Your complete reference for eSIM support across all major smartphone brands
eSIM support has become standard across flagship and mid-range smartphones. This guide covers the most widely used devices and their eSIM capabilities, helping you confirm compatibility before planning your European trip.
Apple was among the first major manufacturers to embrace eSIM technology at scale. Starting with the iPhone XS in 2018, every new iPhone model has included eSIM support. In the US market, Apple has moved to eSIM-only with the iPhone 14 series, removing the physical SIM tray entirely.
| Model | eSIM Support | Dual SIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 / Pro / Max | Yes | Yes (Dual eSIM) | Latest generation, full eSIM support |
| iPhone 15 / Pro / Max | Yes | Yes (Dual eSIM) | Excellent eSIM performance |
| iPhone 14 / Pro / Max | Yes | Yes | US model: eSIM only (no physical SIM) |
| iPhone 13 series | Yes | Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone 12 series | Yes | Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen) | Yes | Yes | Budget option with eSIM |
| iPhone XS / XS Max / XR | Yes | Yes | First iPhones with eSIM |
| iPhone X and older | No | No | Physical SIM only |
Samsung introduced eSIM support across its flagship Galaxy S series starting with the S20 in 2020. The feature has since expanded to the Z Fold and Z Flip foldable lines, as well as select mid-range A series models. Note that eSIM availability can vary by region and carrier.
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S24 / S24+ / Ultra | Yes | Latest flagship, full eSIM support |
| Galaxy S23 series | Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 / Flip 5 | Yes | Foldable flagship |
| Galaxy S21 / S22 series | Yes | Check regional availability |
| Galaxy S20 series | Yes | First Samsung with eSIM (select markets) |
| Galaxy A54 / A34 | Select | Mid-range, region-dependent |
Google has been an eSIM advocate since the Pixel 2, making it one of the earliest Android manufacturers to adopt the technology. All current Pixel models support eSIM, and Google's clean Android implementation tends to offer one of the smoother eSIM activation experiences on Android.
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9 / Pro / Fold | Yes | Latest generation |
| Pixel 8 / Pro | Yes | Excellent eSIM support |
| Pixel 7 / Pro | Yes | Reliable eSIM performance |
| Pixel 6 / Pro | Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| Pixel 3 / 4 / 5 | Yes | Older but supported |
Xiaomi has been slower to adopt eSIM, with support primarily in flagship models sold in European markets. The Mi 11 Ultra, 12 series, and 13 series include eSIM in select regions. Always verify the specific model variant, as eSIM availability varies significantly by market.
Motorola has expanded eSIM support across its Razr foldable line and select Edge series devices. The Razr 40 Ultra, Edge 40 Pro, and Edge 50 series all include eSIM support in European variants.
iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air (4th gen and later), iPad mini (6th gen and later), and iPad (9th gen and later) all support eSIM. Cellular-capable iPad models are excellent travel companions for digital nomads.
Select Microsoft Surface Pro models (Surface Pro X, Pro 9 5G), Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (select configs), and HP EliteBook series support eSIM. Laptop eSIM is primarily used for always-on connectivity rather than as a primary data source.
The most reliable method is to check your device's official specifications page on the manufacturer's website. Look for "eSIM" or "embedded SIM" in the connectivity section. You can also go to Settings → Mobile/Cellular — if you see an "Add eSIM" or "Add Plan" option, your device supports it.
Your carrier may have disabled eSIM functionality on your device. This is common with carrier-branded devices sold on contract. Contact your carrier to request eSIM enablement, or check if a software update is available that might restore the feature.
Generally yes, provided the device is unlocked and the hardware supports eSIM. Some region-specific variants of phones (particularly from Chinese manufacturers) may have eSIM disabled at the hardware level. Check the model number against the manufacturer's regional specifications.
Read our complete guide to eSIM technology for European travelers.