Iphone Xs Max Vs Galaxy S9 Plus In 2025 Were You Right To Upgrade Or Should You Have Stuck With Samsung

It’s 2025, and smartphones from 2018 are no longer just aging—they’re relics in a world of foldables, AI assistants, and 5G ubiquity. Yet, some users still rely on devices like the iPhone XS Max and Galaxy S9 Plus every day. For those who made the switch from Samsung to Apple—or stayed loyal to Android—this moment offers a rare opportunity to reflect: Was the upgrade worth it? Or would sticking with the Galaxy S9 Plus have been smarter in the long run?

This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about understanding longevity, software support, ecosystem loyalty, and real-world usability. Both phones were flagships in their time, but five years later, their paths have diverged dramatically.

Performance and Longevity: How Do They Hold Up?

The iPhone XS Max launched with Apple’s A12 Bionic chip—a first in the 7-nanometer era. At the time, it was a powerhouse. By 2025 standards, it’s sluggish. But here’s the surprise: iOS 16 remains the last supported version, and many core apps still function. Safari struggles with modern web pages, multitasking is limited, and app updates are increasingly rare. Yet, for basic tasks—calls, messaging, light browsing—it endures.

In contrast, the Galaxy S9 Plus ran on either the Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810, depending on region. While powerful in 2018, its performance degradation has been more pronounced. Android 10 was its final major update, cutting off security patches years ago. In 2025, using the S9 Plus means accepting vulnerabilities, app incompatibility, and painfully slow camera processing.

Tip: If you're still using either device daily, disable background app refresh and automatic updates to preserve battery and responsiveness.

Apple’s tighter hardware-software integration gives the XS Max an edge in longevity. Even without new features, iOS optimization allows older chips to remain functional longer than comparable Android counterparts. Samsung’s update policy at the time—two major OS upgrades—meant the S9 Plus was effectively obsolete by 2021.

Software Support and Security: The Hidden Cost of Obsolescence

Security is where the gap widens. As of 2025, neither device receives regular security updates. However, Apple continued patching critical vulnerabilities for the XS Max into early 2023 under its extended support model. The Galaxy S9 Plus saw its last official patch in 2021.

This matters. Without security updates, both phones are vulnerable to phishing, malware, and data leaks—especially when downloading third-party apps or visiting compromised sites. Public Wi-Fi usage becomes risky. Banking apps may even block access due to outdated OS versions.

“Devices that stop receiving updates aren’t just slow—they’re liabilities.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Cybersecurity Researcher at MobileTrust Labs

iOS’s walled-garden approach limits exposure compared to Android’s open ecosystem, where sideloading and fragmented app stores increase risk. So while both phones are technically unsupported, the iPhone XS Max operates in a slightly safer environment by design.

Camera Quality Over Time: Sharpness Fades, But Memories Last

In 2018, both cameras were excellent. The Galaxy S9 Plus stood out with its dual-aperture lens (f/1.5–f/2.4), adapting to lighting conditions dynamically. Its low-light performance was class-leading. The iPhone XS Max used computational photography subtly, favoring natural color accuracy over dramatic enhancements.

Fast forward to 2025: sensor degradation, lens haze, and slower processing make both cameras feel dated. But the difference lies in consistency. The XS Max’s photos still export cleanly to modern iCloud workflows. The S9 Plus struggles with HEIF/HEVC compatibility outside Samsung’s ecosystem, requiring conversion for sharing.

Moreover, Apple’s Photos app continues to support metadata tagging and facial recognition for older images. Samsung’s Gallery app, especially on unsupported devices, often fails to sync or categorize properly.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Cross-Ecosystem Journey

Sarah bought a Galaxy S9 Plus in March 2018. She loved its expandable storage, headphone jack, and Always-On Display. In 2020, she switched to an iPhone XS Max, lured by FaceTime integration and iMessage. By 2023, her XS Max battery had degraded to 72%. She replaced it at an Apple Store for $49. The phone lasted until late 2024.

