Rakuten Mobile and eSIM
Rakuten Mobile builds its own handsets for the Japanese market and was among the first anywhere to drop the SIM tray entirely. Every model in this table is eSIM only.
| Model | eSIM | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Hand 5G | Yes | 2021 | Sold mainly in Japan; carrier-bought units can be network locked. |
| Rakuten Hand | Yes | 2020 | Sold mainly in Japan; carrier-bought units can be network locked. |
| Rakuten BIG s | Yes | 2021 | Sold mainly in Japan; carrier-bought units can be network locked. |
| Rakuten BIG | Yes | 2020 | Sold mainly in Japan; carrier-bought units can be network locked. |
| Rakuten Mini | Yes | 2020 | Sold mainly in Japan; carrier-bought units can be network locked. |
How to check on the phone
- Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs
- These handsets have no SIM tray, so the download-a-SIM menu is the only route in
- If the menus are in Japanese, switch the device language to English first
Things to know
- These are Japan-only handsets tuned for Japanese networks — used in Thailand they may not pick up every band.
- Some second-hand units are still tied to the previous Rakuten account — confirm the old profile has been removed before you buy.
Compatibility information is compiled from manufacturer specifications and public carrier documentation. We do not test every handset ourselves, and the same model can differ by sales market, so always check your own device's settings before buying a plan.