OPPO today announced the world’s first 5G SA-Compatible eSIM in its newly launched flagship 5G smartphone, the OPPO Find X3 Pro, developed in collaboration with the world’s leading eSIM connectivity management company, Thales. The 5G Standalone (SA) eSIM-based OPPO Find X3 Pro will provide users with the advanced 5G experience offered by 5G SA networks, as well as providing both users and mobile operators with the benefits of eSIM technology.

Unlike traditional SIM cards which must be physically inserted into devices, an eSIM, or embedded SIM, is directly built into the device. Users can enjoy a smooth digital smartphone experience when selecting connectivity plans from mobile operators. As such, the Thales eSIM also helps mobile operators to take up their digital transformation challenge. In addition to smartphones and wearables, eSIMs are widely being adopted in Connected Vehicles and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT).

OPPO and Thales are spearheading the development of 5G technology, being the first in the world to support the 5G SA network on an eSIM-powered device. 5G SA (Standalone) networks are being deployed by major mobile operators around the world, featuring lower latency, higher flexibility and ultimately a more comprehensive 5G experience.

“As a leading global technology company, OPPO has been driving the development of 5G technology since the very beginning. We see eSIM as an exciting prospect to pursue our commitment to providing innovative 5G experiences for users,” said Xia Yang, Senior Director of Carrier Product at OPPO. “Through our collaboration with Thales, we have made the Find X3 Pro one of the first devices in the world to be equipped with the 5G SA-Compatible eSIM. As 5G SA networks are being adopted around the world, the addition of the 5G SA-Compatible eSIM brings more possibilities for Find X3 Pro users worldwide.”

Thales is a leading provider in both hardware-based eSIMs and eSIM connectivity management, with more than 200 eSIM management platforms awarded by mobile operators, operator alliances, MVNOs, and OEMs across the world. As OPPO’s key eSIM solutions partner, Thales eSIM solutions have already been included in the OPPO Watch, OPPO’s first smartwatch with built-in cellular connectivity.

OPPO and Thales worked closely to integrate Thales’ innovative eSIM solution into the Find X3 Pro through eSIM server validation, device debugging, verification, and function development. OPPO and Thales have also worked with mobile operators to conduct network interoperability tests in order to check that users can enjoy two simultaneous active lines using a removable SIM and an eSIM with their Find X3 Pro. This collaboration also showcases the success of implementing a 5G SA on an eSIM-compatible device for the first time.

“We are honoured to continue our partnership with OPPO to validate and commercialise the first 5G SA-Compatible eSIM on the OPPO Find X3 Pro,” said Jérôme Bendell, Vice President of Thales North Asia and CEO of Thales in China. “This is an important milestone in the development of eSIM technology. We believe that with the evolvement and widespread use of eSIM technology, it will further unlock the benefits of 5G to both operators and consumers. In particular, the 5G SA eSIM maximises trust and resilience with mobile operators who have deployed 5G core networks, and for their customers.”

Driven by user needs and experiences, OPPO began its research and development of eSIM technology in 2018 and has since launched a series of eSIM-Compatible smartphones and smartwatches. The OPPO Find X3 Pro equipped with 5G SA-Compatible eSIM demonstrates OPPO’s strong technical expertise and insights into eSIM technology, and also reflects OPPO’s investments in accelerating the rollout of 5G SA networks.