Iphone 11 Vs Galaxy S9 Is Upgrading From The S9 Worth It In 2024

If you're still using a Samsung Galaxy S9 in 2024, you're running one of the last truly compact flagship phones ever made. Launched in March 2018, the S9 was praised for its design, audio quality, and solid performance at the time. But nearly six years later, even the most loyal users are questioning whether it’s time to move on. One of the most common upgrade paths being considered is the iPhone 11 — Apple’s 2019 workhorse that remains surprisingly capable today. So, is making the jump from the Galaxy S9 to the iPhone 11 actually worth it in 2024? Let’s break it down with real-world insights.

Performance and Longevity: A Generational Leap

The core of any smartphone experience lies in its processor and long-term responsiveness. The Galaxy S9 runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (in most regions) or Samsung’s Exynos 9810, both of which were top-tier chips in 2018. While they handled multitasking and gaming well back then, modern apps and operating system updates have gradually exposed their limitations.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip — a processor that not only outperformed its Android contemporaries but continues to deliver smooth performance in 2024. Thanks to iOS optimization and Apple’s aggressive software update policy, the iPhone 11 still receives security patches and feature updates, something the Galaxy S9 stopped getting after Android 10.

Tip: If your current phone feels sluggish when opening apps or switching between them, it’s likely due to aging hardware — not just age.

Real-world usage shows the iPhone 11 opens apps faster, handles background processes more efficiently, and maintains consistent frame rates in games. For users coming from the S9, this difference is immediately noticeable, especially in daily tasks like web browsing, messaging, and photo editing.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode and Computational Photography

Photography has evolved significantly since 2018, and the gap between the S9 and iPhone 11 cameras reflects that shift. The Galaxy S9 features a single 12MP rear sensor with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4), which was innovative at launch. It produced vibrant colors and excellent low-light shots for its time, but lacks advanced computational photography features now considered standard.

The iPhone 11 introduces dual cameras: a 12MP wide and an ultra-wide lens. More importantly, it brings Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR, and better video stabilization. These features mean sharper photos in dim lighting, more detail in shadows, and richer dynamic range — all without user input.

Feature	Galaxy S9	iPhone 11
Rear Cameras	12MP (f/1.5–f/2.4)	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Low-Light Mode	No dedicated night mode	Night mode with up to 3s exposure
Front Camera	8MP (f/1.7)	12MP (f/2.2) with Portrait Mode
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps with extended dynamic range
Software Enhancements	Limited AI processing	Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3

For casual photographers, the iPhone 11 offers more consistent results across different lighting conditions. Its ultra-wide lens also adds creative flexibility missing on the S9. However, if you preferred the warmer, more saturated look of Samsung’s color science, the switch may require some adjustment.

“Smartphones released before 2019 often struggle with computational photography demands. The A13 Bionic gives the iPhone 11 a lasting edge.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Software Support and Ecosystem in 2024

This is where the decision becomes less about specs and more about sustainability. As of 2024, the Galaxy S9 no longer receives major OS updates or monthly security patches from Samsung. It runs on Android 10 — a version released in 2019. That means missing out on new privacy controls, battery optimizations, and app compatibility improvements.

The iPhone 11, meanwhile, supports iOS 17 and is expected to receive updates through at least 2025. This longevity ensures access to new features like StandBy mode, enhanced Focus filters, and improved accessibility tools. Apps are also more likely to remain compatible and optimized for iPhones than older Android devices.

Beyond updates, ecosystem integration plays a big role. If you use other Apple devices — such as an iPad, Mac, or AirPods — switching to the iPhone 11 unlocks seamless handoff, iMessage continuity, iCloud syncing, and AirDrop. These conveniences can dramatically improve productivity and reduce friction in daily digital life.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer in Portland, used her Galaxy S9 for five years. She appreciated its compact size and headphone jack but found herself struggling with slow app launches and frequent crashes in Adobe Creative Cloud apps. After switching to an iPhone 11, she noticed immediate improvements: her iPad Pro mirrored sketches faster via Sidecar, iCloud Drive kept her projects synced, and her AirPods connected instantly. Though she missed some customization options, the reliability and ecosystem cohesion made the transition worthwhile.

Design, Display, and Usability Trade-offs

The Galaxy S9 has a distinct advantage in physical design: it’s smaller, lighter, and easier to operate with one hand. With a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED display and minimal bezels for its era, it offered immersive viewing in a compact form. The iPhone 11, by comparison, uses a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD — bright and sharp, but not as vibrant or power-efficient as OLED.

However, the iPhone 11 compensates with better durability (IP68 rating vs IP68 on paper but weaker real-world water resistance on aged S9 units), longer battery life (up to 17 hours video playback vs ~12 on the S9), and faster charging when using a 20W adapter (sold separately).

One notable downgrade: the iPhone 11 lacks a headphone jack. Users must rely on Bluetooth or Lightning-connected earbuds. If you own high-end wired headphones, this could be a dealbreaker unless you’re willing to adapt.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If the Upgrade Makes Sense

1. Evaluate Your Current Pain Points: Is your S9 lagging, failing to install apps, or unable to update? These are signs of obsolescence.
2. Assess Your App Needs: Do you use apps that require newer APIs or AR capabilities? The A13 Bionic supports ARKit fully; the S9 does not.
3. Consider Ecosystem Fit: Are you invested in Google services (Android) or Apple products (iOS)? Switching ecosystems has costs beyond hardware.
4. Check Budget vs. Value: Refurbished iPhone 11 models start around $200–$250. Compare that to potential repair costs for your aging S9.
5. Test Before Committing: Visit an Apple Store or borrow an iPhone 11 to test iOS navigation, Face ID, and camera performance firsthand.

Tip: Reset your Galaxy S9 and observe how it performs fresh — sometimes slowdowns are due to clutter, not hardware decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S9 still be used safely in 2024?

Yes, but with caveats. Without official security updates, the device is vulnerable to emerging threats. Avoid storing sensitive data or using banking apps unless absolutely necessary. Use strong passwords and avoid public Wi-Fi.

Does the iPhone 11 support 5G?

No, the iPhone 11 uses LTE-only connectivity. If future-proofing for network speed is important, consider iPhone 12 or later. However, 5G coverage remains inconsistent, and LTE is still sufficient for most tasks.

Will my Samsung accessories work with the iPhone 11?

Most wired accessories (via USB-C to Lightning adapters) will function, but wireless features like Samsung DeX, Gear VR, or Seamless Share won’t transfer. You’ll need to adopt Apple alternatives like AirPlay and iCloud.

Conclusion: Making the Right Move for Your Digital Life

Upgrading from the Galaxy S9 to the iPhone 11 in 2024 isn’t just about newer hardware — it’s about securing another three to four years of reliable performance, software support, and ecosystem integration. While the S9 was a marvel in its day, it’s now technologically outdated in ways that affect daily usability.

The iPhone 11 delivers tangible improvements: faster performance, superior cameras, longer update support, and tighter integration with modern digital workflows. Yes, you’ll lose the headphone jack and compact size, but you gain longevity, consistency, and peace of mind knowing your phone won’t become obsolete next year.

If you’ve been holding onto your Galaxy S9 out of loyalty or convenience, now is the time to evaluate what you really need from a smartphone. For most users, the answer leads clearly toward upgrading — and the iPhone 11 remains one of the most cost-effective entry points into the current iOS experience.

💬 Have you upgraded from an older Android phone to an iPhone? Share your experience, challenges, and tips in the comments below — your story could help someone make their next big tech decision.