Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy Note 9 Is The Note 9 Upgrade Really Worth It

For users still clinging to an iPhone 7 Plus in 2024, the question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s practical. The device was a flagship in its time, delivering solid performance, a great dual-camera system, and iOS optimization that extended its lifespan. But as apps grow more demanding and software updates slow down, upgrading becomes inevitable. Enter the Samsung Galaxy Note 9—a powerhouse from 2018 that still holds up surprisingly well in today’s market. But is moving from the iPhone 7 Plus to the Galaxy Note 9 actually worth it? Let’s break it down across key categories.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Leap

The iPhone 7 Plus launched with Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, which was impressive for its era. It handled multitasking, gaming, and photography smoothly—especially within the tightly controlled iOS ecosystem. However, by modern standards, the A10 struggles with heavy apps, 4K video editing, and even some web browsing tasks involving multiple tabs or complex JavaScript.

In contrast, the Galaxy Note 9 debuted with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (in most global markets) or Samsung’s Exynos 9810. Both chips were flagships in 2018 and remain capable today. With 6GB or 8GB of RAM (depending on storage variant), the Note 9 handles app switching, high-end mobile games, and AI-driven features with ease. The difference in real-world responsiveness is stark: apps open faster, animations are smoother, and background processes don’t trigger lag.

Tip: If you’re coming from an iPhone 7 Plus, expect significantly faster app launches and fewer forced reloads when switching between apps on the Note 9.

Display and Design: From Compact to Commanding

The iPhone 7 Plus featured a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080. While sharp and color-accurate, it used LCD technology and had noticeable bezels by today’s standards. The Galaxy Note 9, meanwhile, packs a 6.4-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel. The jump in screen size and quality is dramatic. Colors are deeper, blacks are true, and brightness levels are higher—making outdoor visibility far superior.

Design-wise, the transition is also significant. The iPhone 7 Plus has a stainless steel and glass body with physical buttons and a home button with Touch ID. The Note 9 offers a sleeker, more modern look with a nearly edge-to-edge display, though it retains a fingerprint sensor on the back (a common critique). Its S Pen adds functionality unmatched by any iPhone at the time, allowing for note-taking, remote camera control, and even Bluetooth-enabled presentations.

Camera Comparison: Evolution vs Innovation

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-lens setup: a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP telephoto lens enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. In good lighting, it still captures rich, natural-looking photos with excellent dynamic range. However, low-light performance is limited, and Night Mode didn’t exist then.

The Galaxy Note 9 improved on Samsung’s already strong camera game. Its dual rear system includes a 12MP wide lens with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4)—a rare feature that adjusts based on lighting conditions—and a 12MP telephoto lens. This means better low-light shots without flash and more flexibility in varied environments. While it lacks computational photography smarts like Deep Fusion or Smart HDR found in newer iPhones, the Note 9’s hardware gives it an edge in adaptability.

Front cameras favor the Note 9 as well: 8MP with autofocus versus the iPhone 7 Plus’s 7MP fixed-focus shooter. For selfies and video calls, the difference is noticeable.

“Hardware innovation like variable aperture and the S Pen makes the Note 9 feel like a productivity tool first, phone second.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetScope

Battery Life and Charging: Where the Note 9 Shines

This is one area where the upgrade feels almost essential. The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2,900mAh battery, which in 2016 was adequate for a full day with moderate use. Today, that same capacity often requires midday charging, especially with iOS updates optimized for newer hardware.

The Galaxy Note 9 boasts a massive 4,000mAh battery—one of the largest in any flagship at the time. Real-world usage shows it easily lasting 1.5 to 2 days under moderate load. Heavy users still get through a full day without anxiety. It supports fast charging (though the charger is sold separately in some regions), USB Power Delivery, and even wireless charging—none of which the iPhone 7 Plus offers.

Tip: Pair your Note 9 with a wireless charger and keep your desk clutter-free while maintaining consistent power.

Software and Longevity: iOS vs Android Trade-offs

iOS remains a major draw for iPhone users. Apple’s update policy is unmatched: the iPhone 7 Plus received iOS updates until 2023, a full six years after release. That kind of long-term support ensures security patches and access to new features longer than most Android devices.

