The statement is false because there are multiple reasons why a smartphone may not be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks. These include, but are not limited to, incorrect network settings, outdated software, router problems, or even service outages. Hardware issues can indeed be the cause, but it is not always the case. Therefore, it's important to troubleshoot thoroughly before concluding it is a hardware malfunction. One common step is to check if other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi network, which would suggest the issue lies with the specific smartphone rather than the network hardware.