Which phones support Wi-Fi 6: an up-to-date list of models

Modern wireless networks are developing rapidly, and the standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) It's no longer surprising, although just a few years ago it was rare. Smartphone owners often wonder whether their current device is capable of higher speeds or whether it's time to consider a new one. Understanding which phones support Wi-Fi 6 is critical for those looking to unlock the full potential of their home internet.

The transition to new technology provides not only higher throughput, but also better energy efficiency and connection stability in crowded areas. The key difference is the OFDM technology, which allows more data to be transmitted simultaneously, which is especially noticeable at speeds above 500 Mbps. If your router has already been updated to the AX standard, but your phone is still running slowly, it's likely due to a lack of compatibility with the communication module.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to determine whether your device supports the new protocol, review lists of popular brands, and explain whether it's worth the effort under current conditions. We won't delve into dry radio engineering theory, but rather focus on the practical implications for the end user.

Technological features of the 802.11ax standard

Standard Wi-Fi 6, officially known as 802.11ax, represents an evolutionary advancement of previous generations of wireless networks. The technology's primary advantage is its ability to operate efficiently in crowded airwaves where numerous devices compete for the connection. For smartphones, this means no speed drops, even when connected to a smart TV, laptops, or tablets.

The most important feature for mobile devices is Target Wake Time (TWT). This mechanism allows the phone and router to coordinate the schedule for turning the Wi-Fi module on and off. Smartphones With TWT support, phones can stay in sleep mode longer, which has a positive effect on battery life throughout the day.

What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and 6E?

The 6E standard adds support for a third frequency band—6 GHz. This is a "clean" band, free from interference from older devices, but it requires not only a 6E-compatible phone but also a compatible router.

It is also worth noting the use of modulation 1024-QAM, which encodes more data in each radio signal. This provides a speed increase of approximately 25% compared to the previous generation (Wi-Fi 5). However, to realize this benefit, both the router and the receiving device (phone) must support this specification.

List of Apple iPhones with Wi-Fi 6 support

Apple was relatively late in adopting the new communication standard in its mobile devices, but quickly expanded its entire model range. The first smartphone to receive the 802.11ax module was iPhone 11All subsequent models, including the second-generation SE and newer, also come with this technology as standard.

Owners of older models, such as the iPhone X, XS, or XR, can't count on working on sixth-generation networks. Their network adapters are limited to the standard. Wi-Fi 5 (ac), which, however, still allows you to comfortably use most Internet services, although the maximum speed will be lower.

Below is a compatibility table of popular iPhone models:

It is important to distinguish between regular Wi-Fi 6 and advanced Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6ESupport for the 6 GHz band was added only to the iPhone 15 Pro series. The base iPhone 14 and 15 models, as well as all older iPhone 6s, only support the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.

Android flagships: Samsung, Xiaomi, and other brands

On the operating system side Android The 802.11ax standard's adoption was earlier and more varied. Flagship smartphones began receiving Wi-Fi 6 support back in 2019. Samsung led the way, equipping its top-end Galaxy S10 and Note 10 devices with the necessary modules.

Xiaomi and other Chinese manufacturers rolled out support a bit later, but now virtually any mid- to high-end phone released after 2020 can work with the new routers. Budget models may still be equipped with outdated chips to reduce the final cost.

Let's take a look at the main lines of popular brands:

• 📱 Samsung: Starting with the Galaxy S10 series, Note 10, as well as all models of the A5x, A7x series and the S/Note/Z flagships of newer years.
• 🤖 Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO: Flagships Mi 10 and newer, Redmi Note 10 Pro series and above, POCO F2 Pro, F3, F4, F5 and their analogues.
• 🔵 OnePlus: OnePlus 8, 9, 10, 11 and Nord series (not all models, specifications required).
• 🟣 Google Pixel: Starting with Pixel 5 and all subsequent versions, including Fold and Flip.

Gaming smartphones deserve special attention, such as ASUS ROG Phone or Black SharkEngineers often install enhanced antenna modules and advanced communication chips in these devices to ensure minimal ping in online games. Wi-Fi 6 support has been the de facto standard for them for several years now.

Budget segment: is it worth waiting?

