At the recent Made by Google event, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were unveiled to much anticipation. Google showcased various enhancements, such as the new Tensor G3 chip, camera improvements, and AI features like the Assistant with Bard. However, one significant upgrade that went largely unnoticed was the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 support in both of these smartphones.
Wi-Fi 7, the latest wireless standard, is a noteworthy addition to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. What makes this even more remarkable is that Google did not prominently mention it during its presentation. Prior to this, if you wanted a top-tier Android phone with Wi-Fi 7 support, your only choice was the OnePlus 11. Even among the best iPhones, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max offer Wi-Fi 6E support, leaving the iPhone 15 with Wi-Fi 6.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 in Google’s latest Pixel phones means users will have access to features like wider 320 MHz channels, Multi-Link capabilities, speed improvements, and other enhancements offered by this advanced wireless standard.
There is a caveat, however. To fully take advantage of Wi-Fi 7, users will likely need to upgrade to one of the best Wi-Fi routers or a mesh Wi-Fi system that supports Wi-Fi 7. While more Wi-Fi 7 routers are entering the market, Google has not yet released its own Nest routers with Wi-Fi 7 support.
Google’s Wi-Fi 7 Support and Nest Wifi Pro
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro’s support for Wi-Fi 7 is a notable advancement in wireless technology. However, it appears that Google hasn’t released a router compatible with this latest standard yet.
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Last year, Google introduced the Nest Wifi Pro, which featured support for Wi-Fi 6E, Thread, and Matter. Initially, the Nest Wifi Pro didn’t exhibit the same high-speed performance as some of the top Wi-Fi 6E routers. However, Google has since released updates that have improved its performance and resolved issues, making it a reasonable choice for home networks, especially as it often goes on sale.
Given that there has been a three-year gap between the release of Google Wifi, Nest Wifi, and the Nest Wifi Pro, it’s unlikely that we’ll see a new Google mesh router until 2025. Therefore, users who opt for the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro and wish to enjoy Wi-Fi 7 capabilities may consider purchasing a compatible router from other manufacturers. There are already high-end Wi-Fi 7 routers available, and more budget-friendly options are expected to arrive soon.
Wi-Fi 7 Routers: A Pricey Companion for Your Pixel 8
To maximize the capabilities of your Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, a Wi-Fi 7 router is an enticing addition, albeit at a significant cost. Currently, investing in one of these cutting-edge routers can almost match the price of your phone.
For those dwelling in smaller residences or apartments, the TP-Link Archer BE800 presents an option at $599. This unique router incorporates a 2.4-inch monochrome dot display that provides information such as time, weather, date, and even cartoons. While it may not entirely replace a top-tier smart display, the BE800’s display offers enough practical information to warrant a prominent place in your living space, rather than being tucked away on a shelf.
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If you inhabit a larger home, the TP-Link Deco BE85 offers Wi-Fi 7 prowess and an abundance of ports, ideal for those with multi-gig internet plans. Our review of the BE85 mesh router praised its swift setup process and the ability to achieve speeds of 1.73 Gbps from a distance of 15 feet.
Netgear has also entered the Wi-Fi 7 mesh router market with the Orbi RBE973, which outpaced the BE85 in our tests, reaching speeds just over 2 Gbps. However, these advanced routers come with a hefty price tag, as the BE85 starts at $1,000 for a two-pack (or $1,500 for a three-pack), and the Orbi RBE973 is priced at $1,700 for a two-pack or an even steeper $2,300 for a three-pack. Amazon is soon entering the Wi-Fi 7 arena with its eero Max 7, but like its competitors, it commands a significant investment at $1,149 for a two-pack or $1,699 for a three-pack.
If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly Wi-Fi 7 router to complement your new Pixel phone, TP-Link plans to release its Archer BE550 for $299 in the near future. Additionally, a more economical variant with fewer 2.5 Gbps ports will be available for $249 exclusively at Walmart.
Get the Most Out of Your Pixel 8 with the Right Wi-Fi Router
Many of us take our Wi-Fi routers for granted until something goes awry, often failing to realize the crucial role they play in our daily connectivity. Even fewer have ventured beyond their ISP-provided routers to invest in their networking equipment.
Upgrading to either the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro promises an enhanced mobile experience, but without the appropriate Wi-Fi router, you can’t fully harness the potential of their Wi-Fi 7 capabilities. What’s noteworthy about a router upgrade, whether standalone or in the form of a mesh network, is that it doesn’t only benefit your phone – it significantly boosts the performance of all devices in your household. It’s a collective enhancement that ensures everyone enjoys faster and more reliable connectivity.
Additionally, if you’re inclined toward Samsung’s top-notch smartphones over Google’s Pixel devices, you can expect the upcoming Galaxy S24 to also feature Wi-Fi 7 support.
While it remains to be seen whether Google will release an upgraded version of the Nest Wifi Pro alongside its new Pixel phones, this possibility appears unlikely. Therefore, opting for an alternative router from another manufacturer is the best course of action to maximize the capabilities of your new Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro.
