The iPhone 17 is expected to have significantly improved Wi-Fi, while the Pixel 10 Pro will also offer a unique feature.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro are pictured. Image credit – PhoneArena.

The iPhone 17 has significantly improved Wi-Fi speeds compared to the iPhone 16, though the Pixel 10 Pro still boasts superior global Wi-Fi download speeds.

Interestingly, the core specifications appear similar. The N1 chip, like its predecessor, supports 160MHz channels but lacks the wider 320MHz channels of Wi-Fi 7. However, this limitation hasn't greatly affected typical usage.

Speedtest Intelligence data from Ookla, gathered during the initial six weeks post-iPhone 17 launch, reveals that the new models achieve up to 40% faster median download and upload speeds globally compared to the iPhone 16.

Gains are more pronounced in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals. The iPhone 17 experienced a 60% improvement over the iPhone 16 at the 10th percentile, suggesting the N1 chip excels in poor signal conditions.

In North America, the iPhone 17 outshone the Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S25, despite Wi-Fi 7 devices in the region having access to triple 320MHz channels, which should theoretically give Android devices an advantage.

The iPhone 17 family achieved a top median download speed of 416.14 Mbps and a 90th-percentile speed of 976.39 Mbps. While this may change as 320MHz routers become more common, it currently demonstrates the stable performance of Apple's chip.

Xiaomi's 15T Pro stood out in upload performance and latency, attributed to the MediaTek Wi-Fi system within the Dimensity 9400(+) platform. It reached 887.25 Mbps at the 90th percentile for downloads, offered the best upload speeds, and had a global median latency of 15 ms.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 family didn't dominate any single global category but remained in the upper mid-range overall. Its best result was North America's leading latency score of 6 ms, potentially beneficial for competitive gaming.

Huawei's Pura 80 series faced challenges due to its lack of 6 GHz support. Utilizing an in-house solution (likely HiSilicon), it showed slower download and upload speeds than other flagship phones, especially at the 90th percentile.

However, when 6 GHz samples are excluded, it becomes more competitive, even achieving the second-highest 90th-percentile upload speed (603.61 Mbps) on Wi-Fi 6 in Southeast Asia.

Across all Android phones, median 6 GHz speeds were at least 77% faster than 5 GHz, with a similar boost from Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 7.

The most significant aspect is how these phones perform in challenging Wi-Fi environments. In areas with weak signals or congested networks, the iPhone 17's 60% speed advantage over the iPhone 16 is noticeable. This results in fewer freezes, fewer connection drops, and quicker loading times.

The report also notes advantages for gamers. In regions like North America, the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Xiaomi 15T Pro offer the lowest latency, leading to faster in-game reactions.

The competition between Apple and Google benefits consumers, driving faster advancements and improving home Wi-Fi experiences.

This data confirms that flagship phones are rapidly improving. Consequently, Wi-Fi performance shouldn't be a major concern when choosing a top-tier phone.

Expect excellent speeds, consistent stability, and robust performance across various conditions. The primary considerations should be brand preference, design, and desired features.

This data confirms that flagship phones are rapidly improving. Consequently, Wi-Fi performance shouldn't be a major concern when choosing a top-tier phone.

Expect excellent speeds, consistent stability, and robust performance across various conditions. The primary considerations should be brand preference, design, and desired features.

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