Meanwhile, her old S9 Plus, stored in a drawer, wouldn’t power on reliably by 2023. When it did, boot time exceeded two minutes. She tried selling it online but received offers below $30.

“I thought I’d miss Android’s flexibility,” Sarah said. “But not having to root around for updates or worry about bloatware made the iPhone easier long-term—even if I paid more upfront.”

Her experience highlights a broader trend: convenience and sustained usability often outweigh initial feature advantages when viewed over five years.

Feature Comparison: iPhone XS Max vs Galaxy S9 Plus in 2025

Feature	iPhone XS Max (2025 Status)	Galaxy S9 Plus (2025 Status)
Last OS Version	iOS 16	Android 10
Last Security Patch	Early 2023	2021
Battery Health Support	Yes (replaceable via Apple)	No (third-party only)
App Compatibility	Limited (many apps require iOS 17+)	Poor (Google Play services outdated)
Cloud Integration	iCloud (seamless with modern Apple devices)	Samsung Cloud (discontinued in 2022)
Ecosystem Lock-in	High (iMessage, AirDrop, Find My)	Moderate (SmartThings, DeX no longer updated)
Resale Value (2025 Estimate)	$60–$90 (refurbished market)	$20–$40

Should You Have Stayed With Samsung?

If your priority was customization, hardware versatility, and short-term value, staying with the Galaxy S9 Plus made sense—until 2021. After that, the lack of updates and declining app support turned it into a liability.

Switching to the iPhone XS Max in 2018 or 2019 offered three extra years of usable life. Apple’s aggressive trade-in programs also allowed users to offset costs when upgrading again in 2022 or 2023. Samsung’s trade-in value for the S9 Plus dropped sharply after 2020.

However, if you were deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem—using Galaxy Buds, a Note tablet, or DeX at work—the friction of switching to iOS could have outweighed the benefits. Ecosystem inertia is real.

Tip: Evaluate total cost of ownership—not just purchase price, but repair costs, upgrade cycles, and resale value over time.

Checklist: Is Your 2018 Phone Still Viable in 2025?

• ✅ Can it install current versions of WhatsApp, Google Maps, and your banking app?
• ✅ Does it receive any form of security updates (even third-party antivirus)?
• ✅ Is the battery life sufficient for a full day without charging?
• ✅ Can you back up data reliably to cloud or computer?
• ✅ Are essential functions (camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) working consistently?

If you answered “no” to two or more, it’s time to retire the device—preferably through secure recycling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my iPhone XS Max as a daily driver in 2025?

Technically, yes—but with significant limitations. Web browsing is slow, apps crash frequently, and newer services may block access. It’s best suited as a backup phone or for offline tasks like music playback.

Why did Samsung stop supporting the S9 Plus earlier than Apple supported the XS Max?

Samsung historically provided two major Android OS updates and three years of security patches. Apple supports iPhones for five to six years on average. This reflects different philosophies: Android’s rapid iteration vs. iOS’s long-term optimization.

Is it safe to sell my old Galaxy S9 Plus or iPhone XS Max?

Only after a factory reset and removal of associated accounts (Apple ID or Samsung Account). For maximum safety, remove the SIM and SD cards, and use certified recyclers rather than private buyers.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Wisdom in Hindsight

Looking back, upgrading from the Galaxy S9 Plus to the iPhone XS Max in 2018 or 2019 was the more future-proof decision. Not because the XS Max was superior at launch—but because Apple’s ecosystem delivered longer usability, better security maintenance, and higher residual value.

That said, if you maximized the S9 Plus for four years and upgraded in 2022, you likely achieved similar long-term value. The real mistake wasn’t the choice of brand—it was holding onto either device beyond its functional lifespan.

💬 Were you right to upgrade—or should you have stuck with Samsung? Share your story. Your experience could help others navigate the next wave of legacy devices.