Iphone 11 Vs Note 9 Is The Newer Iphone Really Worth Ditching The Note 9 For

For years, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 stood as a flagship powerhouse—offering a stylus, massive battery, and top-tier specs in 2018. Fast forward to today, and many long-time Note 9 users are questioning whether it’s time to upgrade. The iPhone 11, released in 2019, remains a popular choice even years later due to Apple’s long software support and strong ecosystem. But is switching from the beloved Note 9 to the iPhone 11 actually worth it? Let’s break down the key differences in performance, camera quality, user experience, and long-term value.

Performance and Software Longevity

The Galaxy Note 9 launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 outside the U.S.), 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage. At the time, it was among the fastest Android phones available. However, by 2023, Samsung ended major OS updates for the Note 9, limiting it to Android 10. While it still runs smoothly for basic tasks, app compatibility and security patches have begun to lag.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 features Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—a processor that outperformed most Android chips at launch and continues to deliver snappy performance in 2024. iOS updates are supported for five to six years, meaning the iPhone 11 will likely receive updates until 2025 or beyond. This extended support ensures better app optimization, security, and access to new features like Focus modes, enhanced privacy controls, and improved Siri integration.

Tip: If you rely on apps for productivity or banking, staying current with OS updates is crucial for both functionality and security.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Photo Quality

The Note 9 came with a dual 12MP rear camera setup (wide and telephoto) and a capable 8MP front shooter. Its camera performed well in daylight but struggled in low light compared to modern standards. Features like Live Focus were innovative at the time, but lack the refinement seen in current systems.

The iPhone 11 introduced a significant leap with its dual-camera system: a 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide lens. The addition of Night Mode dramatically improved low-light photography—something the Note 9 simply can’t match. Video recording is another area where the iPhone 11 excels, supporting 4K at 60fps across all cameras, along with extended dynamic range and cinematic stabilization.

“Even in 2024, the iPhone 11 captures more consistent photos across lighting conditions than most three-year-old flagships.” — David Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

While the Note 9’s camera was excellent in its era, the iPhone 11 offers computational photography advancements that make a tangible difference in everyday use—especially in dim environments or when capturing wide-angle landscapes.

Battery Life and Charging: Who Lasts Longer?

The Note 9 boasted a 4,000mAh battery, which delivered impressive endurance—often lasting a full day and a half with moderate use. It supported fast charging (wired only), but lacked wireless power sharing or MagSafe-style accessories.

The iPhone 11 packs a smaller 3,110mAh battery, yet manages comparable daily battery life thanks to the efficiency of the A13 chip and iOS optimization. In real-world testing, both devices last around 6–8 hours of screen-on time under mixed usage. However, the iPhone 11 benefits from faster software optimizations and background management, which help preserve charge during standby.

Charging is where preferences diverge. The iPhone 11 supports 18W fast charging (with an adapter sold separately) and Qi wireless charging, but doesn’t include fast charging in the box. The Note 9 includes fast charging out of the box but lacks reverse wireless charging, a feature some users miss.

Charging & Battery Summary

Feature	iPhone 11	Note 9
Battery Capacity	3,110 mAh	4,000 mAh
Fast Charging	Yes (18W, adapter not included)	Yes (Adaptive Fast Charging, included)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi)	Yes
Reverse Wireless Charging	No	No
Estimated Screen-On Time	6.5–8 hrs	7–8.5 hrs

User Experience: Ecosystem, S Pen, and Daily Use

One of the biggest trade-offs in switching from the Note 9 to the iPhone 11 is losing the S Pen. For professionals, students, or creatives who annotate PDFs, sketch, or take handwritten notes, the S Pen is a game-changer. The Note 9’s integration allowed air commands, screen-off notes, and precise input—features absent on any iPhone.

On the other hand, the iPhone 11 offers seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. If you own a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, or AirPods, the continuity features—like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and Instant Hotspot—are compelling. iMessage, FaceTime, and iCloud sync provide a frictionless experience that Android still struggles to match.

iOS also tends to feel more consistent across apps and updates, with fewer manufacturer skins or bloatware. While Samsung’s One UI has improved significantly, iOS offers a cleaner, more predictable interface—especially for users who prioritize simplicity over customization.

Tip: If you frequently use cross-device workflows (e.g., drafting emails on phone and finishing on laptop), Apple’s ecosystem synergy may outweigh the loss of the S Pen.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Switch from Note 9 to iPhone 11

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, used her Galaxy Note 9 for four years. She relied heavily on the S Pen for client sketches and markups. However, by 2023, she noticed frequent app crashes, slow photo processing, and declining battery health. After considering the Galaxy S21 FE, she opted for the iPhone 11 due to its lower price on the refurbished market and stronger video editing performance.

Initially, she missed the S Pen and struggled with adapting to iMessage from WhatsApp-centric Android messaging. But within weeks, she grew to appreciate AirDrop for transferring files to her MacBook and using Continuity Camera to scan documents directly into Notes. She now uses GoodNotes with an Apple Pencil on her iPad for drawing—complementing her iPhone instead of relying on one device.

“I didn’t think I’d leave Samsung after a decade,” she says, “but the iPhone 11 just feels faster and more reliable now—even if I had to change how I work slightly.”

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Evaluate your current phone’s performance: Is your Note 9 lagging, overheating, or failing to install updates? These are signs it’s nearing end-of-life.
2. Assess your need for the S Pen: If you regularly take handwritten notes or draw, consider whether iPad + Apple Pencil or a newer Galaxy Note/Flip series fits better.
3. Check your ecosystem: Do you use Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch? Seamless integration could justify the switch.
4. Compare camera needs: If you often shoot in low light or record videos, the iPhone 11’s Night Mode and video stabilization offer clear advantages.
5. Test real-world battery life: Monitor your screen-on time. If the Note 9 still lasts a full day, the urgency to upgrade drops.
6. Consider long-term support: The iPhone 11 will receive updates longer than the Note 9 ever did—important for security and future app compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my data easily from Note 9 to iPhone 11?

Yes. Apple’s “Move to iOS” app allows seamless transfer of contacts, messages, photos, and more from Android to iPhone over Wi-Fi. Some app data (like chat histories in third-party apps) may not transfer, but core personal data moves smoothly.

Is the iPhone 11 waterproof like the Note 9?

Both phones have IP68 ratings, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, water resistance degrades over time, especially if the device has been dropped or repaired.

Will my Samsung accessories work with the iPhone 11?

Most Bluetooth accessories (headphones, smartwatches) will pair without issue. However, Samsung DeX, Gear VR, and proprietary chargers won’t work with iPhone. Lightning-to-USB adapters may be needed for older peripherals.

Final Verdict: Is the Switch Worth It?

For many Note 9 users, the iPhone 11 represents a meaningful upgrade—not because it’s vastly more powerful on paper, but because of sustained software support, superior camera processing, and deeper ecosystem integration. If you’re someone who values reliability, long-term usability, and seamless cross-device experiences, the iPhone 11 is absolutely worth considering.

However, if you depend on the S Pen for daily tasks or prefer Android’s flexibility and customization, sticking with a newer Galaxy Note or folding device might be a smarter move. The decision ultimately hinges on how you use your phone and what kind of digital lifestyle you want to maintain.

💬 Have you made the switch from Note 9 to iPhone 11? Share your experience, tips, or regrets in the comments below—we’d love to hear what mattered most to you.