Google went the same route as Apple this year because all of the company’s Pixel 10 models currently available in the U.S. offer eSIM functionality, meaning that if you are currently rocking a device with a physical SIM card, you have to make some changes to how you daily drive your shiny new smartphone. Of course, if you are not yet ready to take that eSIM ‘leap of faith,’ and want a Pixel 10 that ships with a physical SIM card tray, there is an easy way for your prayers to be answered, provided some issue emanates from your current Google flagship.
U.S. customers who returned their Pixel 10 for an RMA are now starting to receive versions that come with a physical SIM card tray
On Reddit, a user named ‘crocsnosockz’ put out a post saying that a Pixel 10 was returned and Google’s support team helped the customer obtain a replacement part because of a screen issue. Turns out that this replacement part might be an international variant because the individual mentioned that it has a physical SIM card slot. For those who do not know, there is one significant difference between a Pixel 10 that is dedicated to the U.S. and those sold in international markets; mmWave 5G connectivity.
The replacement Pixel 10 with the physical SIM card tray does not support mmWave 5G connectivity, and if that is something you care about, you will have to get in touch with Google’s support team if something similar has happened with you. The international Pixel 10 versions are also missing a few U.S. 5G bands such as n29, n48, and n70, but thankfully, as Android Authority points out, this is not a big deal since those aforementioned bands are only used by a few MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators).
If you are used to the flexibility of seamlessly switching between SIM cards on your smartphone, then the replacement Pixel 10 will actually be a blessing in disguise. After all, if you are traveling in a foreign country and your eSIM device is stolen or misplaced, transferring that eSIM can be arduous. Also, if missing out on mmWave 5G connectivity is not a big deal for you, we recommend keeping the physical SIM version of the Pixel 10.
News Source: Reddit
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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