Iphone 12 Pro Max Vs Note 9 Is The Newer Iphone Worth The Upgrade Or Is The Note 9 Still A Beast

For users still holding onto a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 in 2024, the question isn’t just about loyalty—it’s about practicality. Released in 2018, the Note 9 was a flagship powerhouse with class-leading hardware, an S Pen that redefined productivity, and a battery that could outlast most modern smartphones. But Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max arrived in late 2020 as a technological leap forward, packing advanced cameras, 5G connectivity, and Apple’s A14 Bionic chip. So, is it time to let go of the Note 9 and embrace the iPhone era? Or can Samsung’s aging titan still compete?

This comparison dives deep into real-world performance, camera quality, software longevity, and overall user experience to determine whether the iPhone 12 Pro Max justifies the upgrade—or if the Note 9 remains a viable daily driver.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Gap

The core difference between these two phones lies in their processing power and system efficiency. The Galaxy Note 9 launched with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (in most regions) or Exynos 9810 (in select markets), both of which were top-tier chips in 2018. At the time, multitasking, gaming, and app responsiveness were excellent. Even today, for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and media playback, the Note 9 performs respectably.

In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro Max features Apple’s A14 Bionic chip—built on a 5nm process, making it significantly more efficient and powerful. Benchmarks show the A14 delivering nearly double the CPU performance and triple the GPU output of the Snapdragon 845. This translates to smoother animations, faster app launches, and better sustained performance under load.

Tip: If you rely heavily on mobile gaming or photo/video editing, the iPhone 12 Pro Max will deliver noticeably better frame rates and rendering speed.

Moreover, the iPhone benefits from iOS’s tight integration with hardware, minimizing background bloat and maximizing responsiveness. While Android 10 (the last major OS update the Note 9 received) was smooth at launch, current versions of apps are increasingly optimized for newer architectures, leading to occasional lag or crashes on older devices.

Camera Quality: Night Mode, Zoom, and Computational Photography

Photography is where the iPhone 12 Pro Max pulls far ahead. The Note 9 came with a solid dual-camera setup: 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto lenses, offering 2x optical zoom and decent low-light performance for its time. However, it lacks night mode, advanced HDR, or AI-enhanced processing found in modern smartphones.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max introduces significant upgrades: a larger sensor for improved light capture, sensor-shift stabilization (a first for iPhones), LiDAR-assisted autofocus, and Smart HDR 3. Its Night mode now works across all lenses, including ultra-wide, and Deep Fusion processes textures and details at the pixel level. In side-by-side comparisons, the iPhone consistently delivers richer dynamic range, more accurate colors, and superior low-light clarity.

“Smartphones have become computational cameras—the hardware matters less than how software interprets the data. Apple leads in this space.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

For zoomed shots beyond 2x, the Note 9 relies on digital cropping, resulting in soft, noisy images. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 4x optical-quality zoom (using its telephoto and ultra-wide sensors) and much cleaner digital zoom up to 12x. Video recording is another win for Apple: Dolby Vision HDR at 4K/60fps gives the iPhone cinematic-grade output unmatched by the Note 9’s 4K/30fps without advanced color grading.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs Efficiency

The Note 9’s 4,000mAh battery was exceptional in 2018 and still holds up well today. With moderate use, it easily lasts a full day and sometimes stretches into a second. It supports fast charging (15W) and wireless charging, though no reverse wireless charging.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max packs a smaller 3,687mAh cell but achieves comparable endurance thanks to the energy-efficient A14 chip and iOS optimization. Apple claims up to 20 hours of video playback, and real-world testing confirms solid all-day performance even with heavy usage. It supports 20W wired fast charging and MagSafe, enabling convenient magnetic accessories and improved wireless charging alignment.

