If you're planning to travel abroad and need help deciding which eSIM phone to use, you've come to the right place. International travel requires a smartphone that will keep you connected. And some eSIM phones perform better than others.
Lucky for you, we've put together a list. Stay connected when you travel with these eSIM-compatible phones.
In this article:
- What makes a great eSIM phone?
- Best iPhones with eSIM
- Best Samsung phones with eSIM
- Best Google phones with eSIM
- Best Huawei phones with eSIM
- More Android phones with eSIM
- Is your phone eSIM-compatible?
What Makes a Great eSIM-Compatible Phone?
So, what makes a good eSIM phone great for international travel? Here are the criteria we kept in mind when creating this list.
- Instant task performance. The faster the processor, the fewer GBs needed to find a signal. These phones are built to perform tasks quickly and keep you moving.
- Long-lasting battery life. Not every location has easily accessible power outlets. You need a phone with a battery that'll last you from dawn to dusk.
- A high-quality camera. You need a top-notch camera to capture your adventures. These phones have quality cameras that won't distort your experience.
- A variety of valuable features. Whether you're resting after a long hike, need entertainment on the road, or want built-in GPS to put you on the right track, these devices will do the trick.
- Stay connected wherever you go. An eSIM-enabled phone can give you effortless connectivity around the world. That's why you need the best tech to power it.
Note: Whether your particular device is eSIM-compatible will depend on your carrier and the country or region where you purchased it.
Best iPhones with eSIM
First up, Apple. As the first smartphone manufacturer to release an eSIM-only device, it kicks off our list of best eSIM phones. Read on for the best iPhones with eSIM capability.
iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 is Apple's first eSIM-only device (for now, just in the United States). You can store up to eight eSIMs on the iPhone 14, with two active at once. This makes it super simple to switch eSIM plans as you move from one destination to the next.
The iPhone 14 has exceptional safety features (which we hope you'll never have to use), like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS. It also has excellent battery life and a pro-level camera, making it a great pick for travelers who want to share their journey in real-time.
iPhone 14 features:
- A15 Bionic processor
- Superfast 5G
- Super Retina XDR display
- Ceramic Shield front
- Water-resistant
- Advanced Dual 12MP camera system (Main and Ultra Wide)
iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are the top premium Apple picks. These models look and feel luxe. They have a super smooth 120Hz ProMotion display, an all-new A16 Bionic processor, and a high-quality triple-lens camera. The third camera has a brand new 48MP sensor and 3x zoom, making it the ideal choice for travel photos. It also has an excellent battery life, so you don't need to worry about running low.
iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max reatures:
- A16 Bionic processor (exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro models)
- Superfast 5G
- Super Retina XDR display
- Ceramic Shield front
- Water-resistant
- Smooth 120Hz ProMotion display
- Pro triple-lens camera system (48MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide, and 12MP Telephoto)
iPhone 14 Plus
The iPhone 14 Plus has the best battery life of any Apple smartphone. It's lightweight and has the same screen size as the Pro Max — for a fraction of the cost. It's a great pick if you don't need the advanced features of the Pro models but want a new device with a large screen and extended battery life.
iPhone 14 Plus features:
- A15 Bionic processor
- Superfast 5G
- Super Retina XDR display
- Ceramic Shield front
- Water-resistant
- Advanced Dual 12MP camera system (Main and Ultra Wide)
- 6.7" screen
iPhone 13 Mini
The iPhone 13 Mini is the most compact of the Apple smartphones. Its small size makes it ideal for slipping into a carry-on, backpack, or back pocket while on the go. It has a good battery life for a small device, and if you're a fan of its size, now's the time to get one. With Apple ditching the mini in its latest launch, it could be moving away from smaller models.
iPhone 13 Mini features:
- A15 Bionic processor
- Superfast 5G
- Super Retina XDR display
- Ceramic Shield front
- Water-resistant
- Dual 12MP camera system (Main and Ultra Wide)
- 5.4" screen
iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 offers fantastic value for its price. Its processor is only one generation older than the iPhone 14 and has an excellent camera. The only downside is its battery life. If you're a heavy smartphone user, opt for the iPhone 13 instead.
iPhone 12 features:
- A14 Bionic processor
- Superfast 5G
- Super Retina XDR display
- Ceramic Shield front
- Water-resistant
- Dual 12MP camera system (Main and Ultra Wide)
iPhone SE 3rd Gen
The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is the best budget pick. If you're looking for a simple phone that will last, this is the iPhone for you. It has the same processor as the iPhone 14, which will keep it running for years. However, it has a short battery life, a single-lens camera, and a small 4.7-inch screen. It may not be premium, but its price tag and longevity make it a decent choice.
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) features:
- A15 Bionic processor
- Superfast 5G
- Retina HD display
- Water-resistant
- Single 12MP camera (Main)
Best Samsung Phones with eSIM
Samsung continues to release some of the best Android phones on the market. With their sleek design, sharp displays, and high-quality cameras, these smartphones can top any traveler's list.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is Samsung's newest and most advanced device. It's also one of the most powerful Android phones on the market. It has a super-fast processing speed, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and a large 6.8-inch screen.
