Owning a Wi-Fi 7 certified smartphone is an important step towards embracing the future of connectivity.
Wi-Fi 7 debuted in 2023, as the successor to Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, and brings notable improvements in speed, capacity and latency. Although the technology is now feasible, its widespread adoption remains a work in progress.
However, those interested in taking advantage of the new connectivity technology already have several options at their disposal, at least at the smartphone level. Smartphones that support Wi-Fi 7 and are currently available in the market are:
- Asus ROG Phone 7
- Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
- Asus Zenfone 10
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
- Motorola Edge+
- Nubia Z50S Pro
- OnePlus 12
- OnePlus 12R
- OnePlus Ace 3
- OnePlus Open
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Vivo X Fold3
- Vivo X Fold3 Pro
- Vivo X100
- Vivo X100 Pro
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro+
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra
Although the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra have official Wi-Fi support, as they are equipped with Qualcomm Fastconnect 7800, Samsung’s activation of this feature is pending, with an unknown timeline. As the industry moves into the Wi-Fi 7 era, anticipation is high for its adoption as the new connectivity standard. By the end of 2024 we expect at least 8 smartphones to be released that support the new technology.
Specifically, we expect to see Wi-Fi 7 in Apple iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9 series and Pixel 8a, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 (probably on Ultra), and OnePlus Open 2. Smartphones equipped with Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7800 network adapter, running Android 13 or later, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and using the Tensor G3 (exclusive to Pixel phones) are ready for Wi-Fi 7 certification.
However, it is important to note that some manufacturers may choose to disable Wi-Fi 7 functionality in firmware despite hardware compatibility. Samsung, for example, has implemented such restrictions on newer models. Devices with the Exynos 2400 chipset, like all versions of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+, are limited to Wi-Fi 6E, even if equipped with the Wi-Fi 7-certified Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This highlights the importance of thoroughly researching device specifications to ensure seamless compatibility before purchasing a smartphone.
In conclusion, while owning a Wi-Fi 7 certified smartphone is an important step towards embracing the future of connectivity, there are some other parameters to consider.
Although Wi-Fi 7 routers can be a significant investment, the significant improvements in speed and latency they offer make them a worthwhile addition to any tech-savvy person’s arsenal. Also, without a compatible router, it doesn’t make much sense to invest in a smartphone that supports the new networking standard.
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