Which phones support Wi-Fi 7: an up-to-date list and tests

The transition to a new wireless communication standard has become one of the main topics of discussion in the world of mobile technologies recently. Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, promises revolutionary changes in connection speed and stability, offering theoretical throughput of up to 46 Gbps. For the average user, this means instant downloads of large files, lag-free gaming, and the ability to connect dozens of devices simultaneously without signal degradation. However, to reap these benefits, a new-generation router alone is not enough.

Your smartphone must be equipped with a module capable of handling the new frequencies and encryption protocols. Currently, the market is overflowing with devices supporting Wi-Fi 6E, but the seventh version of the standard unlocks expanded 320 MHz channels and MLO technology. Owners of old flagships, even those released a year ago, may not see a speed boost if the manufacturer has not included the necessary hardware in the design.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at which phone models already support the new standard, and which are just getting ready for the update. We'll analyze the technical features of the Qualcomm and MediaTek chipsets that power this technology, and help you decide whether it's worth pursuing the new standard now or if you can wait. It's critical to know that Wi-Fi 7 requires not only a compatible phone, but also a router that supports the IEEE 802.11be standard.

Technological fundamentals: what Wi-Fi 7 brings to smartphones

To understand why the list of supported devices is still limited, you need to look under the hood of a modern flagship. The main driver behind the implementation of the new standard is chipsets, in particular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and newer versions from Qualcomm, as well as the Dimensity 9200+ from MediaTek. These processors contain integrated modems capable of decoding signals of the new specification. Without such a chip, a software update will not add functionality, as the required physical components are missing.

The main "killer feature" of the new generation is the technology MLO (Multi-Link Operation)Unlike previous standards, where a device could only operate on a single frequency (either 2.4, 5, or 6 GHz), MLO allows a smartphone to simultaneously transmit data across multiple bands. This dramatically reduces ping and eliminates signal interruptions in noisy environments, which is especially important for apartment buildings.

⚠️ Please note: Even if your phone supports Wi-Fi 7, in some regions (for example, in the Russian Federation or EU countries), the 6 GHz function may be software limited or disabled due to local frequency regulation laws.

Also worth noting is the improved modulation 4096-QAM, which allows more data to be encoded in a single signal. This provides a speed increase of approximately 20% compared to Wi-Fi 6 under the same reception conditions. However, to notice this difference, the provider must offer plans with speeds exceeding 1 Gbps, and the router must be configured correctly.

Why is the speed in reality lower than stated?

The theoretical speed of 46 Gbps is achieved under ideal lab conditions using all possible channels and antennas. In real-world conditions, speed is affected by the distance to the router, wall thickness, the number of neighboring networks, and internet service provider (ISP) tariff limits. The actual gain for the user is most often expressed in stabilization units, not gigabits.

Snapdragon-powered flagships: the race leaders

Qualcomm was the first to implement support for the new standard in its top-end solutions, so the lion's share of compatible smartphones are based on the Snapdragon platform. The first device to receive Wi-Fi Alliance certification was Xiaomi 13 Pro, which set the tone for the entire market in 2023-2026. Since then, most premium Android smartphone manufacturers have begun to implement this module en masse.

By 2026, the situation had leveled out, and support had become the de facto standard for all devices above the mid-range. However, if you're buying a used phone or one on sale, it's important to check the specifications of the specific model, as the same lineup may have versions with different hardware for different markets.

List of major manufacturers whose flagships are guaranteed to work with the new standard:

• 📱 Xiaomi: Xiaomi 13, 14, 15 series and their Pro/Ultra versions, as well as the new generation of Black Shark flagship gaming phones.
• 📱 Samsung: Galaxy S23 Ultra, S24, S25 models and foldable devices Galaxy Z Fold 5/6, Z Flip 5/6.
• 📱 OnePlus: Flagships OnePlus 11, 12 and concept models of the Open series.
• 📱 ASUS: Gaming smartphone ROG Phone 7 and 8, as well as Zenfone 10 and newer.

Gaming smartphones deserve special attention. Low ping is critical for them, so manufacturers like ASUS and RedMagic equip their devices with enhanced antenna modules. These phones implement specialized traffic prioritization algorithms that utilize Wi-Fi 7 to its full potential, minimizing jitter in online games.

Google Pixel devices and other brands

There has been a long debate about when Google will add support for the new standard to its PixelStarting with the model Pixel 8 Pro and completely in series Pixel 9, the company finally integrated the necessary modules. This was an important step, as "pure" Android often sets trends for the rest of the market, and network optimization in the stock system is usually well-implemented.

