eSIM Smartphones

Updated: กรกฎาคม 5, 2023 | Published: สิงหาคม 27, 2022

The eSIM replaces the plastic SIM, but setting it up is often complex. We reveal which smartphones are eSIM-capable.

The Best eSIM Smartphones

Apple
iPhone 13 Pro

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

Apple
iPhone 13 Pro Max

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

Apple
iPhone 13

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

Samsung
Galaxy S22 Plus

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

Samsung
Galaxy S22 Ultra

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

Oppo
Find X5 Pro

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

Google
Pixel 6 Pro

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

Honor
Magic4 Pro

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

The eSIM is an alternative to the plastic SIM. The advantage, at least in theory: An eSIM can be activated digitally and directly with little waiting time, without having to wait for the letter with the plastic SIM or buy a starter kit in the store.

In addition, smartphones with only one SIM card slot can be used for dual-SIM operation via eSIM. But there are a few things to consider when setting up and using it.

First of all, an eSIM-enabled smartphone or another eSIM-enabled device such as the Apple Watch or newer Samsung smartwatches is required – in this case, eSIM is usually used as a second or third SIM (MultiSIM).

However, many providers do not offer a MultiSIM at all. In terms of smartphones, all newer devices from Apple (starting with the iPhone XS), Samsung (starting with the S20), and Google Pixel (starting with the Pixel 4), but also the Fairphone 4 are eSIM-capable.

However, not all providers support all smartphones, and many providers do not allow installation on secondary devices such as smartwatches.

iPhone 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max

Currently Best

Apple
iPhone 13 Pro

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

The iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max top the smartphone best list.

They are powered by the incredibly fast Apple A15 Bionic processor, and the triple camera on the back (including triple telephoto) scores in virtually all situations.

Compared with the predecessor generation, the battery life is impressive, especially in the 13 Pro Max. The eSIM basically has a special advantage for iPhone users: It makes the iPhone dual-SIM capable.

Thus, an eSIM can be combined with an existing plastic SIM (since the iPhone XS). Since the iPhone 13 series, it has even been possible to use two eSIMs in parallel – which is why the rumor circulates that Apple wants to do away with the SIM card slot altogether in the future, possibly already in the iPhone 14.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

Most Affordable

Samsung
Galaxy S21 5G

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is not the latest model, but it offers strong technology at a meanwhile reasonable price, a very good OLED screen, a strong camera, and a high operating speed. The eSIM can be used as the main SIM or as a second SIM for dual-SIM. If you want something bigger, it is better to go for the S21 Plus 5G.

How to activate an eSIM

Basically, the eSIM is already permanently installed in the devices, and the respective provider only has to activate it.

The way it is set up varies depending on the provider: It is often sufficient to scan a QR code sent by the provider with the appropriate app on the cell phone or to enter the activation data manually.

With the Apple Watch, for example, you go to the Watch app on the iPhone and select Mobile Communications / Add new rate / Configure Mobile Communications, which usually takes you to the customer portal.

With the Galaxy Watch, the Galaxy Wearable app is used for scanning. In some cases, such as special business contracts, the provider saves the procedure with the QR code, but requires the EID of the device in advance.

The EID can usually be found on the packaging, and in the case of the Apple Watch also in the Watch app of the paired iPhone under the menu items General and Info.