What are the advantages of eSIMs? Which phones support eSIM technology? And are they future of SIM cards? Read on and we'll answer all your questions.
How do eSIMs work?
eSIMs are found inside newer smartphones and act as alternatives to traditional, physical SIM cards.
These small integrated chips allow you to choose and activate a plan from a supporting network without having to actually insert a dedicated SIM. It acts as an entirely digital SIM that’s already installed in your device.
What’s more, you can have more than one SIM from more than one network stored on your device. It’s easy and seamless to switch between the two – just be aware that you’ll only be able to use one at a time.
Advantages of eSIMs
The biggest advantage of having an eSIM is being able to easily switch between networks.
If your current SIM plan is coming to an end, you don’t need to wait for your new SIM card to arrive. With an eSIM, all you need to do is contact your new provider with your Porting Authorisation Code (PAC), and they’ll get you up and running right away.
Because an eSIM is embedded inside a device, you can also have more than one plan at the same time and switch between them whenever you want. This is handy if you have one number for work hours and another for home, or if you find coverage from one network is better in a certain area compared with another.
This makes it a very convenient option when travelling, too. With roaming charges making an unwelcome return, eSIMs let you easily take out plans and take advantage of cheaper, local rates. No more waiting around at the airport to pick up a physical SIM – with an eSIM, simply buy and activate a plan, and you’re good to go. They’re also typically cheaper than physical SIM plans aimed at holidaymakers.
Overall, eSIMs are a great way to pick up a cheap and easy SIM-only deal.
Disadvantages of eSIMs
Arguably the biggest disadvantage is not being able to remove an eSIM from your phone. This may be an issue if you regularly switch devices, or if your old phone is broken and you need to quickly change to a new one.
Not all UK networks support eSIMs. Currently, only the major networks (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone) offer eSIM support for compatible devices. A few smaller companies, such as Lycamobile and giffgaff, also support eSIMs. But you’ll have a lot less choice.
Also, not all handsets support eSIM. If you have a phone that was released within the last few years, it’ll be eSIM-compatible – for example, any Samsung device from the Samsung Galaxy S20 onwards, or any iPhone released after (and including) the iPhone XS. However, if you have an older phone, it won’t work with eSIM.
Not to mention, the country where you buy your device can affect its eSIM compatibility. For example, eSIMs aren’t included in iPhones or Samsung Galaxies purchased from China or Hong Kong – instead, they only offer a dual physical SIM slot. Luckily, if you bought your phone in the UK, it’ll support eSIM.
Which mobile networks support eSIM?
At the time of writing, all four of the UK’s biggest mobile networks – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone – support eSIM. As long as you have an eSIM-compatible device, you’ll be able to get an eSIM plan.
Looking outside the ‘Big Four’ networks? Your choice will be much more limited, as most smaller companies are yet to offer eSIM. Currently, only Virgin Mobile and Lycamobile support eSIM. BT Mobile offers eSIM support, but only to business customers.
Global eSIM network Ubigi also offers eSIM support in the UK.
Which smartphones have eSIMs?
Every iPhone released from 2018 onwards can support eSIM. That includes the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, the entire iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 range, as well as the iPhone SE (2020) and iPhone SE (2022).
Most Samsung devices released from 2020 onwards can support eSIM. This includes all models from theGalaxy S20, Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S23 ranges. All of its premium foldable devices are eSIM-compatible, all the way to its first Galaxy Fold released in 2019.
As for Samsung’s mid-range series, though, eSIM compatibility is a little more limited. For example, the Galaxy A53 (released in 2022) doesn’t support eSIM, but the following year’s Galaxy A54 does.
All Google Pixel phones since the launch of the Google Pixel 3 in 2018 have been able to support eSIM. That includes all models from the Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 line-ups.
Should I get a phone with an eSIM?
If you want a brand new smartphone, chances are it’ll already come with eSIM tech inside, as well as a traditional SIM tray.
It’s up to you whether to make use of it or not. You can have one number on your eSIM and another on your regular SIM – ideal if you want to combine work and home phones in one.
For us, the advantages are clear, with the benefits outweighing any concerns.
What's the difference between an eSIM and a Nano SIM?
An eSIM is embedded inside a smartphone and cannot be removed.
A Nano SIM is the smallest kind of physical SIM available and can be removed from a smartphone by taking its dedicated tray out of the handset.
With an eSIM, you can switch faster between networks, but a Nano SIM allows you to easily change your phone without having to inform your network.
Do I have to use eSIM?
No, you can stick with physical SIM cards if you prefer. At the moment, all smartphones in the UK come with SIM trays. So even if you have an eSIM inside your device, you don’t have to make use of it.
Can eSIMs support multiple networks at the same time?
You can have multiple plans on one eSIM. However, you can only use one at a time.
This isn’t a major issue, though, as phones with eSIM support make it easy to switch between plans.
With roaming charges making an unwanted comeback, this is great if you want to take advantage of cheaper rates at your destination.
Will all phones have eSIMs in the future?
Absolutely – after all, all phones released by Apple, Samsung and Google in the past few years have come with eSIM compatibility. The technology is all there, built into your phone – it’s just a question of whether your network offers eSIM deals or not.
In fact, iPhone 14 models purchased in the US don’t even have a physical SIM tray – they only support eSIM. Whether phones in the UK will go the same way in the future remains up in the air…
