Top 12 ESIM Phones In 2021 (And Which Ones Are The Best For Travellers!)

January 31, 2024

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Time for a new phone? One key factor that should influence your decision is whether or not the phone has eSIM capabilities! Not only is this a great solution for accessing extra local data, but all the travellers out there will appreciate not having to swap SIM cards each time they cross a border.

There are a lot of important things to consider when shopping for a phone such as processor speeds, battery life and more. We’ve compiled a list of the 14 hottest eSIM phones out right now, so you can choose the one that best suits you!

If you already have a phone that is eSIM compatible, visit our site to buy eSIM data plans!

1. iPhone 12 / Mini

Less is more! The iPhone 12 Mini is the smallest and lightest 5G phone, perfect for travellers who are always on the go! Both phones have an A14 Bionic chip, making them one of the most powerful smartphones out there. Both have a Super Retina XDR OLED display and are water-resistant with a protective Ceramic Shield, because we’re all a little clumsy sometimes.

2. iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max

The best thing about the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max is that they have 5G speeds that eliminate lagging, even on large, high-quality video files. For travel photographers (or selfie fanatics), the camera has clearer details, brighter shots, and a great night mode than it’s pretty awesome predecessor. These phones are water resistant, have wireless charging capabilities, and most importantly, they’re eSIM compatible!

3. iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max

One step down from the A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 and mini, the 11 Pro and Pro Max have an A13 Bionic chip (which is still incredibly powerful!) and the iconic triple-camera system. These phones have an improved battery life, faster download speeds, and works seamlessly with our eSIM data packages.

4. Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20+ / Ultra

Each of these models have an excellent high resolution Super AMOLED, an upgraded camera, and very powerful batteries (up to 5,000mAh). With a 5G modem built into the S20 Ultra, this is the phone for those who need to download things quickly! A moderate affordability, the S20 series is similar in price to the iPhone 11 Pro.

5. iPhone SE 2020

Compact, fast, and much more affordable than their other phones, Apple’s iPhone SE is a great water-resistant solution for travellers who need a great eSIM compatible phone that won’t break the bank. The display quality and Touch ID are not the most advanced in their line, but this budget-friendly phone is far from inferior.

6. Huawei P40, P40 Pro

Did someone say 50X zoom? The P40 Pro has a chart-topping camera with enhanced colour precision and a 50MP Ultra Vision Leica system. Both models charge at incredible speeds and download large files even quicker! They also have a Dual SIM and an eSIM, so you can seamlessly swap between 3 networks at a time! 

7. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

A very unique design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is simultaneously compact and features a large screen (thanks to its awesome folding design). It also has an ultra-wide camera with an extended field of view and hands free features. It’s dual battery ensures that you can dramatically flip your phone open or swap eSIM as many times a day as you want!

8. iPhone XR

A slightly older model, the iPhone XR is an affordable phone with fast performance, a great battery life and a LCD screen. The A12 Bionic processor offers competitive speeds to experience on the bright 6.1-inch LCD screen.

9. Google Pixel 4 or 4XL

Travellers need great connectivity and a camera that does justice to their experiences. The Pixel 4 line has industry-leading cameras and supports both nano-SIM and eSIM. With a 5.7-inch OLED 90Hz display, smart AI software and a sleep design, you might be willing to overlook its slightly lesser battery life.

10. iPhone XS or XS Max

Great camera, great processor, great durability. This XS and XS Max are excellent for travellers with their compact size and fast LTE cellular connectivity! The camera includes a 2x telephoto rear camera, and you can scroll through all your travel pics on the Vibrant, high-resolution OLED display.

11. Motorola Razr 2019

One word: durability.

The Motorola Razr 2019 has a Snapdragon 710 chipset processor, a 21:9 ratio pOLED HD screen and a unique folding design! While it may not be the fanciest phone on our list, its eSIM compatible, has a 2,510mAh capacity battery, and an overall smooth performance.

12. Nuu Mobile X5

For affordability, power and durability, the Nuu Mobile X5 is an excellent smartphone choice. Its HD screen has great abilities and the 2,950 mAh battery capacity allows it to last for 10 days on standby! The X5 has a scratch resistant screen that is durable as well. Pack all this together with its eSIM capabilities, and you have a phone that can keep you connected no matter where your adventures take you.

Why should your new phone have eSIM capabilities?

Let us break it down for you. Having an eSIM capable phone mean

No roaming chargesPerform tasks faster No data overage feesEffortless connectivity – anywhere in the worldNo swapping SIM cardsYou can top up your data instantly!No more clinging to public WiFi

Staying connected is becoming more important than ever, especially when you are abroad! We know you aren’t travelling right now, but surely your new phone will experience another part of the world someday – make sure you’re prepared with one of the best eSIM phones on the market! In the meantime, try out some additional data at home with our local plans!

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For more information on how eSIM technology works and why you need it, visit our blog post: The awesome feature you didn’t know your phone has.