The situation in the budget segment is mixed. Manufacturers often skimp on network modules, installing time-tested Wi-Fi 5 solutions. However, in 2023-2026, a trend toward lower technology costs is observed, and the 802.11ax standard is beginning to penetrate even phones priced under 20,000 rubles.

If you're choosing an affordable smartphone, don't assume Wi-Fi 6 is a given. Carefully review the technical specifications of the specific model. This feature is often listed in small print under the "Communications" or "Network" section in descriptions on marketplaces or manufacturer websites.

Is it worth paying extra for this feature in a cheap phone? If you live in an apartment building where the airwaves are clogged with dozens of neighboring networks, then yes. OFDMA technology, inherent to sixth-generation technology, helps better filter out noise and maintain a stable connection, even if the phone itself doesn't offer record-breaking speeds.

How to check if your phone supports Wi-Fi 6

The most reliable way to find out your device's capabilities is to consult the official specifications on the manufacturer's website. However, if you only have your phone at hand, you can use software methods. In the operating system Android There are several ways to obtain this information.

The first method is to use the engineering menu or developer settings. Go to Settings → About phone Tap the build number seven times to enable developer mode. Then, in the developer menu, look for Wi-Fi-related options, although the exact standard is rarely listed there.

⚠️ Attention: Android settings interfaces vary greatly depending on the operating system (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). The path to technical information may vary, and in some cases, it may be completely hidden from the user.

A more informative way is to install specialized applications from Google Play, such as WiFi Analyzer or Amped WiFiWhen connected to a modern network, such utilities can display the connection standard (ax) and the current channel width.

adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "mConnectionInfo"

For advanced users with access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is a command that displays detailed information about the current connection. In the response line, look for the symbol IEEE 802.11ax. If you see there ac or n, which means your phone is currently operating on the old standard.

Do I need a new router to use Wi-Fi 6?

Having a modern smartphone is only half the equation. To operate at Wi-Fi 6 speeds, you need a compatible router. If you have a router from five years ago, it physically won't be able to transmit data using the new protocol, even if your phone supports it.

When purchasing new equipment, pay attention to the markings. AX1800, AX3000 and higher. The numbers after the letters AX indicate the total theoretical speed. For an average-sized apartment with 10-15 devices, an AX1800 or AX3000 model is quite sufficient.

It's also worth keeping in mind that to fully utilize the benefits of sixth generation, it's recommended to have a plan from a provider with speeds above 100 Mbps. On slower channels, the difference between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 may be virtually imperceptible to the user's eyes during normal surfing.

Impact of the standard on speed and stability

Many users expect an immediate two- or three-fold increase in speed after upgrading to Wi-Fi 6. The reality is that under ideal conditions (a single client, close to the router), the increase can be 30-40%. The main benefit is revealed in multi-access scenarios.

When a 4K TV is turned on in the house, someone is downloading games, and a third user is video conferencing, a router with support MU-MIMO OFDMA distributes resources in a way that minimizes lag for all participants. Older routers in this situation begin to choke, creating packet queues.

⚠️ Attention: Wireless performance depends on many factors, including wall thickness, the presence of metal structures, microwave ovens, and neighboring networks. Actual speeds are always lower than those stated in the specifications.

Therefore, upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 is primarily worthwhile for those who suffer from connection instability and high ping times, not just low maximum download speeds. For owners of modern smartphones, this is a natural step in the evolution of their home network.

Does Wi-Fi 6 affect battery life?

Yes, but in a positive way. Thanks to TWT (Target Wake Time) technology, the phone can wake up the Wi-Fi module less often to check email or notifications, which saves battery life.

Will a Wi-Fi 6 phone work with an old router?

Yes, it will. All Wi-Fi standards are backward compatible. Your new phone will simply connect to your old router using the highest standard supported by it (for example, Wi-Fi 5 or 4), but the connection will be stabilized.

Do I need to change my SIM card for Wi-Fi 6 to work?

No, you don't need to. Wi-Fi is a local wireless network technology that doesn't depend on your cellular carrier or SIM card type. It works through your home router.

Is it true that Wi-Fi 6 penetrates walls better?

Not quite. The physics of radio waves remains the same. However, improved signal encoding algorithms allow for better data recovery from weakened signals, which can be subjectively perceived as a "better breakthrough."