Is Upgrading From Note 9 To S22 Ultra Worth It Users Share Their Experience

For many long-time Samsung fans, the Galaxy Note 9 was a defining device—powerful, reliable, and iconic with its S Pen. But technology moves fast, and nearly five years later, the Galaxy S22 Ultra represents a dramatic leap forward. So, is upgrading from the Note 9 to the S22 Ultra truly worth it? We’ve gathered real user experiences, performance benchmarks, and practical insights to help you decide.

The Evolution: From Note 9 to S22 Ultra

The Galaxy Note 9 launched in 2018 as a flagship powerhouse, boasting a Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), 6GB of RAM, and a 4,000mAh battery. At the time, it was unmatched for productivity, multimedia, and stylus integration. Fast forward to 2022, and the S22 Ultra arrives not just as a phone, but as a convergence of the Note series and S series—complete with an integrated S Pen, advanced camera systems, and top-tier processing power.

Users who’ve made the jump often describe the experience as “like switching from a sedan to a sports car.” The improvements aren’t just incremental—they redefine what a smartphone can do.

Performance: A Quantum Leap

Under the hood, the difference is staggering. The S22 Ultra runs on either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 (depending on region), paired with up to 12GB of RAM. This translates to faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and smoother gaming—even with graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact.

One user, Mark T., a freelance designer from Austin, shared: “I used my Note 9 for editing photos and light video work. It struggled with 4K exports. With the S22 Ultra, I’m rendering timelines in real time. The difference isn’t just speed—it’s workflow transformation.”

Tip: Clear cached data before transferring apps to avoid bloating your new device with unnecessary files.

Display and Design: Night and Day Difference

The Note 9 featured a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. While vibrant for its time, it now feels outdated compared to the S22 Ultra’s 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with QHD+ resolution (3088 x 1440) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

“The screen feels alive,” said Priya L., a digital artist from Toronto. “Colors pop, scrolling is buttery smooth, and watching HDR content on YouTube or Netflix is cinematic. I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I saw it.”

The design has also matured. The S22 Ultra features a sleek titanium frame (on certain models), Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and an IP68 rating that feels more robust than the Note 9’s aluminum build. Though slightly heavier, users report better ergonomics due to improved weight distribution and curved edges.

Camera System: Professional-Grade Photography

This is where most users notice the most dramatic upgrade. The Note 9 had a capable single rear camera setup (12MP dual-aperture). The S22 Ultra, however, packs a quad-camera array: 108MP main sensor, dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultra-wide.

In real-world use, this means:

• Sharper daylight photos with exceptional detail.
• Nightography that captures vivid colors and minimal noise.
• Space Zoom up to 100x (usable at 10–30x with stabilization).
• Improved AI scene optimization and portrait mode depth sensing.

“Photographing my daughter’s birthday party on the Note 9 meant blurry low-light shots. On the S22 Ultra, every moment was crisp—even in dim lighting. It felt like using a DSLR.” — James R., parent and amateur photographer

Battery Life and Charging: Smarter, Not Just Bigger

The Note 9’s 4,000mAh battery was solid in 2018, delivering about 1.5 days of moderate use. The S22 Ultra ups the capacity to 5,000mAh, but efficiency gains from the 4nm chipset and adaptive refresh rate extend longevity further.

Most users report a full day of heavy usage—including gaming, video streaming, and navigation—with 20–30% battery remaining. Additionally, 45W fast charging (with compatible charger) can take the phone from 0 to 50% in under 20 minutes—something the Note 9 never supported.

Feature	Galaxy Note 9	Galaxy S22 Ultra
Battery Capacity	4,000 mAh	5,000 mAh
Fast Charging	15W (included)	45W (sold separately)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi)	Yes (Qi + Reverse Wireless)
Estimated Daily Use	1.5 days (light use)	1 full day (heavy use)

S Pen: Integrated Innovation

While both phones support the S Pen, the experience differs significantly. On the Note 9, the stylus was stored externally and offered basic input. The S22 Ultra integrates the S Pen directly into the body—no more losing it in drawers.

Latency drops from 42ms on the Note 9 to just 2.8ms on the S22 Ultra, making writing and drawing feel instantaneous. Features like Air Actions allow gesture-based controls (e.g., taking photos or pausing videos remotely), adding utility beyond note-taking.

“I used the S Pen mostly for reminders on my Note 9,” said educator Linda Chen. “Now I annotate PDFs, sketch diagrams during lectures, and even control my smart home devices with gestures. It’s become essential.”

Software and Longevity

The S22 Ultra ships with Android 12 and One UI 4.1, with guaranteed updates through Android 17—meaning at least four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches. In contrast, the Note 9 stopped receiving major updates after Android 10.

This extended software support ensures better app compatibility, security, and access to new features like Google Assistant Voice Typing, enhanced privacy dashboard, and improved DeX functionality.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Touch in settings to reduce accidental touches when using the S Pen.

User Experience Checklist: Is the Upgrade Right for You?

Before making the switch, consider these factors:

1. Are you still satisfied with Note 9 performance? If apps lag or multitasking is slow, the upgrade will feel transformative.
2. Do you value photography? The S22 Ultra’s camera system is vastly superior, especially in low light and zoom scenarios.
3. How important is battery life? If you’re constantly charging, the S22 Ultra offers longer endurance and faster top-ups.
4. Do you use the S Pen regularly? The integrated design and lower latency make it far more functional.
5. Can you leverage 5G and Wi-Fi 6E? These future-proof your device for faster networks and lower latency.

Real User Scenario: Sarah’s Transition

Sarah K., a small business owner from Denver, relied on her Note 9 for invoicing, client communication, and social media management. After three years, she noticed sluggish responses, app crashes, and poor photo quality for product listings.

She upgraded to the S22 Ultra and immediately benefited from:

• Faster response times when switching between Slack, QuickBooks, and Canva.
• High-resolution product images that boosted engagement on Instagram.
• Using the S Pen to sign contracts and sketch packaging ideas on the go.
• Extended battery life during trade shows without needing a power bank.

“It wasn’t just a phone upgrade,” she said. “It improved my professionalism and saved me hours each week.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Note 9 accessories work with the S22 Ultra?

Most Bluetooth accessories (earbuds, watches) will pair seamlessly. However, chargers rated below 25W won’t enable ultra-fast charging. Cases and screen protectors are not interchangeable due to different dimensions and curved edges.

Is the price difference justified?

The S22 Ultra launched at $1,199, significantly higher than the Note 9’s original $999. However, considering the generational leap in hardware, camera, software support, and productivity tools, most users find the investment worthwhile—especially if replacing a 4–5 year-old device.

Can I transfer all my data easily?

Yes. Samsung Smart Switch allows full migration of contacts, messages, photos, apps, and settings via cable, Wi-Fi, or cloud. Most users complete the transfer in under 30 minutes.

Final Verdict: Yes, It’s Worth It

Upgrading from the Galaxy Note 9 to the S22 Ultra isn’t just about newer specs—it’s about entering a new era of mobile computing. Users consistently report feeling re-energized by the speed, clarity, and capabilities of the S22 Ultra. Whether you're a creative professional, busy parent, or tech enthusiast, the enhancements in display, camera, battery, and S Pen integration deliver tangible daily benefits.

If your Note 9 is showing signs of age—slow performance, degraded battery, outdated software—the S22 Ultra offers a future-proof, powerful, and deeply satisfying upgrade path.

💬 Have you upgraded from Note 9 to S22 Ultra? Share your experience, tips, or questions in the comments below—your insights could help others make their decision!