A device may demodulate a set of OFDM data-pilot symbols and select a subset of based at least in part on the position of each data pilot on a constellation map (e.g., how close the data pilot symbol is to an actual constellation point). The device may then perform a data-pilot-based phase estimation based at least in part on the selected subset. The device may also reduce the number of data pilots by partitioning a set of subcarriers into groups and selecting a representative subcarrier from each group. The phase estimation may then be based on the data pilots received on the selected subcarriers. In some cases, the device may also generate a smooth phase signal based on a linear regression algorithm including a phase averaging and a phase offset estimation and perform the phase estimation using the smooth phase signal.