Which smartphones support 5GHz Wi-Fi: a complete list and how to check

When choosing a new smartphone, many people pay attention to cameras, processor or memory capacity, but often forget about such an important detail as support 5 GHz Wi-FiThis standard provides higher data transfer rates and less interference than the traditional 2.4 GHz band. However, not all phones—even flagship models from previous years—are capable of operating in this range.

In this article we will look at, Which smartphones support 5 GHz Wi-Fi?, how to test this feature on your device, and why it's important for a stable internet connection. You'll also learn which budget models are on par with flagships in this regard, and which popular phones, contrary to expectations, only support 2.4 GHz.

We will pay special attention to Chinese brands (Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo), flagships of Samsung and Apple, as well as rare exceptions where 5 GHz support depends on the region of sale or firmware version. If you're planning to upgrade your router to a dual-band one or are already experiencing connection issues, this information will help you avoid making a mistake when choosing.

Why 5GHz Wi-Fi is Better than 2.4GHz: Key Differences

Before we move on to the list of smartphones, it is important to understand what exactly 5 GHz more profitable than the usual range 2.4 GHzMain advantages:

• 🚀 Higher speed — up to 1 Gbps versus a maximum of 300–450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz (under ideal conditions). This is critical for online gaming, 4K streaming, or downloading large files.
• 📶 Less interference — the 2.4 GHz range is overloaded with household appliances (microwaves, Bluetooth devices), and 5 GHz is used less frequently.
• 🔄 More channels — up to 23 non-overlapping channels are available in 5 GHz (versus 3 in 2.4 GHz), which reduces congestion in apartment buildings.

However, 5 GHz also has its downsides: smaller coverage radius (walls and partitions weaken the signal more) and higher energy consumption, which can reduce your smartphone's battery life. Therefore, many devices automatically switch between bands depending on conditions.

⚠️ Attention: Some budget routers (especially older models) don't support 5 GHz. Before buying a smartphone, check whether your router can broadcast in this range. Otherwise, you'll miss out on the phone's advantages.

If your router is dual-band, but your smartphone can't see the 5 GHz network, the problem may lie in the router settings. For example, some models hide the 5 GHz SSID by default or use incompatible encryption standards (e.g., WPA3 instead of WPA2).

How to Check if Your Smartphone Supports 5GHz Wi-Fi

You don't have to search for your phone's specifications online—you can check 5 GHz support on your device. Here 3 reliable ways:

Method 1: Via Wi-Fi settings (Android)

On most Android smartphones, it is enough:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Additionally or Wi-Fi mode.
3. View available ranges: if available 5 GHz or Dual Band, your phone supports this standard.

Method 2: Via the app (Android/iOS)

Utilities like WiFi Analyzer (Android) or Network Analyzer (iOS) shows all available networks with the range indicated. If you see networks marked 5G or 5 GHz - your smartphone supports them.

Method 3: Through specifications (universal)

Go to the manufacturer's website or a service like GSMArena, find your model and check the section WLANLook for mentions dual-band, 5 GHz or standards 802.11a/n/ac/ax (they operate in the 5 GHz range).

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (especially Chinese brands), 5 GHz support may be disabled in the firmware for certain regions. For example, Redmi Note 8 Pro The version for India supports 5 GHz, but the version for Russia does not. This is due to certification and local standards.

List of smartphones with 5 GHz Wi-Fi support (by brand)

We have compiled an up-to-date list of popular models that guaranteed to support 5 GHzThis data is based on official specifications and user testing. Please note: some phones may require a firmware update to activate this feature.

Apple (iPhone)

All iPhone, starting from iPhone 5 (2012), support 5 GHz. There are no exceptions - even budget models like iPhone SE (1st and 2nd generation) operate in both ranges. The latest models (iPhone 15 Pro Max) also support Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz), but that's a separate topic.

