What Phones Have eSIM? All Your eSIM Questions Answered in One Place

Cell phones are an essential part of everyday life. It is crucial to get to know more about a cell phone brand before choosing the phone that’s right for you. While Apple iPhones have reigned supreme when it comes to the most popular smartphone, Samsung and Google phones have become a major hit too.

There are many phones that do have eSIM, and others that don’t. Having an eSIM cell phone can help you out in a ton of ways and it’s crucial to get to know what it is and how to operate it.

Let’s take a look into phones with eSIM and learn exactly what it is and what it means to have in your smartphone!

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What is an eSIM?

First, it’s important to get to know what this is before figuring out if your phone has it!

SIM cards made their debut into the technological world in 1991, where they changed not only in size, but also in how they work. They could be used for almost anything and it was a great way of holding information in a small pocket size. They started out as big as a credit card and have changed into what they have become today, almost microscopic.

First Thing’s First: What’s a SIM Card?

The SIM card was created in 1991 and has progressively gotten smaller and smaller over the years, but holds more information like ever before. SIM stands for “Subscriber Identity Molecules” is a tiny, portable chip that is able to store information of any kind. While most SIM cards are found in cell phones, they help to store your phone’s information, and also about the user as well.

For cell phones, SIM cards include a code to show what country it originates from, carrier information (being on AT&T, Verizon Wireless, or T-Mobile’s network), and a user ID for the phone itself. The code on SIM cards is extremely important, at least to cell phone carriers because it helps them to determine how much our monthly bill should be and what they need to charge its customers. 

When SIM cards were first created, they were about the size of a credit card and have gotten smaller over the years, even to the size of a postage stamp. They are mainly used for cell phones for the Global System of Communications, or the GSM mobile network. Your cell phone connects to the GSM network so your carrier can be able to keep track of how many text messages you send, your data usage, and even how many minutes you spend talking on the phone. This is to ensure that it is all accurate for your cell phone bill.

The GMS network is the standard network for the United States, but also for other countries such as Europe, Africa, and Asia. The United States also has the CDMA network, or the Code Division Multiple Access network, that Verizon Wireless specifically uses. Depending on the carrier that you have, your cell phone will be connected to one of these two networks.

Finally, What is an eSIM?

While there are many other different types of SIM cards to cover, one of the most important is the eSIM. An eSIM card is embedded into a mobile device that can connect you to any carrier that you wish to be on. It works the same as a traditional SIM card, but you don’t need to have a physical card in order for it to work.

The eSIM is already pre-installed on any newer cell phone so you don’t have to worry about doing any extra work to make sure it is turned on and ready to go. Many smartphones, tablets, and even laptops are equipped with an eSIM for easy use so you can turn it on and have it work instantly. 

It’s also important to know that eSIM cards are not only found in your cell phone, but they can be found in tablets, laptops, cars, home appliances, industrial machines, and more everyday technology that you use. 

How Does an eSIM Work?

The next important thing is to get to know how an eSIM works on a cell phone, or any other device that you have. With an eSIM compatible device, you can create an eSIM profile and buy a data plan when you need it. This can be great for individuals who travel a ton, for people who work all over the country, or even for work-at-home individuals. 

An eSIM also allows you to activate a cellular plan right from your phone without actually having to have a physical SIM card with you. They stay right with your device at all times so you never have to worry about losing it, or it being removed by thieves and stolen. You can also set them up to request verification by the carrier that you have to ensure your safety. 

Pros and Cons of Having an eSIM

Having an eSIM card can have many advantages, but also some disadvantages that people have expressed!

There are a ton of advantages and disadvantages to getting a cell phone with an eSIM in it. Not only can they be super easy to work and activate, but they can also make changing service providers easier. There are some cons to using them though that people have expressed over the years.

Pro: Can Have Up to Three Cell Phone Numbers

A perk that many people talk about when having an eSIM is the fact that you can have up to three cell phone numbers. This can seem like a lot, but it works well for people who want to use the same cell phone for their personal life and also for work, without having to distribute the same number over and over again and potentially getting both of your lifestyles mixed up.

You can even have service with up to two cellular carriers as well and you can switch back and forth between carriers and numbers by deactivating the physical SIM card in your phone and switching to the eSIM one.

Con: Can Be More Easily Tracked By Network Providers

If you are someone who loves their privacy, one of the biggest cons of having an eSIM in your phone is that you can be tracked more easily by network providers than you would with a physical SIM. With a physical SIM card, there are many ways that you can protect your privacy. But since eSIMs are hardwired into the device, they will constantly be active on the cell carrier’s network and can be more traceable.

While eSIMs can be convenient in this aspect, it can be difficult and troublesome for many others who respect the privacy that they have and want to keep it. You can find different ways to stop tracking on your eSIM on your phone that can help keep your privacy safe and intact. 

