A symbol-based processing method for downlink signals of a wireless communication device includes receiving a first downlink signal including a plurality of symbols, detecting a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) from the first downlink signal, performing a first channel estimation operation using a first reference signal for demodulating the PDSCH, performing a second channel estimation operation on at least one second symbol between at least two first symbols included in a symbol group unit based on a result of the first channel estimation operation, each time the first channel estimation operation on the symbol group unit is completed, and performing a demodulation operation on the PDSCH based on a result of the second channel estimation operation.