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Top 4 cheapest eSIM phones to buy in 2024
Google Pixel 8a, Samsung Galaxy A35, iPhone SE, and Motorola Moto G 5G are the best affordable eSIM phones that you can buy brand new today.
eSIM technology has been around for a good few years now. And while it may have only been included in expensive flagship phones at first, that’s no longer the case. There are quite a few budget eSIM phones available today, so you can enjoy the most modern way to stay connected without breaking the bank.
Let us aid you in your search for the cheapest eSIM phone. Follow along for a list of the best affordable options that you can buy brand-new today.
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What is an eSIM?
Before diving into affordable eSIM smartphone options, let’s take a brief look at what an eSIM is.
eSIM, or embedded SIM, is the latest step in the evolution of SIM cards. It replaces the need for physical cards with a chip already embedded in your phone. It works just like any other SIM card, except for the fact that you have to activate it digitally, rather than inserting it in a slot on your phone.
To activate your eSIM, you’ll need an eSIM-compatible phone and a valid eSIM plan, which you can get from a local carrier or a global eSIM provider. With it, you’ll receive a QR code. Scan it and follow the simple steps to set up your eSIM and get connected.
Top 4 cheap eSIM-compatible phones
Now that any doubts about eSIM technology are cleared up, let’s take a look at some of the best affordable eSIM-compatible phones you can buy today.
1. Google Pixel 8a
Google has included eSIM capability in all its budget phones since the Pixel 3a, and the 8a is no exception. It’s the cheapest Google Pixel phone sold new and costs $399. Earlier models, such as the 7a and 6a, are no longer available but can still be a great option if you come across a clearance sale or decide to buy a used phone.
The base model Pixel 8a includes 128 GB of storage, offers solid performance, and even an AI-infused camera, making it a solid purchase for anyone on a budget.
Check out our guide on how to set up an eSIM on Google Pixel and get connected.
2. Samsung Galaxy A35
Samsung is another name that has been in the eSIM game for a while. However, they didn’t start offering eSIM support in their budget line until fairly recently. The Samsung Galaxy A35 costs $399.99 if purchased straight from Samsung, and it’s still pretty much a brand-new phone, released in March, 2024.
You can get a better deal for the phone on Amazon, though, with some new phones selling at right around the $300 mark for the 128 GB storage, 6 GB RAM options.
If you want an even cheaper option from Samsung, look at their Galaxy A55 phone. It was replaced by the A35 earlier this year, so any retailers with remaining stock might be offering some good sellout deals.
3. iPhone SE
Not a fan of Android phones? Turns out, you don’t have to spend $1,000+ to have an iPhone with eSIM capabilities. The first iPhone SE was launched in 2020. The model was then re-released in 2022 and is still being sold in Apple stores to this day. The prices for the iPhone SE start at $429 for the 64 GB models.
If that’s not within your budget, keep in mind that all iPhones since the iPhone XR are compatible with eSIMs. You can get some pretty good deals when buying these phones second-hand. Just remember to check the battery health to make sure you’ll be able to use the phone for a while.
Once you have your phone, check out our guide on setting up an eSIM on your iPhone.
4. Motorola Moto G 5G
Motorola Moto G 5G must be mentioned when we’re talking about cheap phones thanks to its price tag alone. The brand-new 2024 model is priced at $199, though you can get even better deals directly from your carrier. For example, T-Mobile currently has the phone listed at $168.
This pretty much eliminates the need for looking into the used phone market, since you’ll be getting a new phone for less than half the price of the cheapest iPhone. The 2024 model includes 128 GB of storage, a decent camera, and good enough performance considering its price, so it should last you at least a couple of years.
Comparison of prices of cell phones with eSIM
While there aren’t that many other options under $500 on the market, let’s take a quick look at a few more affordable eSIM phones you can buy new right now. Keep in mind that the prices may differ depending on where you’re buying your phone.
| Cell phone with eSIM | Price |
| Google Pixel 8a | $399 |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 | $399 |
| iPhone SE | $429 |
| Motorola Moto G 5G | $199 |
| Nokia X30 | $349 |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 | $399 |
| Honor 200 | $449 |
| TCL 50 5G | $199 |
What are the advantages of an eSIM?
Whether you buy a cheap or expensive cell phone, all eSIM smartphones have the same connectivity perks. Here are some of the main advantages of using an eSIM.
- Top up any time: If you run out of data on eSIM plan, you can simply get a top-up or buy a new plan online, without having to visit a customer center or call your provider.
- Multiple eSIMs: You can install several eSIMs at the same time and switch between them. For example, if you’re going on a road trip, you can have separate eSIMs for each country you visit and switch between them when crossing borders.
- No plastic waste: If you’re not going to be using the eSIM anymore, simply remove the eSIM profile from your settings. No physical trace is left behind.
- Dual SIM: Many eSIM phones have dual SIM support, allowing you to use a physical SIM card and an eSIM at the same time.
- Regional plan: You can get an eSIM that offers coverage in multiple countries with a single plan, such as those offered by Holafly with the eSIM for the UK, Europe, North America, or Asia.
What are the disadvantages of an eSIM?
Even though there are far more pros than cons of using an eSIM, there are still some disadvantages that eSIM cards have compared to traditional SIM cards.
- Doesn’t work on some phones: Not all phones work with eSIMs, which is probably why you’re reading this article in the first place. Physical SIM cards work on all cheap phones, while you do have to double-check for eSIM functionality when buying a budget phone.
- Not all carriers allow eSIM transfer: Changing a physical SIM card is as easy as taking it out and putting it into a different device. While you can transfer an eSIM as well, not all carriers allow it, so you might be limited to only ever using your eSIM on one phone.
FAQs
No, not all Android phones support eSIM technology. When buying a phone, make sure to check the specifications for eSIM, which will typically be somewhere within the connectivity specifications.
The prices for eSIM phones vary from a couple of hundred dollars to well over a thousand. In the past, you’d have to resort to the second-hand market to find affordable eSIM phones, but nowadays, many providers also have budget options that support eSIM.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