Pro: Take Up Less Space Inside Your Cell Phone

One of the best things about the creation of SIM cards is that they have progressively gotten smaller overtime. From starting as large (but not really) as a credit card, and now they’re even smaller than your pinky, and they can easily fit inside your phone with no issues. For eSIMs, they are super small and make more of your phone than ever before.

Nano SIM cards are what have been taking up the majority of the space in your cell phone and  measure around 8.8mm. eSIMs are half of the size as the nano SIM, at 4mm. The smaller size means that manufacturers can add extra features onto your phone, such as a longer battery life, or even give it a fast CPU and allow it to work at a faster rate than you ever thought possible.

Con: Longer to Restore a New Phone

Everyone has probably had a moment in their life when their phone breaks and you have to get it restored. This can be a big inconvenience, and if your phone has a physical SIM, it’s much easier to restore it. By simply taking out the physical SIM that isn’t working and replacing it with a new one, it is much easier, but with an eSIM, it makes this process much more difficult. 

Since eSIMs are on the inside of your phone, it will need to be taken apart in order to replace it with a working one, but there are some steps you have to take first. The first thing that you need to do is download and retrieve all of your eSIM data and store it into a cloud, which is the longest part of the process. Once this is done, then you can have the eSIM replaced and upload your data onto the new one once you have received a new card. 

Pro: Phone is Protected at All Times

Have you ever thought about what you would do if your cell phone became lost or stolen? It can be a scary thing to think about, but it happens very often. Whenever you have a physical SIM card in your cell phone, the worst part about it is that they can be easily taken out and all of your information on it can be taken, but it’s harder to remove an eSIM. 

Since eSIM cards are stored inside of your phone, your phone would have to be taken apart in order to get to it and get the information off of it. It can be difficult to take apart a cell phone and find the eSIM to begin with, but it also ensures that if you would need a new SIM card, you won’t have to worry about potentially losing a physical one. 

Con: No Upgrade to How Good Cellular Service Is

Maybe you have it in your head that eSIMs help make your overall service and coverage better with your cell phone. While we wish this was the case, it turns out that it is actually the opposite. An eSIM has no effect on how your cell phone service and coverage is, it all depends on the provider that you sign up for to begin with.

Making sure that you have a good cell phone carrier to have a plan with is crucial. It can be a pain to have a service provider that isn’t well suited for the area you live in and it’s a struggle to do something as simple as send a text message. It’s important to take a look at a network coverage map to see what is best for the area so you don’t have to worry about any issues with doing basic activities on your cell phone.

What Cell Phones Have eSIM?

It’s important to get to know what has eSIM and what doesn’t when selecting your next cell phone!

If you are looking to get your next cell phone, it’s important to consider eSIMs and if they’ll potentially be in the newest and latest smartphone of yours. eSIM cards are very convenient to have in your smartphone because of all of the advantages that come with it.

Take a look at some of the best smartphones that have eSIM cards in them!

iPhones With eSIM Cards

iPhones are some of the most best-selling smartphones of all time. Making their debut in 2007, iPhones have become the most popular cell phone to have due to how easy it is to work, and also with how reputable the Apple brand is.

Check out some of the iPhones that have eSIM cards in them:

• Phone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone SE 2 
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 3 
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max

Samsung Cell Phones With eSIM Cards

Samsung is another incredibly popular smartphone creator and they came out with their first touch screen cell phone in 2009. They offer a little mini computer right in your hand with their cell phones and they have become a great option for people who are looking for something that does a little bit more than an iPhone.

The following Samsung cell phones have eSIM cards inside of them:

• Samsung Galaxy S20
• Samsung Galaxy S20+
• Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5g
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S21
• Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22
• Samsung Galaxy S22+
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G 
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
• Samsung Galaxy S23
• Samsung Galaxy S23+
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Google Pixel With eSIM Cards

If you want faster speeds with your cell phone along with more high-tech features in it, Google smartphones are some of the best to get. Offering some of the best imaging performance features such as the sharpest camera lens you can get your hands on, Google Pixel’s smartphones are awarded as some of the best to get.

Check out some of the Google Pixel cell phones with eSIM cards in them:

• Google Pixel 2 
• Google Pixel 2 XL
• Google Pixel 3 
• Google Pixel 3 XL
• Google Pixel 3a 
• Google Pixel 3a XL
• Google Pixel 4
• Google Pixel 4a
• Google Pixel 4 XL
• Google Pixel 5
• Google Pixel 5a
• Google Pixel 6
• Google pixel 6a
• Google Pixel 6 Pro
• Google Pixel 7
• Google Pixel 7 Pro

eSIM cards are remarkable and can do a lot when they’re smaller than the size of your pinky. It is important to know that most of the newer cell phones nowadays have eSIM cards in them, so you have options.

Make sure to check out some of the cell phones that have eSIM cards in them right away!

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