Iphone Xr Vs Galaxy S9 Three Years Later Is The Xr Still A Better Buy

When the iPhone XR and Samsung Galaxy S9 launched in 2018, they represented two very different philosophies in smartphone design. The XR offered Apple’s signature ecosystem integration and long-term software support, while the S9 showcased Samsung’s hardware innovation with a high-end display and advanced camera features. Now, three years later, both phones are well past their prime — but for budget-conscious buyers, one might still hold up better than the other. Is the iPhone XR still the smarter purchase today?

Performance and Longevity: A Tale of Two Processors

At launch, the Galaxy S9 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 depending on region), a flagship chip that delivered excellent speed and multitasking capabilities. Meanwhile, the iPhone XR ran on Apple’s A12 Bionic chip — not marketed as aggressively, but built on a more efficient architecture.

Fast forward to 2021 and beyond, and the difference in longevity becomes stark. Apple’s tight control over hardware and software allows iOS updates to be optimized at a system level, meaning even older chips like the A12 can run modern versions of iOS smoothly. As of 2023, the iPhone XR supports up to iOS 16, a remarkable feat for a $749 phone from 2018.

In contrast, the Galaxy S9 stopped receiving major Android OS updates after Android 10, with security patches ending shortly thereafter. While third-party custom ROMs exist, most users rely on official support — which has long expired.

Tip: When buying used smartphones, prioritize models with ongoing software support — it affects security, app compatibility, and overall usability.

Battery Life and Real-World Endurance

The iPhone XR was praised at launch for its all-day battery life — unusual for an entry-level iPhone at the time. With a 2,942mAh battery and power-efficient A12 chip, it consistently lasted 1.5 days under moderate use. Even now, with battery health degradation, many XR units still manage a full day.

The Galaxy S9, equipped with a smaller 3,000mAh battery, struggled more with heavy usage. Its AMOLED screen, while beautiful, consumed more power, especially when running at higher brightness levels. After three years, S9 batteries tend to degrade faster due to less aggressive power management and fewer optimization updates.

In independent battery tests conducted in 2021, the iPhone XR outlasted the S9 by nearly two hours in mixed usage scenarios. By 2023, anecdotal reports from Reddit and consumer forums suggest that replacement S9 batteries are common, while many XR owners haven’t needed replacements yet.

Display and Build Quality Comparison

The S9 had a clear advantage in display technology. Its 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 1080p resolution — far superior to the XR’s 720p Liquid Retina LCD. For media consumption, the S9 still delivers a richer visual experience.

However, the XR compensates with durability. Its aerospace-grade aluminum frame and IP67 water resistance have held up well over time. Many second-hand XRs show minimal wear if properly maintained. The S9, while also IP68-rated, uses Gorilla Glass 5 but has a more fragile reputation due to curved glass edges prone to cracking.

“After three years, build longevity isn't just about materials — it's about how well the device ages under daily stress. The XR’s flat screen and sturdy frame give it an edge.” — David Kim, Mobile Repair Technician, iFix Hub

Camera Performance Over Time

The S9 featured a 12MP rear sensor with dual-pixel autofocus and variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4), allowing strong low-light performance. It also introduced 960fps slow-motion video — a novelty that aged poorly due to short recording windows and large file sizes.

The iPhone XR has a single 12MP wide-angle camera without telephoto or ultra-wide lenses. But thanks to computational photography and consistent software updates, its photos remain competitive. Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and improved night mode (added via update) mean the XR can still take sharp, well-balanced images in most conditions.

On the front, the S9’s 8MP selfie cam with autofocus was ahead of its time. The XR’s 7MP Face ID camera lacks autofocus but benefits from Portrait Mode and better skin tone rendering in iOS processing.

Crucially, Apple continues to refine camera algorithms through software, whereas Samsung’s updates for the S9 ceased years ago. This means the XR’s camera actually improved post-launch, while the S9’s stayed static.

Total Value After Three Years: Who Wins?

To determine which phone is the better buy today, we must consider total ownership value — not just initial specs, but long-term usability, resale value, and ecosystem fit.

Feature	iPhone XR	Galaxy S9
Software Support (as of 2023)	iOS 16 supported	Stopped at Android 10
Battery Longevity	Good; many last 2+ years	Fair; frequent replacements needed
Display Quality	Liquid Retina LCD (720p)	QHD+ AMOLED (superior)
Camera Updates	Ongoing algorithm improvements	No further enhancements
Resale Value (used market, avg.)	$120–$160	$80–$110
Durability	Flat glass, robust frame	Curved edges, prone to cracks

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a college student in 2021, needed a reliable phone on a tight budget. She considered both a used Galaxy S9 ($100) and an iPhone XR ($140). The S9 looked sleeker and had a better screen, but she already owned AirPods and used iCloud for backups. She chose the XR for ecosystem continuity.

Two years later, her XR still runs Instagram, Zoom, and Safari smoothly. It received iOS 15 and 16 updates, adding new features like Focus modes and Live Text. Her friend who bought the S9 struggled with outdated apps and degraded battery performance by mid-2022. Sarah estimates she saved money by avoiding early replacement.

Actionable Checklist: Choosing Between Used Flagships

If you're considering either phone today, follow this checklist:

• Evaluate your ecosystem: Do you use Apple services (iCloud, AirPods, Mac)? If yes, the XR integrates seamlessly.
• Check battery health: For iPhones, look for >80% capacity. For S9s, assume the battery needs replacing unless verified.
• Confirm software version: An XR on iOS 15 or 16 is safer than one stuck on iOS 14.
• Inspect physical condition: Avoid S9s with screen cracks — repairs are costly. XR screens are cheaper to fix.
• Test core functions: Camera, speakers, charging port, and biometrics should work flawlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S9 run modern apps smoothly in 2023?

Some lightweight apps work fine, but heavier applications like TikTok, Google Maps, or modern games may lag or crash due to outdated hardware and lack of optimization. Performance varies significantly based on RAM usage and background processes.

Is the iPhone XR waterproof enough for daily use?

The XR has IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, water resistance degrades over time, especially if the device has been dropped. It’s safe for rain and spills, but not for swimming or shower use.

Why does the XR last longer than the S9 despite older hardware?

Apple’s vertical integration — controlling both hardware and software — allows for deeper optimizations. iOS updates are tailored to each device’s capabilities, preserving performance. Android updates for older Samsung devices are often bloated and less optimized, leading to slowdowns.

Final Verdict: Yes, the iPhone XR Is Still the Better Buy

Three years on, the iPhone XR emerges as the more practical choice — not because it was superior at launch, but because it was built to last. Its combination of sustained software support, reliable battery life, and seamless ecosystem integration gives it lasting relevance. The Galaxy S9, while impressive in its time, suffers from premature obsolescence due to limited update cycles and faster hardware decay.

For anyone shopping secondhand in 2023 or beyond, longevity matters more than peak specs. The XR proves that thoughtful engineering and long-term support can outweigh flashy features that fade quickly. If you need a capable, dependable smartphone under $150, the iPhone XR remains the smarter investment.

🚀 Still using an old phone? Share your experience below — has your XR or S9 stood the test of time? Join the conversation and help others make informed upgrade decisions!