Galaxy S23 Ultra Vs Note 9 Is The Upgrade Worth Ditching My Old Note

For many Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 wasn’t just a phone—it was a benchmark. Released in 2018, it offered flagship power, a legendary S Pen, and a design that aged gracefully. Fast forward five years, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra stands as Samsung’s current powerhouse, blending cutting-edge tech with premium craftsmanship. But if you’re still clinging to your Note 9 because “it still works fine,” it’s time to ask: is upgrading truly worth it?

The answer isn’t just about specs. It’s about how your daily experience changes—speed, security, photography, longevity, and even peace of mind. Let’s dissect the differences and determine whether moving from the Note 9 to the S23 Ultra is a logical evolution or an overpriced leap.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The Note 9 ran on either the Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845, depending on region—both solid for their time. The S23 Ultra, by contrast, uses the custom Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, built specifically for Samsung. This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a generational overhaul.

In practical terms, apps launch faster, multitasking is seamless, and background processes don’t slow things down. Even simple tasks like scrolling through social media feel smoother thanks to the S23 Ultra’s 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display, compared to the Note 9’s fixed 60Hz panel.

Tip: If your Note 9 feels sluggish when opening messages or switching between apps, it’s not your imagination—hardware limitations are catching up.

Benchmarks tell the story clearly: the S23 Ultra scores nearly triple the Note 9 in CPU performance and over four times higher in GPU tests. Games that stutter or overheat on the older device run smoothly on the new one—even at maximum settings.

Camera Capabilities: From Good to Professional-Grade

The Note 9 had a capable dual-camera system: 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto. It took solid photos in daylight but struggled in low light and lacked advanced zoom. The S23 Ultra redefines mobile photography with its quad-camera array:

• 200MP main sensor (largest in any smartphone)
• 12MP ultra-wide
• 10MP periscope telephoto (3x optical)
• 10MP second telephoto (10x optical)

This setup enables 100x Space Zoom with remarkable clarity and vastly superior low-light performance thanks to pixel binning and advanced AI processing. Night mode now captures detailed shots in near darkness—something the Note 9 simply can’t match.

“Smartphone cameras have evolved more in five years than they did in the previous decade. The jump from 2018 to 2023 is like moving from film to digital.” — Lena Park, Mobile Photography Specialist

Video recording sees similar gains. The S23 Ultra supports 8K at 30fps, HDR10+, and advanced stabilization. Whether you're filming family moments or creating content, the quality difference is immediately noticeable.

Battery Life and Charging: Longevity Meets Modern Demands

The Note 9 came with a 4,000mAh battery—excellent for its era. The S23 Ultra packs a slightly larger 5,000mAh cell, but what matters more is efficiency. Despite a brighter, higher-refresh display, the S23 Ultra often lasts longer due to optimized software and a more power-efficient chipset.

Charging has also evolved. The Note 9 supported 15W wired and 9W wireless charging. The S23 Ultra jumps to 45W fast charging (wired), reaching 50% in under 20 minutes. Wireless charging is now 15W, and reverse wireless charging lets you power accessories like earbuds directly from the phone.

Feature	Galaxy Note 9	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Battery Capacity	4,000 mAh	5,000 mAh
Wired Charging	15W	45W
Wireless Charging	9W	15W
Reverse Wireless	No	Yes
Estimated Daily Use	1 day (light use)	1.5+ days

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery and Dark Mode on the S23 Ultra to extend usage even further.

S Pen Evolution: More Than Just a Stylus

If you loved the Note 9’s S Pen, you’ll appreciate how far it’s come. While both devices feature pressure-sensitive styluses with Bluetooth capabilities, the S23 Ultra integrates the S Pen directly into the body—no more losing it in drawers.

New features include remote commands: take photos, control presentations, or play music without touching the phone. Latency has dropped from ~40ms on the Note 9 to just ~2.8ms, making writing and drawing feel instantaneous.

The S Pen app suite has also expanded. You can now translate text in real time, convert handwriting to digital notes instantly, and annotate PDFs with precision. For students, professionals, or creatives, this turns the phone into a mini productivity hub.

Software, Security, and Long-Term Value

This might be the most overlooked factor. The Note 9 launched with Android 8.1 and received updates up to Android 10. It no longer receives security patches, leaving it vulnerable to emerging threats. In contrast, the S23 Ultra ships with Android 13 (upgradable to Android 16) and is guaranteed four years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches.

Modern apps are increasingly optimized for newer hardware and APIs. Banking apps, streaming services, and communication tools may soon stop supporting older Android versions entirely. Staying on outdated software risks functionality loss and data exposure.

Moreover, cloud integration, AI assistants, and smart ecosystem features (like seamless pairing with Galaxy Buds or SmartThings) work best on current devices. The S23 Ultra integrates effortlessly into a modern digital lifestyle—the Note 9 requires workarounds.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance designer, held onto her Note 9 for six years. She liked the S Pen and didn’t see a reason to upgrade—until she missed a client deadline because her phone crashed during a video call. After researching, she switched to the S23 Ultra.

Within a week, she noticed faster file exports, clearer client calls via improved mic quality, and the ability to sketch concepts directly on her screen with minimal lag. “It felt like switching from a flip phone to a smartphone all over again,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I was slowing myself down.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the switch, consider these factors. Check off what applies to your situation:

1. ✅ Your Note 9 takes more than 10 seconds to open apps like WhatsApp or Chrome
2. ✅ You’ve noticed increased battery drain—needing multiple charges per day
3. ✅ Photos in dim lighting come out blurry or grainy
4. ✅ You receive warnings about unsupported apps or expired security certificates
5. ✅ You want better video call quality for remote work or family calls
6. ✅ You value future-proofing and plan to keep your next phone for 3–4 years

If three or more apply, upgrading makes strong practical sense—not just for performance, but for long-term usability and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer everything from my Note 9 to the S23 Ultra easily?

Yes. Samsung’s Smart Switch app seamlessly migrates contacts, messages, photos, apps, and settings via Wi-Fi or cable. Most users complete the transfer in under 30 minutes.

Is the S23 Ultra too big compared to the Note 9?

The S23 Ultra is slightly taller and heavier, but its curved edges and refined weight distribution make it comfortable despite the size. Many users adapt within a few days. If grip is a concern, consider a protective case with texture or finger grips.

Will my old accessories work with the S23 Ultra?

Most Bluetooth headphones, speakers, and chargers remain compatible. However, the S23 Ultra doesn’t support microSD cards, so external storage must shift to cloud or USB-C drives.

Final Verdict: Time to Move On?

Holding onto a device that served you well is understandable. The Note 9 was a landmark phone. But technology moves forward—and so should your expectations. The Galaxy S23 Ultra isn’t just faster or sharper; it’s smarter, safer, and built for the way we live now.

You’re not just upgrading hardware. You’re gaining reliability, enhanced creativity, better connectivity, and protection against obsolescence. If your Note 9 is showing signs of age—slow performance, poor battery, outdated software—the investment in an S23 Ultra pays dividends in daily convenience and long-term satisfaction.

💬 Still on the fence? Share your experience with the Note 9 or your thoughts on upgrading—we’d love to hear what’s keeping you loyal and what might finally convince you to make the leap.