In today's fast-paced digital age, the way we connect and communicate while traveling is of paramount importance. One of the latest advancements in this realm is the eSIM technology, which is rapidly becoming a must-have feature for frequent travelers. Let's dive into the top 11 eSIM capable smartphones under $500 USD that are making waves in the market. I have included previous generation renewed phones, and phones that are at a discount at the time of writing.

What is eSIM?

Before we delve into the list, let's understand eSIM. An eSIM, or "embedded SIM", is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical SIM card. This technology is a game-changer for travelers, allowing them to switch between carriers without the hassle of physically swapping out SIM cards. To learn more about SIM, check out our complete eSIM FAQ guide!

In our pursuit of enhancing travelers' connectivity experiences, Textr has dedicated extensive efforts to testing numerous eSIM-capable smartphones. Our comprehensive evaluations have led us to curate a list of the best smartphones for travelers in today's dynamic digital landscape. These top 11 smartphones represent the pinnacle of eSIM technology, offering seamless connectivity and exceptional features that cater specifically to the needs of globetrotters. With Textr's thorough testing and commitment to ensuring travelers stay connected effortlessly, we proudly present our selection of the finest eSIM-equipped smartphones for your journeys ahead.

The Top 11 Budget eSIM Smartphones for Travelers 2023

1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (~$389)‍

High-end performance, best display, best camera, good battery life, premium build.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: (~$368)

‍ High-end performance, best display, good camera, average battery life, good build.

3. Apple iPhone 12 Pro: (~$500)

High-end performance, good display, good camera, average battery life, premium build.

4. Google Pixel 7(~$497)

‍ Mid-range performance, good camera, good battery life, good build.

5. Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G (~$458)

‍ Mid-range performance, good display, good camera, good battery life, good build.

6. Motorola Edge 40 Neo (~$427)

Mid-range performance, average display, average battery life, budget build.

7. Apple iPhone 13 mini (~$500)

‍ Mid-range performance, good display, average battery life, good build.

8. Doogee V30 (~$500)

‍ Budget performance, average display, best battery life, average build.

9. Samsung Galaxy A54(~$350)

‍ Budget performance, average display, good battery life, good build.

10. Motorola Moto G (2023) (~$200)

‍ Budget performance, average display, good battery life, budget build.

11. Apple iPhone XS Max(~$310)

‍ Older model, good display, average battery life, premium build.

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Performance

• Top Performers: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, and Apple iPhone 12 Pro due to their high-end chipsets and ample RAM.
• Mid-Range Performers: Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, Google Pixel 7, and Motorola Edge 40 Neo.
• Budget Performers: Doogee V30, Samsung Galaxy A54, and Motorola Moto G (2023).

Display Quality

• Best Displays: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G for their Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with high resolution and refresh rate.
• Good Displays: Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 13 mini for their Super Retina XDR OLED displays.
• Average Displays: Motorola Moto G (2023) and Samsung Galaxy A54.

Camera Capabilities

• Best Cameras: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Google Pixel 7 for their versatile and high-resolution camera setups.
• Good Cameras: Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G and Apple iPhone 12 Pro.
• Average Cameras: Doogee V30 and Motorola Moto G (2023).

Battery Life

• Longest Battery Life: Doogee V30 with 10800 mAh.
• Good Battery Life: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Motorola Edge 40 Neo with 5000 mAh.
• Shortest Battery Life: Apple iPhone 13 mini with 2438 mAh.

Build Quality

• Premium Build: Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone XS Max with glass front/back and stainless steel frame.
• Good Build: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G with glass front/back and aluminum frame.
• Budget Build: Motorola Moto G (2023) and Motorola Edge 40 Neo with plastic frames.

Price

• Most Affordable: Motorola Moto G (2023) at ~$199.99.
• Mid-Range Price: Samsung Galaxy A54 at ~$349.00 and Motorola Edge 40 Neo at ~$427.
• Premium Price: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G at $389 and Doogee V30 at ~$499.99.
  

Unveiling the Top 11 Budget eSIM Smartphones with Textr eSIM

In an era where staying connected on the move is non-negotiable, the emergence of eSIM technology has revolutionized the way we interact with the world. The compilation of the top 11 eSIM smartphones serves as a testament to Textr's dedication to enhancing travelers' connectivity experiences. Through rigorous testing and meticulous evaluation, Textr brings forward a selection of smartphones that not only harness the power of eSIM technology but also encapsulate the essence of convenience, innovation, and performance. As travelers embark on their journeys, these handpicked devices are poised to redefine the travel experience by seamlessly bridging the gap between exploration and communication. With Textr's commitment to connectivity and innovation, these eSIM-equipped smartphones promise to be steadfast companions in every adventure, ushering in a new era of frictionless connectivity for the modern nomad.

Other eSIM Resources

• Learn how to enhance smartphone reception and have better data connection
• How to use Google Map in your trip
• eSIM consumes battery with cellular connection. Learn how to save battery usage.
• How to extend your phone's battery life