The S23 Ultra is the way to go if you're looking for one of the best camera phones out there. It has five (yes, five) cameras, including a rear quad camera with a 200MP primary camera, two 12MP telephoto lenses, and a digital zoom of up to 100X.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
- 5G speed
- Super AMOLED display
- Armor Aluminum frame
- Water-resistant
- Powerful battery
- Five-lens camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+
The big difference between the S23 Ultra and the S23/S23+ is the camera. The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ have a triple-camera system with a 50MP primary lens and a 30X digital zoom. If you're after the best possible travel pics, the S23 Ultra is a better choice.
However, the S23 and S23+ have the same high processing speed, smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and fast 5G connectivity. Both models are fast charging, but the S23's battery is smaller, so it will run out of juice more quickly.
Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
- HyperFast 5G speed
- Super AMOLED display
- Armor Aluminum frame
- Water-resistant
- Powerful battery
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is one of the most unique models on the market. It's compact and large at the same time. It has a full-screen display with revolutionary flexible glass that can fold to fit in your pocket. It also features a hands-free camera and dual battery that lasts all day.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
- HyperFast 5G speed
- Super AMOLED display
- Armor Aluminum frame
- Water-resistant
- Powerful battery
- Ultra-wide camera with a 123-degree field of view
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is another shapeshifting smartphone. It extends into a massive 7.3-inch screen, and its speedy processor makes for ideal streaming conditions (perfect for long-haul flights). If you're a traveler who loves to read, stream, or multitask, this is the device for you.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
- HyperFast 5G speed
- 7.3-inch AMOLED display
- Armor Aluminum frame
- Water-resistant
- Powerful battery
Best Google Phones with eSIM
Google also offers some excellent eSIM-compatible smartphones. If the tech giant is your manufacturer of choice, here are a couple of models to choose from.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is the premium pick of Google smartphones. Google is known for its industry-leading cameras, and the Pixel 7 Pro is no exception. It has a robust ultra-wide lens, a new Macro Mode, and a telephoto lens with a 30X digital zoom. It's also powered by Google's Tensor G2 chipset with AI-powered features, including Live Translate, Motion Mode, and Face Unblur.
Google Pixel 7 Pro features:
- Tensor G2 chipset
- 5G speed
- OLED Smooth Display
- Water-resistant
- Powerful battery
- Triple-camera system
Google Pixel 7
The Pixel 7 is a great choice and a more affordable option. While it's missing the Pixel 7 Pro's Macro Mode and telephoto lens, it still has a fantastic camera for its price. Its value truly comes in with the Tensor G2 chipset, giving it the same AI features as the Pro version.
Google Pixel 7 features:
- Tensor G2 chipset
- 5G speed
- OLED Smooth Display
- Water-resistant
- Powerful battery
- Dual-camera system
Best Huawei Phones with eSIM
Next up is Huawei. The P40, P40 Pro, and Mate 40 Pro devices are eSIM-compatible — super exciting for travelers wanting to take advantage of their Ultra Vision Leica camera. Here's a closer look at the P40 and P40 Pro.
Huawei P40 and P40 Pro
The Huawei P40 and P40 Pro feature a 90Hz screen, 50MP Ultra Vision Leica camera, and updated internals. With a massive camera sensor and 50X zoom, the P40 Pro is one of the leading smartphone cameras. The P40 series also has ultra-fast download speeds and normal battery life. Either model is a great choice for your next adventure.
Huawei P40 and P40 Pro features:
- HUAWEI Kirin 990 5G chipset
- 5G speed
- OLED display
- Water-resistant
- 50MP Ultra Vision Leica camera
More Android Phones with eSIM
Here are three more Android smartphones to round out our list of best eSIM-compatible phones.
Motorola Razr 2019
The Motorola Razr 2019 made a powerful comeback with a more protective folding design, smaller frame, and full front screen for top-notch selfies. Although it doesn't use the latest Snapdragon processor, it has excellent video-processing power and durability.
Motorola Razr 2019 features:
- 710 Snapdragon processor
- 4G LTE
- Foldable P-OLED display
- Splash-resistant
Hammer Explorer Pro
The Hammer Explorer PRO is the ideal device for outdoor enthusiasts. Its solid exterior is super durable, with reinforced water and dust resistance, the highest IP69 protection, and military certification. And its efficient battery has an express charging feature that provides power for up to two days. This phone is ready to take on any adventure.
Hammer Explorer PRO features:
- MediaTek Helio P60 processor
- Gorilla Glass 3 screen
- 4G
- FullHD+ display
- Express charging
Is Your Phone eSIM-Compatible?
Don't see your phone on our list? Check our list of eSIM-compatible devices to see if your phone supports eSIM technology. Remember, whether your particular device is eSIM-capable will depend on your carrier and where you purchased it.
You've chosen your tech — now it's time to select an eSIM! Stay connected during your next adventure with eSIM from Airalo! Visit the Airalo store to browse eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.
