In 2024, choosing between older flagship smartphones isn't just about price—it's about longevity, performance, ecosystem compatibility, and future-proofing. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in late 2020, was Apple’s premium offering with advanced camera systems and A14 Bionic power. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launched back in 2018, making it an even older contender. While both are available secondhand at tempting prices, deciding which is “worth it” depends on your priorities: iOS vs. Android, long-term support, stylus use, or budget constraints.
This comparison cuts through nostalgia and specs sheets to deliver a real-world assessment of where each device stands today—and whether either makes sense as your primary phone in 2024.
Performance and Hardware: A Clear Generational Gap
The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs on Apple’s A14 Bionic chip—a 5nm processor that remains impressively capable in 2024. Even under heavy multitasking, gaming, or photo editing, the A14 delivers smooth performance thanks to tight hardware-software integration. With 6GB of RAM and optimized iOS memory management, apps stay active longer and launch quickly.
In contrast, the Galaxy Note 9 uses either the Snapdragon 845 (U.S.) or Exynos 9810 (international), both built on older 10nm architecture. These chips were top-tier in 2018 but now struggle with modern apps, especially those requiring machine learning or high-resolution rendering. Multitasking feels sluggish, app reloads are frequent, and background processes often get killed prematurely due to only 6GB or 8GB of RAM being less efficiently managed by Android Oreo (upgradable to Android 10).
Battery Life and Charging Realities
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers around 12 hours of mixed usage, which holds up reasonably well today. However, battery degradation after four years is common unless the replacement history is known. It supports 20W fast charging and MagSafe, though neither are included in the box.
The Note 9 has a larger 4,000mAh battery and can last a full day with light use—but performance throttling kicks in as batteries age. It supports faster 15W wired charging and 9W wireless, but lacks modern optimizations like adaptive charging. Given its age, finding a Note 9 with a healthy battery is increasingly rare.
Camera Quality: Still Competitive or Outdated?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max introduced sensor-shift stabilization and a triple-lens system: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto (2.5x optical zoom). Its computational photography—especially Smart HDR and Night mode—still produces natural-looking photos in most conditions. Video recording tops out at Dolby Vision 4K HDR, a feature unmatched by most current phones, let alone the Note 9.
The Galaxy Note 9’s dual rear cameras (12MP wide + 12MP telephoto) were excellent for their time, offering variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4) and 2x lossless zoom. But without ongoing software improvements, its image processing appears flat compared to modern standards. Low-light shots suffer from noise, dynamic range is limited, and autofocus is slower than current expectations.
“Even five-year-old iPhones often outperform newer mid-range Androids in video quality due to consistent firmware optimization.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Weekly
Software Support and Security Updates
This is where the gap becomes critical. As of 2024, the iPhone 12 Pro Max continues to receive full iOS updates—including iOS 17 and expected support for iOS 18. That means continued access to new features, security patches, and app compatibility for at least another year, possibly two.
The Galaxy Note 9 stopped receiving major Android updates in 2020 and security patches ended in 2022. Running Android 10 with outdated Google Play Services creates real risks: some banking apps, messaging platforms, and productivity tools may refuse to run or function poorly. No future app updates will be optimized for such legacy systems.
Display and Usability Comparison
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with excellent color accuracy and brightness (up to 1,200 nits peak HDR). It lacks a high refresh rate (stuck at 60Hz), which makes scrolling feel less fluid than modern 120Hz Android devices. Still, outdoor visibility and HDR content playback remain strong.
The Note 9 has a 6.4-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel—one of the best of its era. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and resolution is sharp. It also includes the S Pen, which adds functionality for note-takers, artists, or productivity users. However, the curved edges trap dirt, and the physical home button feels archaic next to gesture navigation.
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro Max | Galaxy Note 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2020 | 2018 |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB / 8GB |
| OS Support (2024) | iOS 17, likely iOS 18 | No updates since 2022 |
| Rear Cameras | Triple 12MP (w/uw/t) | Dual 12MP (w/t) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 8MP |
| Battery Capacity | ~3,687mAh | 4,000mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe | 15W wired, 9W wireless |
| Special Features | Dolby Vision video, LiDAR scanner | S Pen, DeX support |
| Current Viability | Good for 1–2 more years | High risk of obsolescence |
Real-World Example: Choosing for Daily Use
Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who needed a backup phone for client communication and quick edits. She considered buying a used Galaxy Note 9 for $120 because of its S Pen and large screen. After testing it for a week, she returned it. Apps like Instagram and Lightroom frequently crashed, GPS lagged during travel, and she couldn’t install the latest version of Adobe Scan due to OS incompatibility. She instead bought a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max for $380—double the cost but running iOS 17 flawlessly. Two months later, she upgraded to iOS 18 beta without issue and continues using professional-grade apps smoothly.
Sarah’s experience reflects a broader trend: older Android flagships lose functionality faster than equivalent iPhones due to fragmented update policies.
Checklist: Is This Phone Right for You?
Before purchasing either device in 2024, ask yourself:
- ✅ Will this phone receive at least one more OS update?
- ✅ Can it run essential apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, banking, and email reliably?
- ✅ Is the battery health verifiable or replaceable?
- ✅ Do I need specific features (e.g., S Pen, Face ID, Dolby Vision)?
- ✅ Am I comfortable accepting higher security risks with unsupported software?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Galaxy Note 9 run modern apps?
Some basic apps work, but many newer versions require Android 11 or higher. Banking apps, ride-sharing services, and social media platforms may not install or could behave unpredictably. Performance lags make browsing frustrating.
How long will the iPhone 12 Pro Max be supported?
Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years post-release. Since the 12 Pro Max launched in 2020, it should receive iOS updates through at least 2025, possibly into 2026. Security patches will continue accordingly.
Is the S Pen enough reason to choose the Note 9?
If you heavily rely on handwriting, sketching, or remote control functions, the S Pen offers unique utility. However, newer alternatives like the Galaxy S23 Ultra or refurbished S Pen-compatible tablets provide better performance and full software support.
Final Verdict: Upgrade Logic Over Sentiment
The Galaxy Note 9 was a powerhouse in 2018, but by 2024, it’s technologically obsolete. Lack of updates, declining app compatibility, and degraded hardware make it a risky daily driver. While the S Pen and expandable storage (via microSD) are appealing, they don’t outweigh fundamental limitations.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max, while aging, remains functional and secure. Its A14 chip handles modern tasks, its camera system is still competitive, and iOS 18 support ensures relevance into 2025. For anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem—or seeking reliable performance on a budget—it remains a sensible choice, especially when purchased refurbished with a new battery.
Ultimately, if you're choosing between these two, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is clearly the better investment. The Note 9 belongs in collector displays or as emergency backups—not as primary devices.
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