Beyond the big three (Apple, Samsung, Google), a growing number of phone manufacturers have added eSIM support to their devices. Sony, Nothing, Honor, Huawei, Vivo, Oppo, and Fairphone all offer at least some models with eSIM capability. However, eSIM support across these brands is far less consistent than what you get with iPhones or Pixels.
Regional variants, carrier-locked firmware, and software restrictions can mean that two identical-looking phones behave differently depending on where they were purchased. This guide covers every eSIM-compatible model from these brands, along with the specific gotchas you need to watch for before buying a travel eSIM.
Które urządzenia Other Brands obsługują eSIM?
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Chinese Domestic Models Almost Never Support eSIM
This is the single biggest gotcha across Huawei, Vivo, Oppo, and Honor. If you buy a phone from any of these brands within mainland China, it will almost certainly not include eSIM support. Chinese carriers have historically preferred physical dual-SIM configurations, and manufacturers disable or omit the eSIM chip on domestic models.
This applies even to flagship devices that support eSIM when sold internationally. Always verify that you are purchasing the global or international variant if you need eSIM. Check the model number: Chinese variants typically have a CN or CH suffix, while global models use region-neutral identifiers.
Huawei Phones Run HarmonyOS Without Google Play Services
Due to US trade restrictions imposed in 2019, Huawei phones released after that date do not include Google Play Services. This means you cannot install eSIM provider apps from the Google Play Store. You will need to download APK files directly from the provider's website or use Huawei's AppGallery instead.
Not all travel eSIM providers offer APKs or list their apps on AppGallery. Additionally, some eSIM providers have reported compatibility issues with HarmonyOS. If you use a Huawei phone, verify with your eSIM provider that they support HarmonyOS devices before purchasing a plan.
QR code-based eSIM activation (through the device's built-in settings rather than an app) tends to work more reliably on Huawei devices.
Sony Xperia eSIM Requires Unlocked Models in Most Markets
Sony sells carrier-branded Xperia phones in Japan and some European markets. These carrier variants frequently have eSIM disabled or restricted to the selling carrier only. If you purchase a Xperia phone through a Japanese carrier like NTT Docomo, au, or SoftBank, the eSIM may only work with that carrier's profiles until you request an unlock.
For guaranteed eSIM compatibility with travel eSIM providers, buy the SIM-free (unlocked) Xperia directly from Sony's online store or from an authorized retailer that sells unlocked devices. You can check your lock status in the device settings under Network & Internet.
Nothing Phone eSIM Availability Varies by Market
Nothing sells its phones globally, but eSIM support is not identical across all regional variants. The European and Indian variants of Nothing Phone models generally have eSIM enabled out of the box. However, some variants sold through specific carriers in Southeast Asia or the Middle East may ship with eSIM disabled in firmware.
If you bought your Nothing Phone from an official retailer or Nothing's own website, eSIM should work. If you purchased through a carrier, check Nothing's support page for your specific model number to confirm eSIM availability. A software update may also be required to enable eSIM on some early firmware versions.
Honor and Vivo eSIM Is Limited to Recent Flagships
Unlike Samsung or Apple, where eSIM has trickled down to mid-range models, Honor and Vivo currently only offer eSIM on their Pro-tier flagships sold in international markets. Budget and mid-range models from both brands (Honor X series, Vivo Y series, Vivo V series) do not support eSIM. If you own a lower-tier model from either brand, you will need a physical SIM card for travel connectivity.
Before buying a travel eSIM, confirm your exact model number and regional variant against the manufacturer's official spec sheet.
Fairphone 5 Is Only Sold in Europe
The Fairphone 5 supports eSIM across all its variants, but Fairphone only sells devices in European markets. If you purchased a Fairphone 5, eSIM should work without issues with most travel eSIM providers. The Fairphone 4 (its predecessor) does not support eSIM, so make sure you have the Fairphone 5 specifically.
Because Fairphone devices run a relatively stock version of Android, eSIM setup follows the standard Android process: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM.
Często zadawane pytania
Which Sony Xperia phones support eSIM?
The Sony Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV (2022) and all newer Xperia models (1 V, 5 V, 10 V, 1 VI, 5 VI, 10 VI) support eSIM. You need the unlocked (SIM-free) version, not a carrier-branded model. Older Xperia models like the 1 III and earlier do not have eSIM hardware.
Does the Nothing Phone support travel eSIM providers?
Yes. All Nothing Phone models (1, 2, 2a, 2a Plus, and 3) support eSIM and work with most travel eSIM providers including Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad. Make sure you have the unlocked variant and that your firmware is updated to the latest version. You can add an eSIM through Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM.
Can I use a travel eSIM on a Huawei phone?
It depends on the model and region. The Huawei P40 Pro and Mate 40 Pro support eSIM in select European and Middle Eastern markets. However, because Huawei phones run HarmonyOS without Google Play Services, you cannot install eSIM provider apps from the Play Store. Your best option is to use QR code-based activation through the phone's built-in eSIM settings, or download the provider's APK directly from their website.
Do Oppo and Vivo phones support eSIM?
Recent flagship models from both brands support eSIM, but only on international (non-Chinese) variants. For Oppo, the Find X5 Pro (2022) and later support eSIM on global models. For Vivo, the X80 Pro (2022) and later support eSIM on international variants. If you purchased your phone in mainland China, it will not have eSIM regardless of the model.
Does the Fairphone 5 work with travel eSIMs?
Yes. The Fairphone 5 supports eSIM and works with all major travel eSIM providers. It runs a near-stock version of Android, so eSIM setup follows the standard process. The Fairphone 4 does not support eSIM, so make sure you have the Fairphone 5 specifically.
How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?
On most Android phones, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (or Mobile Network). If you see an option to "Add eSIM" or "Download SIM," your device supports it. You can also dial *#06# to display your device's IMEI numbers. If an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears alongside the IMEI, your phone has eSIM hardware. If neither option works, check the manufacturer's official spec page for your specific model number.
Why does my phone have eSIM hardware but not show the eSIM option?
This typically happens when the phone's regional firmware has eSIM disabled. Carrier-branded phones, devices sold in mainland China, and some phones sold through specific retailers may ship with eSIM turned off at the software level even though the hardware exists. In some cases, a firmware update or carrier unlock can enable it. Contact the manufacturer's support team with your exact model number to confirm whether eSIM can be activated on your variant.
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