Why Is My Wifi Slower On My Tablet Than My Phone Same Network Tested

If you've ever noticed that your tablet struggles with buffering videos while your phone streams the same content without a hitch—despite both being on the same Wi-Fi network—you're not imagining things. This discrepancy is more common than many realize, and it’s often rooted in hardware, software, or environmental factors rather than your internet service provider. Understanding why this happens can help you diagnose the issue and take steps to improve performance.

Wi-Fi speed isn't just about your router or subscription plan. It's also shaped by how each device connects, processes data, and manages wireless signals. Tablets and smartphones may appear similar, but their internal components, age, design priorities, and usage patterns can lead to vastly different real-world experiences—even when connected to the same access point.

Hardware Differences: Antennas, Radios, and Chipsets

The physical capabilities of your devices play a major role in Wi-Fi performance. Most modern phones are engineered with cutting-edge wireless technology as a top priority, especially flagship models. They often feature multiple high-gain antennas, support for the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, or even Wi-Fi 6E), and advanced MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) configurations that allow faster, more stable connections.

Tablets, particularly older or budget-friendly models, may use outdated Wi-Fi chipsets. For example, a five-year-old iPad or Android tablet might only support 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), capping its maximum theoretical speed at 150 Mbps under ideal conditions. In contrast, a newer smartphone could support 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), enabling speeds up to several gigabits per second depending on signal quality and network congestion.

Tip: Check your device specifications online to confirm which Wi-Fi standard it supports. Look for terms like \"802.11ac,\" \"Wi-Fi 5,\" or \"Wi-Fi 6.\"

Additionally, antenna placement varies between devices. Smartphones are designed to be held vertically, so manufacturers optimize antenna layout accordingly. Tablets, used in landscape orientation, may have suboptimal antenna positioning when placed flat on a table or couch, leading to weaker signal reception. Metal casings, thick bezels, or shielding materials can further degrade signal strength.

Software and Background Processes Impacting Performance

Even if two devices support the same Wi-Fi standard, software differences can create noticeable gaps in performance. Operating systems manage network resources differently. A phone might prioritize foreground apps like video streaming or calls, while a tablet could throttle background data to conserve battery—especially if it hasn’t been updated recently.

Older tablets running outdated operating systems may lack optimizations found in current firmware. Security patches, driver updates, and power management improvements released over time can significantly affect Wi-Fi efficiency. If your tablet hasn’t received an OS update in years, it may not communicate efficiently with modern routers using beamforming, MU-MIMO, or dynamic frequency selection.

Background apps also contribute. A tablet used less frequently might accumulate dormant services syncing data intermittently, consuming bandwidth without user awareness. Meanwhile, your phone likely has tighter app management and more aggressive sleep policies, freeing up network resources for active tasks.

“We’ve seen cases where legacy tablets fail to negotiate optimal channel widths with dual-band routers, resulting in half the throughput despite identical signal strength.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Wireless Network Engineer at NetSignal Labs

Network Band Selection: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz

Many users don’t realize that their phone and tablet might be connecting to different Wi-Fi bands—even when using the same network name (SSID). Routers often broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies under one unified SSID, allowing devices to choose automatically.

Phones, especially newer ones, tend to favor the 5 GHz band due to better roaming logic and faster handoff algorithms. The 5 GHz band offers higher speeds and less interference but has shorter range and poorer wall penetration. Tablets, particularly older models, may default to 2.4 GHz because they lack robust band-steering support or struggle to maintain a stable 5 GHz connection.

Band	Speed Potential	Range	Interference Risk
2.4 GHz	Up to 150 Mbps	Longer	High (microwaves, Bluetooth)
5 GHz	Up to 1.3 Gbps+	Shorter	Low

To verify which band your devices are using, check your router’s admin interface. Some routers display connected devices along with the active frequency. If your tablet is stuck on 2.4 GHz while your phone uses 5 GHz, that alone could explain the speed difference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Diagnose and Fix the Issue

Follow this structured approach to identify and resolve the root cause of slower Wi-Fi on your tablet:

