Upgrading to a new wireless standard isn't just a marketing ploy, but a genuine necessity for today's data-intensive users. If you're wondering which phones support Wi-Fi 6, it's likely you've already encountered the limitations of your old router or simply want to get the most out of your home internet connection. 802.11ax, known to the general public as Wi-Fi 6, offers not only faster speeds but also significantly better connection stability in densely populated areas.
Unlike previous generations, the new standard allows multiple devices to connect to a single access point without significantly reducing throughput. This is critical for smart homes, where dozens of gadgets, from light bulbs to 4K TVs, operate simultaneously. However, to reap these benefits, it's not enough to simply buy a powerful router—your smartphone also needs to be equipped with the appropriate module.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to determine your device's compatibility, which models have received the upgrade, and whether it's worth the effort. You'll learn about the technical nuances of antenna operation and understand why speeds may not improve even with support. Let's dive into the technical details that are hidden from the average user but determine the quality of your connection.
Technological differences between Wi-Fi 6 and previous standards
To understand why manufacturers are so actively implementing the new standard, you need to understand its architecture. If the previous standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) operated primarily in the 5 GHz band and focused on increasing peak speeds, but Wi-Fi 6 is optimized for efficiency. It uses technology OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), which allows a channel to be divided into smaller subchannels and data to be transmitted to multiple devices simultaneously rather than sequentially.
Another key difference is modulation. 1024-QAMIt allows more data to be encoded in a single radio signal, theoretically increasing transmission speed by 25% compared to Wi-Fi 5. For the user, this means downloading large files or streaming high-resolution videos will be almost instantaneous if the phone supports this feature.
⚠️ Please note: The presence of the Wi-Fi 6 logo on the router box does not guarantee maximum speed if your phone is more than 3-4 years old. Older modules simply won't be able to decode new signals effectively.
Also worth mentioning is the feature Target Wake Time (TWT). It allows the smartphone and router to negotiate when the Wi-Fi module should be turned on. The phone sleeps most of the time and wakes up only to receive notifications, significantly saving battery life. This is especially important for Android device owners who complain about rapid battery drain in standby mode.
Why might the speed not increase?
Even if your phone supports Wi-Fi 6, actual speed depends on your provider's plan, how busy your neighbors are with the band, and your distance from the router. Under ideal conditions, the speed can increase by up to 30-40% compared to Wi-Fi 5.
Apple smartphones that support the new standard
Apple introduced Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support with the iPhone 11 series. This was one of the hidden but important improvements that wasn't always highlighted in key presentations but significantly impacted the user experience. All models released since fall 2019 are equipped with modern network modules.
The full list of compatible devices includes:
- 📱 iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- 📱 iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- 📱 iPhone 13 (all models), iPhone 14 (all models), iPhone 15 (all models)
- 📱 iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
It is important to note that earlier models such as iPhone Xs or iPhone XR, while powerful, are limited to the Wi-Fi 5 standard. This means that in congested networks (such as in an office or shopping mall), they may experience less stable ping than newer models. However, in a home environment, the difference may not be as noticeable unless you have many devices connected simultaneously.
iPad owners should also know that support has been added to iPad Pro (2020 and later), iPad Air (4th generation and later), and iPad mini (6th generation). If you use your tablet for cloud storage or online video editing, the availability Wi-Fi 6 will become a tangible advantage.
Flagships and budget Android phones: who's on the list?
The situation with Android smartphones is more varied, as many manufacturers use different chipsets. Flagship models based on these processors were the first to support the new standard. Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 And Samsung Exynos 990This happened around the beginning of 2020.
Key manufacturers that have implemented the technology:
- 🤖 Samsung: Starting with the Galaxy S20 series (S20, S20+, S20 Ultra), Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Z Fold 2, and all subsequent flagships (S21, S22, S23, S24). The budget A-series received support later, mainly in the mid- and high-end segments (e.g., Galaxy A52s 5G, A73).
- 🤖 Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO: Flagships include the Mi 10, Mi 11, Xiaomi 12/13/14, as well as some Redmi K series models (K30 Pro, K40, K50) and POCO F2 Pro/F3/F4/F5. Budget models under $200-$250 often still feature Wi-Fi 5 for cost savings.
- 🤖 Google Pixel: Starting with Pixel 5 and all subsequent models (Pixel 6, 7, 8).
- 🤖 OnePlus: OnePlus 8, 9, 10, 11 and their Pro versions, as well as Nord 2 (some revisions) and Nord 3.