Samsung

The Korean brand added 5 GHz support back in Galaxy S3 (2012). Today, all models of the lines Galaxy S, Note, A (starting from A50) And M (starting from M30) operate in two ranges. The exception is some budget models for developing markets (for example, Galaxy J2 Core).

Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO

The situation is more complicated: Xiaomi Budget models often limit the frequency to 5 GHz to save money. Here are the key rules:

• 📱 Flagships (Mi 11/12/13, Black Shark) - support.
• 💰 Middle segment (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5) - supported, but check the specific modification.
• 💸 Budget models (Redmi 9A/10A, POCO C31) — 2.4 GHz only.

Realme, Oppo, Vivo

These brands typically equip all but the cheapest models with 5 GHz. For example:

• ✅ Realme 9 Pro, Oppo Reno 8, Vivo V25 — they support.
• ❌ Realme C30, Oppo A16 - only 2.4 GHz.

Google Pixel

All Pixel, starting with the first model (2016), support 5 GHz. Even budget ones Pixel 6a/7a were no exception.

Other brands

OnePlus, Asus, Sony And Motorola Almost all models of the last 5-7 years are equipped with 5 GHz. Exceptions are rare budget devices (for example, Motorola Moto E20).

Popular smartphones that do NOT support 5 GHz

Even among relatively new models, there are "cheat" phones - phones that seem decent in price or positioning, but lack 5 GHz support. Here Top 5 unexpected exceptions:

• 📵 Samsung Galaxy M01/M02 — budget models for India and the Middle East, also sold in Russia.
• 📵 Xiaomi Redmi 9A/9C/10A — despite their popularity, they only work at 2.4 GHz.
• 📵 Realme C11/C21/C30 — Realme's "C" series always lacks 5 GHz.
• 📵 Nokia 1.4/2.4 — budget phones with pure Android, but without support for modern Wi-Fi.
• 📵 Tecno Spark 7/8 — an African brand actively promoted in Russia, but with limited functionality.

Important: Some of these models can connect to 5GHz networks if you manually specify the SSID in the settings, but the speed will be limited to 2.4GHz due to hardware limitations. This is due to the fact that manufacturers are saving on Wi-Fi chip, installing single-band modules (for example, Broadcom BCM4335 instead of Qualcomm WCN3990).

If you've already purchased such a smartphone, don't despair: 2.4 GHz is sufficient for most tasks (social media, messaging). However, for online gaming, high-definition video calls, or downloading large files, it's better to use mobile internet (4G/5G).

How to force your smartphone to connect to 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz

Even if your phone supports both bands, it may stubbornly cling to 2.4 GHz due to power saving algorithms or a weak 5 GHz signal. Here 3 ways to force a connection:

Method 1: Separate networks on the router

Many routers by default combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under a single name (SSID). Separate them:

1. Go to your router's control panel (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Find the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network.
3. Disable the option Smart Connect or Band Steering.
4. Set different names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).
5. Connect manually to the 5GHz network.

Method 2: Use Force Selection Apps

On Android you can use WiFi Manager or WiFi Priorityto prioritize the band. This isn't possible on iPhone—you'll have to separate the networks on the router.

Method 3: Update the firmware

Sometimes 5 GHz support appears after a software update. For example, Redmi Note 8 In some regions, this feature was only released after the release of MIUI 12. Check for updates in Settings → About phone → System update.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmwares (especially custom ones), the 5 GHz option may be hidden. For example, on Xiaomi With unofficial recovery, band support sometimes disappears. In this case, the only solution is to flash the firmware to the official version.

The Future: Wi-Fi 6 and 6E (6 GHz) in Smartphones

Technology does not stand still: today more and more smartphones support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and even Wi-Fi 6E (with the 6 GHz band). These standards promise even higher speeds and stability, especially in dense urban areas.

Here are the models that already support Wi-Fi 6/6E:

• 📱 iPhone 11/12/13/14/15 (Wi-Fi 6, 6E - only in iPhone 15 Pro).
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy S21/S22/S23, Z Fold/Flip 3/4/5.
• 📱 Xiaomi 12/13 Pro, Redmi K50/K60.
• 📱 Google Pixel 6/7/8.

However, to use Wi-Fi 6E you need not only a supporting smartphone, but also compatible router (For example, ASUS RT-AX86U or TP-Link Archer AXE75). 6 GHz networks are still rare, but their number will increase.

What does Wi-Fi 6E offer compared to Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6E extends the range to 6 GHz, adding an additional 1200 MHz of available spectrum. This means:

- Even more non-overlapping channels (up to 59).

- Less interference in apartment buildings.

- Higher maximum speed (up to 2 Gbps versus 9.6 Gbps for Wi-Fi 6 in theory, but in practice the difference is only noticeable under ideal conditions).

However, for most users, the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and 6E will be imperceptible without specialized equipment (such as VR headsets or 8K streaming).

If you're planning to buy a smartphone for 3-5 years in the future, it makes sense to choose a model with Wi-Fi 6 support. For current tasks (watching videos, social media), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is sufficient.

Common 5GHz Wi-Fi Problems and How to Fix Them

Even if your smartphone supports 5 GHz, you may still have connection issues. Let's take a look top 5 problems and their solutions:

Problem 1: The phone does not see the 5 GHz network

Reasons:

• The router is not broadcasting 5 GHz (check the settings).
• The 5 GHz range is limited in the region (for example, channels 120–140 are prohibited in Russia).
• The phone has "Developer Mode" disabled, with Wi-Fi restrictions.

Solution: Reboot your router, update your smartphone's firmware, and check your regional network settings.

Problem 2: Connects, but the speed is slow

Reasons:

• Weak signal (5 GHz is worse at passing through walls).
• Congested channel (use WiFi Analyzer, to find a free one).
• Restriction from the provider.

Solution: Move the router closer to the device or change the channel in the settings.

Problem 3: Constant connection breaks

This is typical for cheap routers with poor cooling. Try this:

• Disable Wi-Fi power saving in your phone settings.
• Set fixed channel instead Auto.
• Update the router firmware.

Problem 4: The phone connects to 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz

Solution: Separate networks on your router (as described above) or use apps to force band selection.

Problem 5: 5GHz works, but not all functions

For example, Google Cast or AirPlay may not work on a 5 GHz network. This is due to protocol limitations. The solution is to temporarily switch to 2.4 GHz for these tasks.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About 5GHz Wi-Fi on Smartphones

1. My smartphone supports 5 GHz, but it won't connect. What's wrong?

Check:

• Is 5 GHz enabled on the router (sometimes it is disabled by default).
• Is there a restriction on background Wi-Fi data transfer in your phone settings?
• Does the router use encryption? WPA3, which is not supported by older phones.

2. Which smartphone under 15,000 ₽ supports 5 GHz?

In this price segment, pay attention to:

• Redmi Note 12 (about 14,000 ₽).
• Realme 9i (12 000–13 000 ₽).
• Samsung Galaxy A13 (13 000–14 000 ₽).

Avoid models with the "C" index (eg. Realme C35) - they usually lack 5 GHz.

3. Does 5GHz affect battery life?

Yes, but not significantly. In standby mode, the difference is minimal, but during active use (for example, downloading files), power consumption can increase by 5-10%. For most users, this isn't a significant issue.

4. Is there any way to boost the 5 GHz signal?

Unfortunately, the physical limitations of the 5 GHz band prevent significant coverage improvements. However, it is possible:

• Use Mesh systems (For example, TP-Link Deco).
• Place the router closer to the usage area.
• Use repeater with 5 GHz support (eg Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Repeater Pro).

5. Why won't my new iPhone connect to 5GHz?

This is unlikely, as all recent iPhones support 5 GHz. Possible causes:

• The MAC address filter is enabled on the router.
• A non-standard channel is being used (for example, 165, which some devices do not support).
• iOS crash - try resetting network settings (Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset network settings).