In today's world, wireless connection speed has become critical for comfortable mobile device use. When users ask which smartphones support 5G Wi-Fi, they often confuse two completely different communication standards. Fifth-generation cellular communications and the 802.11ax wireless local area network are technologies that operate at different frequencies and have different purposes.
In this article, we'll clear up some confusing terminology and determine which devices are capable of operating in the 5 GHz band of the Wi-Fi 6 standard (previously known as Wi-Fi 5G). You'll learn how to check your gadget's specifications and which flagship and budget models will provide the best speeds on your home network.
Understanding the difference between 5G NR (New Radio) and Wi-Fi 6 will help you set up your home network correctly. We'll cover not only lists of compatible devices but also technical nuances that affect actual data transfer speeds in dense urban environments.
The difference between 5G cellular and 5G Wi-Fi
The first thing you need to understand to properly configure your equipment is the fundamental difference between the technologies. The abbreviation 5G In the context of mobile operators, LTE refers to the fifth generation of cellular communications, replacing 4G LTE. It is a broad-coverage technology that provides internet access outside the home via cell towers.
At the same time, when it comes to Wi-Fi 5G, typically refers to a wireless network operating in the 5 GHz frequency range (802.11ac and 802.11ax standards). This is a local network created by your router. Speed and stability here depend on the distance from the access point and the absence of physical barriers.
Smartphones with 5G support can operate in both modes simultaneously, but for maximum performance in the home, it is critical that the device supports the standard Wi-Fi 6It is this protocol that is often labeled by manufacturers as "5G Wi-Fi," which is what causes the most confusion.
⚠️ Attention: Buying a router with 5 GHz support won't improve your speed if your smartphone doesn't physically support the corresponding module. Always check the specifications of your specific device before upgrading your network equipment.
It's important to note that older devices that only operate in the 2.4 GHz band simply won't "see" the new network, even if it's broadcast. Therefore, when buying a new phone, it's worth paying attention to whether it supports this standard. 802.11ax.
Key Wi-Fi Standards: From Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 7
Wireless networks are evolving rapidly, and each new standard brings not only increased speed but also improved energy efficiency. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) It became the first mass standard to implement operation in the 5 GHz band for mobile devices and remains relevant for most users.
The next step was Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which significantly increases throughput in environments with a large number of connected devices. This standard is currently the gold standard for flagship smartphones. It uses OFDMA technology for more efficient data transfer.
It's already looming on the horizon Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which promises even higher speeds and lower latency. However, at the moment, only the most expensive ones smartphone models The 2026-2026 models are equipped with the corresponding modules.
Technical details of modulation
Wi-Fi 6 is based on 1024-QAM modulation, which allows it to encode more data in a single signal compared to 256-QAM in Wi-Fi 5. This provides a speed increase of approximately 25% under the same signal conditions.
When choosing a router and phone, it's important to consider compatibility between versions. A device with Wi-Fi 6 will work on a Wi-Fi 5 network, but at reduced speeds. While backward compatibility is maintained, the network's full potential will not be realized.
List of Samsung smartphones with 5G Wi-Fi support
Samsung was one of the first companies to widely implement support for high-speed Wi-Fi standards in its devices. Almost all flagship Galaxy S and Note series devices released after 2016 support the 5 GHz band.
Starting with the series Galaxy S10The Korean giant implemented Wi-Fi 6 support, allowing users to get the maximum speed from modern routers. Budget series like the Galaxy A are also gradually adopting these technologies, although the most affordable models are sometimes limited to Wi-Fi 5.
Below is a table with the main series and models guaranteed to support high-speed mode:
| Series | Models | Wi-Fi standard | Max. speed (theoret.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S (Flagship) | S24, S23, S22, S21, S20, S10 | Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 6 | up to 3.6 Gbps |
| Galaxy Note | Note 20, Note 10, Note 9 | Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 5 | up to 1.7 Gbps |
| Galaxy Z (Fold/Flip) | Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Fold 4 | Wi-Fi 6E | up to 3.6 Gbps |
| Galaxy A (Mid-Range) | A54, A53, A73 | Wi-Fi 6 | up to 1.2 Gbps |
For owners of devices of the series Galaxy S23 Ultra and newer models are worth noting for support of the 6 GHz band (Wi-Fi 6E), which requires a dedicated router. This completely eliminates interference from neighboring networks.
iPhone and Apple Device Compatibility
Apple devices traditionally adhere strictly to modern standards, but the implementation of Wi-Fi 6 began later than some of its Android competitors. For a long time, the devices used the standard. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which provided a stable, but not maximum speed.
