OnePlus Alternatives: eSIM, Wireless Charging & Updates

Yes, many OnePlus alternatives support eSIM, wireless charging, and long-term updates, though no single phone matches OnePlus on all three at the same price. The closest overall are Google Pixel phones (7 years of updates, wireless charging, eSIM), Samsung Galaxy S-series (4-7 years of updates, wireless charging, eSIM), and certain mid-range phones that offer eSIM and wireless charging but shorter update windows. This article breaks down what each feature means, which phones have them, and how to choose based on your priorities.

What eSIM Support Means in 2025

An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in the phone; you activate a carrier plan by scanning a QR code or using an app, no physical SIM card needed. Nearly every flagship phone released since 2020 includes eSIM, and most mid-range phones from 2023 onward have it too. In the US, many carriers now default to eSIM-only activation, so a phone without eSIM can be inconvenient. OnePlus has supported eSIM since the OnePlus 9 series, but some budget models (like the Nord N-series) lack it. Alternatives that consistently include eSIM:

Google Pixel 6 and newer (all models)
Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer (except some budget A-series)
Motorola Edge series (2021 and later)
Nothing Phone (1) and (2)
iPhone (all models since XS/XR)

If you travel internationally, eSIM makes it easy to buy a local data plan from apps like Airalo or Holafly without swapping SIMs. Check your carrier’s eSIM compatibility before buying, as some prepaid carriers still require a physical SIM.

Wireless Charging: Not Standard on All Alternatives

Wireless charging uses Qi (or Qi2) technology; you place the phone on a pad and it charges without cables. It’s convenient but slower than wired (typically 7.5W to 15W vs. 65W+ wired on OnePlus). OnePlus includes fast wired charging (up to 100W) but only some models have wireless charging (e.g., OnePlus 9 Pro, 10 Pro, 11, 12). Among alternatives:

Google Pixel: All Pixel 6 and newer have wireless charging (up to 23W on Pixel 8/9 Pro).
Samsung Galaxy S-series: All S20 and newer have wireless charging (up to 15W).
Motorola Edge: Only the Edge+ series has wireless charging; standard Edge models do not.
Nothing Phone: No wireless charging on any model.
iPhone: All since iPhone 8 have it (up to 15W with MagSafe).

If wireless charging is a must-have, avoid budget alternatives like the Pixel 8a (no wireless charging) or Samsung A-series (except A54 and A55, which do have it).

Long-Term Updates: Who Promises What

Software updates include Android version upgrades and monthly security patches. OnePlus offers 3-4 years of major updates and 5 years of security patches for its flagship models, but budget Nord models get only 2-3 years. Alternatives vary widely:

Google Pixel: 7 years of OS and security updates (Pixel 8 and newer). This is the best in the Android world.
Samsung Galaxy S-series: 7 years for S24 and newer, 4 years for older models.
Motorola: 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security for Edge series; budget models get only 1-2 years.
Nothing: 3 years of OS and 4 years of security (Phone 2).
iPhone: Apple supports phones for 6-7 years, but update availability depends on hardware.

For long-term use, Pixel and Samsung are the safest bets. If you keep a phone for 4+ years, avoid budget Motorola or Nord models.

How to Choose Based on Your Priorities

If you need all three features (eSIM, wireless charging, long updates) and want to stay close to OnePlus pricing, consider these tiers:

Budget ($300-500): Google Pixel 8a (eSIM, no wireless charging, 7 years updates) – trade-off on wireless charging. Samsung A55 (eSIM, wireless charging, 4 years updates) – but not sold in US.
Mid-range ($500-700): Google Pixel 8 (all three), Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (all three, 4 years updates).
Flagship ($700-1000): Pixel 9, Samsung S24 (all three, 7 years updates).

If you prioritize fast wired charging over wireless, OnePlus itself remains the best. If you prioritize updates, Pixel is unmatched. If you want a balance, Samsung S-series is the most rounded.

Common Misconception: eSIM and Wireless Charging Are Flagship-Only

Many buyers assume eSIM and wireless charging are exclusive to high-end phones, but that’s no longer true. As of 2025, eSIM is available on many mid-range phones like the Pixel 8a, Samsung A54, and Motorola Edge (2023). Wireless charging is rarer on mid-range, but the Samsung A54 and A55 include it. The real differentiator is update length: budget phones often get only 2-3 years, so if you want a phone to last 5+ years, you need to spend more.

Comparing OnePlus to Its Main Rivals

Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular OnePlus alternatives:

Google Pixel 9: eSIM (yes), wireless charging (yes, 15W), updates (7 years). Better camera and cleaner software, but slower wired charging (27W vs 80W on OnePlus 12).
Samsung Galaxy S24: eSIM (yes), wireless charging (yes, 15W), updates (7 years). Better display and more features, but pricier than OnePlus 12.
Motorola Edge+ (2023): eSIM (yes), wireless charging (yes, 15W), updates (3 years). Great price but shorter updates.
Nothing Phone (2): eSIM (yes), no wireless charging, updates (3 years). Unique design, but not for wireless charging fans.

In terms of raw specs, OnePlus often offers faster charging and better performance per dollar, but loses on update longevity and sometimes wireless charging (base models).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all OnePlus alternatives support eSIM?

No. Most flagship alternatives do, but some budget models (like the Motorola Moto G series) lack eSIM. Always check the spec sheet before buying.

Is wireless charging worth it?

Yes, if you value convenience and don’t mind slower speeds. It’s great for overnight charging or topping up at a desk. But if you need fast top-ups, wired charging is still faster.

Which brand offers the longest updates?

Google Pixel and Samsung (for S24 and newer) both offer 7 years of OS and security updates. Apple also supports iPhones for 6-7 years, but that’s a different ecosystem.

Can I use eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?

Yes, most phones with eSIM support dual SIM: one physical SIM and one eSIM (or two eSIMs on newer models). This is useful for work/personal numbers or travel.

Does wireless charging damage the battery?

No more than wired charging. Wireless charging generates a bit more heat, but modern phones manage temperature well. Avoid cheap uncertified chargers.

What if I want all three but on a budget?

Your best bet is a used or refurbished Google Pixel 7 or Samsung S21, both of which have eSIM, wireless charging, and still get updates for a few more years. New budget phones rarely have all three.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →