Reading time: 5 minutes | Posted: 22nd April 2024
Modern smartphones are increasingly being launched equipped with eSIM technology rather than traditional physical SIM cards. These embedded chips eliminate the need for you to use separate cards, allowing you to activate mobile phone plans from compatible networks directly on your device without the need to add a new SIM.
This digital SIM functionality provides you with greater flexibility. You can store plans from multiple carriers on a single device, switching seamlessly between them as needed. However, it is important to remember that only one plan can be active at a time.
What are the advantages of eSIMs?
For those new to eSIM technology, this option offers a range of benefits that enhance user experience and connectivity. Here is a closer look at some key advantages:
- Simplified Network Switching: Switching mobile network providers becomes effortless with eSIMs. Gone are the days of waiting for a new physical SIM card to arrive. By simply contacting your new provider with your Porting Authorisation Code (PAC), you can activate a new plan and be up and running immediately.
- Multi-SIM Functionality: Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs allow users to store and manage plans from multiple carriers on a single device. This flexibility is ideal for professionals juggling work and personal phones or for users who require better coverage in specific areas by switching between network providers.
- Travel Convenience: eSIMs revolutionise international travel. By eliminating the need for separate physical travel SIM cards, eSIMs enable users to quickly and easily purchase local data plans upon arrival, taking advantage of more affordable rates compared to roaming charges. This translates to significant cost savings and avoids the hassle of acquiring a physical SIM at the airport.
- Cost-Effectiveness: eSIM technology often leads to more competitive pricing for SIM-only deals. This is because the process eliminates physical SIM card production and distribution costs, allowing providers to offer more attractive data plans to users.
Basically, eSIMs offer a future-proof solution for mobile connectivity, providing you with greater flexibility, convenience, and more cost-effective options.
Are there any disadvantages of eSIMs?
The biggest disadvantage is arguably 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. Only major networks (EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone) and some MVNOs such as Lebara & Spusu, currently offer eSIM support for compatible devices. But you will have a lot less choice.
Also, not all handsets support eSIM. If you have a modern phone that was released within the last few years, it may well 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 model, it won't work with eSIM.
Not to mention, the country where you buy your device can affect its eSIM compatibility. For example, eSIMs are not 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 will support eSIM.
Which UK mobile networks support eSIM?
Understanding compatible mobile networks is crucial for mobile users considering moving to an eSIM. Here is a breakdown of eSIM support in the UK:
- Major Networks: All four major UK mobile network operators – EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone – fully support eSIM functionality for compatible devices. This ensures a wide range of plan options for users with eSIM-enabled smartphones.
- Limited Support Beyond Major Networks: Currently, choices are more limited outside the "Big Four" providers. Only a select few virtual network operators (MVNOs) offer eSIM support, including Lebara & Spusu.
- Global eSIM Providers: For international travellers, global eSIM network providers like Ubigi also offer plans that can be activated on eSIM-compatible devices within the UK. This can be a convenient option for accessing data services while visiting the country.
Which smartphones support eSIMs?
Here is a breakdown of eSIM support among some leading smartphone brands:
- Apple: Starting with the iPhone XR and XS released in 2018, all subsequent iPhone models, including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 ranges, as well as the iPhone SE (2020) and (2022), are equipped with eSIM functionality.
- Samsung: Most Samsung devices launched since 2020 boast eSIM compatibility. This encompasses the entire Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and S23 series. Additionally, all of Samsung's premium foldable phones, starting with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, are eSIM-ready. However, it's important to note that eSIM support in Samsung's mid-range offerings, like the Galaxy A series, can vary by model. For instance, the Galaxy A53 (2022) lacks eSIM compatibility, while its successor, the A54 (2023), incorporates it.
- Google Pixel: Google has embraced eSIM technology since the launch of the Pixel 3 in 2018. This includes all subsequent Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 model lineups.
Will eSIMs Become Universal?
The widespread adoption of eSIM technology in recent smartphone models from leading brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google suggests that eSIMs may become the standard for future mobile connectivity.
eSIMs offer several advantages for users, including seamless network switching, multi-SIM functionality, and simplified travel experiences. These benefits are likely to drive user demand and encourage wider adoption.
Major smartphone manufacturers are increasingly integrating eSIM functionality into their devices. As evidenced by the iPhone 14's exclusive eSIM support in the US, this trend might indicate a future where physical SIM trays become obsolete.
However, the future needs of users with specific phone usage patterns (e.g., frequent phone switching) might require continued support for physical SIM cards for a few more years. While the current trajectory suggests a strong likelihood of eSIMs becoming the dominant technology, the complete elimination of physical SIM cards remains to be seen.
Compare eSIM Only Deals
Looking for eSIM Only Deals? You can compare eSIMs from all leading UK Networks by checking the "Show eSIM Deals Only" box on our deals filter or by comparing them on our dedicated page for eSIM Only Deals.
