Iphone Xs Max Vs Galaxy S9 Plus Why Are People Still Debating This In Current Year

It’s 2024. Flagship smartphones now feature AI-powered cameras, 5G connectivity, foldable displays, and processors that rival laptops. Yet, somewhere in online forums, Reddit threads, and social media comment sections, a curious debate persists: iPhone XS Max versus Galaxy S9+. Released in 2018—six years ago—these devices should be long retired from serious comparison. And yet, they’re not. People are still asking which one is better, which holds up longer, or even which offers a superior daily experience today. Why?

The answer isn’t about specs. It’s about legacy, reliability, brand loyalty, and how some phones transcend their era to become benchmarks of longevity and user satisfaction.

The Longevity Paradox: Why Old Phones Still Matter

In an age of planned obsolescence and annual upgrade cycles, the fact that both the iPhone XS Max and Galaxy S9+ remain relevant speaks volumes. These aren’t just phones—they’re symbols of peak pre-foldable, pre-AI smartphone design. Both offered premium builds, excellent screens, and strong performance for their time. But more importantly, they were among the last flagship devices built with long-term usability in mind.

Apple continues to support the iPhone XS Max with iOS updates—iOS 17 runs smoothly on it. Samsung, while less aggressive with long-term software support, delivered Android 10 as the final major OS update for the S9+, with security patches ending in 2021. Despite this, many S9+ users report stable performance even today, especially when running lightweight custom ROMs or using minimal launchers.

Tip: If you're holding onto an older flagship like the XS Max or S9+, disable background app refresh and reduce animation scales to extend snappiness.

Performance Showdown: How Do They Hold Up Today?

Let’s compare core aspects—not as they were in 2018, but as they perform in everyday use in 2024.

Feature	iPhone XS Max	Galaxy S9+
Processor	A12 Bionic (6-core)	Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810
RAM	4GB	6GB
Storage Options	64GB, 256GB, 512GB	64GB, expandable via microSD
Current OS Support	iOS 17 (full support)	Android 10 (no further updates)
Battery Life (Today)	Moderate (degraded over time)	Limited (battery wear common)
Daily Usability (2024)	Strong for basic tasks, messaging, browsing	Functional with light usage; lags on heavy apps

The A12 Bionic chip, combined with Apple’s tight hardware-software integration, gives the XS Max a clear edge in sustained responsiveness. Even under iOS 17, most core functions—iMessage, Safari, Apple Maps, WhatsApp, and even Instagram—run fluidly. The S9+, while powerful in its day, struggles with modern web rendering and multitasking due to aging software optimization and lack of updates.

“Phones like the XS Max prove that efficient architecture and consistent software support matter more than raw specs.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

User Loyalty and Ecosystem Lock-In

One reason this debate lingers is emotional investment. Users who bought either device in 2018 likely paid top dollar. For many, these weren’t just phones—they were statements. The iPhone XS Max was Apple’s first 6.5-inch OLED superphone, marking a shift toward larger screens. The Galaxy S9+ represented the pinnacle of Samsung’s pre-Note-era design, with its dual-aperture camera and refined curved display.

People don’t just hold onto these devices because they work—they hold onto them because they *like* them. iOS users appreciate the continued update support and seamless iCloud integration. Android fans remember the S9+’s customization options, headphone jack, and microSD expansion—features later phased out in newer models.

This emotional connection fuels ongoing discussion. Some users resist upgrading simply because “my XS Max still does everything I need.” Others defend the S9+ as “the last truly repairable Samsung flagship.” These sentiments keep the conversation alive, even if objectively, both devices are outdated.

Real-World Example: The Freelancer Who Never Upgraded

Take Mark, a freelance copywriter based in Portland. He bought an iPhone XS Max at launch in 2018 and has used it ever since. His routine involves email, Safari, Google Docs, Slack, and occasional photo editing. In 2022, he considered switching to an Android phone but found the transition too disruptive. His AirPods, MacBook, and iCloud notes are deeply synced. Replacing the battery extended its life another two years. As of 2024, he says, “It’s slow sometimes, but it works. Why spend $1,200 on a new phone when this gets the job done?”

Mark isn’t alone. Across digital nomad communities and minimalist tech circles, stories like his are common. This practical mindset keeps older flagships in circulation—and in conversation.

Why the Debate Persists: Five Key Reasons

• Long-Term Support Disparity: Apple supports iPhones for 5–6 years; Samsung typically offers 3–4. This creates a perception that iPhones age better.
• Resale and Repair Economy: Both devices have strong third-party repair networks and retain value better than mid-range phones.
• Nostalgia for Physical Design: The S9+ had a headphone jack and replaceable battery; the XS Max had thick bezels but no notch fatigue. Some miss the ergonomics.
• Cost of Upgrading: With flagship prices exceeding $1,000, many see little incentive to upgrade from a functional high-end device.
• Environmental Awareness: Growing concern over e-waste leads users to extend device lifespans intentionally.

Tip: If you're extending your phone's life, calibrate the battery monthly and avoid charging past 80% to preserve health.

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize an Older Flagship in 2024

1. Replace the Battery: Both devices suffer from capacity loss after 3–4 years. A $50–$80 replacement can restore near-original endurance.
2. Optimize Software: On iPhone, disable animations in Accessibility settings. On Android, use a lightweight launcher like Nova.
3. Limit Background Activity: Turn off auto-updates, background refresh, and sync for unused apps.
4. Use Lite Versions: Install Facebook Lite, Twitter (X) Lite, or YouTube Vanced (where available) to reduce strain.
5. Manage Storage: Keep at least 10–15% free space for optimal system performance.
6. Upgrade Strategically: If considering a switch, prioritize ecosystem compatibility over specs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S9+ run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Basic apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and simple browsers work, but heavier applications like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or Chrome with multiple tabs will lag. Performance depends heavily on remaining storage and RAM management.

Is the iPhone XS Max still secure with iOS 17?

Yes. Apple continues to provide regular security updates for the XS Max under iOS 17. While some newer features (like StandBy mode) are disabled, core protections remain active and effective.

Which phone has better camera quality today?

The XS Max wins in consistency. Its Smart HDR and computational photography deliver more reliable results in varied lighting. The S9+’s variable aperture was innovative, but its image processing hasn’t evolved with software updates, leading to inconsistent color science and slower focusing.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Specs, Into the Mindset

The debate between the iPhone XS Max and Galaxy S9+ isn’t really about which phone is better in 2024. It’s about what each represents: Apple’s philosophy of long-term support and seamless integration, versus Samsung’s innovation-driven, rapidly evolving approach. The persistence of this discussion reflects a broader cultural shift—users are becoming more critical of constant upgrades, more aware of environmental impact, and more attached to devices that simply work.

These phones may be old by tech standards, but they remind us that durability, thoughtful design, and user-centric updates matter more than headline-grabbing features. In a world where phones are replaced every two years, the fact that people are still debating the XS Max and S9+ is not a sign of stagnation—it’s a quiet rebellion against disposability.

🚀 Still using an older flagship? Share your experience. What keeps you loyal to your device? Join the conversation and help others rethink the upgrade cycle.