Iphone 11 Vs Note 9 In 2024 Is The Iphone Still Worth The Upgrade

In 2024, both the iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy Note 9 are well past their prime release dates, yet many users still rely on them daily. With diminishing software updates, aging hardware, and evolving app demands, a growing number of owners face a critical decision: should they upgrade, and if so, to what? For those torn between holding onto a proven device or moving forward, comparing the iPhone 11 and Galaxy Note 9 offers valuable insight into long-term smartphone value.

The iPhone 11 launched in 2019 as Apple’s mid-tier flagship, offering excellent camera performance, strong battery life, and access to iOS’s robust ecosystem. The Galaxy Note 9, released a year earlier in 2018, was Samsung’s premium phablet with a stylus, expansive display, and powerful specs for its time. While both were leaders in their categories, the passage of time has shifted their relevance dramatically—especially when considering modern app compatibility, security updates, and user experience expectations.

Performance and Hardware Longevity

At launch, the iPhone 11 featured Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, while the Note 9 ran on either the Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845, depending on region. Even in 2024, the A13 remains impressively capable. Its efficient architecture and tight integration with iOS allow it to handle most current apps smoothly, including social media, streaming, and even moderate gaming. In contrast, the Snapdragon 845, though once flagship-grade, now struggles with heavier multitasking and newer games that demand higher GPU throughput.

Benchmarks from late 2023 show the A13 outperforming the Snapdragon 845 by nearly 60% in single-core tasks and over 70% in multi-core performance. This gap translates directly into real-world responsiveness. Users report that the iPhone 11 opens apps faster, switches between them more fluidly, and experiences fewer crashes under load.

Tip: If your phone lags when opening multiple apps, it may be due to insufficient RAM or an outdated processor—both common limitations in phones older than five years.

Software Support and Security

This is where the iPhone 11 holds a decisive advantage. As of 2024, Apple continues to provide iOS updates for the iPhone 11, with iOS 17 running smoothly and iOS 18 expected to be compatible. This means ongoing feature improvements, accessibility upgrades, and crucially, regular security patches.

The Galaxy Note 9, however, reached its end-of-life in 2022. It never received Android 13 and is no longer eligible for security updates from Samsung. This poses a tangible risk: without patches, vulnerabilities remain unaddressed, making the device more susceptible to malware, phishing, and data breaches—especially when using banking apps or logging into sensitive accounts.

“Security isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protection. Devices without active software support become liabilities.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Mobile Security Researcher at CyberShield Labs

iOS also benefits from longer app compatibility. Developers prioritize supporting recent iPhones due to high user retention and uniform hardware standards. Meanwhile, Android fragmentation means older devices like the Note 9 often lose access to updated versions of popular apps, including WhatsApp, Google Pay, and even some streaming platforms.

Camera Comparison: Still Relevant in 2024?

The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system: 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses. Its computational photography—especially Night mode, Smart HDR, and Deep Fusion—still delivers impressive results in varied lighting. Videos are stabilized exceptionally well, supporting 4K at 60fps, which remains useful for vlogging or social content creation.

The Note 9, equipped with a single 12MP rear sensor (with variable aperture), lacks ultra-wide capability and advanced night processing. While it performs decently in daylight, low-light photos appear grainy and lack dynamic range compared to the iPhone 11. Its video caps at 4K/30fps with noticeably less stabilization.

In practical terms, the iPhone 11 produces more consistent, share-ready photos today. Social media users, casual photographers, and even small business owners relying on mobile imagery will find the iPhone’s camera far more reliable in 2024.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 11	Galaxy Note 9
Release Year	2019	2018
Processor	A13 Bionic	Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810
Rear Cameras	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide	12MP Dual Aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4)
Front Camera	12MP TrueDepth	8MP
Software Support (2024)	iOS 17, likely iOS 18	No updates since 2022
Security Updates	Monthly (via iOS)	None
Battery Life (Real-World Use)	17–18 hours screen-on time	12–14 hours (degraded over time)
Stylus Support	No	Yes (S Pen included)
Expandable Storage	No	Yes (microSD up to 512GB)
Current Resale Value (Used, Good Condition)	$180–$230	$100–$140

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, used her Galaxy Note 9 daily for sketching mockups with the S Pen, managing client emails, and handling social media. By early 2023, she noticed apps crashing frequently, especially design tools like Adobe Illustrator Draw. Her phone also failed to receive the latest WhatsApp update, cutting off voice message transcription and group admin features.

She tested an iPhone 11 borrowed from a friend and was struck by how quickly apps launched and how stable Instagram and Zoom remained during back-to-back meetings. Though she missed the S Pen, she found that third-party styluses worked adequately with iOS apps like Procreate. More importantly, the iPhone’s continued software support gave her peace of mind when accessing cloud storage and client portals.

By June 2023, she upgraded to a refurbished iPhone 11 and reported a “night-and-day difference” in reliability. Her workflow improved, and she regained confidence in her device’s ability to keep up with professional demands.

Is the iPhone 11 Still Worth Upgrading To in 2024?

If you're currently using a Galaxy Note 9—or any Android phone from 2018 or earlier—the iPhone 11 represents a meaningful upgrade in several key areas: performance consistency, long-term software support, camera quality, and ecosystem integration. While not a cutting-edge device, it remains functionally relevant in 2024, particularly for users who prioritize stability over raw innovation.

However, the decision depends on individual needs:

• You should consider upgrading if: you rely on secure communications, use productivity or creative apps regularly, want better photo quality, or are tired of slowdowns.
• You might delay upgrading if: you’re deeply invested in the Samsung ecosystem, depend heavily on the S Pen for notes or art, or plan to purchase a new flagship within the next year.

Tip: Before upgrading, back up all data and check carrier compatibility—especially if switching from Android to iPhone.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Your Next Move

1. Evaluate your current pain points: List frustrations—slow performance, app crashes, update failures.
2. Test drive an iPhone 11: Visit an Apple Store or borrow one to assess iOS intuitiveness and camera performance.
3. Check app compatibility: Confirm that your essential apps (banking, work tools, health trackers) are fully supported on iOS.
4. Assess resale value: Sell your Note 9 while it still holds some market value to offset upgrade costs.
5. Migrate your data: Use Apple’s Move to iOS app to transfer contacts, messages, and photos securely from Android.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 11 last through 2025?

Yes. With iOS 18 likely to be supported and app optimization favoring Apple’s hardware, the iPhone 11 should remain functional and secure through at least 2025, assuming average usage and a healthy battery.

Is the S Pen irreplaceable for productivity?

While the S Pen offers precision and low latency, modern Bluetooth styluses like the Apple Pencil (used with iPads) or third-party options for iPhones can replicate much of its functionality, albeit with less native integration on iOS.

Should I upgrade to a newer iPhone instead?

If budget allows, models like the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 offer longer support windows, better cameras, and faster processors. But for cost-conscious users, the iPhone 11 remains a smart bridge between legacy devices and modern performance.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 11 is absolutely worth the upgrade from a Galaxy Note 9 in 2024—not because it’s the most powerful phone available, but because it strikes a rare balance: enduring performance, extended software support, and seamless integration with services people use every day. For users clinging to aging Android flagships, the move to iPhone 11 isn’t just about new features; it’s about reclaiming reliability, security, and peace of mind.

💬 Have you made the switch from Note 9 to iPhone 11? Share your experience below and help others decide their next step!