Iphone 11 Vs Galaxy S9 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

For users still holding onto a Galaxy S9 Plus, the question isn’t just about new features—it’s about value. After all, the S9 Plus was a flagship powerhouse in its time. But with the iPhone 11 now widely available at competitive prices, many Android loyalists are reconsidering their loyalty. Is switching from the S9 Plus to the iPhone 11 actually beneficial? Or is it just a brand change without meaningful gains?

This comparison dives deep into real-world performance, camera quality, software longevity, battery life, and ecosystem advantages—not just specs on paper. The goal is simple: help you determine whether this cross-platform upgrade delivers tangible improvements or falls short of expectations.

Performance and Real-World Speed

The Galaxy S9 Plus launched in 2018 with Samsung’s Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845 (depending on region), paired with 6GB of RAM. At the time, it handled multitasking and high-end gaming with ease. Fast forward to today, and while it still runs daily apps smoothly, heavier tasks like photo editing or prolonged gaming show signs of strain.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 arrived in 2019 powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—a processor that remains impressively capable even in 2024. Benchmarks consistently show the A13 outperforming the Snapdragon 845 by 40–50% in CPU tasks and nearly doubling it in GPU performance.

Tip: If you frequently use AR apps, video editing tools, or mobile games, the iPhone 11’s processor offers noticeably smoother performance than the aging S9 Plus.

But raw numbers don’t tell the whole story. iOS’s optimization means fewer background hiccups, faster app launches, and more consistent responsiveness over time. Even after two years of heavy use, iPhones typically feel snappier than Android counterparts of similar age.

Camera Comparison: Low Light and Video Quality

One of the strongest arguments for upgrading lies in photography. The Galaxy S9 Plus featured a dual-camera setup: 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto, both with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4). It excelled in low-light conditions at launch and produced vibrant, detailed images.

The iPhone 11 introduced Night mode, a game-changer for dark environments. Its dual 12MP system—wide (f/1.8) and ultra-wide (f/2.4)—lacks optical zoom but adds a wider field of view and superior computational photography. More importantly, Apple’s Smart HDR and Deep Fusion technologies enhance texture and dynamic range in mixed lighting.

“Computational photography has shifted the balance. It’s not just about sensor size anymore—it’s about how smart the phone processes each shot.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechScope Weekly

In direct comparisons, the iPhone 11 produces more natural skin tones and better shadow detail. The S9 Plus tends to oversharpen and oversaturate, especially in HDR scenes. For video, the difference is even clearer: iPhone 11 supports 4K at 60fps across all cameras, along with extended dynamic range and cinematic stabilization. The S9 Plus maxes out at 4K/30fps with basic stabilization.

Battery Life and Charging Efficiency

Battery degradation is a key factor when evaluating older devices. Even if your S9 Plus feels fast, its battery likely holds less than 80% of its original capacity after four years—translating to shorter usage times and more frequent charging.

The iPhone 11 boasts up to 17 hours of video playback, while the S9 Plus manages around 12–13 hours under similar conditions. In real-world mixed usage (social media, browsing, calls, navigation), the iPhone 11 consistently lasts a full day, often stretching into a second morning with moderate use.

Feature	iPhone 11	Galaxy S9 Plus
Battery Capacity	3,110 mAh	3,500 mAh
Video Playback	Up to 17 hours	Up to 13 hours
Fast Charging	Yes (18W with adapter sold separately)	Yes (Adaptive Fast Charging, ~15W)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi-compatible)	Yes (Qi or proprietary pad)
Charging Port	Lightning	USB-C

Despite the smaller battery, the iPhone 11 achieves better endurance due to the A13’s power efficiency and iOS’s aggressive background task management. However, the S9 Plus charges slightly faster out of the box, thanks to broader USB-PD support and inclusion of a fast charger in-box (unlike Apple, which began omitting it).

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the decision becomes less about hardware and more about future-proofing. Samsung officially ended major OS updates for the S9 series in 2021, meaning it runs Android 10 at best—with only occasional security patches. No Android 13 or 14, no new privacy features, and limited app compatibility moving forward.

Conversely, the iPhone 11 launched with iOS 13 and received updates through iOS 17 (released 2023), with iOS 18 expected in 2024. That’s six years of OS upgrades—far exceeding most Android devices. Apple’s commitment to long-term support ensures access to new features, security patches, and app compatibility well into the next few years.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone for three years or more, iOS devices generally offer longer usable lifespans than flagship Android phones.

iOS also brings tighter integration with other Apple products—AirPods, Apple Watch, iCloud, Messages, FaceTime—creating a seamless experience if you own any of these. Switching ecosystems isn't trivial, but the payoff in convenience can be significant.

Real-World Upgrade Scenario: Sarah’s Experience

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her Galaxy S9 Plus for five years. She loved its expandable storage and headphone jack but grew frustrated with slow app launches, inconsistent camera performance, and daily battery anxiety.

After testing both devices side-by-side, she upgraded to a refurbished iPhone 11. Her workflow improved immediately: Lightroom edits were faster, Night mode shots required less post-processing, and she could shoot 4K video for client reels without worrying about overheating.

“I didn’t realize how much I missed reliable software updates,” she said. “Now I get new features every fall, and my phone doesn’t slow down when I open multiple apps. It’s not flashy, but it just works.”

Her only adjustment was adapting to iMessage and giving up microSD expansion. For her, the trade-off was worth it.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready to Switch?

Before making the leap from Galaxy S9 Plus to iPhone 11, consider the following:

• ✅ Have you experienced slowdowns or app crashes recently?
• ✅ Is your current battery life below one full day?
• ✅ Do you want better low-light photos and stabilized video?
• ✅ Are you interested in longer software support (4+ years)?
• ✅ Do you already use other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, AirPods)?
• ❌ Are you heavily invested in Google services and prefer open file management?
• ❌ Do you rely on expandable storage or always need a headphone jack?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the positives and “no” to the limitations, the upgrade makes strong practical sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my data from Galaxy S9 Plus to iPhone 11 easily?

Yes. Apple provides the “Move to iOS” app on the Google Play Store, which securely transfers contacts, messages, photos, videos, and calendars during initial setup. Wi-Fi direct transfer ensures no data loss.

Is the iPhone 11 waterproof like the S9 Plus?

The iPhone 11 has an IP68 rating (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes), matching the S9 Plus’s IP68 certification. Both handle rain, splashes, and brief submersion equally well.

Does the iPhone 11 have a better display than the S9 Plus?

The S9 Plus has a superior OLED panel with higher peak brightness and deeper blacks. However, the iPhone 11’s LCD (Liquid Retina HD) is color-accurate, supports True Tone, and is easier on the eyes during long reading sessions. Preference depends on whether you prioritize contrast (OLED) or comfort (LCD).

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For most Galaxy S9 Plus users still relying on their device in 2024, the iPhone 11 represents a meaningful upgrade—not because it's dramatically faster or prettier, but because it offers reliability, longevity, and consistency.

You gain a modern processor, superior video capabilities, significantly better battery life, and at least two more years of software support. While the switch involves adapting to a new ecosystem and losing certain Android conveniences, the overall user experience is more polished and future-ready.

If you're looking to extend your smartphone’s useful life without jumping into premium pricing tiers, the iPhone 11 remains one of the best mid-range upgrade paths available—even years after its release.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current pain points, back up your data, and test the iPhone 11 in person if possible. Sometimes, the most valuable upgrades aren’t the flashiest—they’re the ones that simply work better, longer.