The first smartphone to receive support Wi-Fi 6, became iPhone 11All subsequent models, including the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15, as well as the Pro and Pro Max series, are fully compatible with modern routers. This also applies to iPad tablets, starting with the 2020 iPad Pro and the iPad Air 4.
It's important to note that older models like the iPhone X or iPhone 8, while supporting the 5 GHz band, won't be able to take advantage of the new encryption and modulation protocols. They rely on the AC standard.
⚠️ Attention: There's no option in the iPhone settings to force switching between 2.4 and 5 GHz. The device automatically selects the best network. If the router broadcasts networks with the same name (SSID), the phone will automatically choose which one to connect to.
For users of the Apple ecosystem, technology support is also an important parameter TWT (Target Wake Time), which is available in Wi-Fi 6. It allows the smartphone to coordinate its activity time with the router, significantly saving battery power.
Budget smartphones and Chinese brands
Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Realme, Honor, and OnePlus often introduce advanced technologies into mid-range devices faster than their Western competitors. Xiaomi smartphones Priced from $200, they are already equipped with Wi-Fi 6 modules.
However, in the ultra-budget segment (under $150), manufacturers often skimp on the antenna module, opting for support only for 2.4 GHz or the basic 5 GHz band (Wi-Fi 5). This can be an unpleasant surprise when purchasing a new router.
Popular models with good high-speed support include:
- 📱 Xiaomi: Redmi Note 12 Pro, Xiaomi 13, Poco F5 and newer.
- 📱 Realme: Realme GT Neo 5, Realme 11 Pro+.
- 📱 Honor: Honor Magic 5, Honor 90.
- 📱 OnePlus: OnePlus 11, OnePlus Nord 3.
When choosing a device, be sure to check the full specifications. The "5G" logo on the box often refers only to cellular connectivity and does not guarantee Wi-Fi 6 support.
☑️ Check before buying a smartphone
How to check if your smartphone supports 5G Wi-Fi
There are several ways to find out if your current phone is capable of high-speed operation. The simplest method is software-based, using specialized diagnostic utilities. These utilities display detailed network adapter specifications.
The second method is practical. If your router broadcasts two networks with different names (for example, "MyWiFi" and "MyWiFi_5G"), try connecting to the one with "5G." If your phone sees this network and connects, it supports it. If the network isn't listed, the module doesn't support the frequency.
You can also use the engineering menu or applications like WiFi AnalyzerIn the details of the connected network, look for the line "Link Speed" or "Protocol". If it says 802.11ac or 802.11ax, then you are using the 5 GHz band.
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep"mInfo"This ADB command (for advanced Android users) will display the current Wi-Fi connection status, including frequency and protocol. For the average user, simply go to Settings → About phone → All specifications and find the Wi-Fi section.
Setting up a router to work with smartphones
To ensure your smartphones run at maximum speed, it's not enough to simply buy a powerful router. You need to configure it correctly. First, make sure the router's web interface is set to "Speed Mode." 802.11ax or 802.11ac for the 5 GHz range.
The "Smart Connect" feature, which combines 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under a single name, is often enabled by default. To troubleshoot problems, it's best to temporarily separate them by giving the networks different names (SSIDs). This will force the phone to connect to the faster band.
An important parameter is the channel width. For maximum speed in the 5 GHz band, it is recommended to set the value 80 MHz or 160 MHzHowever, in apartment buildings, the 160 MHz channel can be heavily polluted with noise, leading to instability.
⚠️ Attention: Router specifications and carrier requirements may vary. Before changing channel width or signal strength settings, please consult the official documentation for your router model, as incorrect settings may result in connection loss.
Don't forget to update your router's firmware. Manufacturers frequently release updates that improve compatibility with new devices. smartphone models and fixing bugs in the WPA3 security protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my phone say "Connected" but there is no internet on 5G Wi-Fi?
This could be due to an IP address conflict, incorrect DNS settings, or a weak signal. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting, and also check if there's a MAC address restriction in your router settings.
Does 5G Wi-Fi support affect battery life?
Yes, using the 5 GHz band, and especially the Wi-Fi 6 standard, can consume more power when actively transmitting data. However, power-saving technologies in new smartphones minimize this difference in standby mode.
Do I need a special carrier plan for 5G Wi-Fi?
No, 5G Wi-Fi is a local network for your home or office. It's not dependent on your mobile phone plan, unless the router uses a SIM card (4G/5G router), in which case the speed is limited by the cell tower's coverage.
Can an old smartphone work with a new Wi-Fi 6 router?
Yes, Wi-Fi standards are backward compatible. Your old phone will connect to your new router, but it will only operate at the maximum speed supported by its native module (e.g., only Wi-Fi 4 or 5).