Which smartphones and tablets support eSIM for European travel?
eSIM support has become standard across flagship smartphones, but compatibility varies significantly between manufacturers, models, and even regional variants of the same device. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of every major device category, helping you confirm whether your phone is ready for eSIM-powered European travel.
Apple was among the first major manufacturers to embrace eSIM technology, introducing it in the iPhone XS and XR in 2018. Since then, every new iPhone model has included eSIM support, with Apple pushing further by making the iPhone 14 (US model) eSIM-only — removing the physical SIM tray entirely.
| Model | eSIM Support | Dual SIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 / 15 Pro / Max | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Up to 8 eSIMs stored |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Pro / Max | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | US model: eSIM only |
| iPhone 13 series | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone 12 series | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Budget-friendly option |
| iPhone XS / XR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | First eSIM-capable iPhones |
| iPhone X and earlier | ✗ No | ✗ No | Physical SIM only |
Samsung introduced eSIM support in its flagship Galaxy S series beginning with the Galaxy S20 in 2020. The feature has since expanded to the Note series, Z Fold, Z Flip foldables, and select A-series mid-range devices. However, availability varies significantly by region — some models sold in certain markets have eSIM disabled at the hardware or software level.
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S24 / S24+ / Ultra | ✓ Yes | Dual SIM + eSIM in most regions |
| Galaxy S23 series | ✓ Yes | Check regional variant |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 / Flip 5 | ✓ Yes | Foldables fully eSIM-ready |
| Galaxy S22 series | ✓ Yes | Some carrier variants excluded |
| Galaxy S21 series | ✓ Yes | US carrier models may differ |
| Galaxy S20 series | ✓ Yes | First Samsung eSIM flagship |
| Galaxy A54 / A34 | Partial | Region-dependent |
Google's Pixel line has supported eSIM since the Pixel 3 (2018), making it one of the earliest Android adopters of the technology. All Pixel devices from the 3 onwards support eSIM, and Google's clean Android implementation makes the activation process particularly smooth.
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 8 / 8 Pro | ✓ Yes | Excellent eSIM implementation |
| Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a | ✓ Yes | Dual SIM support |
| Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a | ✓ Yes | Smooth activation process |
| Pixel 5 / 4a 5G | ✓ Yes | 5G capable |
| Pixel 3 / 3 XL / 3a | ✓ Yes | First Pixel with eSIM |
Xiaomi's eSIM support is more limited than Apple or Samsung. The Mi 11 Ultra and select flagship models support eSIM, but many popular Xiaomi devices do not. Always verify the specific model and regional variant before purchasing.
Motorola's Razr foldable series supports eSIM, as do select Edge+ models. The standard Moto G and E series generally do not include eSIM capability. Check the full specifications for your model.
All cellular iPad models from 2018 onwards support eSIM. This includes iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, and standard iPad with cellular connectivity. An excellent option for travelers needing a larger screen.
Select Samsung Galaxy Tab models with cellular connectivity support eSIM, including the Tab S8 and S9 series. Verify the specific model's specifications as not all tablet variants include eSIM.
Read our complete activation guide or explore connectivity options by country.