Recent findings highlight that Apple’s newly introduced N1 networking chip significantly enhances Wi-Fi performance on the iPhone 17 series. However, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro remains a strong competitor with top-tier download speeds in global testing.
Apple’s N1 Chip Brings Real-World Connectivity Gains
A comprehensive analysis reveals how Apple’s custom-designed N1 chip — integrating Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread radios — performs compared to the Broadcom hardware used in last year’s iPhone 16. The upgrade results in a marked improvement in real-world Wi-Fi speeds.
Across testing, the iPhone 17 lineup consistently outpaced the leading Android flagships in download rates. Interestingly, global data from Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence indicates that Google’s Pixel 10 Pro narrowly leads with a median download speed of 335.33 Mbps, just ahead of the iPhone 17’s 329.56 Mbps.
The N1 chip supports 160MHz channels, the same as its predecessor, and doesn’t currently enable the wider 320MHz channels typical of Wi-Fi 7, but this hasn’t noticeably impacted everyday user experience.
Speedtest data from the initial six weeks after the iPhone 17 launch reveals up to a 40% increase in median download and upload speeds globally compared to the iPhone 16. The boost is even more apparent in weak signal environments, where the iPhone 17 achieves a 60% improvement.
The iPhone 17 outperforms both Pixel 10 and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 despite Android devices being capable of utilizing triple 320MHz Wi-Fi 7 channels, theoretically giving them an advantage.
With a top median download speed of 416.14 Mbps and a 90th-percentile speed near 976.39 Mbps, Apple’s N1 chip showcases remarkably stable and reliable connectivity. These metrics may evolve as 320MHz-capable routers become more widespread.
Samsung Galaxy S25 and Latency Highlights
While the Galaxy S25 family doesn't top global download speed charts, it lands solidly in the upper mid-tier performance group, particularly excelling in latency with a record 6 ms score in North America, an important metric for gamers seeking fast responsiveness.
Android phones, overall, exhibit median 6 GHz speeds at least 77% faster than 5 GHz bands, with the Wi-Fi 7 upgrade delivering a similar magnitude of improvements.
Why This Boost Matters for Users
The iPhone 17’s 60% performance uplift in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals translates to smoother video streaming, quicker downloads, and fewer connection interruptions in everyday use.
Meanwhile, devices like the Galaxy S25 and Xiaomi 15T Pro offer the lowest latency, making them appealing choices for gaming and latency-sensitive activities.
Would the iPhone 17’s improved performance in weak signal areas influence your upgrade decision?
What to Expect From Your Next Flagship
The real-world performance data suggests that Apple’s iPhone 17 offers a meaningful connectivity advantage, especially in challenging network conditions. Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro maintains a slight edge in raw median speed worldwide, while Samsung's devices shine in latency-sensitive scenarios.
