eSIM vs Physical SIM: Complete Guide for 2026 (Plus Compatible Devices in Australia)
Mobile Phone & Internet Blog | MATE | 4 November 2025
Swapping to eSIM takes minutes and means never losing a SIM card again — but there are trade-offs worth knowing about. Here’s an honest look at how eSIM compares to a physical SIM, which Australian phones support it, and how to choose the right option for how you use your phone.
TL;DR – Quick Takeaways
- eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. There is no physical card to insert or swap
- Most iPhones from iPhone XS onwards support eSIM, plus recent Samsung, Google Pixel, and OPPO devices
- Benefits: faster activation, easier switching between carriers, can use two numbers on one phone
- Downsides: can’t quickly swap between phones, not all carriers support it, older phones don’t have it
- MATE supports eSIM. Get your QR code delivered instantly and activate in minutes
- Check if your phone supports eSIM: Settings → General → About → look for ‘Digital SIM’ or ‘EID’
What Is eSIM?
eSIM stands for ’embedded SIM’. Instead of a removable plastic card you slot into your phone, it’s a chip built directly into your device at the factory.
You still get a phone number, mobile data, calls, and texts, exactly like a physical SIM. The difference is how it’s activated:
- Physical SIM: Your carrier sends you a plastic card, you pop it in your phone
- eSIM: Your carrier sends you a QR code, you scan it, and the eSIM activates digitally
Think of it as downloading your SIM card instead of inserting a physical one.
eSIM vs Physical SIM: The Real Differences
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | eSIM | Physical SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Activation speed | Instant (scan QR code) | 1-3 days (wait for SIM delivery) |
| Switching carriers | Easy (download new eSIM profile) | Need new physical SIM card |
| Swapping between phones | Requires deactivation and reactivation | Just move the SIM card |
| Dual SIM capability | Yes (eSIM + physical SIM on same phone) | Limited (need dual SIM phone) |
| Lost or damaged | Can’t physically lose it | Can be lost or damaged |
| Device compatibility | Newer phones only (2018+) | Works with all phones |
| Carrier support | Most major carriers (not all) | All carriers |
| International travel | Easy to add local eSIM without removing existing SIM | Need to swap SIM cards or use dual SIM phone |
Benefits of eSIM
1. Instant Activation
No waiting for a SIM in the mail. Sign up, scan a QR code, and you’re up and running in minutes.
2. Easier Carrier Switching
Want to try a different provider? Just download their eSIM profile. No waiting for a new card to arrive, no fiddling with tiny plastic trays, no worrying about whether nano, micro, or standard SIM fits your phone.
3. Dual Numbers on One Phone
Most eSIM-capable phones let you run an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time — which means:
- Personal and work numbers on one device
- Keep your Aussie number active while using a local SIM overseas
- One phone, two separate data plans
4. Great for Overseas Travel
Travelling overseas? Add a local eSIM for cheap data without touching your Australian SIM. Your home number stays active the whole time.
5. Nothing to Lose
Physical SIMs can fall out of your phone, get lost in a pocket, or snap in a bag. With an eSIM, there’s nothing to drop or damage.
Downsides of eSIM
1. Can’t Quickly Swap Between Phones
With a physical SIM, if your phone dies, you just pop the SIM into another phone and you’re back online instantly.
With eSIM, you need to:
- Deactivate the eSIM on the old phone
- Request a new QR code from your carrier
- Activate the eSIM on the new phone
That’s a problem in an emergency. If you regularly switch between devices, keep a backup phone that takes a physical SIM.
2. Not All Carriers Support eSIM
Most major Australian carriers support eSIM (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, MATE), but some smaller MVNOs don’t. If you switch to one of them, you’ll need a physical SIM.
3. Older Phones Don’t Have It
If your phone is from before 2018, it almost certainly won’t support eSIM.
4. Slightly More Complex Troubleshooting
When a physical SIM plays up, you pull it out and reinsert it. Fixing an eSIM issue usually means deleting and reinstalling the profile — more steps, but not complicated.
Which Devices Support eSIM in Australia?
Here are the mainstream phones and tablets available in Australia that support eSIM:
Apple Devices
| Device Type | Models |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE (2nd gen & 3rd gen), 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max |
| iPad | iPad Pro 11-inch (all models from 2018+), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen onwards), iPad Air (3rd gen onwards), iPad (7th gen onwards), iPad mini (5th gen onwards) |
Samsung Devices
| Series | Models |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S Series | S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S24, S24+, S24 Ultra |
| Galaxy Z Series | Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Z Flip3 5G, Z Flip4, Z Flip5, Z Flip6, Z Fold2 5G, Z Fold3 5G, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, Z Fold6 |
| Galaxy A Series | A54 5G, A55 5G (note: not all A-series support eSIM) |
Google Pixel Devices
| Models |
|---|
| Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 5a 5G, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL |
OPPO Devices
| Models |
|---|
| Find X3 Pro, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, Find X6 Pro, Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G, Reno 10 Pro+ |
Motorola Devices
| Models |
|---|
| Razr (2019), Razr 5G, Razr (2022), Razr 40, Razr 40 Ultra, Edge+, Edge 40 Pro |
Not all variants of these models support eSIM. If you bought your phone outside Australia, check with the manufacturer to confirm.
