Iphone Xs Max Vs Galaxy S9 Plus Which Flagship Is Still Worth It In 2024

In 2024, choosing between two aging flagships like the iPhone XS Max and Galaxy S9 Plus may seem outdated—until you consider budget constraints, software longevity, or a preference for compact powerhouses. Both devices were top-tier in 2018, but how do they fare nearly six years later? For users seeking reliable secondary phones, gift options, or entry-level premium experiences, this comparison remains surprisingly relevant. While neither device receives official OS updates, their hardware and ecosystem support differ significantly, influencing real-world usability today.

Performance and Software Longevity

The core of any smartphone’s relevance in 2024 lies in its ability to run modern apps smoothly and maintain secure, updated software. The iPhone XS Max runs Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, a 7nm processor with a hexa-core CPU and quad-core GPU. Despite its age, iOS optimization allows the A12 to handle everyday tasks like web browsing, messaging, and even light gaming with minimal lag. As of 2024, the XS Max supports up to iOS 16, missing out on iOS 17 due to Apple’s typical five-year update window. This means no new features, reduced app compatibility over time, and eventual security risks as patches cease.

In contrast, the Galaxy S9 Plus uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), also built on 10nm technology. While powerful in its day, Android’s less aggressive background management and heavier UI layers make the S9 Plus feel slower in multitasking and app switching. Samsung provided four major Android updates, ending with Android 12. Security patches stopped earlier, leaving it exposed to newer threats. Apps like banking services or ride-sharing platforms may begin rejecting older OS versions, limiting functionality.

Tip: If you must use either device in 2024, disable background app refresh and reduce animations to extend responsiveness.

Display and Build Quality

Both phones featured premium designs in 2018, but their displays cater to different preferences. The iPhone XS Max boasts a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED panel with 120-nit peak brightness and True Tone technology. It delivers accurate colors and excellent outdoor visibility for its generation. However, it lacks HDR10+ or high refresh rate support—features now standard even on mid-range phones.

The Galaxy S9 Plus counters with a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, supporting HDR10+ and offering higher resolution (1440 x 2960) than the XS Max’s 1242 x 2688. Its curved edges give a more immersive look, though some find them harder to protect. At launch, it had an adaptive refresh rate, but only down to 60Hz—not the 120Hz common today. In daily use, the S9 Plus screen still impresses with deep blacks and vibrant tones, especially when viewing media.

Build-wise, both are crafted from glass and metal. The XS Max feels slightly heavier at 208g but offers IP68 water resistance comparable to the S9 Plus. The latter has a headphone jack and expandable storage via microSD—a rare advantage today. However, the iPhone’s stainless steel frame resists scratches better than the aluminum rails on the S9 Plus.

Camera Capabilities in 2024

Cameras age faster than processors due to computational photography advancements. The iPhone XS Max features a dual 12MP system: wide and telephoto lenses with optical image stabilization (OIS) on both. Apple’s image signal processing prioritizes natural color reproduction and excellent dynamic range. In good lighting, photos remain sharp and well-balanced. Low-light performance lags behind modern Night modes, but Smart HDR helps recover shadows.

The Galaxy S9 Plus also has a dual 12MP setup, but its standout feature was the variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4). This allowed more light capture in dark environments by widening the lens opening—an innovative mechanical solution pre-dating AI-based night algorithms. While conceptually impressive, real-world results often suffered from inconsistent edge detection and over-sharpening. Video recording tops out at 4K@60fps on both, but the iPhone maintains superior audio sync and stabilization.

“Even without AI night modes, optical tricks like variable aperture gave the S9 Plus a unique edge in low light—but only if manually optimized.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Imaging Analyst

Battery Life and Charging Realities

Battery degradation is inevitable after five years, especially with lithium-ion cells. The iPhone XS Max packs a 3,174mAh battery, while the S9 Plus has a larger 3,500mAh unit. On paper, the Samsung should last longer, but iOS efficiency often closes that gap. In practice, both struggle to last a full day under moderate use in 2024 unless the battery health exceeds 80%.