1. Test Both Devices Simultaneously
   Use a speed test app like Speedtest by Ookla or Fast.com on both devices at the same time, from the same location. This eliminates variables like network fluctuations.
2. Check Wi-Fi Specifications
   Search online for your tablet and phone model specs. Confirm supported Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 4) and maximum link speeds.
3. Determine Active Frequency Band
   Log into your router’s admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1 or similar). Locate the connected devices list and note whether each device is on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
4. Forget and Reconnect the Tablet
   On your tablet, go to Wi-Fi settings, forget the network, then reconnect. This forces a fresh negotiation with the router and may prompt a switch to 5 GHz if available.
5. Update Firmware and OS
   Ensure your tablet is running the latest operating system version. Also, update your router’s firmware through its management dashboard.
6. Test in Different Locations
   Move closer to the router and re-run the speed test. If the tablet improves dramatically near the router, poor antenna sensitivity is likely the culprit.
7. Reset Network Settings
   As a last resort, reset network settings on the tablet. This clears saved networks, DNS caches, and IP configurations that might be causing conflicts.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Streaming Struggles

Sarah, a remote worker and student, relied on her 2019 iPad for watching lectures and attending Zoom meetings. She noticed constant buffering during class hours, while her partner’s Samsung Galaxy S23 streamed Netflix seamlessly nearby. Both were on the same home Wi-Fi network.

After testing, she found her iPad averaged 18 Mbps download speed compared to the phone’s 87 Mbps. Confused, she checked her router and discovered the iPad was connected to the 2.4 GHz band, while the phone used 5 GHz. Her iPad supported 5 GHz, but due to weak signal in the bedroom corner, it had fallen back to the slower band.

She moved the tablet closer to the router and rebooted it. On reconnecting, it latched onto 5 GHz and achieved 90+ Mbps. To prevent future issues, she adjusted her router’s band-steering settings and began using a Wi-Fi analyzer app to monitor signal health. The change transformed her learning experience—no more frozen screens during critical lectures.

Checklist: Optimize Your Tablet’s Wi-Fi Performance

• ✅ Run simultaneous speed tests on all devices
• ✅ Verify tablet supports 5 GHz and Wi-Fi 5/Wi-Fi 6
• ✅ Confirm tablet is connected to 5 GHz band via router admin page
• ✅ Update tablet OS and router firmware
• ✅ Forget and rejoin the Wi-Fi network on the tablet
• ✅ Reduce physical obstructions between tablet and router
• ✅ Disable battery-saving modes that limit network activity
• ✅ Consider upgrading router to support seamless band steering

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a tablet be too old for fast Wi-Fi?

Yes. Tablets manufactured before 2015 often support only Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which maxes out around 150 Mbps under perfect conditions. Even with a gigabit internet plan, such devices cannot achieve speeds beyond their hardware limits. Upgrading to a newer tablet with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 support is necessary for full-speed connectivity.

Does distance affect tablets more than phones?

It can. Due to larger form factors and sometimes inferior antenna designs, tablets may lose signal strength faster with distance or obstacles. Holding a phone closer to your body or rotating it slightly can improve reception, whereas tablets are typically placed flat, limiting optimal orientation. Position matters significantly.

Why does my tablet disconnect more often than my phone?

This is often due to aggressive power management. Tablets may turn off Wi-Fi radios during sleep mode to extend battery life. Adjusting sleep settings or disabling battery optimization for Wi-Fi-intensive apps can reduce dropouts. Also, outdated drivers in older tablets can cause instability in maintaining secure handshake protocols with modern routers.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Connectivity

Slower Wi-Fi on your tablet compared to your phone isn’t random—it’s usually the result of measurable technical disparities. From chipset capabilities and band selection to software updates and physical environment, multiple factors shape your experience. The good news is that most of these issues are diagnosable and often fixable without spending money.

Start with simple diagnostics: compare speeds, inspect band usage, and ensure everything is up to date. Small adjustments—like moving the tablet closer to the router or resetting network settings—can yield dramatic improvements. In cases where hardware limitations are unavoidable, consider targeted upgrades, such as a new router with better band steering or eventually replacing an aging tablet.

💬 Experiencing slow tablet Wi-Fi? Try the steps above and share your results in the comments. Your insight could help others solve the same frustrating issue!