How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM
Even if your model is on the list, it’s worth confirming your specific device:
On iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll down and look for ‘Digital SIM’ or ‘EID’
- If you see a long number (32 digits), your phone supports eSIM
On Android
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections (Samsung) or Network & Internet (Google/others)
- Tap SIM card manager or SIM manager
- Look for ‘Add eSIM’ or ‘Download SIM’ option
- If you see this option, your phone supports eSIM
Alternative Method: Dial Code
Dial *#06# — if an EID number appears on screen, your phone supports eSIM.
How to Set Up eSIM with MATE
The whole process takes a few minutes:
- Sign up for a MATE mobile plan: Choose eSIM during checkout
- Receive your QR code: MATE emails you a QR code instantly after signup
- Scan the QR code: Open your phone’s camera or eSIM settings and scan the code
- Follow prompts: Your phone will guide you through activation
- You’re connected: Within minutes, your eSIM is active and working
Full step-by-step instructions are available on MATE’s eSIM setup page.
Should You Choose eSIM or Physical SIM?
Here’s how to think about it:
Choose eSIM if you:
- Want instant activation (no waiting for SIM delivery)
- Travel frequently and want dual SIM capability
- Like the convenience of digital setup
- Have a newer phone (2018 onwards)
- Want to run two numbers on one device
Choose physical SIM if you:
- Frequently swap SIMs between phones (backup devices, testing, etc.)
- Have an older phone that doesn’t support eSIM
- Prefer something tangible you can physically move around
- Want maximum compatibility (works with all phones)
Once you’re set up, there’s no difference; same network, same speeds, same coverage. It comes down to how you prefer to manage your service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from eSIM back to physical SIM?
Yes. Contact MATE and we’ll post you a physical SIM. Once it arrives, you deactivate the eSIM and switch over. No penalties, no fees.
Does eSIM cost extra?
No, eSIM and physical SIM are the same price on all MATE plans.
Can I have both eSIM and physical SIM active at once?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. Most eSIM-capable iPhones and Samsung phones let you run both at the same time. It’s a clean way to keep personal and work numbers on one device.
What happens if I lose my phone with eSIM?
Call MATE straight away and we’ll suspend your service. When you have a new phone, we’ll send a fresh QR code to get you back up and running.
Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?
Not directly, there’s no physical card to move. You deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and request a new QR code from MATE to set up on your new one. Usually sorted the same day.
Does eSIM work overseas?
Yes. Your MATE eSIM works internationally just like a physical SIM — roaming charges apply as normal. The bonus is you can add a local eSIM for cheap data while your Australian number stays active in the background.
Can I keep my phone number when switching to eSIM?
Yes, you can port your number across to MATE eSIM the same way you would with a physical SIM. Nothing changes on that front.
What’s an EID number?
EID stands for ‘eSIM Identifier’ — a unique 32-digit code that identifies your device’s eSIM chip. Find it under Settings → General → About on iPhone, or Settings → About Phone on Android.
Do all Australian carriers support eSIM?
The major ones do — Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and MATE all support eSIM. Some smaller MVNOs haven’t rolled it out yet, so check before you sign up.
Can I delete an eSIM profile?
Yes, whenever you like. Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data, select the eSIM, and tap Remove or Delete. Handy when switching carriers or clearing out old profiles.
How many eSIMs can one phone hold?
Most phones store 5–10 eSIM profiles, but only 1–2 can be active at once. iPhone, for example, can hold 8+ eSIMs but only run 2 simultaneously — 1 eSIM and 1 physical SIM, or 2 eSIMs on iPhone 13 and newer.
Is eSIM more secure than physical SIM?
In some ways, yes. Because the eSIM is embedded in your phone, nobody can pull it out and stick it in another device, which makes a certain type of SIM swap fraud harder. That said, both are vulnerable if someone gains access to your carrier account, so use a strong password and two-factor authentication regardless.
What happens to my eSIM if I factory reset my phone?
The eSIM profile gets wiped along with everything else. You’ll need to contact MATE for a new QR code to set it up again. Before you reset, check whether your phone can back up the eSIM — some newer iPhones handle this automatically via iCloud.
Can I use eSIM with prepaid plans?
Yes, MATE only offers eSIM on postpaid plans but it works exactly the same either way.
Does eSIM drain battery faster?
No. eSIM uses no more power than a physical SIM. The one exception is running dual SIM — two active connections do draw slightly more battery, but it’s not significant in day-to-day use.