Other brands, such as Sony, Honor, and Motorola, are also not far behind. For example, the Sony Xperia 1 V and VI support the technology, which is especially important for streamers who use the phone to broadcast high-definition video wirelessly. Honor has also implemented corresponding chips in its Magic 5 and 6 Pro flagships, often using solutions from HiSilicon or MediaTek in combination with its own signal-boosting algorithms.

The situation with the iPhone remains uncertain. Apple has traditionally been conservative in implementing new wireless standards, waiting for them to fully mature and for the infrastructure to be widely deployed. Currently, current iPhone models use the latest Wi-Fi 6E version, but the transition to the new standard is not expected until the iPhone 16 or 17 models.

⚠️ Please note: Specifications may vary depending on the region of sale. A phone purchased in China may support the full 6 GHz spectrum, while a European version of the same device may have software limitations.

If you are choosing a phone solely for the sake of internet speed, pay attention to models that clearly indicate support in the description. IEEE 802.11beMarketing names like "Wi-Fi 7 Ready" without specifying a specific standard may just be a gimmick.

Comparison table of characteristics

To help you navigate the models and their capabilities, we've prepared a summary table. It demonstrates the differences in standard support between device generations and shows which chipsets support the new protocol.

As you can see from the table, devices based on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Gen 3 provide the best compatibility and the stated specifications. Google Tensor also demonstrates good results, but in some scenarios it may be inferior to Qualcomm solutions in terms of energy efficiency under high network loads.

How to check if your phone supports Wi-Fi 7

You don't always need to search for specifications online to find out your device's capabilities. There are software methods and indirect indicators that can help you determine the presence of a module. The most reliable method is to use specialized network analysis applications, such as WiFi Analyzer or CellexThey can display the supported standards in detail.

You can also use the hidden engineering test menu in Android. To do this, enter a special code in the phone app. Please note that the codes may vary on different devices, and some firmware versions restrict access to this menu.

##4636##

After entering the code (if it works on your device), go to the "Wi-Fi Information" section. There, in the "Protocol" or "Standard" line, it should be indicated 802.11beIf you only see 802.11ax or 802.11ac, it means your phone doesn't support the new standard, or your router isn't broadcasting a signal in this mode.

Another simple solution is to try connecting to a network that exclusively uses Wi-Fi 7 (if your router supports this setting). If your phone doesn't even see the network or returns a security/compatibility error, the module is missing.

Should You Upgrade: Practical Takeaways

Is it worth rushing out to the store right now to buy a new smartphone just for Wi-Fi 7? The answer depends on your current needs. If you're using a 500 Mbps plan and mostly spend time on social media or watching YouTube, you you won't notice any differenceWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offers ample bandwidth for 4K streaming and video calls.

However, there are scenarios where upgrading makes sense:

• 🚀 Gaming: If you play mobile shooters (PUBG, CoD Mobile) and are annoyed by micro-stutters, MLO can smooth things out.
• 🏠 Smart home: With 50+ devices on the network, the new standard better distributes resources and prevents the main channel from becoming swamped.
• 💾 Local network: If you frequently transfer files weighing 10-50 GB between your PC and phone over a local network, the speed will increase significantly.

⚠️ Please note: Wi-Fi 7 routers are still expensive. Make sure your network equipment is also up to date, otherwise buying a new phone won't have the desired effect.

In the long term, buying a flagship in 2026 means you'll get a device that will last for 4-5 years. Technology is advancing, and in a couple of years, 8K content and cloud gaming could become the norm, leaving older standards a bottleneck.

Does Wi-Fi 7 affect battery life?

Yes, but not always negatively. New chipsets are more energy efficient when transferring large amounts of data, completing tasks faster and returning to sleep mode. However, constantly scanning for 6 GHz networks or operating in MLO mode can increase power consumption compared to simple standby mode in Wi-Fi 5.

Is Wi-Fi 7 backwards compatible?

Absolutely. Phones that support the new standard work perfectly with older routers (Wi-Fi 6, 5, 4). You just won't get the benefits of the new speed, but the connection will be stable.

Do I need a special tariff from my provider?

There's no special "Wi-Fi 7" plan. You just need fast internet (preferably 500 Mbps or higher) to experience the difference between the old and new standards within your local network and when downloading data from outside.

Is it possible to upgrade an old phone to Wi-Fi 7?

No. This is a hardware feature dependent on the physical modem and antennas inside the device. A firmware update cannot add support for a new standard unless it was built in by the manufacturer during the design phase.