Being able to use an eSIM is an increasingly important feature in new smartphones, tablets, laptops and smartwatches. With so many product releases each year, it can be hard to keep track of the latest smartphone models, and what they can do.
The list below names some of the most popular eSIM-compatible phones – if you don’t see your device on this list, there’s a good chance it’s still eSIM-compatible. Check the manufacturer’s website to make sure, or check back here soon – this list is updated monthly.
BetterRoaming works with any eSIM-enabled smartphone. Most smartphones built after 2018 will support eSIMs. It's also wise to consider the country of purchase, as the eSIM compatibility of some devices will depend on which country they are sold in.
This list covers every major eSIM-compatible smartphone on the market, as well as all cellular tablets and smartwatches that can support a BetterRoaming data plan.
Smartphones That Support eSIM
Apple
Apple is one of the earliest and most influential proponents of eSIM technology. The Californian tech giants released their first eSIM-only phone, the US iPhone 14, in 2022. Since then, major manufacturers like Google, Huawei and Samsung have followed suit. The following iPhone models support eSIM data plans:
iPhone 11 Pro Max and later
iPhone 11 Pro and later
iPhone 11 and later
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE 2 and later
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20 and later
Samsung Galaxy S2 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and later
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and later
Samsung Galaxy Fold 1 and later
Samsung Galaxy Flip 1 and later
Google
Google Pixel 2 and later
Google Pixel 2 XL and later
Huawei
Huawei P40
Huawei P40 Pro
Huawei P50 Pro
Huawei Mate 40 Pro
Huawei Mate XS 2
Huawei Mate X2
Sony
Sony Xperia 10 III and later
Sony Xperia 1 IV and later
Sony Xperia 5 IV and later
Xiaomi
Xiaomi 12T Pro and later
Xiaomi 13
Xiaomi 13 Lite
Xiaomi 13 Pro
Oppo
Oppo Reno 5A
Oppo Find X3 Pro and later
Oppo A55s 5G
Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G
Oppo Find N2 Flip
Motorola
Motorola Razr
Motorola Razr 5G
Motorola RAZR 40
Motorola RAZR 40 Ultra
Motorola EDGE 40 Pro
Motorola G53 5G
Motorola G52J 5G and later
Rakuten
Rakuten Mini
Rakuten BigS
Rakuten Big
Rakuten Hand
Rakuten Hand 5G
OnePlus
OnePlus Open
OnePLus 11 (region-dependent - check with the manufacturer to see if your OnePlus supports eSIM)
Nokia
Nokia X30
Nokia G60
Nokia XR21
Fairphone
Fairphone 4 and later
eSIM data plans
iPads that Support eSIM
BetterRoaming also offer eSIM plans for cellular iPad models. These work just like a smartphone eSIM data plan, allowing users to access low-cost mobile internet via their iPad in over 60 destinations worldwide. The following iPad models are eSIM-compatible:
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen or later)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen or later)
iPad Air (3rd gen or later)
iPad (7th gen or later)
iPad mini (5th gen or later)
Please also ensure that your iPad is running iPadOS 11 or later. For best results, we recommend always updating your device to the latest iPadOS.
Apple Watches That Support eSIM
Cellular Apple Watch Series 4 or later
Cellular Apple Watch SE 1st gen or later
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Hermès
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Hermès
Apple Watches must be running watchOS 7 or later to use a cellular data plan. If you’re unsure if your Apple Watch is cellular, look at the circular crown button on the side of the watch face. Cellular versions will have a red ring on this crown.
Frequently Asked Questions about eSIMs
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a SIM profile that is downloaded to a phone, rather than inserted via a physical SIM card. Most modern smartphones, and a growing number of tablets, laptops and wearable devices are now built with an integrated eSIM chip. This chip is a fraction of the size of a traditional plastic SIM card and can store multiple downloadable eSIMs.
In practice, an eSIM provides a new level of flexibility and convenience for customers who may wish to store more than one phone number on their device, for example when visiting a new country or switching between work and personal numbers on the same phone.
What does dual SIM mean?
“Dual SIM” is a term you might see often when browsing for a new handset. In newer phones, it usually denotes a device with at least one physical SIM card slot as well as an eSIM, providing total freedom to the user to use whichever SIM format they prefer, as well as future-proofing the device for the rise of eSIMs. However, it can also simply mean the phone has the capacity for 2 physical SIM cards and no eSIM compatibility. This can still be the case in newer high-end devices, such as the Nothing Phone (1) or the Phone (2). Therefore, it's always wise to double-check the product specifications before purchasing a dual-SIM phone.
Using an eSIM in China
Travellers to mainland China should note that, while it's not illegal to use an eSIM or own an eSIM-compatible device in China, any phones sold in mainland China will not support eSIMs. It is however possible to download an eSIM before travelling. Using an eSIM in mainland China will work just the same as in any other country. These restrictions only apply to mainland China - Hong Kong and Macau are mostly unaffected, though still worth checking before purchasing.
What if my device doesn’t support eSIM?
Unfortunately, installing an eSIM data plan on a phone that doesn't support eSIMs is impossible. For now, many carriers still offer SIM card plans as well as eSIM plans. In future though, eSIM usage is only going to get more prevalent.
How long does it take to install an eSIM?
A BetterRoaming eSIM takes less than a minute to install (and it's free). Once installed, users can then create an account, purchase a mobile data plan and instantly download it to the eSIM. The entire process, from installation to activating the data plan, takes 2-3 minutes.
