There are not a lot of affordable eSIM-Compatible phones in the market yet. The technology is still largely restricted to premium flagships. As such, if you switch to eSIM, your choice of compatible smartphones are seriously limited if you do not have the budget for a premium flagship device.
Most of the affordable eSIM-compatible phone listed in this article are 5G devices. One 4G smartphone makes it to the list, and it is the very cheapest smartphone on the list.
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The Most Affordable eSIM-Compatible Phones you can buy in 2023
Listed below, with key features, are the most affordable eSIM-compatible phones available in the U.S. market in 2023. The devices are listed from the most expensive to the most affordable. All of them cost below $500.
Apple iPhone SE 2022
If you are an iPhone lover, the most affordable eSIM-compatible phone for you is the iPhone SE 2022. Its 4.7-inch OLED display is really small by today’s standards, but it is usable. This is one smartphone you can conveniently operate with one hand. The Apple A15 Bionic processor is one of the most powerful around today, and there is 4 GB RAM to go with it. Storage options include 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB. The base variant sells for $429.
Do check out our in-depth Apple iPhone SE 2022 review.
Nokia X30 5G
The specs of the Nokia X30 5G include a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, Snapdragon 695 processor, 4200mAh battery, and 33W fast charging. Prices start from $400 for the 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage base variant.
Google Pixel 6a
The Pixel 6a is an affordable eSIM-compatible phone that sports a 6.1-inch OLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It is powered by a Tensor chipset, coupled with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The battery’s capacity is 4410 mAh, and there is 18W wired fast charging. It costs $300.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Samsung Galaxy A54 has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Under the hood is an Exynos 1380 chipset and a 5000mAh battery. There is 25W fast charging included in the package. Prices start from $300 for the 6GB RAM + 128 GB storage trim. The Samsung A54 5G is an impressive affordable eSIM-compatible phone to consider.
Nokia G60 5G
The specs of the Nokia G60 5G include a 6.58-inch display, Snapdragon 695 processor, 4500 mAh battery, and 20W fast charging. Prices start from $270 for the 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage base variant. Do check out our detailed Nokia G60 5G review.
Motorola Moto G 2023
The Moto G 2023 comes to play with a Snapdragon 480+ chipset and 4 GB RAM, along with 128 GB storage. The battery capacity is a respectable 5000 mAh along with 15W fast wired charging. Screen size is 6.5 inches, with a poorly 720 x 1600 pixels resolution. The price of the Motorola Moto G 2023 is $199.99.
TCL 40 XL
The TCL 40 XL is the most affordable eSIM-compatible phone right now. For just $150, you get a 6.75-inch, 720 x 1600 pixels resolution display, MediaTek Helio G37 4G chipset (no 5G here), options of 4 GB and 6 GB RAM, as well as 128 GB and 256 GB storage. It has a 5000 mAh battery and 18W wired fast charging.
Where to buy these phones
Check popular retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and others. Ask your carrier, too, as you might find one or more on special deals. The official website of each phone maker is also where you can purchase these phones unlocked, if you want to avoid a contract.
