Google’s Pixel 10 lineup has sparked plenty of conversation in the U.S. this year, and not all of it has been about performance, cameras, or AI tricks. One of the most hotly debated changes is the removal of the physical SIM card slot. 
Following Apple’s lead, Google decided that all U.S. Pixel 10 models would be eSIM-only, effectively pushing users into the future of mobile connectivity. While many tech enthusiasts praise the simplicity of eSIMs, plenty of everyday users still feel uneasy about losing the small but familiar SIM tray.
For those who prefer the flexibility of swapping physical SIM cards – whether for travel, work, or just having multiple numbers – the Pixel 10’s U.S. version can feel limiting. But here’s the twist: you may actually be able to get a Pixel 10 with a SIM tray, even if you live stateside. The solution comes not from a retail option, but from the quirks of device replacements. A Reddit post from a user going by ‘crocsnosockz’ revealed that after returning a faulty Pixel 10 due to a screen issue, Google sent them a replacement unit that surprisingly included a physical SIM slot. The explanation? The replacement appears to have been an international variant of the phone.
What makes the international Pixel 10 different? The biggest change is connectivity. U.S. Pixel 10 models support mmWave 5G, a super-fast but limited-range technology often marketed by carriers in cities. International models drop mmWave support, relying instead on sub-6GHz 5G. For most people, that isn’t a major loss, since mmWave is only available in select locations and is far from essential for daily use. However, power users and those in cities where mmWave is well-deployed might see this as a step down. Additionally, the global versions lack support for a few specific U.S. 5G bands (n29, n48, n70), though these are mostly used by smaller MVNO carriers and rarely impact mainstream users.
So, is the trade-off worth it? For frequent travelers, having a physical SIM card tray can be invaluable. Imagine arriving in another country where picking up a local SIM is the cheapest and fastest way to get connected – that’s a convenience eSIM doesn’t always match, especially if your device gets lost or stolen and you need to quickly transfer your number. Similarly, people who juggle personal and work numbers may find the physical slot more practical than relying solely on eSIM profiles.
Of course, this is not an official solution from Google. You can’t simply request an international Pixel 10 from U.S. stores, and swapping devices comes with compromises. Still, for some buyers, the appearance of international variants as replacements might be an unexpected blessing. If mmWave isn’t a priority for you and you’d rather keep the flexibility of a physical SIM, the international Pixel 10 quietly solves a problem Google didn’t intend to fix in the U.S. market. For now, it’s a curious loophole – one that highlights how divided users still are about the eSIM-only future.