The Galaxy Note 9 launched with Android 8.1 and officially received updates up to Android 10 with One UI 2.0. While Samsung now offers four years of OS upgrades, the Note 9 predates that policy. However, custom ROMs like LineageOS extend its life meaningfully for tech-savvy users.

On the flip side, Android offers greater customization, multi-window support, file system access, and seamless integration with Google services. For users who value control over their device, the shift from iOS to Android can be liberating—even if it comes with a steeper learning curve.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy Note 9
Release Year	2016	2018
Processor	A10 Fusion	Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810
RAM	3GB	6GB / 8GB
Storage Options	32/128/256GB (non-expandable)	128/512GB + microSD support
Display	5.5\" LCD, 1080p	6.4\" AMOLED, QHD+
Battery	2,900mAh	4,000mAh
Charging	Limited fast charging (with adapter)	Faster wired & wireless charging
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 & f/2.8)	Dual 12MP (f/1.5–f/2.4 variable + f/2.4)
Special Features	Touch ID, Portrait Mode	S Pen, DeX mode, Bixby
Software Support (End of Life)	~2023 (iOS 16)	2021 (Android 10)

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By 2023, she noticed constant app crashes, sluggish performance in Instagram and WhatsApp, and battery draining by noon. She considered upgrading to an iPhone 11 but found the price too steep for her budget. Instead, she bought a refurbished Galaxy Note 9 for $180.

Within days, she adapted to Android. She loved the larger screen for reading and streaming, appreciated the expandable storage (adding a 256GB microSD for her photo collection), and started using the S Pen to jot down grocery lists during calls. The battery lasted two full days, eliminating her “charging anxiety.” Though she missed iMessage initially, she transitioned to WhatsApp and Google Messages seamlessly. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t just worth it—it was transformative.

Checklist: Is the Note 9 Right for You?

• ✅ Need longer battery life than your iPhone 7 Plus provides
• ✅ Want a larger, higher-quality display for media consumption
• ✅ Value productivity tools like stylus input and multitasking
• ✅ Are comfortable switching from iOS to Android (or willing to learn)
• ✅ Prefer expandable storage and headphone jack (still present on Note 9)
• ❌ Expect cutting-edge AI photography or 5G connectivity
• ❌ Require ongoing official software updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my data from iPhone 7 Plus to Galaxy Note 9 easily?

Yes. Samsung’s Smart Switch app allows seamless transfer of contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and even app data over Wi-Fi or cable. It’s designed specifically for iOS-to-Android transitions and works reliably.

Is the Galaxy Note 9 still secure without recent updates?

While it no longer receives official security patches from Samsung, many users continue using the Note 9 safely by avoiding sideloading apps, sticking to Google Play Store downloads, and using reputable antivirus apps. For basic daily use, risk remains low—but avoid storing sensitive corporate or financial data.

Does the S Pen make a real difference?

Absolutely. Beyond note-taking, the S Pen can act as a remote shutter for the camera, control presentations, pause videos with air gestures, and even translate text in real time via Bixby Vision. It turns the phone into a hybrid device—part smartphone, part digital notebook.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It—With Caveats

Moving from the iPhone 7 Plus to the Galaxy Note 9 represents more than a simple device swap—it’s a leap forward in capability, screen quality, battery endurance, and utility. The Note 9 delivers a noticeably faster, more versatile experience, especially for users who value large displays, stylus input, and long battery life.

However, this upgrade makes the most sense for budget-conscious users seeking maximum value from older premium hardware. If you rely heavily on the Apple ecosystem—iCloud, AirDrop, iMessage, or FaceTime—the transition may involve trade-offs. But for those ready to embrace Android’s flexibility, the Galaxy Note 9 remains a compelling, powerful successor to the aging iPhone 7 Plus.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Explore certified refurbished Galaxy Note 9 models, set up Smart Switch, and unlock a new level of mobile productivity. Your iPhone 7 Plus served you well—now it’s time to move forward.