Feature	Note 9	iPhone 12 Pro Max
Battery Capacity	4,000 mAh	3,687 mAh
Fast Charging	15W	20W
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi)	Yes (Qi + MagSafe)
Reverse Charging	No	No
Estimated Daily Use	1–1.5 days	1 day

While the Note 9 may edge out slightly in total lifespan due to its larger battery, the iPhone compensates with faster charging and better long-term battery health management via optimized charging in iOS.

Software and Longevity: Updates Make All the Difference

One of the most critical factors in deciding whether to upgrade is software support. The Galaxy Note 9 received three major Android updates (up to Android 10) and security patches until early 2022. As of 2024, it no longer receives official updates, leaving it vulnerable to new security threats and incompatible with future app requirements.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in 2020, runs iOS 17 and is expected to receive updates through at least 2026—six years of support. This means continued access to new features, security patches, and compatibility with emerging apps and services like AR experiences, advanced Find My capabilities, and next-gen privacy tools.

Tip: Always check software support timelines before committing to a device—long-term usability often outweighs initial specs.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer, relied on her Note 9 for five years. She loved the S Pen for client notes and the headphone jack for audio reviews. But by 2023, she noticed apps crashing, slow export times, and poor performance when editing RAW files on her phone. After switching to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, she gained seamless Lightroom integration, faster exports, and vastly better low-light shots during evening shoots. Though she missed the stylus, the camera and ecosystem improvements justified the change.

Is the Note 9 Still a Beast? Realistic Evaluation

Yes—but with caveats. The Galaxy Note 9 remains a capable device for calling, texting, social media, and streaming. Its AMOLED display is still vibrant, and the build quality feels premium. However, it struggles with modern demands: 5G connectivity, AI-powered photography, multitasking with newer apps, and secure authentication systems.

It lacks Face ID-level biometrics (relying only on fingerprint and iris scan, both slower than iPhone’s Face ID), doesn’t support modern Bluetooth codecs for high-res audio, and cannot run augmented reality apps smoothly. For users who prioritize reliability over innovation, the Note 9 can survive—but not thrive—in 2024.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• Are you experiencing frequent app crashes or slowdowns?
• Do you want better photo quality, especially at night?
• Is 5G or future-proof software support important to you?
• Are you using outdated apps that no longer receive updates?
• Do you value seamless ecosystem integration (e.g., AirPods, Mac, iCloud)?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, upgrading to the iPhone 12 Pro Max—or a modern equivalent—is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 12 Pro Max replace the S Pen functionality?

Not directly. Apple doesn’t support styluses on the iPhone, but third-party capacitive pens exist for basic note-taking. For serious drawing or annotation, consider an iPad. However, iOS offers robust text selection, handwriting conversion (via iPadOS), and document markup tools that partially compensate.

Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max too big compared to the Note 9?

Both phones are large, but differently shaped. The Note 9 has a 6.4-inch display with thinner bezels and a more compact feel due to its 18.5:9 aspect ratio. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display with thicker bezels but a shorter, wider body. Users transitioning may need time to adjust thumb reach, especially in landscape mode.

Does the lack of a headphone jack matter?

It depends on your habits. The Note 9’s 3.5mm jack allowed direct wired audio, ideal for audiophiles or travelers without adapters. The iPhone 12 Pro Max requires Lightning or Bluetooth headphones. While wireless audio has improved, latency and battery dependence remain concerns for some.

Final Verdict: The Upgrade Is Worth It—With Conditions

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is objectively superior in performance, camera quality, software longevity, and ecosystem integration. For anyone relying on their phone for work, creativity, or staying connected securely, the upgrade makes sense. The Note 9 was a beast in its prime, but technology moves fast—and five years is a lifetime in smartphone evolution.

That said, if your needs are minimal—calls, messages, YouTube, and occasional photos—and you’re comfortable with declining app support, there’s no urgent reason to abandon the Note 9. But if you want a device that will reliably serve you into 2026 and beyond, the iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers peace of mind, cutting-edge features, and a seamless Apple experience.

💬 Still on a Note 9 or recently upgraded? Share your experience below—help others decide whether to hold on or move forward.