Be careful when purchasing mid-range devices. Specifications often list "dual-band Wi-Fi," which means support for both 2.4 and 5 GHz, but doesn't necessarily mean the standard itself. 802.11axFor example, popular Redmi Note 9 Pro works only on Wi-Fi 5, while its successor, Redmi Note 10 Pro, already received support for Wi-Fi 6.
⚠️ Please note: In some regions, the same phone models may come with different Wi-Fi modules depending on local frequency regulations. Always check the specifications for your region (Global, EU, CN, RU).
How to check if your phone supports Wi-Fi 6
The easiest way to find out your device's capabilities is to refer to the official specifications on the manufacturer's website. However, if you already have the phone, you can use software-based testing methods. This is more difficult to do on Android than on a PC due to system limitations, but there are ways.
The first method is to use third-party analysis applications. Utilities like WiFi Analyzer or WiFi Man from Ubiquiti can show about the connection. If in the current network you see the protocol ax or standard 802.11ax, which means your phone and router have successfully “agreed” to work in the new mode.
The second method is to check through developer settings (Android only):
- Go to
Settings → About phoneand press 7 timesBuild numberto activate the developer menu. - Return to the main settings menu, find the section
System → For Developers. - In the settings search, enter the word "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless".
- Look for items related to Wi-Fi 6, 11ax or HE (High Efficiency).
☑️ Compatibility check
The iPhone doesn't have such detailed information in the interface. The only reliable way is to check the device model against Apple's official list or use a Mac computer while holding down the [key] Option when you click on the Wi-Fi icon to see the connection type (though this will show the network properties, not the phone's directly).
Speed comparison and real-world performance
Wi-Fi 6 theoretically reaches speeds of 9.6 Gbps, but in reality, such figures are unachievable on any smartphone due to limitations in the number of antennas and channel bandwidth. Real-world tests show that the difference between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 is primarily noticeable in multitasking.
Below is a table comparing average speed figures for a typical flagship smartphone:
| Parameter | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. speed (1 antenna, 80 MHz) | 433 Mbps | 600 Mbps | ~38% |
| Latency (Ping) in a busy network | 20-50 ms | 5-15 ms | Significant |
| Number of simultaneous threads | Limited | High (OFDMA) | Critical |
| Module power consumption | Standard | Reduced (TWT) | Up to 30% |
As the table shows, the main benefit isn't in peak download speeds (which are often limited by your ISP's plan), but in reduced latency and the ability to handle multiple connections. For gamers who play online shooters via cloud services or those who frequently make video calls, upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 will yield significant benefits.
Do I need to change my router and phone right now?
It's a matter of economic feasibility. If your current router reliably distributes internet, and you don't experience network drops or slow speeds when connected to devices, then a quick upgrade may not make sense. However, if you're planning on buying a new flagship, the lack of Wi-Fi 6 support can already be considered a drawback, as it's the de facto standard for devices released in 2026-2027.
Updating makes sense in the following cases:
- 🏠 You have a smart home with 20+ devices, and the network often crashes.
- 🎮 You play online games professionally and low ping is important to you.
- 📹 You often transfer large amounts of data over a local network (4K/8K video).
If you're simply scrolling through your social media feed and watching YouTube, even a good Wi-Fi 5 router will handle it without a problem. However, it's worth keeping in mind that in 2-3 years, support for older standards in new access points (especially public ones) may become secondary, with priority given to clients with Wi-Fi 6E and newer.
⚠️ Note: The Wi-Fi 6E standard operates in the new 6 GHz band. To use it, you need not only a phone that supports 6E (usually flagships from 2022+) but also a router that supports this band. Regular Wi-Fi 6 only operates in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.
In conclusion, the transition to new communication standards is inevitable. The market is moving towards increased connection density, and technologies like OFDMA And BSS Coloring (coloring basic service sets, allowing you to ignore signals from neighboring routers) are becoming a necessity. When choosing a phone today, it's better to look to the future and get a model with ample network capabilities.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?
The main difference is the frequency range. Wi-Fi 6 operates in the traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Wi-Fi 6E adds support for the new, uncensored 6 GHz band. This avoids interference from neighboring routers and older devices, ensuring the clearest possible connection, but requires appropriate equipment on both ends.
Will Wi-Fi 6 increase signal range?
The standard itself doesn't increase the physical signal strength. However, data encoding technologies allow the device to "hear" the router from a slightly greater distance at lower speeds. Performance in obstructed environments is also improved, but a mesh system or repeater is still required to cover larger areas.
Is Wi-Fi 6 backward compatible?
Yes, absolutely. A Wi-Fi 6 router will work with older phones (Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5), simply switching to the appropriate standard for each device. Similarly, a Wi-Fi 6 phone will work on an older router, but only at the speed the router can provide.