Is The Iphone 12 Still Worth It In 2024 If I Have A Galaxy S9 Plus

If you've been using a Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus since its 2018 release, your smartphone experience is due for an upgrade. The device was groundbreaking in its time—offering a bright AMOLED display, solid build quality, and expandable storage—but by today’s standards, it struggles with modern apps, lacks support for newer software updates, and can't keep up with current battery demands. As you consider your next move, the iPhone 12 stands out as a popular mid-tier option in Apple’s lineup. But in 2024, is it still a smart choice over staying in the Android ecosystem or jumping to a newer model?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your priorities: long-term software support, ecosystem integration, camera quality, performance consistency, and budget. Let’s explore whether stepping from the Galaxy S9 Plus into the iPhone 12 makes sense this year.

Performance Leap: From Snapdragon 845 to A14 Bionic

The Galaxy S9 Plus ran on Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 845 chip—a powerhouse in 2018. However, even at its peak, it couldn’t match Apple’s custom silicon in efficiency and sustained performance. Fast forward to 2024, and the iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chip remains impressively capable. Built on a 5nm process, it delivers faster CPU and GPU performance, superior machine learning capabilities, and better power efficiency than anything Samsung offered in 2018.

In real-world use, this means:

• Apps launch noticeably faster
• Games run smoothly at high settings
• Multitasking feels effortless
• Better optimization for photo and video processing

Even though the A14 is now four years old, iOS’s tight hardware-software integration ensures that the iPhone 12 continues to perform well in 2024. Unlike many Android devices that slow down after two major OS updates, iPhones typically receive five to six years of support. The iPhone 12 launched with iOS 14 and is expected to be supported through iOS 18 or even iOS 19—meaning you’ll likely get reliable updates until at least 2026.

Tip: If you prioritize long-term usability, iOS update longevity often outweighs raw specs on older Android phones.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode, Video, and Ecosystem Advantages

The Galaxy S9 Plus had a strong dual-camera setup for its era, especially in low-light conditions thanks to its f/1.5 aperture lens. But photography has evolved dramatically since then. The iPhone 12 features a 12MP wide and ultra-wide dual system, with Night mode on both rear cameras, Deep Fusion image processing, and Smart HDR 3.

More importantly, Apple’s computational photography consistently produces natural color tones, excellent dynamic range, and seamless portrait mode effects. While Samsung tends to oversharpen and oversaturate images, the iPhone 12 leans toward realism—preferred by many photographers and social media creators.

Video recording is another area where the iPhone 12 pulls far ahead. It supports Dolby Vision HDR recording at 4K up to 60fps, a feature absent even on most premium Android phones in 2018. This gives your videos a cinematic look that’s easy to edit and share across Apple devices.

“iPhone users who shoot regularly find the consistency between photos and videos unmatched—even years later.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

iOS vs. Android: Ecosystem and User Experience Shift

Moving from Android to iOS is more than switching operating systems—it’s entering a different digital lifestyle. If you’ve invested in Google services (Gmail, Drive, Photos), the transition requires planning. However, if you use any Apple products—like a MacBook, iPad, or AirPods—the iPhone 12 integrates seamlessly.

Key benefits include:

• Instant hotspot and Handoff between Mac and iPhone
• iMessage and FaceTime (though limited outside the Apple ecosystem)
• AirDrop for fast file sharing
• Tight integration with iCloud, Apple Watch, and HomeKit

On the downside, you’ll lose features like microSD expansion, a headphone jack, and deep customization options. Samsung’s One UI offers extensive personalization; iOS is more rigid but generally cleaner and less cluttered.

iPhone 12 vs. Galaxy S9 Plus: Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Galaxy S9 Plus	iPhone 12
Release Year	2018	2020
Chipset	Snapdragon 845	Apple A14 Bionic
RAM	6GB	4GB
Storage Options	64GB + microSD	64GB, 128GB, 256GB (no expandable)
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (f/1.5–f/2.4 variable)	Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide)
Front Camera	8MP	12MP TrueDepth
Display	6.2” Quad HD+ AMOLED	6.1” Super Retina XDR OLED
Battery Capacity	3,500 mAh	2,815 mAh
Charging	Fast charging, Wireless, IP68	Fast charging (20W), MagSafe, Wireless, IP68
Software Support (2024)	No updates beyond Android 10	iOS 17, likely iOS 18
5G Support	No	Yes (mmWave + sub-6GHz)

Despite the smaller battery, the iPhone 12 often matches or exceeds the S9 Plus in daily endurance due to the efficiency of the A14 chip and iOS power management. And while 5G may not be critical everywhere yet, having future-proof connectivity adds value.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Switch from S9 Plus to iPhone 12

Sarah had used her Galaxy S9 Plus for nearly five years. By 2023, she noticed constant app crashes, sluggish performance when editing photos, and declining battery life—dropping below 50% by noon. She considered upgrading to a newer Samsung phone but ultimately chose the iPhone 12 after testing one at a friend’s house.

What surprised her wasn’t just the speed, but how intuitive the interface felt. Using iCloud Photos, she easily transferred thousands of pictures. With AirPods already in her drawer, pairing was instant. Within a week, she was using Notes, Reminders, and Apple Maps daily—something she hadn’t explored deeply on Android.

“I didn’t realize how much I’d miss consistent updates,” she said. “My S9 stopped getting security patches two years ago. Knowing my iPhone will stay secure until 2026 gives me peace of mind.”

Checklist: Is the iPhone 12 Right for You in 2024?

Before making the leap, ask yourself the following:

1. Are you ready to leave Android? Consider your reliance on Google apps and whether switching to iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime will disrupt your workflow.
2. Do you value long-term software support? The iPhone 12 will likely receive updates longer than most Android phones released in the same period.
3. Is camera consistency important? Especially for video content, the iPhone 12 offers professional-grade tools.
4. Do you own other Apple devices? Integration with Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch significantly enhances the experience.
5. Can you live without expandable storage? The base 64GB model fills up quickly if you take lots of photos or download offline content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my data from Galaxy S9 Plus to iPhone 12 easily?

Yes. Apple provides the “Move to iOS” app on the Google Play Store, which securely transfers contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and free apps during initial setup. For large photo libraries, using Google Photos or a computer backup is recommended.

Is the iPhone 12 too old to buy in 2024?

Not necessarily. While newer models like the iPhone 14 or 15 offer incremental improvements, the iPhone 12 still delivers excellent performance, 5G connectivity, and several years of software support. At discounted prices (often under $400 new or $250 used), it represents strong value.

Will apps stop working on the iPhone 12 soon?

Unlikely. Developers typically target the oldest supported iOS version. Since the iPhone 12 runs iOS 17 and is expected to support iOS 18, most mainstream apps—including social media, banking, and productivity tools—will continue to function well into 2025 and beyond.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Upgrade Path

Stepping from the Galaxy S9 Plus to the iPhone 12 in 2024 is not just reasonable—it’s a significant upgrade in almost every meaningful category. You gain access to a modern processor, superior cameras, ongoing software updates, 5G connectivity, and a tightly integrated ecosystem. While the design is flat-edged and lacks a high-refresh-rate display, these trade-offs are minor compared to the gains in reliability and longevity.

The iPhone 12 strikes a rare balance: it’s mature enough to be affordably priced, yet modern enough to remain relevant for years. If you’re tired of your aging S9 Plus slowing down and want a dependable phone that won’t feel obsolete by 2025, the iPhone 12 is absolutely still worth it.

💬 Thinking about making the switch? Share your questions or experiences below—we’d love to hear what matters most to you in a phone upgrade.