Wi-Fi 7 represents a significant upgrade over Wi-Fi 6E, particularly in terms of speed, bandwidth, and overall performance, which can impact real-world usage on devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Speed and Performance
Theoretical Maximum Speeds: Wi-Fi 6E can achieve maximum speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, while Wi-Fi 7 boasts a theoretical maximum of 46 Gbps. This means Wi-Fi 7 is approximately 4.8 times faster than Wi-Fi 6E under optimal conditions[1][5]. However, these figures are theoretical and actual speeds will be lower, influenced by various factors such as network congestion and device capabilities.
Real-World Speed Tests: In practical scenarios, users have reported mixed experiences. For instance, one user noted that while connected to Wi-Fi 6E, their Galaxy S24 Ultra achieved download speeds of around 1126 Mbps compared to only 572 Mbps on Wi-Fi 7 in the same environment[2]. This discrepancy may be due to the current state of Wi-Fi 7 technology, which is still being optimized and may not yet fully utilize its potential.
Bandwidth and Channel Width
Wi-Fi 7 supports wider channel bandwidths of up to 320 MHz compared to the maximum of 160 MHz for Wi-Fi 6E. This increase allows for more data to be transmitted simultaneously, which is particularly beneficial in environments with many connected devices. The enhanced bandwidth can lead to improved performance in high-demand applications such as streaming high-definition video or online gaming[3][4].
Latency and Stability
Wi-Fi 7 introduces features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), allowing devices to connect across multiple bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously. This capability can enhance connection stability and reduce latency by enabling seamless transitions between bands without needing to reconnect[6][9]. Users have reported that while Wi-Fi 7 may initially feel slower in terms of raw speed, it often provides a more stable connection with fewer interruptions compared to Wi-Fi 6E[2][3].
Conclusion
In summary, while Wi-Fi 7 offers substantial theoretical advantages over Wi-Fi 6E in terms of speed and bandwidth capabilities, real-world performance on devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra can vary significantly based on current infrastructure and device optimization. Users may experience faster speeds with Wi-Fi 6E under certain conditions, but Wi-Fi 7's advanced features could lead to better overall performance as technology matures and becomes more widely adopted.
Citations:[1] https://reolink.com/blog/wifi6e-vs-7/
[2] https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WiFi-7-BE-Mesh-Systems/Wifi-7-speeds-vs-Wifi-6E-speeds-Samsung-Phones/m-p/2363540?search-action-id=349340610452
[3] https://dongknows.com/wi-fi-7-explained/
[4] https://www.pocket-lint.com/what-is-wifi-7-routers-speed-features/
[5] https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/wi-fi-6e-vs-wi-fi-7-whats-the-difference
[6] https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/what-is-wi-fi-7-and-just-how-fast-is-it/
[7] https://www.dlink.com/gr/el/resource-centre/articles/expectation-vs-reality-what-to-know-when-it-comes-to-wifi-7--and-upgrading-your-network
[8] https://www.pocket-lint.com/wi-fi-6-6e-7-explained/
[9] https://blog.antenova.com/is-wi-fi-7-really-better-than-wi-fi-6-in-the-real-world
[10] https://www.commscope.com/insights/the-enterprise-source/wi-fi-7-should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/