It is still possible to get a Pixel 10 with a SIM tray. However, it will not be the standard U.S. model.
Some customers who sent their Pixel 10 for repair or replacement have received international versions of the phone. These units include one nano-SIM slot along with eSIM support.
The trade-off is that international replacements often lack support for some U.S. 5G bands such as mmWave. This means you may keep the SIM tray, but you might lose access to the fastest 5G speeds available in certain American cities.
Google followed Apple’s lead in September 2025 by making every U.S. Pixel 10 model eSIM-only. This applies to the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Apple had already started the trend in 2022 when it introduced the iPhone 14 in the U.S. without a physical SIM slot.
Outside of the U.S., the Pixel 10 lineup still offers a hybrid design with one eSIM and one nano-SIM slot.
The shift is tied to the rapid growth of the eSIM market. It was valued at USD 10.32 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach 17.67 billion by 2033. eSIM technology allows slimmer phone designs, easier carrier switching, and less waste from plastic SIM cards.
While eSIMs are clearly the industry’s future, many users still debate the trade-offs.
Here are some of the main pros and cons of eSIMs and SIM cards.
| eSIM | SIM | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| Instant carrier setup | Limited carrier support in some regions | Works universally | Takes up space |
| Ability to store multiple plans | Requires internet for setup | Can switch between devices easily | Less environmentally friendly |
| Saves internal phone space | No quick fallback if activation fails | Can be lost or damaged | |
If you buy a Pixel 10 in the U.S., it will only support eSIM. The only way you might see a SIM tray is if you receive an international replacement unit. Even then, you trade that extra slot for reduced 5G compatibility.
The bigger picture is clear. Physical SIM cards are slowly disappearing, and eSIM is becoming the standard.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
Reviews
