Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro may launch with eSIM only in some regions

Mishaal Rahman has noticed what could be a major change for Google Pixel smartphones in Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro renders that @OnLeaks released earlier this year. In a Twitter thread, Rahman discusses that renders of both devices have been created without a SIM card slot, which has not been the case for previous models. Potentially, the exclusion of a SIM card slot in Pixel 8 series renders could be an oversight, although Apple has already laid the groundwork for eSIM-only devices with US versions of the iPhone 14 series.

According to Rahman, @OnLeaks informed him that CADs 'don't include every detail'. Thus, the leaker ignores missing details rather than taking an interpretative approach. As such, the CAD files upon which @OnLeaks relied may differ slightly from the design of retail units. However, it is also worth noting that Google announced a 'new eSIM transfer' transfer utility in February for moving between devices and the option of converting a physical SIM to an eSIM.

Conversely, Max Weinbach asserts that Google is encouraging Android OEMs to maintain SIM card slots for 'as long as possible'. Weinbach adds that Google lacks the leverage of Apple to pull off removing SIM card slots from its smartphones. Either way, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are rumoured to rely upon the Samsung Exynos 5300 modem for cellular connectivity through their Tensor G3 chipsets. Incidentally, both models will serve as vehicles for Google's new camera UI, which leaked recently.

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