Which Android Phones Actually Support eSIM? An Honest Guide to the Galaxy A-Series

Before you buy a data plan for your next trip, there is one question worth a minute of your time: does your phone actually support eSIM? On recent iPhones the answer is close to guaranteed. On Android — and especially mid-range phones like the Galaxy A-series — the story is completely different. Many travellers find out after paying, sometimes after the plane has taken off. We would rather you find out now.

The short answer

Flagship phones have supported eSIM for years. From Samsung: the Galaxy S20 series onward (S21, S22, S23, S24, S25), the Note 20 series, and every generation of Z Flip and Z Fold. Mid-range and entry-level phones, by contrast, mostly do not. The practical rule is that the newer and higher-tier the device, the likelier the support — but likelihood is not confirmation, and the test further down is the only real authority.

What about the Galaxy A-series?

This is where the most common misunderstanding sits. The A-series is the most widely owned line in the Gulf because the price makes sense, but eSIM support inside it is narrow and does not cover the series as a whole. Our verified device list names recent, higher-tier models such as the A54 and A55.

And the rest of the range? If your phone belongs to the entry-level or older parts of the line — the A0, A1, A2 and A3 families — the safe assumption is that it does not support eSIM until the test proves otherwise. Do not read anything into a model number that looks close to a supported one. Proximity means nothing here.

The regional variant trap

This one catches flagship owners too. The same model can ship in different variants depending on the market, and some of those variants arrive without eSIM even though the model is listed as supported globally. In other words, a Galaxy that works for a friend may not work for you, despite carrying the same name and number, simply because it is a different market version.

The same applies to iPhone: units bought in mainland China do not support eSIM, and some Hong Kong and Macau versions differ. So never stop at the model name. Test the phone in your hand.

The definitive test, in thirty seconds

Open the phone app and dial *#06#. An information screen appears; look for a line labelled EID. If that number is there, your phone supports eSIM. If it is not, it does not — that simple, regardless of model name or release year.

A second way to confirm on Android: open Settings, then Network and Connection, then SIM manager. If you find an option called Add eSIM, your device is ready. For the full walkthrough see our guide on whether your phone supports eSIM, or scan the updated compatible devices list.

The rest of the Android field

• Google Pixel: third generation onward, with all recent models (6, 7, 8, 9) supported.
• Xiaomi: the 13 series onward in global versions.
• Huawei: selected models such as the P40 and Mate 40.
• Oppo, OnePlus and Motorola: selected models, with support varying sharply by market.

Notice how often the words selected models and by market appear. That is not evasion, it is the state of the industry — and it is exactly why the EID test remains the decider.

If it turns out your phone does not support it

You have two practical options. First, use another compatible device for the trip — a spare, or a phone belonging to a family member. Second, if you were already considering an upgrade, make eSIM support one of your criteria next time; it is now standard on modern devices. The point is to know before you pay, not after.

One last thing that gets forgotten: even if your phone supports eSIM, it must be carrier-unlocked. Most phones bought in the Gulf already are, but if you bought yours on an installment plan through an operator in another country, confirm it before you travel.

Once you have confirmed

The rest is easy: open the Simply app, choose your destination, and install your eSIM before you fly by following the step-by-step installation guide. If your trip crosses more than one country, the Europe bundle covers 40 countries on a single eSIM and the Middle East bundle covers 17 — far better value than buying a separate eSIM at every border. Check the available plans in the app.

And your main number keeps working as usual for calls and messages, while your data runs over the travel eSIM.