Iphone 8 Plus Vs Galaxy S9 Plus Is The S9 Still Worth It In 2024

Released just a year apart, the iPhone 8 Plus (2017) and Galaxy S9 Plus (2018) were flagship powerhouses in their time. Today, in 2024, both are long past their prime support cycles, yet they still circulate in secondhand markets and budget-conscious households. For someone seeking an affordable smartphone with decent capabilities, the question arises: does the Galaxy S9 Plus still hold up against Apple’s last home-button iPhone? The answer depends on what you value—longevity, software updates, camera quality, or raw usability in 2024.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 8 Plus stands out with its glass back and aluminum frame, supporting wireless charging—a rare feature for its era. Its compact size and balanced weight make it comfortable to hold, though the thick bezels feel outdated by modern standards. In contrast, the Galaxy S9 Plus introduced Samsung’s signature curved AMOLED display with thinner bezels and an edge-to-edge aesthetic that still looks refined. It also features an IP68 water resistance rating, which the iPhone 8 Plus lacks.

While both phones use premium materials, the S9 Plus feels more contemporary in design. However, the iPhone’s build has proven resilient over time, especially with iOS optimizations preserving responsiveness even on older hardware.

Tip: If buying used, check the condition of the S9 Plus's dual rear cameras—they protrude slightly and are prone to scratches without a case.

Performance and Software Support in 2024

This is where the most critical divergence occurs. The iPhone 8 Plus runs Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which, while dated, was exceptionally well-optimized. Thanks to Apple’s aggressive software support policy, the iPhone 8 Plus received updates all the way through iOS 16—released in 2022—with security patches continuing into early 2023. While it no longer receives major OS updates, many core apps and services still function reliably.

The Galaxy S9 Plus, powered by either the Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 depending on region, launched with Android 8 Oreo. Samsung promised four years of security updates, ending around 2022. By 2024, the device runs Android 10 at best and cannot upgrade further. More importantly, app developers increasingly optimize for newer Android versions, leading to compatibility issues, slower performance, and security vulnerabilities.

“Devices from 2017–2018 are now at high risk for app abandonment. Without current OS support, even basic functions like banking apps may fail.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

In practical terms, the iPhone 8 Plus currently offers a smoother day-to-day experience than the S9 Plus in 2024 due to better software maintenance and app optimization.

Camera Comparison: Still Relevant?

Both phones featured dual-camera systems at launch, but their approaches differed significantly.

The iPhone 8 Plus uses two 12MP sensors—one wide, one telephoto—delivering consistent color science, excellent dynamic range, and reliable portrait mode effects. While low-light performance lags behind modern standards, photos in daylight remain usable for social media or casual sharing.

The S9 Plus ups the ante with a variable aperture lens (f/1.5–f/2.4), allowing better light capture in dark environments. Its dual 12MP setup includes optical zoom and superior HDR processing for its time. However, image processing algorithms have aged poorly; photos can appear oversharpened or overly saturated compared to modern computational photography.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	Galaxy S9 Plus
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Dual 12MP (wide w/ variable aperture + telephoto)
Front Camera	7MP	8MP
Low-Light Performance	Fair	Good (for its time)
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps
Portrait Mode	Yes (depth control via software)	Yes (with adjustable blur)

In 2024, neither camera matches current mid-range smartphones, but the iPhone edges ahead in consistency and video quality.

Battery Life and Charging Options

The S9 Plus packs a 3,500mAh battery, slightly larger than the iPhone 8 Plus’s 2,691mAh unit. However, battery degradation after 6+ years affects both devices severely. Realistically, users should expect 4–6 hours of screen-on time if the battery hasn’t been replaced.

Charging is another differentiator. The iPhone 8 Plus supports Qi wireless charging and fast charging (with a compatible adapter), giving it an edge in flexibility. The S9 Plus also supports wireless charging and comes with adaptive fast charging, but lacks widespread compatibility with newer PD standards.

Tip: Consider replacing the battery when purchasing either phone used. A fresh battery can extend usability by 1–2 years.

Real-World Example: Can These Phones Handle Daily Use in 2024?

Take Sarah, a college student looking for a secondary phone for notes, messaging, and music. She bought a refurbished S9 Plus for $70. Initially, it worked fine—until she tried installing her university’s learning app, which required Android 11. The app wouldn’t install. After rooting the device (voiding any warranty and increasing security risks), she managed partial functionality, but faced crashes and slow load times.

Her roommate opted for an iPhone 8 Plus with a new battery ($90 total). Despite running iOS 16, all essential apps—including Google Workspace, Zoom, and banking tools—work smoothly. The interface remains snappy, and iMessage integration with her primary iPhone adds convenience.

This scenario illustrates a broader trend: Apple’s ecosystem longevity gives older iPhones functional relevance long after Android counterparts become obsolete.

Checklist: What to Evaluate Before Buying Either Phone in 2024

• ✅ Confirm the device has a replaced or healthy battery (ask for cycle count on iPhone)
• ✅ Check if current OS version supports essential apps (e.g., WhatsApp, banking, email)
• ✅ Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, speaker, and microphone functions
• ✅ Verify camera modules are clean and autofocus works
• ✅ Ensure the screen has no burn-in (AMOLED) or touch sensitivity issues
• ❌ Avoid devices with cracked screens or signs of water damage
• ❌ Skip phones that can’t connect to modern cloud services or update apps

Is the Galaxy S9 Plus Still Worth It in 2024?

For most users, the answer is no. While the S9 Plus was a technological marvel in 2018, its lack of software support, declining app compatibility, and aging hardware make it a risky choice today. Even with a new battery, the inability to run Android 11 or higher severely limits functionality.

The iPhone 8 Plus, while also discontinued, benefits from Apple’s extended support model. It handles everyday tasks like web browsing, messaging, music streaming, and light photography more reliably. Additionally, iCloud sync, AirPods connectivity, and accessory ecosystem add tangible value for Apple users.

If your budget allows, spending slightly more for an iPhone SE (2020 or 2022) or a recent Android budget phone like the Pixel 6a would offer dramatically better performance, security, and future-proofing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S9 Plus be upgraded to Android 12 or higher?

No. The S9 Plus officially topped out at Android 10. No custom ROMs provide stable, secure upgrades beyond that, and attempting them introduces significant risks.

Does the iPhone 8 Plus still receive security updates?

As of 2024, Apple has ceased issuing security patches for the iPhone 8 Plus. The last update was included in iOS 16.7.8 in early 2023. It is no longer considered secure for sensitive transactions.

Which phone lasts longer on a single charge today?

With original batteries, neither performs well. But with a replacement battery, the S9 Plus generally lasts longer due to its larger capacity and more efficient display tuning options. However, actual endurance depends heavily on usage patterns and background app activity.

Final Verdict

The Galaxy S9 Plus was a landmark device, but in 2024, it’s functionally obsolete. App incompatibility, security gaps, and sluggish performance undermine its once-impressive specs. The iPhone 8 Plus, while similarly outdated, holds up better thanks to superior software optimization and longer support history. That said, neither should be considered a primary phone for anyone relying on modern mobile experiences.

If you're drawn to these models for nostalgia or ultra-low cost, proceed with caution. Prioritize battery health, verify app functionality, and consider them temporary solutions at best. Technology moves fast—and in 2024, six-year-old flagships are better suited for parts, backup roles, or retirement.

🚀 Still using an old flagship? Share your experience below—what keeps you loyal, and when did you finally upgrade? Your story could help others decide whether to hold on or let go.