | 1 | QR, App operador |
Apple phones with eSIM
Apple is the manufacturer with the most phones with esim on the market. Since the launch of the iPhone XR and XS in 2018, all new devices have eSIM capability:
- iPhone XR (model A2105, from 2018)
- iPhone XS (model A2097, from 2018)
- iPhone XS Max (model A2101, from 2018)
- iPhone 11 (model A2221, from 2019)
- iPhone 11 Pro (model A2215, from 2019)
- iPhone SE (model 2020)
In addition to the iPhone, all Apple iPads with 4G connectivity that have come out since 2018 also support eSIM:
- iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
- iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
- iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
- iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
- iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
Samsung phones with eSIM
Samsung has waited almost two years since Apple began using eSIM to launch its own eSIM phones, although it is expected to extend this to its mid-range from 2020.
At the moment Samsung has three eSIM compatible smartphones, although the first bestseller is actually the Samsung S20, because the Samsung Galaxy Fold will be sold on a limited basis.
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Watch (via Samsung Wearable application
Google phones with eSIM
Google has been one of the first manufacturers to support the implementation of eSIM in his phones, together with Apple. All Google Pixel models are compatible with eSIM from Google Pixel 2, although we recommend consulting your Spanish operator first:
- Google Pixel 2 (not dual SIM).
- Google Pixel 3
- Google Pixel 4
Huawei phones with eSIM
Huawei is the first Chinese manufacturer to produce eSIM phones, so we can expect that many of their competitors will start to launch them in their high range as well.
At this time two models are compatible, the Huawei P40 and the Huawei P40+, but the Huawei P40 Pro+ is not compatible, apparently because of limitations imposed by its ceramic housing.
Huawei models only allow to have one eSIM installed at a time, and when the model is dual SIM the second slot is disabled, so two physical SIMs cannot be used at the same time as the eSIM.
Motorola eSIM phones
With the launch of its new Razr model in 2019 Motorla made the drastic decision to eliminate the physical SIM slot and use only eSIM, which probably anticipates the future of eSIM.
It is very likely that other manufacturers trying to minimize the size of their new models will adopt the philosophy of only eSIM in the future, although this will depend on how fast this technology penetrates the market.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM-compatible phones
Unfortunately the Samsung Galaxy S10 does not support eSIM, the first Samsung phones to do so are the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy Edge.
Unfortunately the iPhone 10 does not support the installation of an eSIM, the first Apple phones to do so were the iPhone XR and the iPhone XS in 2018. Previous models are not supported.
No, only the P40 and P40 Pro models are compatible. It seems that the ceramic case of the Pro+ prevents this for some reason.
Designer by profession, passionate about technology and details. As a designer I have worked on social projects, understanding the needs of users. Now at eSIM Holafly I will provide solutions to your concerns for your travels, understanding your wishes.