Charging is another pain point. Neither supports fast charging out of the box beyond 15W (with compatible chargers), and wireless charging peaks at Qi-standard speeds. The S9 Plus charges slightly faster at 15W versus Apple’s default 7.5W, though third-party accessories can boost the iPhone to 18W. More critically, replacement batteries are harder to source officially, making third-party repairs risky for performance calibration (especially on iOS).

Tip: Replace the battery before buying either used—expect $40–$60 for parts and labor. Avoid units with below 75% health.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone XS Max	Galaxy S9 Plus
Release Year	2018	2018
Processor	A12 Bionic	Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810
OS Support (Latest)	iOS 16	Android 12
Display	6.5\" OLED, 1242x2688	6.2\" AMOLED, 1440x2960 (HDR10+)
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4)	Dual 12MP (f/1.5–2.4 + f/2.4)
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth	8MP RGB
Battery Capacity	3,174 mAh	3,500 mAh
Fast Charging	Up to 18W (with adapter)	15W (Adaptive Fast Charging)
Water Resistance	IP68 (up to 2m for 30 min)	IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Unique Features	Face ID, Ecosystem integration	Headphone jack, microSD slot, DeX support

Real-World Use Case: Sarah’s Backup Phone Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer, needed a durable backup phone for client calls and quick social media uploads while traveling. She found both models secondhand for under $150. After testing, she chose the iPhone XS Max despite its lack of expandable storage. Her reasoning? iCloud auto-syncs her edited shots, Face ID works reliably with gloves, and iOS 16 continues to support Adobe Lightroom and Instagram without crashes. The S9 Plus, while having a sharper screen, struggled with app timeouts and overheated during video exports. For her workflow, ecosystem consistency outweighed hardware flexibility.

Action Checklist Before Buying Either Phone

• ✅ Check battery health (iOS) or use diagnostic apps (Samsung)
• ✅ Verify OS version and confirm no carrier locks
• ✅ Inspect for screen burn-in, especially on AMOLED panels
• ✅ Test all ports: charging, audio (if applicable), and speakers
• ✅ Ensure firmware is unmodified (no root/jailbreak traces)
• ✅ Confirm availability of replacement parts locally

Frequently Asked Questions

Can either phone run WhatsApp or Google Maps smoothly in 2024?

Yes, both can run core apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Gmail. However, newer versions may load slower, and features like live location sharing or AR navigation could lag or fail. Performance depends heavily on remaining RAM and clean software installation.

Is the Galaxy S9 Plus better for gaming than the iPhone XS Max?

Not necessarily. While the S9 Plus has more RAM (6GB vs 4GB), iOS’s memory management gives the XS Max an edge in sustained gameplay. Titles like Genshin Impact will struggle on both, but lighter games such as Among Us or Monument Valley run acceptably. Thermal throttling affects the Exynos variant more severely.

Which has better long-term value in 2024?

The iPhone XS Max holds better resale value and integrates more seamlessly with modern Apple ecosystems (AirPods, Apple Watch, iCloud). The S9 Plus offers physical advantages like expandable storage and a headphone jack, appealing to purists. For most users, the iPhone provides a more cohesive experience despite its limitations.

Final Verdict: Which Flagship Is Still Worth It?

If forced to choose one device for 2024 usage, the iPhone XS Max edges ahead—not because it's technically superior, but due to ecosystem resilience and consistent software behavior. It won’t receive updates, but iOS 16 remains functional, secure enough for casual use, and compatible with essential services longer than Android 12 on aging Samsung hardware. The S9 Plus shines for tinkerers who appreciate customization, expandability, and DeX desktop mode, but requires more maintenance and technical oversight.

Neither phone should be a primary device for anyone relying on digital banking, productivity tools, or social connectivity. But as a backup, kid’s phone, or travel companion, both offer surprising utility—if purchased responsibly.

🚀 Ready to test legacy tech? Share your experience with old flagships in the comments. What surprised you about using a 2018 phone in 2024?