Galaxy Note 9 Vs Iphone X Was Upgrading Worth It

In 2018, consumers faced a pivotal decision between two flagship smartphones: the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and the Apple iPhone X. For users transitioning from older models or switching ecosystems, the question wasn’t just about specs—it was whether the upgrade delivered tangible improvements in daily use. This analysis dives into real-world performance, design evolution, software experience, and long-term value to determine if moving to either device was truly worth it.

Design and Build: Refinement Over Revolution

The Galaxy Note 9 and iPhone X both represented mature iterations of their respective design philosophies. The Note 9 retained Samsung’s traditional approach with a large 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, minimal bezels, and an S Pen tucked at the bottom. Its glass-and-metal construction felt premium, though slightly bulky compared to slimmer competitors.

Apple’s iPhone X marked a radical departure—its edge-to-edge OLED screen, Face ID, and stainless steel frame redefined iPhone aesthetics. At 5.8 inches, it offered a more compact footprint than the Note 9 but delivered a similarly immersive viewing experience. However, the notch polarized users, and the glossy back proved prone to fingerprints and drops.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed usability, the iPhone X’s smaller size may suit you better despite its lower screen real estate.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both devices were powerhouses. The Galaxy Note 9 launched with the Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), paired with up to 8GB of RAM and a massive 4,000mAh battery. It ran Android 8.1 with Samsung Experience UI, offering deep customization and multitasking features like DeX mode.

The iPhone X used Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—a 64-bit hexa-core processor that, despite being from 2017, still outperformed most Android rivals in single-core tasks. iOS 11 (upgradable to iOS 16) ensured smooth animations, tight app integration, and long-term software support unmatched in the Android ecosystem.

“Even two years after release, the iPhone X handled updates and new apps better than many contemporary Android flagships.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse

For users upgrading from older iPhones (like the 6s or 7), the jump to iPhone X brought Face ID, gesture navigation, and a dramatically improved display. Android users coming from mid-tier phones found the Note 9 transformative—especially with the S Pen enabling precise note-taking and remote control functionality.

Camera Comparison: Different Philosophies, Similar Results

Both phones featured dual rear cameras, but their approaches differed. The Note 9 had a dual 12MP setup—one wide, one telephoto—with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4), a rarity at the time. This allowed adaptive low-light performance, automatically adjusting based on lighting conditions.

The iPhone X also used dual 12MP lenses (wide and telephoto), but relied on computational photography and Apple’s image signal processor to deliver consistent color science, dynamic range, and portrait mode accuracy. While it lacked variable aperture, its Smart HDR and True Tone flash produced natural-looking photos across environments.

In daylight, both captured sharp, vibrant images. In low light, the Note 9’s f/1.5 aperture gave it a slight edge in brightness, but the iPhone often preserved more detail in shadows and highlights due to superior processing.

Feature	Galaxy Note 9	iPhone X
Display	6.4\" Quad HD+ Super AMOLED	5.8\" Super Retina OLED
Processor	Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810	A11 Bionic
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (f/1.5–2.4 + f/2.4)	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4)
Front Camera	8MP f/1.7	7MP f/2.2
Battery	4,000 mAh	2,716 mAh
Charging	Fast charging, USB-C	Fast charging (adapter sold separately)
Premium Feature	S Pen with Bluetooth connectivity	Face ID, Animoji

Real-World Upgrade Scenarios

Case Study: From iPhone 7 to iPhone X

Jamie, a freelance designer, upgraded from an iPhone 7 to the iPhone X in early 2018. Initially frustrated by the removal of Touch ID, she adapted quickly to Face ID’s speed and reliability. The OLED display made photo editing more accurate, and Animoji became a fun tool for client pitches. Most importantly, iOS updates continued through 2023, ensuring app compatibility and security—something her old 7 could no longer guarantee.

Verdict: Worth it. The ecosystem continuity, longevity, and display leap justified the cost.

Case Study: From Galaxy S7 Edge to Note 9

Raj, an engineer who took extensive field notes, moved from the S7 Edge to the Note 9. He missed the curved edges slightly but gained significantly in battery life and S Pen functionality. With Bluetooth-enabled S Pen buttons, he could remotely trigger his camera and control presentations—features he used weekly. The larger screen also made multitasking easier during site inspections.

Verdict: Definitely worth it. Productivity gains and hardware upgrades aligned perfectly with his workflow.

Long-Term Value and Ecosystem Lock-In

One critical factor in determining “worth” is longevity. Apple provided five major iOS updates for the iPhone X (iOS 11 to iOS 16), with security patches continuing into 2024. This extended usability made it a smart investment for those prioritizing software lifespan.

Samsung improved its update policy with the Note 9, offering three major Android OS upgrades (up to Android 11) and four years of security patches—solid for Android at the time, though still trailing Apple. However, third-party app optimization often favored iOS first, leaving some niche tools delayed on Android.

Ecosystem played a decisive role. Users invested in AirPods, iCloud, or MacBook found seamless integration with the iPhone X. Conversely, those using Windows PCs, Google Workspace, or multi-device setups often preferred Samsung’s flexibility, expandable storage, and file management.

Tip: Evaluate your existing tech stack. Switching platforms may save money upfront but cost time and convenience long-term.

Was Upgrading Worth It? A Decision Checklist

Before making the leap in 2018 (or considering a similar choice today), ask yourself:

• Am I upgrading from a phone older than three years?
• Do I need better battery life for work or travel?
• Is camera quality essential for social media or professional use?
• Do I value ecosystem integration (e.g., smartwatch, laptop, earbuds)?
• Will I keep this phone for more than two years?
• Do I rely on stylus input or advanced multitasking?
• How important is future software support?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, upgrading was likely worthwhile—especially from pre-2016 devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Galaxy Note 9 fix overheating issues from previous models?

Yes. Samsung implemented enhanced thermal dissipation with a carbon cooling system, reducing throttling during prolonged gaming or video recording. Most users reported stable performance even under heavy load.

Was Face ID on the iPhone X reliable in low light?

Initially, some users experienced delays in dark environments. However, firmware updates improved infrared illumination, and by late 2018, Face ID worked consistently—even in complete darkness. It remained less effective when wearing masks, a limitation addressed later with iOS 15.4.

Could the S Pen replace a physical notebook for students?

Absolutely. Paired with Samsung Notes, the S Pen offered pressure sensitivity, handwriting-to-text conversion, and cloud sync. Many students used it to annotate PDFs, sketch diagrams, and organize lectures digitally—reducing reliance on paper.

Final Verdict: Context Determines Value

There’s no universal answer to whether upgrading from an older device to the Galaxy Note 9 or iPhone X was worth it. For creative professionals, Android enthusiasts, and productivity-focused users, the Note 9 delivered exceptional utility through its S Pen, battery life, and customization.

For users embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, seeking simplicity, long-term support, and polished software integration, the iPhone X offered a modern, future-proof experience despite its smaller battery and higher price.

Ultimately, the upgrade wasn’t just about hardware—it was about alignment with lifestyle, workflow, and digital habits. Those who chose based on personal needs, not marketing hype, found lasting value in either device.

🚀 Still debating your next phone move? Reflect on how you actually use your device—not just the specs on paper. Share your upgrade story in the comments and help others make smarter choices.