Iphone 13 Pro Max Vs Galaxy S9 Is It Really Worth Upgrading After All This Time

For many smartphone users, the Galaxy S9 was a flagship device that delivered premium performance in 2018. Fast, sleek, and packed with features for its era, it became a long-term companion for countless people. But as technology evolves rapidly, the question arises: if you're still using a Galaxy S9 today, is upgrading to an iPhone 13 Pro Max truly worthwhile — even years after both devices launched?

The answer isn’t just about specs or marketing claims. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, ecosystem fit, and whether the jump delivers tangible improvements in daily life. Let’s break down the key differences across performance, camera quality, battery life, software support, and overall experience to help you decide.

Performance: Five Years Make a Massive Difference

The Galaxy S9 ran on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), which was top-tier in 2018. At the time, it handled multitasking, gaming, and app launches smoothly. However, by 2024 standards, it struggles with modern apps, especially those demanding high RAM usage or intensive processing like AR filters, video editing, or streaming at higher resolutions.

In contrast, the iPhone 13 Pro Max features Apple’s A15 Bionic chip — one of the most powerful mobile processors ever built. Built on a 5nm process, it offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance, superior energy efficiency, and advanced machine learning capabilities. Apps launch faster, multitasking is seamless, and demanding games run at maximum settings without throttling.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open frequently used apps, it's likely holding back your productivity and enjoyment.

Beyond raw speed, the A15 enables features the S9 simply can't support — such as ProRes video recording, LiDAR-based depth mapping, and enhanced computational photography. These aren’t just niche tools; they translate into better photo quality, smoother AR experiences, and future-proofing for upcoming iOS updates.

Camera Comparison: Night and Day Improvement

The Galaxy S9 had a solid single 12MP rear camera with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4), optical image stabilization, and decent low-light performance for its time. However, it lacked multiple lenses, consistent HDR, and advanced software processing. Video was limited to 4K at 30fps, and low-light footage often suffered from noise and motion blur.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max introduces a triple-camera system: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, all with sensor-shift stabilization. More importantly, Apple’s computational photography engine — powered by the A15 and Deep Fusion — produces sharper images, richer colors, and dramatically better dynamic range. Night mode is available across all lenses, and Smart HDR 4 adapts tone and contrast scene-by-scene.

Video quality sees perhaps the biggest leap. The iPhone supports Dolby Vision HDR recording up to 4K at 60fps — a feature absent even in most current Android flagships. This means videos look cinematic, with accurate colors and deep contrast when viewed on compatible screens.

“Smartphone cameras have evolved less from hardware and more from software intelligence. The gap between 2018 and 2021 models is wider than between any previous five-year span.” — David Liu, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance Matters

The Galaxy S9 came with a 3,000mAh battery — modest even in 2018. With moderate use, it lasted a full day, but heavy usage required midday charging. It supported fast charging (up to 15W) and wireless charging, but not at the speeds common today.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max, thanks to its larger 4,352mAh battery and power-efficient A15 chip, consistently delivers 1.5 to 2 days of light-to-moderate use. In real-world testing, streaming video lasts over 20 hours, and mixed usage (social media, calls, navigation) easily exceeds 12 hours on a single charge.

While both phones support wireless charging, the iPhone adds MagSafe — enabling precise alignment and faster wireless charging (up to 15W with MagSafe chargers). However, neither includes a charger in the box, so users must supply their own.

Feature	Galaxy S9	iPhone 13 Pro Max
Battery Capacity	3,000 mAh	4,352 mAh
Fast Charging	15W (wired)	20W+ (wired)
Wireless Charging	Qi (10W)	Qi & MagSafe (15W)
Typical Daily Use	1 day (with recharge)	1.5–2 days

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the divide becomes stark. Samsung officially ended major OS updates for the Galaxy S9 after Android 10, with security patches ceasing entirely by 2021. That means no access to newer Android features, declining app compatibility, and growing security risks.

Apple, on the other hand, continues to support the iPhone 13 Pro Max with iOS updates. As of 2024, it runs iOS 17 and will likely receive updates through 2026 or beyond. This extended lifecycle ensures continued access to new features, security patches, and app compatibility — a critical advantage for long-term ownership.

Moreover, iOS offers tighter integration with other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods), making the ecosystem more cohesive. Features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud Keychain enhance productivity in ways Android alternatives still struggle to match.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah held onto her Galaxy S9 for nearly five years, relying on it for work emails, social media, and family photos. By 2023, she noticed constant app crashes, slow loading times, and poor photo quality in dim lighting. After switching to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, her experience transformed.

She could now shoot videos at her daughter’s recitals in stunning 4K HDR, edit them directly on her phone, and share them instantly. Battery life allowed her to go two days without charging — a game-changer during travel. Most importantly, apps ran smoothly, and she felt confident her device would remain secure and functional for years.

“I didn’t realize how much my old phone was slowing me down until I upgraded,” Sarah said. “It’s not just faster — it feels like a different category of device.”

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

Upgrading after five years is a significant decision. Follow this timeline to evaluate your needs:

1. Assess Current Pain Points: List frustrations — slow performance, short battery, poor camera, app incompatibility.
2. Determine Usage Needs: Are you using your phone for work, content creation, travel, or just basics?
3. Compare Ecosystem Fit: Do you use Mac, iPad, or wearables? iOS may offer better integration.
4. Test the Device: Visit an Apple Store or borrow an iPhone 13 Pro Max to try the camera, screen, and responsiveness.
5. Evaluate Cost vs. Value: Consider trade-in options, carrier deals, or refurbished models to reduce cost.

Tip: Refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max units from certified sellers offer near-new condition at 30–40% off retail — a smart option for budget-conscious upgraders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S9 still handle everyday tasks in 2024?

Basic functions like calling, texting, and light web browsing still work, but app loading is slow, multitasking is limited, and many newer apps either don’t install or perform poorly. Security risks also increase without updates.

Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max too big compared to the S9?

The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display versus the S9’s 5.8 inches, making it noticeably larger and heavier. If one-handed use is important, consider the smaller iPhone 13 or 13 Pro instead.

Will my accessories transfer from the S9 to the iPhone?

No. The iPhone uses Lightning (or USB-C on newer models) and doesn’t support micro-USB or Samsung’s DeX. Wireless earbuds, cases, and chargers won’t carry over unless they’re universal (like Bluetooth headphones).

Final Verdict: Yes, It’s Worth Upgrading — If You Need Modern Performance

Five years in smartphone evolution is a lifetime. The jump from the Galaxy S9 to the iPhone 13 Pro Max isn’t incremental — it’s transformative. You gain vastly superior performance, best-in-class camera systems, longer battery life, multi-year software support, and seamless ecosystem integration.

If you rely on your phone for more than just calls and texts — if you value clear photos, smooth video, dependable battery, and long-term usability — then yes, upgrading is absolutely worth it. The iPhone 13 Pro Max isn’t just a new phone; it’s a modern digital hub capable of handling today’s demands with room to grow.

Technology stagnation costs more than money — it costs time, convenience, and peace of mind. For anyone still clinging to a 2018 flagship, stepping into 2021-level hardware isn’t indulgence. It’s necessity.

💬 Have you made the switch from an older Android to a recent iPhone? Share your experience, tips, or surprises in the comments below — your story could help someone else make their decision.